From the Principal

Off to a great start

Welcome to and welcome back to Baimbridge for 2020.  As with every year, we are working hard to deliver an engaging curriculum that helps our students navigate their chosen pathways, experiencing a wide array of subjects and topics to assist in finding a vocation that excites them.

Welcome

This year we welcome 6 new faces, some students may recognise Mrs Kareena Annett as she was a regular replacement teacher last year.  Mrs Annett is teaching junior art and Global Foods at Year 9/10.  Miss Aoife Kelly is teaching Science from Years 7 - 11 and Mr Nicholas Robinson who is teaching Science and Maths.  Both Miss Kelly and Mr Robinson come from industry and are partaking in their tertiary training whilst working.  Mr Cha Fai Zhang is teaching Maths and Humanities and we are excited to see what he brings to our team.  Mrs Genine Meredith comes to us from Queensland as Year 11 Coordinator and Science teacher.  Mrs Meredith has been busy forming relationships with her students and is already front and centre at the Presentation Ball practice.  We also warmly welcome back Mrs Lorraine Liston for Term 1, previously retired.  Mrs Liston is helping us out whilst we seek a permanent  English teacher.  We thank her for giving our students the consistency that they need.

Farewell

2020 signals new beginnings for two of our staff, Mr Tony "Gilly" MacGillivray and Mrs Lisa Guegan Brown.  Gilly has been the HDSC Manager for the past 10 years and has been a driving force in keeping the Centre open and facilitiating so many programs for our community.  With his vision of taking young people on a journey into employment with the tools required to survive the world they are entering, Gilly will be missed and we look forward to hearing of his trips "up north" delivering courses to remote indigenous communities.  Joining Gilly is Mrs Lisa Guegan-Brown who also first came to Baimbridge around ten years ago, Miss GB has been a driving force in the Hospitality and Food tech departments and her work ethic is something to be admired. We hope to see both Lisa and Gilly when they are not in the NT and look forward to having them continue their relationship with Baimbridge in a less permanent manner. 

We also say farewell to Miss Eales who is heading off on maternity leave next week, we look forward to her visiting with her little one once she has a handle on motherhood. 

Travellers return

Vietnam Cambodia

Our intrepid travellers returned home with life changing experiences and many stories to tell.  The crew presented at the General Assembly on Friday last week and by all accounts it looks like a great time was had by all.  We are so very lucky to have Mrs Sam Adams who organised this logistically difficult trip and her accompanying staff members in Miss Savage and Miss Taylor.  I would like to thank Kylie McIntyre and Robert Walter who accompanied our students and lastly thank the students themselves who showed courage in embarking overseas, many for the first time. 

China

Our SSL China Experience students have returned with a much broader view of the world and it's people.  With the vast array of cultural differences they have learned excellent adaptation skills along with all of the experience international travel brings.  We look forward to hearing more about their adventures once they settle into their studies.

Sports events

Term 1 is sports term, Swimming and Athletics at house then next level competition.  It is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the spirit of friendly, respectful competition as houses vie for the house cup. Remember to be Sunsmart, keep hydrated and most of all, enjoy the rivalry whilst keeping with our values of Courage, Pride and Respect.

Looking Ahead

It seems that the terms are passing rapidly and it is a constant effort to fit everything in, but somehow we manage to do this year after year and deliver not only quality education to students but instil a sense of community and pride in achievement, whatever that may be for every individual.  It is my greatest wish that this year sees us afforded the facilities that match the level of curriculum that we deliver.  

With 88 Year 7 students in 2020, we are maintaining our smaller class sizes of 22 and a further intense focus on Literacy and Numeracy in Years 7 and 8, we believe that we stand strong in the delivery of a solid foundation in which students can launch their chosen pathways.   I have seen our amazing transition program in action this week, our Year 7 students are currently on camp in Halls Gap in the final part of the program and they will return as a cohesive cohort.  I would like to thank Mrs Sam Adams our Year 7 Coordinator and all staff who have assisted in making our newest members of the Baimbridge community feel at home.

Grade 6 students from the surrounding districts will be visiting us again soon, parents have the difficult choice of selecting a secondary school for your children.  We understand that choice of schools stem from tradition, religion or simply a feeling - all we ask is that you make an informed decision and see what we have to offer your child.  If you are looking to select your secondary school now, there is no pressure, take your time and visit us as many times as you need to until you are satisfied and confident in your choice.  We also offer extra transition to those students who would benefit.

No Phones

I would like to commend the students who have embraced the mobile phone policy.  I believe that in the future students will be thankful that they have developed the skills to function without them whilst at school and use them for productive educational purposes only.  We will continue to be consistent with the confiscation of phones when in school grounds and encourage students to embrace the freedom it brings with it.  Students will need to complete their after school detentions to have their phones returned.  This year we have introduced a Wednesday after school detention to the historical Thursday and Friday to assist with students who work after school completing them.

My door is open

I invite all parents and students to make a time to see me if you have concerns or opportunities to offer.  I welcome feedback, especially constructive comments that assist us in delivering the best possible education.