Principal Update
Message from the Principal
This week at Balmoral, we have so much to celebrate and recognise. Our community came alive with the colourful optimism of yellow and black for R U OK? Day. While the day itself is powerful, it also serves as an important reminder: supporting each other goes beyond a single day. We ask all our learning partners – students, staff, families, and community – to continue listening with empathy, valuing diverse perspectives, and checking in on the wellbeing of those around us.
A special thank for Mrs Thederan and her students for their fantastic cupcake contributions. The incredible designs, bright colours, and tasty treats made this lunchtime R U OK? celebration a real highlight for our students and helped ensure the day was a true success.
I was also honoured this week to be invited as a Principal stakeholder guest with Queensland Education International at the Queensland International Education and Training Strategy Roundtable, hosted by the Hon. Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training. The roundtable brought together voices from schools, vocational education, and tertiary institutions to share perspectives on pathways and the future of education in Queensland.
For us at Balmoral, this work is central to our mission: ensuring every student – whether locally or internationally connected – has access to a world-class education and genuine pathways. We are proud of our international program and the role it plays in supporting Queensland’s reputation for leading a range of language and education products for a diverse range of students. We also have a wonderful homestay program and are always looking for additional families to welcome in an international student as part of a short term or more longer-term relationship building opportunity for students and their families to connect with students from a unique country and culture. The details of interested families is located on our website.
At the end of each term, I ask staff to vote for members of staff to be acknowledged for delivering on our school values, this term Nick Howard was acknowledged for his commitment to Innovation in Action as he continues to imagine a better way — and brings other staff with him along the way. Empowered Leadership Award that is linked to our value Agency is for a staff member who brings out the best in others by trusting, listening, and leading with heart, with an exceptional number of votes, Phil Bremner was recognised. I am also excited to mention that Phil is leading our work on digital innovation aligning emerging technologies with staff development around AI and Q Learn to boost teacher confidence and capacity to understand these platforms. Finally, it was also wonderful to acknowledge administration officer, Jodie Walker as the Champion of Belonging and Culture who for many staff know that Jodie is a staff member who makes people feel seen, safe, and connected to our school.
Looking ahead, we are also excited about some much-needed maintenance upgrades that will directly enhance the student experience of school. Balmoral was successful in obtaining some regional maintenance funds to support targeted works and required upgrades. We are currently awaiting the final stages of the tender process, with two priority projects planned:
- A revitalised bike and scooter storage space, with a complete overhaul and improved security.
The demolition and renewal of the oval shed, to create a taller, purpose-built structure that will house a student gym – available for use during certain classes and lunchtimes.
We anticipate work on both projects will begin over the school break and be ready for use at the start of next year. The transformation of the shed into a fully equipped gym will require additional investment, with the final phase expected to be completed in the 2026 school year with equipment and fit out to be progressively funded.
These celebrations, partnerships, and upgrades are all part of our ongoing commitment to create a school that values connection, builds opportunity, and provides students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive locally and globally.
Warm regards,
Timothy Barraud,
Principal – Balmoral State High School