Student Voice and Leadership

SRC President's Report

2021 saw the BHHS SRC reach new heights, with a record breaking 32 students being elected by their peers to collaborate on a collection of student led initiatives. The scattered lockdowns and periods of online learning in 2021 created some challenges for the SRC, resulting in more than a few additional Teams meetings. Yes, your SRC representatives attended online SRC meetings during their lunchtimes, sometimes multiple times a week, so that they could keep working on your projects. Having such a large and passionate group of student leaders undoubtedly allowed a greater range of voices to be heard and now means that some special announcements can be made! Here are some updates on the SRC’s three major projects of 2021. 

First exciting announcement – The SRC Podcast Team, led by Jess, have worked tirelessly in 2021 to plan and purchase the equipment needed for the launch of the upcoming BHHS Podcast. The first episode will be released in early 2022. The students are beyond excited to start this new initiative that they hope will become a regular part of the BHHS scene. They strongly encourage any students interested in writing, recording or researching future episodes to look out for announcements early next year and get involved!

Second exciting announcement – The SRC Garden Team, led by Shania, have had an uphill battle but have recently successfully presented their proposal to Ms Pillay for the installation of a vertical garden that should be taking place in early 2022. Sabrina and Irene, who along with Shania, presented the SRC Proposal earlier this term deserve a special mention for how eloquently and confidently they spoke. With the purchasing of supplies underway, the SRC Garden Team is always looking for students interested in assisting with the maintenance of this future garden. Keep an eye out for information about volunteering next year!

Thirdly, but arguably the most exciting announcement, BHHS will be getting another mural!  After the success of the “Fauna and Flora” and “Hot Air Balloon on the Great Ocean Road” murals that can be found on the staircase leading up to the 3rd Floor and Underpass leading into the Quad respectively, conversation turned to having another mural that was completed by an Indigenous Australian artist. A small group of SRC students specifically volunteered to take on this additional responsibility and attended extra meetings to work on this project. They have done a sensational job. After rigorous discussion, research, surveys and running their own Teams meeting with students interested in suggesting designs for the Indigenous Mural, an artist was selected. Simone Thomson, a proud Wurundjeri and Yorta-Yorta woman, will be painting our next mural that will travel up the two flights of stairs from the Year 9 locker bay to the Wellbeing Centre on the 3rd Floor. If everything goes to plan, we shall all be greeted on our first day back next year by a beautiful new piece of Aboriginal art. Specifically I want to quickly call attention to Anika, Ananya, Ashlee and Tara who have all been instrumental in this project.

Lastly, I want to quickly highlight the wonderful work of the members of the BHHS Executive Council of 2022 who have all been instrumental in making this year a success. Starting with Sabrina, whose attention to detail and work ethic resulted in many awkward typos being avoided and whose unwavering calmness was infectious in her role at Junior Vice President. Zahra and Milly who, as joint Secretaries, made sure that our meetings ran smoothly because of their beautifully designed PowerPoints and whose confidence I have seen grow massively this year. Owen, whose attentive work as Treasurer gave the SRC the opportunity to spend our fundraised money in the best possible way and made sure that we didn’t accidently end up in debt. Finally, Mary and Ryan who designed some of the nicest posters I have ever seen and whose work as Promotions Coordinators meant the success of so many SRC initiatives. 

Finally, all of these projects would not be possible without the dedication of our committed fundraising team. Huge shout out to Owen Ji, Zahra Blake, Cameron Kennedy, and Tsifira Jawahar for making sure we have plenty of money to make all of our projects happen! This team has worked hard to successfully organise Zooper Dooper fundraisers, the athletics BBQ, and the Production refreshments stall. Great work everyone!

After such a HUGE year, we all deserve to celebrate! SRC members enjoyed an end of year lunch featuring pizza, party games, and some much needed time to socialize at school. 

Here you can see SRC reps/performers Zahra Blake and Sabrina Lee leading a suspenseful game of Mafia!    

