Principal's Report
Term 3 has given us much to reflect on, and as I write this column in the penultimate week, it’s clear there’s still plenty left to do. The rhythm of life at Ballarat High School is one of constant activity, with different year levels stepping into the spotlight each week. Looking back on the term, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stories that highlight the diverse ways our students have excelled and contributed to our community.
At BHS, we are defined by the perseverance, challenges, and achievements of our students. Our core purpose is to provide meaningful opportunities for learning and growth for all. Over the past two weeks alone, there have been many powerful examples of this in action—and more are yet to come in the final days of term.
It was especially fitting that the Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, chose Ballarat High School to launch the new multi-sector approach to Respectful Relationships. This initiative is close to our hearts: BHS was chosen by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan in 2024 for her launch of the Saturation Model Against Gendered Violence. Back then, our students spoke of the need for an assurance that, wherever they went beyond our school grounds and in whatever context, the same values had been taught, and the same boundaries were understood.
Just as they did then, our students demonstrated informed, passionate advocacy for the values we believe should be taught in all schools in discussion with the minister. Our VM students shared how they have helped shape an inclusive and protective culture within our school and beyond—one where students feel safe, valued, and heard. They spoke of their belief in their ability to effect real change, and their unwavering commitment to doing so over the past two years. They spoke of values in action- not just a curriculum taught, but their own growth and empowerment in advocating for mental health and in increasing awareness and support for those who exist on the margins of society.
Our Year 9 students also made their voices heard, asking the Minister thoughtful and compassionate questions about support for victims of family violence—questions about access to services, the responsibility of governments to protect vulnerable people, and the need for justice and care for those who are homeless or without support.
Listening to our students speak was a humbling experience. Their empathy, clarity, and drive for change show that they are true agents of generational transformation. The better society we all strive for is in their hands.
What matters now is how we respond. We must continue to listen to their voices, answer their questions, and equip them with the tools they need to think critically and lead with compassion. This is not a responsibility we can defer—it’s one we must embrace, now and into the future.
Ensuring that we continue this important work will be our Class of 2026 Leadership Group, who will advocate, support, and strive to make a meaningful difference within our school community. As I shared in my previous newsletter, the calibre of leadership within this group is exceptional, and I’m genuinely excited to see what they will accomplish over the next 12 months. A massive congratulations and thank you in advance to Meg McBride and Jai Giri, who will lead the school as our Captains, and to Leah Ross and James Triantafyllopoulos, who will take on the roles of Vice Captains.
The opportunity to make a difference does not just rest with our school captains, the Leadership Team as a whole have such an important part to play in supporting not just their peers but the entire student body. I am confident that 2026 will be an amazing year in their hands. Well done to Jasper Hall, Bhavya Sharma, Lana Wilson, Grace Grimmond, Sean Barclay, Adrienne Harris, Jack Coulter, Adi Naga, Rachael Arnold, Erica Jones, Kerington Aykens, Isabelle Strawhorn, Leah DiMichiel, Ifada Ishahan, Belle Nualprom, Mia Cianta, and Abbey Murnane.
At the time of writing, I am about to don my white t-shirt and brave being pelted by multi-coloured dye by our students as part of the Fiona Elsey Colour Run to raise money and awareness for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
For those who may not know, Fiona was a Ballarat High School student who, at just 12 years old, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. During her illness, she asked Professor George Kannourakis—then head of the Cancer Research Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne (1990–1996)—to promise that he would bring cancer research to Ballarat so that others wouldn’t have to endure what she was going through. Fiona passed away on October 6th 1991, aged 14. Her courage and vision continue to inspire us, and her legacy lives on through this annual event, proudly organised by our Year 12 VM students. It reminds us all that one voice truly can change the world for the better.
This Colour Run marks the final major event led by our Year 12 VM students—a group that has demonstrated significant growth and made a meaningful impact on our school community throughout the year. By the time the first Term 4 newsletter is published, most of these students will have completed their program requirements and finished their time at BHS.
I want to sincerely thank them for their outstanding contributions and the legacy they leave behind. Alongside our VCE students, who are still completing units and, for some, preparing for final exams, these final days of Term 3 are a moment to pause and celebrate just how far they’ve come. With the final assembly and Valedictory Dinner fast approaching, this is a time for our Year 12 students to shine—to reflect on their journey and to enjoy the well-earned rewards of their dedication and perseverance throughout what has been an amazing year.
And finally, what an incredible day we had celebrating RUOK Day, led wholeheartedly by our amazing students! The atmosphere was buzzing with energy—from the sizzling sausages, to the maximum rock and roll from our fantastic live music it was truly another community event in which our students raised awareness on a topic that matters a great deal to them. A special shoutout to our staff netball team for their emphatic victory over the students—clearly showing that experience counts on the court! Beyond the fun and festivities, RUOK Day is a vital reminder of the importance of mental health in our community. It’s a call for all of us to pause, check in with each other, and offer support where it’s needed most. Let’s continue to foster a culture of kindness, openness, and care, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued every day. Together, we are stronger.
Stephan Fields
Pirincipal