Principal's Message
Student Outcomes
During my limited time at Bairnsdale Secondary College, I am determined to sit down with some students to discuss their learning outcomes and set some future improvement goals. This is where my passion lies - speaking to students about their learning. I am sure staff think I am a 'numbers guy' with my constant reference to data and outcomes; but at the heart, I want to measure and celebrate improvement.
It does not really matter to me if a student is coming from a low base. What matters is they want to improve. It also matters that their results are transparent so they know where they sit. How can someone improve if progress is not shared and measured over time? It makes no sense.
I speak with some educators who think that keeping low results 'hidden' from students saves them from embarrassment. I think the opposite. I think that keeping results 'secret' is living a lie. How would you like to wake up one day and find out that you were below the accepted standard and you thought you were tracking nicely? I'd be furious, to be honest. I'd want to know why people were lying to me all this time!
The way we deliver tough news about progress is another matter. We should never use low progress or achievement as a weapon to hurt. The staff at Bairnsdale Secondary College are not like that....we care about how people feel. It takes boldness to face the truth. I hope we can evolve and grow so sharing data with students becomes normal.
Term 4 Standards and Expectations
We are restructuring some of our school to hit Term 4 running. We are employing some new staff into areas of support and engagement. Some students at the school find it really challenging to concentrate and comply. Non-compliant behaviour disrupts the learning and teaching program. These students need help.
We will operating under three basic principles:
- Follow staff instructions
- Use respectful language and tone
- Nobody has the right to interfere with another’s learning or wellbeing
We think these expectations are fair and reasonable. In cases where students are not following these principles, they will be challenged and expected to reach the standard. All staff have been defining and talking about standards during Term 3. We are trying to ensure consistency from one teacher to another.
Our end goal is to have a safe and happy learning environment for all as we believe this to be a baseline expectation for a good school.
One of the mantras put forward has been: "In Class, On Time, On Task, Learning." Sounds fair, right?
Students finding it hard to live up to these standards will be challenged and supported to change. We will have human resources put to the correction of poor student habits and behaviours. In extreme cases, we will call up parents to meet to support these changes. In some cases, students will face consequences for breaking our principles.
It gives me no joy to mete out consequences - but they become part of the suite of supports to make the change we all need to see to make BSC a great school.
What's In A Name?
I have heard Bairnsdale Secondary College being referred to as "The Seco". I don't love it. When it is said, it sounds like people are making fun or reducing our reputation by being casual. I might be alone with this belief and I am not trying to be a snob. I come from a working class family and can mix it with the best...but something about calling our school "The Seco" makes the kids and staff in it sound second rate. That's why I don't really like it.
BSC or The College sounds much better....just saying...
Have a beautiful week and do something to make another person happy.