I want to thank members of the 2021 SRC. I am beyond grateful that you elected me to lead you as your President this year and am so proud of every single one of you. To see so many of you flourish has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my High School life. Thank you for being a part of it. I also want to take a moment to thank Ms Weyenberg for all the contributions she has made to the BHHS SRC. Her assistance and advice, as always, has been invaluable. Finally, I’d like to thank Ms Pillay for her endless support of the 2021 SRC, she was always approachable and gave up many of her breaks to listen and provide us with wonderful advice on so many of our projects.

To all incoming 2022 SRC members, the returning 2021 SRC members are all very excited to meet with you early next year. We warmly welcome you to the BHHS SRC Family.

If you wish to contact the BHHS SRC please email src.bhhs@gmail.com

Nina Boyce -  SRC President 2020 - 2021

2021 Remembrance Day 

On the 11th of November, BHHS students gathered to commemorate the service to Australia by our defence forces and remember those who served for the freedom which we have today. William Gordon Henry, Allan Reginald Paige, Eric Noel Hare, Alexander Victor Kennedy and Evan Charles Patten were among 47 Box Hill High School students who showed extraordinary bravery whilst serving our country and committing the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. 

Although these tragic and harrowing events occurred more than 80 years ago, we should remember and empathise with all of our service men and women and the abhorrent situations they have experienced whilst serving Australia during conflicts, both past and present.   

Thank you to the students and staff who organised and participated in our service.  

House News

It’s been an exciting term for House initiatives as we have finally been able to reveal the new House names for Box Hill High School!  We also got to celebrate Yellow House’s House Cup Victory with a celebratory barbeque! Thanks to Mr Taylor and Owen Ji who helped us get some great shots of the festivities.

2021 Final House Scores:

1st Place – Yellow House (18,579 points)

2nd Place – Blue House (18,258 points)

3rd Place – Red House (17,036 points)

4th Place – Green House (16,433 points)

Yellow House Captain Ana Helena Pereira 

accepts the House Cup at the Year 12 Farewell Assembly

(Photo by Owen Ji)

New House Names Revealed!

We’d like to recognise all members of the Box Hill High School Community, including parents, students, and staff for helping make this historic change at Box Hill High School. Thank you to everyone who participated in surveys, focus groups and the final voting process to make this happen. We are proud that these new, inclusive house names better represent our 21st century community.  

(In alphabetical order) 

Elizabeth Blackburn – Yellow House

Elizabeth Helen Blackburn is an Australian-American Nobel laureate who is the former President of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. In 1984, Blackburn co-discovered Telomerase, the enzyme that replenishes the telomere, with her colleagues. For this work, she was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, becoming the first Australian woman Nobel laureate. She is also well known for her work in medical ethics.   

Blackburn house represents the school values of resilience and creativity. 

Victor Chang – Blue House

Victor Peter Chang, born Chang Yam Him, was an Australian cardiac surgeon and a pioneer of modern heart transplantation. In 1986, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to international relations between Australia and China and to medical science.  

Chang house represents the school values of creativity and growth. 

Cathy Freeman – Red House

Catherine Freeman is a former Australian sprinter, who specialised in the 400 metres event. Her personal best of 48.63 currently ranks her as the eighth-fastest woman of all time, set at the 1996 Olympics. She became the Olympic champion for the women's 400 metres at the 2000 Summer Olympics, at which she lit the Olympic Flame. She was also the first Indigenous Australian to become a Commonwealth Games gold medallist at age 16 in 1990. Since retiring from athletics, Freeman has been involved in a range of community and charitable activities, including serving as an Ambassador of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation. 

Freeman house represents the school values of respect and growth. 

Steve Irwin – Green House

Stephen Robert Irwin, nicknamed ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, was an Australian zookeeper, television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. He was passionate in his quest to promote environmentalism by sharing his excitement about the natural world. He was considered a great educator and conservationist and is credited with raising awareness around the world through his ability to teach and entertain millions of people.  

Irwin house represents the school values of respect and creativity. 

Photos by James Taylor

Top House Points Scorers (L-R) Maddi Gill, Aashi Singh, Sarah Quahe, Aarav Akhouri

Year 11 Leaders Preparing for the BBQ!

SRC Reps passing out House coloured lollies

Announcing the new names! 

(Ms Weyenberg)