From the Principal

Welcome Back

What a start we have already experienced.  We always knew the possibility that we may head back into remote learning may be a reality and the circuit breaker 5 day lockdown proved to be a curve ball we did not expect.  Placing a delay in our transition program and setting a challenge to our Year 7 families who were yet to be inducted into Microsoft Teams, our online learning delivery platform, we managed to get through the three days of disruption.  

As always, I am grateful for our families and their ability to 'just get on' with what seems to be the new way of life.  

New Families

We welcome 74 new year 7 students and a further 12 across years 9-11 and their families to our Baimbridge Community in 2021.  We hope that you feel at home soon and know that if you have any issues or feedback, my door is always open.  Invitations will go out shortly for the New Families welcome night where you can meet and greet your child's teachers, catch up on any of that outstanding paperwork, receive assistance with Compass if you need it and share a meal with us.  

Farewells

Last year we said goodbye to Mrs Genine Meredith, our Maintenance man Mr Dale Daff and our Standing Tall Coordinator Miss Jane Crowe.  These staff were farewelled at our staff function in December and will be missed.

At the beginning of 2021 Mrs Samanthi Senaviratne advised us that she would be moving to Melbourne to be with her family, we wish her all the very best and thank her for staying for two weeks to ensure a smooth handover of her classes.

Welcome

We welcome Mrs Yvette Colquhoun in her role as Assistant Principal, she will be focussing on her role as Curriculum Leader and brings a wealth of knowledge with her.  She has settled in quickly and is setting about implementing change in the teaching and learning forum.

Our music program has an additional member this year with the appointment of Ben Hunter.  Ben returns to us after a number of years at the PAC and we are already seeing the fruits of his labour in a large uptake of students in withdrawal music lessons.

The appointment of Alan Rees was extended in our maintenance team and he has proven to be a valuable asset in this space.

Tutor Program

We warmly welcomed the news that we would receive funding to supply tutors to assist in 'catching up' the students who fell behind in Remote Learning.  We have an extra body in all Year 7 & 8 Literacy and Numeracy classes for 2 periods a week and some of our 9/10 classes.  Tutors are also spending time identifying and contacting students in other years who may need assistance.  We are grateful to have Mrs Lisa Guegan-Brown, Mrs Lisa McDonald and Ms Gabrielle Lanman in this role on a permanent basis as well as a variety of our staff.  This environment not only gives whole classes the opportunity to progress, it results in the collaboration between our staff that encourages best practice.

School Review

Every four years our school undergoes a review process in which a head reviewer checks we are compliant in policy and procedure and a review panel consults with students, staff and parents.  The result of this process is an identification of areas we can improve on and where our strengths lay.  The areas for improvement will guide our four year strategic plan and annual implementation plans.   Our students showed great honesty and integrity whilst speaking of the issues they face at school, one of them bringing a member of the review panel to tears with his positive description of the inclusive and supportive nature of our college culture.  

Parent Student Teacher Conferences

On the back of the circuit breaker and wanting to take the opportunity to meet our parents and begin, or continue, the home-school partnership that is so vital for our students success we went ahead with virtual conferences.  I got to speak to a number of families and I'm happy to report that the feedback I received was positive and our families are optimistic and supportive in our endeavours to give everyone the opportunity to succeed.

If you have any feedback for us around the Parent Student Teacher Conferences please contact me via Compass, over the phone or email me at baimbridge.co@education.vic.gov.au 

Swimming 

We had a cool but enjoyable day at the swimming sports, congratulations to age group champions and Fraser for their 6th consecutive win. 

Congratulations to Todd Dymke for the number of records he broke and for coming home with age group champion from the GD Swim along with Latisha Gay and Dom Hoggard.

Building works

Progress is clearly visible, our double synthetic turf courts are taking shape and the foundations are being laid as I type.  The disruption we experience this year will be well worth it when we occupy new rooms in 2022.

Accessing the school

Parents and visitors are reminded that there is only one available entry point for you, which is off Coleraine Rd.  Please do not enter the school via Mt Baimbridge Road.

Transition Day

2020 removed the opportunity to host Primary School students so it was exciting to see 124 students from district schools come and enjoy a day at Baimbridge.  We had some wonderful feedback and hope to see a lot of those faces back in 2022.

Principal Tour

I'm happy to be hosting the Principal Tour on Wednesday 10th May at 9:15am - 10.30am.  Walk through our school in action, no staging and actual classes, you will see exactly how we operate.  I will be joined by student leaders who will answer questions and speak of their experiences over their time at Baimbridge. Book on the website or call reception on 55722 788.

Parent Info Evening 

If you know a parent of a grade 6 student, please let them know that our information evening has been rescheduled to Thursday 11th March at 6pm.  

Come along and hear about the opportunities and pathways we can offer students and how our transition program leads to a seamless shift from Primary to Secondary.

Athletics

The athletics carnival was a wonderful day with so many smiles and continues to be an ever improving and evolving event.

The fun events were well received and it was great to see so many students getting involved - hopefully we can continue to lower the level of absenteeism.  In the words of Pierre de Coubertin, the father of modern Olympic Games, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.” 

Results will be forthcoming and I look forward to seeing them.

Sad news

Deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those Baimbridge College community members that we have recently lost.  It has been a very difficult time for us all and remember that we are here to help you.  The Department has a range of assistance in the Student Support Services or if you do not wish to seek assistance from school please call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or webchat with them at kidshelpline.com.au.