Principal's Report

We spend so much of our lives wondering why things go wrong, often wasting time dwelling upon a past that cannot be changed instead of thinking about what we can learn from our errors to apply the next time we encounter a similar challenge.  Messing up—be it in the classroom, on stage, or in the yard—is a critical part of learning. It is something we ask our students to accept with purpose and use to fuel their journey with us. Our BHS value of Responsibility does not just speak to the role we expect our students to play in wider society; it is equally about taking ownership of our decisions and recognizing accountability as a strength that empowers us.

Nowhere was this learning process more beautifully demonstrated than in our recent annual school production.  Behind every "flawless" opening night lies months of missed cues, forgotten lines and re-worked choreography during weekend and after-school rehearsals. The polished magic our audience sees is built entirely on a foundation of making mistakes, learning from them and trying again. After months of unwavering dedication—alongside working bees that drew in the expertise and commitment of our families, staff and alumni—the cast and crew gave their absolute all in our production of The Little Mermaid JR.  

To say the final performance was spectacular is an understatement. The cast pivoted effortlessly between laugh-out-loud humour and edge-of-your-seat drama, building to a rousing finish that saw the bad guys punished and the mermaid win her prince!  I was immensely proud of our students—not just for the high standards they set, but for their commitment to one another throughout the entire process. With key cast members juggling demanding senior school workloads, their willingness to put in months of preparation speaks volumes about what our school means to them and what they mean to us.

Sometimes, when trying to improve outcomes, we focus on what isn’t working instead of leveraging our strengths. At Ballarat High School, we have an abundance of moments where we get to acknowledge our students and staff at their absolute best.  Community means everything to BHS. Seeing the Robinson Centre packed out for all four performances showed just how deeply our students are valued. We could not do what we do without the support of our families, who drive our students here, there and everywhere so they can be part of something bigger than themselves.  

To "find your tribe" is one of the hardest, yet most important parts of growing up and it can change lives for the better. There are so many ways for our students to get involved at BHS and I encourage everyone to be inspired by what our band of performers achieved alongside a remarkably dedicated team of teachers.  One of the highlights for me was seeing so many staff members in attendance, many with their young children, to support our students—well done to Ursula, Flotsam and Jetsam for scaring our younger audience members in just the right way to make this year such a magical experience. I am sure that you will have inspired so many that will follow in your footsteps.

Our First Nations students continue to shape our future with their willingness to step outside of their comfort zone and seize opportunities to lead and grow. Today (04/08/2026) sees a group of our emerging leaders represent not only the school but state education by helping run the Ballarat National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day at the library on Doveton Street. Part of today sees them assisting in supporting the management of groups of children and assisting with activities such as Aboriginal art, basket weaving and sport activities. But more than that, they will be creating safe spaces for young people to celebrate their connection to culture and to be proud of their identity and connection to the longest living civilisation on our planet. Whenever Shirlene takes a group out, they always represent Ballarat High School with pride and their leadership adds to our standing in the community.

Our First Nations Leadership group is thriving and it acts as a safe and supportive space for students to find their own skills and talents. Every day, our students are changing their stories—none more so than a Year 11 student who will be boarding a plane to Canberra to take part in the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) Canberra 2026. Out of 420+ applicants, they were successful in securing one of the 60 spots available. As well as embarking on what could be a life-changing experience, they will meet other like-minded and aspirational young people who are making a big difference in their communities.

No two journeys at Ballarat High School are the same, but each one should lead to students feeling success and knowing that they are moving forward. Every BHS student has the potential to seize opportunities whenever and however they come along. What they have to be ready to accept, however, are the missteps along the way, the courage to learn from their errors and the willingness to accept feedback and support.

Whether on the stage, in the community, or in the classroom, success is never about getting it right on the very first try—it is about how we respond when things don't go to plan. We don’t have to walk this road alone if we are prepared to walk it together. I just need our students to be open to taking that responsibility, embracing the learning that comes with every challenge and trusting that every step—even the unsteady ones—brings us closer to where we want to be.

Stephan Fields

Principal