Heard on the Hill T1, W8

I really hope with the election done and dusted, that we will start to see some of the Government’s pre-election commitments

'trial the placement of qualified career practioners in 70 government schools to help lead career development pathways for students' 

Making realistic choices in senior school studies means that all courses and pathways are, and should be, valued. Career counselling is not just for VET, as we have come to know it, but for all students. ATAR, non ATAR, General, VET, it doesn’t matter what a student identifies with they are all eventually going to enter the world of work. So, seeing relevance in their school classes seeing a reason for what they are doing, valuing what they are doing because they have a vested interest in it, is undoubtedly the best way to get student “buy in” and the self-drive needed to succeed.

It is timely for us to realise this also. Our courses do not just stand alone. They need to be considered in relation to the big picture. Hence our focus on, taking our senior school courses out of the classroom and into the field. Building relationships with the business and education communities are vital for our students to experience the application of knowledge in the real world. 

I urge all learning areas to keep building this into their senior school programs especially. Look for projects where your students can participate in using their knowledge to solve local, national and international problems.

I am continually in awe of the school that we have here. I would like to acknowledge the great work that has gone on at our school recently.

Over 10% of the school population is involved in our school bands. Their quality is as good as any school in the state including private schools. The concert in the courtyard on Friday night was spectacular. Congratulations Geoff and Billie for all the work getting these students to this standard.

The HPE learning continues to reinforce a winning culture of high standards. Bunbury Senior High School took out the 2021 Interschool Swimming Carnival. The new sports shirt in Year 7 and 8 are also raising the expectation of our winning way.

Staff members have been involved in both the P&C and School Board this week. Their efforts in these forums ensure that the school governance is scrutinized, pressure tested and where things aren’t quite right, they are improved.

The Ball was outstanding and despite the worry of a large and potentially risky after party all went really well. Thank you to all the staff who made this a special event but special thanks to Sarah and Danelle who shoulder the lion’s share of the work.

On Saturday, the GAT selection testing was held in the Library. This happens once a year and is hosted by Bunbury SHS. This year, Andrew and Sarah Barrett gave up their Saturday to set up and run the testing. Thank you.

Mike Singara

UNIFORM CHECKS
Please check students are in the correct uniform when they arrive in your period 1 class each day. Any students out of uniform should be sent to Student Services. They should return with a uniform pass or in correct uniform (if they have been provided with something).

If we all do this consistently, students will meet the dress code standards we expect. Another reason for doing this referral is that it often alerts the Student Services team to anyone who may be experiencing financial difficulties or family concerns. This then leads to other support being provided.

If you are unsure of our dress code policy, you can go to the school website page where the policy can be downloaded.

Kelly Anderson

Deputy Principal

The Department of Education has strict policies in place regarding teachers interacting with students online and across social media platforms. These policies are in place to protect teachers and students.

If you regularly use social media, please be careful to avoid interacting with current students. Communication via email and on Connect with clear school-based instruction is not the concern. Please read through the information on the DOE website if you would like more information, or you can see Kelly.

Kelly Anderson

There are a number of key events occurring over the next few weeks.

• Hawaiian Ride for Youth on Friday 26 March from the beginning of P1 – Year 10 students
• House Meetings: Wednesday 24 March from the beginning of P3 – all students. Please note that it is optional for Year 12 classes. Attendance would be fantastic if possible. Staff are encouraged to wear House colours and a badge on this day. There might be some fantastic prizes!
• Prefect Event: Boardies Day in Week 8.

The term continues to pass very quickly. It seems that the overall tone of the school is very positive. Don’t forget to keep acknowledging positive student behaviours through online merits and Letters of Commendation.

Tim Fry
Head of Senior School & Student Services

On Thursday last week Student Services had a presentation with Kristy from Safe On Social. She demonstrated a fantastic online resource that can be incorporated into future PD sessions for staff. This was a follow-up to the cyber-bullying presentation made to students during their year meetings earlier in the term.

We have been identifying a few issues that seem to be evident through all lower-school year groups. Can we please be vigilant on the following issues;

• Students should not be on mobile phones from 8am to 3pm.
• Chewing gum should not be at school and should be disposed of by students if seen.
• Energy drinks and spray deodorant should be confiscated if seen.

If a teacher is not comfortable having this battle with a student, please inform Student Services and it will be dealt with.
Only two more weeks to go, hang in there!

Nic Andrew
Head of Year 7/9

The term continues to fly by!

Year 12 students were involved in a presentation from several Universities last week. A small but appreciative group of parents also attended a presentation. These presentations created excitement but also highlighted growing anxiety about the journey ahead.

Please continue to monitor student progress closely and provide support to students who may appear to be not coping with course requirements or expectations (from self or parents).

If concerns persist please inform Student Services. A growing number of students are seeking a little bit of extra support.

And…all staff should continue to care for themselves and look out for others, as we already do!

Take a moment this week to reflect on how lucky we are to be working at BSHS with such fantastic colleagues and students.

Finally, we have House Meetings on Wednesday 24 March. Please wear your House badges AND House colours! Prizes await for those who demonstrate their House spirit!

Tim Fry
Head of Senior School & Student Services

Our annual House Athletics Carnival is happening Wednesday 31 March (Week 9). Whilst this is a really busy day for everyone, I think it's a great way for teachers to build positive relationships with students, and most staff would admit it's a good day away from the school and a bit of fun at the conclusion of the term.

It is a compulsory school day for all students. More information will be given to students at the House Meetings in Week 8.

Cam Allan will email staff regarding staff duties on the day, there will be an opportunity to sign up for something early this week also.

If you have any questions, let me know.

GO CLIFTON!

Adam McGill
PC of Health and PE

A Marble Run is a creative ball-run contraption, made from familiar materials, designed to send a rolling marble through tubes and funnels, across tracks and bumpers, and into a catch at the end.

At the course I attended at the exploratorium in San Francisco the goal was getting the marble to travel from the top of the board to a target at the bottom as slowly as possible. That’s only one possible starting point for what can quickly turn into an addictive experience. You can set many challenges for your self and your class, the fun is in trying to solve them: make the marble travel uphill for a section, or go up and then come back down; try to make a loop-de-loop, or an elevator to bring the marble back to the top of the board; or even use multiple marbles for more complex chain-reactions.

Special thanks to Craig and Peter for sharing the enthusiasm for this initial dip into the Maker space arena. We are hoping to establish access to the marble run, various electronic projects and some basic robotics in the coming term.

If anyone has some Lego, or such alike, they would like to donate to the school's maker space, it would be much appreciated.

Paul Reynolds
PC Arts