What an outstanding few weeks it has been for our school community, as the opportunities to get involved and be part of something bigger than any one individual has been seized by so many of our students.

Our annual Swimming Sports event was a tremendous success, showcasing not only athletic talent but the incredible house spirit that defines our school. The cheering from the sidelines was just as impressive as the performances in the pool, with students proudly dressed in house colours and supporting one another with enthusiasm and respect.

Participation across all year levels was really encouraging with the Seniors leading the way and some impressive turnouts by certain year levels. Whether competing for records, swimming personal bests, or stepping outside comfort zones to represent their house, our students demonstrated courage, commitment and camaraderie.

It is on days like these, with so many moving parts and risks to mitigate, that careful planning is key, massive thanks goes to Jill Muir and the HAPE team for their organisation on the day and in the lead up to the event. When the forecast is indicating potential thunderstorms, you need a Plan B to keep everyone safe. Luckily for BHS, the rain kept off and our students got involved in races, relays, a manic water-polo competition, novelty events (with a wayward inflatable crocodile straying onto school grounds the following day) and the many students who cooled down in the water play area or gained house points through the basketball comp.

A special highlight of the day was the outstanding contribution of our Art and Music students. The live performances brought an extra layer of celebration to the carnival atmosphere and the opportunity for non-swimmers to participate in Art events reflected the inclusivity that we always see at whole school events. The energy generated through music and visual arts transformed the event into more than a sporting competition—it became a true festival of community spirit. Thank you to the staff who supported these performances and to the students whose talents enriched the day… as well as the chefs who kept all attending catered for through the sausage sizzle.

Thanks also to all who packed up and tidied up at the end - we expect our students to leave where they visit as they find it. Amidst all the activity, even the bathing ducks were kept a respectful distance from by our students to enjoy their own event, undisturbed.

VM Leadership Camp – Voices That Matter

Along with our Senior School Assistant Principals, Narelle Bean and Natalie Maher, I was privileged to attend our Vocational Major Leadership Camp on Monday of this week, out at Adekate Camp in Creswick. This was a powerful and purposeful experience for our students, who engaged wholeheartedly in activities designed to build confidence, initiative and teamwork and set them up for a highly successful year.

The venue itself was awe inspiring and an amazing setting for our students to connect with each other, challenge themselves and come back a stronger unit.

One of the most impressive aspects of the camp was the student-led panel session with Narelle, Natalie and I answering a range of thought-provoking questions about leadership posed by our students. I think it reflects on not only the power of this program but the emotional intelligence of our students to ask us to consider the importance of empathy in effective leadership.

Our students asked thoughtful, insightful and at times, challenging questions about leadership, decision-making and personal development which showed an understanding of how the future direction of our school can be shaped by the contributions both students and staff make. Their curiosity and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue was something we can all be proud of.

Leadership is not simply about titles—it is about courage, integrity and service. The students and staff who participated in the camp embodied these values, and I am so proud of the people they have chosen to become.

Head of the Lake – Wishing Our Rowers the Very Best

Finally, we extend our very best wishes to all students preparing to compete in the upcoming Head of the Lake rowing regatta. This prestigious event represents months of dedication, early mornings and unwavering commitment.

We are immensely proud of the discipline and teamwork shown by our rowing squads. Regardless of the results on the day, representing our school at Head of the Lake is an achievement in itself. We will be running a special assembly to acknowledge our gratitude as a school for all that they have done and we hope to see our extended community cheering them on (along with a very vocal ‘Spit Crew’) from the banks of Lake Wendouree.

These recent events remind us that education extends far beyond the classroom. Whether in the pool, on the stage, around a campfire, or out on the water, our students continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, leadership and school pride.

Thank you to our staff, students and families for making these experiences possible. It is a privilege to witness our community thrive in so many different ways with all of them sharing a common denominator: the amazing students from BHS.

Stephan Fields

Principal

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