Principal's Report

As we move through Week 4, I want to acknowledge the important work undertaken by our staff during Tuesday’s Curriculum Day. Our continued teaching and learning focus has been on responsive teaching, in particular, how we embed effective "Checks for Understanding" consistently across our whole-school teaching practice. 

At the heart of this work is ensuring that our students are doing the heavy cognitive lifting in our classrooms. We want students to be repeatedly thinking, responding, explaining and demonstrating what they understand, rather than simply being passive participants in their learning. 

Effective Checks for Understanding allow our teachers to see what students know in the moment and respond accordingly. Importantly, they also create opportunities for students to receive timely feedback, address misconceptions and deepen their understanding before moving forward. 

This is an important part of our commitment to continually improving teaching practice at BHS. By creating classrooms where every student is expected to think, respond and be appropriately challenged, we put ourselves in the strongest position to continue improving learning growth for all students. 

Term 3 Key Dates: 

• Tuesday 11th August: Out of Uniform Day – funds towards BHS music Programs

   

• Tuesday 18th August: Student Parent Teacher Interviews (12:00pm-7:00pm) 

   

• Wednesday 19th August: Proposed Industrial Action (More details to come) 

   

• Tuesday 8th September: R U Ok week including Staff Vs Students Basketball

   

• Friday 18th September: BHS House Music Competition and Final Day of Term 3  

BHS Performing Arts Showcase 

It was an absolute pleasure to attend our BHS Performing Arts Showcase, with the evening once again highlighting the incredible depth of talent we have across our school. 

What made the night particularly special was the opportunity it provided for such a wide range of students to have their moment to shine. From our experienced senior performers confidently leading the way and mentoring the next generation of junior students, through to individual acts that demonstrated courage, creativity and enormous talent, the Showcase captured so much of what makes our performing arts program special. 

There were so many highlights across the evening. The performance from sisters Piper and Tully Nuredini was a beautiful moment, while our Year 8 student Luna Pereira's rendition of the Cup Song and an incredible mime performance from Year 7 student Bevan Washington showed the confidence and talent developing amongst our younger performers. Our Year 11 girls delivered a powerful performance of Six, which was another standout moment. 

Just as impressive was the leadership displayed by our senior students throughout the evening. Seeing our younger performers so comfortable taking to the stage speaks volumes about the supportive culture our senior students and Performing Arts team have created. 

And, of course, it was hard to go past the sheer joy of our pub karaoke performance of “Sweet Caroline” to finish things off. I even realised I’ve been singing the wrong words for the last 45 years. 

A huge thankyou to Amy Jacka, Lyndel Freeman, Danniel Smith and Rose Humphrey who supported making this night happen and a special nod to Year 12 student Liam Robinson who worked tirelessly behind the scenes making it all happen. 

Kokoda Reflection Evening 

Last Tuesday evening, we had the privilege of coming together for our Kokoda Reflection Evening, providing our students with an opportunity to share their experiences from what was clearly an incredibly significant journey. 

It was amazing to hear about the challenges, experiences and relationships developed out on the track. What stood out most was the vulnerability and maturity our students demonstrated as they spoke openly in front of their parents, families and fellow walkers about what the experience had meant to them. 

A strong theme of gratitude ran throughout the evening. Students spoke with genuine appreciation for the opportunity, for those who supported them, for each other and for many of the things we can so easily take for granted in our everyday lives. It was clear that Kokoda has opened our students' eyes to the wider world and provided them with a new perspective on challenge, resilience and opportunity. 

We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented BHS, supported one another and embraced everything this unique experience offered them. A huge thank-you also goes to the staff and families who helped make such a powerful opportunity possible. 

Respectful Communication 

Belmont High School greatly values the strong partnerships we have with our families. Open, honest and respectful communication is essential in ensuring we work together to achieve the best outcomes for our students. 

Our teachers take on a significant emotional and professional responsibility every day in supporting the learning, wellbeing and development of young people. We ask that all communication with staff reflects the same standards of respect and courtesy that we expect within our school community. 

If you have concerns that are more significant in nature, I encourage you to direct these through your child's House Leader, the relevant Assistant Principal or to me as Principal, rather than directing strongly worded correspondence to classroom teachers. Our leadership team is here to support both families and staff, and to help work through complex matters in a constructive and respectful way. 

Thank you for your continued support in maintaining a positive and respectful school community for everyone. 

Joshua Baker 

Principal