Principal Page
Welcome back, and welcome to our first newsletter of Semester 2.
It's hard to believe our founding cohort has already completed half a year at Birranga College — thank you for the trust you've placed in us as we've built this school together, term by term, from the ground up.
As we look ahead to Semester 2, I want to return to the three words that guide everything we do here: Belong, Believe, Become. Every student at Birranga deserves to feel they belong in our community, to believe in themselves as capable learners, and to become the best version of who they are. This is the sequence we hold ourselves to — connection first, then confidence, then growth. It's the same sequence I'd encourage you to bring to conversations you have with your children about their reports.
A note on reports and conversations at home
I would like to encourage every parent/carer to sit down with your child and talk them about their reports. A report is really just the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one. Ask your child what they're proud of, what felt hard, and what they'd like support with as we head into the second half of the year. Try to celebrate effort and growth as much as results — our students are only six months into their secondary schooling, and every one of them is still finding their feet as a learner. Your interest and warmth in that conversation will matter more than any single grade on the page.
Celebrating our students
I also want to reflect on what a wonderful way we finished Term 2, with our end-of-semester Awards Ceremony. It was a privilege to stand in front of our whole college community and celebrate the achievements, effort, and character our students have shown in these first two terms — academically, socially, and in the way they've lived out our values day to day. Seeing families in the audience applauding their children made the occasion even more special. It is a reminder of just how important it is that we build a culture together, as a whole community, not just within our school gates.
Building Birranga Together
As a founding school, everything we do this year sets the tone for the Birranga College of the future. Every conversation, every routine, every celebration we share is part of laying that foundation — and I'm deeply grateful to be doing this alongside such an engaged and generous community. Thank you for continuing to walk with us on this journey.
I look forward to a wonderful Semester 2 together.
AusAlert - Monday 27th July
AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026.
On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test.
To minimise disruption, student phones and smart devices should always be switched off and stored securely in lockers or bags during the school day. Students who use their mobile phone as part of a documented exception can continue to do so. If appropriate, they can turn their phone off during the test. You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens. Information is also available in other languages.