Principal Update
Message from the Principal
At Balmoral State High School, our focus remains firmly on improving student engagement and strengthening the level of ownership each student takes in their learning.
Over the past fortnight, I have been speaking with students about a key idea that sits at the centre of our work — the difference between investing in learning and driving learning. There are many positive examples across our classrooms. Through regular walk-throughs, I continue to see students asking questions, refining their work, acting on feedback, and demonstrating pride in their learning. These are the behaviours that reflect our school values of agency, belonging, and innovation in action.
However, it is also important to be clear — we are working hard to support all students to reach and perform at consistent level of engagement across the lesson for all students.
There is a distinct difference between being present in a classroom and being genuinely engaged.
Similarly, there is a difference between completing tasks and striving to improve them. The shift we are working towards is from students investing in their learning — doing what is required — to driving their learning — taking ownership, showing initiative, and pushing for personal excellence.
This is not just a conversation about mindset; it is clearly reflected in our student progress data as we move towards Semester 1 reporting. Students who are driving their learning are demonstrating consistent effort, responding to feedback, and showing resilience when challenged. As a result, they are making strong and sustained progress. Where this is not occurring, progress is more limited and opportunities for growth are not fully realised.
A key component of our improvement agenda this year has been our partnership with Amy Berry, supporting our work around student engagement and learner agency. Through this work, we are continuing to strengthen a shared understanding that engagement is not passive — it is an active and deliberate process led by the student. We are leading in this work and I have recently had requests for other Principal and colleagues from other areas across Brisbane and the Gold Coast to visit our school to this work in operation.
Encouragingly, feedback from our student leaders has reinforced that this work is gaining traction. Students are increasingly able to articulate what strong engagement looks like, reflect on their own learning behaviours, and identify ways to improve. We are seeing more students set goals, monitor their progress, and take pride in their achievements.
In response, our teachers are continuing to refine their practice — providing greater opportunities for student voice and choice, while maintaining clear expectations and high standards. This alignment between student ownership and teacher practice is critical to sustaining improvement.
As we approach the end of term and look ahead to Semester 1 results, this remains a key message for all students: every lesson, every task, and every piece of feedback is an opportunity not just to complete learning, but to improve.
We will continue to challenge our students to reflect:
- Are they simply completing tasks, or are they improving them?
- Are they waiting for direction, or taking initiative?
Are they investing in learning, or truly driving it?
At Balmoral, we are committed to creating the conditions for every student to succeed — through quality teaching, strong relationships, and a culture of high expectations. The next step is supporting every student to fully step into that environment and take ownership of their learning journey.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to inspire excellence across our school community.
Regards,
Timothy Barraud
Principal
Message from the Student Leadership Team
The School Leadership Team has had a fantastic start to the year, with several initiatives already bringing our school community together.
One of the highlights of Term 1 was our first Valentine’s Day Rose Sale. Organised by the leadership team, the event gave students a chance to celebrate friendship and appreciation within the school, with all 170 roses sold. It was wonderful to see students sharing roses with friends and classmates, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere across the campus. We are proud of the success of this new initiative and look forward to making it a tradition in the years ahead.
Earlier in the term, we also celebrated the Year 12 cohort’s “Last First Day.” The leadership team organised a BBQ and Photo Booth, giving students the opportunity to come together, enjoy the moment, and capture memories at the beginning of their final year.
In Week 5, we also held our Investiture Ceremony, an important milestone where the school formally recognised our 2026 student leadership team and acknowledged the Year 12 cohort as the senior students of the school. The ceremony was a meaningful occasion for students, staff, and families as we celebrated the responsibilities and opportunities that come with leadership in our final year.
With such a strong start to the year, the leadership team is excited for the events still to come. On March 19, our school will acknowledge Small Steps for Hannah, with students encouraged to wear pink accessories to show support and raise awareness about domestic and family violence.
We look forward to continuing to work together as a leadership team and creating more opportunities for students to connect, celebrate, and make a positive impact throughout the year.
Regards,
Rebecca Howard, Addison McIntosh
School Vice Captains