Heard on the Hill Term 2, Week 7

From the Principal

This week is Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) with the theme being “Now more than ever”. The Cultural Inclusivity Committee has kicked off the week with a purple-ish Reconciliation Flower display on the wall outside Student Services. The dates linked to this week are based on significant historical events. May 26 is National Sorry Day, officially the National Day of Healing, and is an event held annually in Australia commemorating the Stolen Generations. It is part of the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, hence being aware of the significance of this week.

May 27 is historically significant because in 1967 Australians voted to change the Constitution so that, like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth government would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent voted ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote.  It was the most successful national referendum in Australia’s history.

The end date, June 3, marks the 1992 Australian High Court delivery of the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the myth that at the time of colonisation, Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one), that led to the recognition of the Meriam people as the Traditional Owners of the Murray Islands in the Torres Strait. This landmark decision paved the way for native title rights and interests over land and waters.

It is not just the past that is the focus of this week. Last Thursday the middle leaders were on a professional learning journey. AITSL has introduced standards for middle leaders and one core standard is: Enhancing understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The impact when reflecting on this core standard is very strong.

On more mundane matters we are wrapping up the Year 12 exams and pushing the Year 11 exams for the rest of the week. This starts the reporting process for senior school as all assessments are being wrapped up and grades allocated.

Student Surveys

Recently the Leadership Team have been discussing the Student Survey process that teachers use to gain feedback on their teaching practice.

After some alternative methods were discussed, it was agreed that continuing with the same survey (with minor changes to questions and timing) would be the best method for teachers to access this opportunity for valuable feedback.

I will be working with the 'Survey My Class' platform over the next few weeks to see if our required changes can be implemented, with the goal of giving teachers the opportunity to use the student survey tool before the end of Term 2.

See below for a snapshot of the longitudinal school wide data that we get sent after each round of surveys.

Senior Teacher

Senior Teachers play an important role in the school by supporting the development of pedagogy, curriculum, school planning, and mentoring other teachers.

Please negotiate your Senior Teacher role for 2024 with your Line Manager. There is a section in the Performance Management booklet where you can outline your negotiated role as a Senior Teacher for 2024.

Professional Learning Applications

It's important to ensure your Professional Learning applications are submitted to the school executive at least 2 weeks in advance of the PL occuring. When assessing the application, the School Executive team also takes into account any planned leave and PL absences that have already approved for the proposed dates.

Updated Professional Learning Application forms can be accessed via the School Templates folder in the STORAGE ADMIN drive.

Reconciliation Week 2024

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures. It is also an opportunity for each of us to consider how we can contribute to strengthening relationships within our school community and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

The Cultural Inclusivity Committee will have a purple Reconciliation Flower display on the wall outside Student Services – please feel free to access the resources provided by Cherie Fielder if you would like your class(s) to contribute to this. There are also resources available on the Reconciliation Australia website if you would like to get more involved.

Asharie will be coordinating the involvement of a number of our students in the Bunbury Walk for Reconciliation 2024 on Friday 31 May. Our students and staff will walk with our community in solidarity for the reconciliation movement from the Wardandi Boodja statue at Koombana Bay Foreshore to the Graham Bricknell Music Shell for a ceremony.

Promoting Bunbury SHS

Please continue to email and submit posts for our Facebook and Instagram pages! 

We love seeing students in action, whether in a classroom setting, in an incursion or off-site for an excursion or camp.

If you are conducting any activities you think are suitable for our school's Facebook or Instagram pages, please submit your content through the link below.

Please contact me with prior warning if you would like me to attend a session, lesson, activity etc if you would like me to take photos/videos to accompany your story.

If you have taken photos on your phone/iPad and are unsure of how to transfer these to me, please send me an email or come and visit me and I can assist you.