As you are aware, our Principal Melesha Sands, has been seconded into Head Office till February 2020 as the Director of Leadership, Innovation & Strategy. We wish Melesha every success in her new role. It is my privilege to lead the school as Principal in her absence.

Term 3 has been another busy term. Year 12 students are finishing assessments, completing work placements and preparing for their WACE mock and external examinations. Graduation preparations are well advanced with the end of schooling for the Year 12s looming fast.

Year 9, 10 & 11 students have submitted their 2020 subject selections and Mr Strickland is formulating the 2020 school timetable. The second round of OLNA assessments has been completed and students are waiting on results determining if they have met WACE Literacy and Numeracy requirements. Parents should receive their child’s Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN results before the end of this term.

The annual Athletics Carnival was a fabulous combined (BSC and BSESC) school event. It was well attended and all students participated in the spirit of the day. Staff commented that the feel and “vibe” on the day made it the best carnival they have been a part of.  It was also fantastic to see many parents/guardians come and support their children. The Year 12s were a sea of colour with many varied costumes with the “Back to the 80’s” theme. Congratulations to Mr Bennett and the physical education staff for their work and preparation for the carnival. These events do not just happen. We wish the school athletics team every success in the interschool carnival early next term.

Schools plan and operate in 10 week blocks and I am always amazed at the number of activities/events that occur. These activities do not just crystalise on their own. It takes a significant amount of staff time to ensure the successful execution of all activities. I wish to acknowledge all the extra work staff do for the benefit of improving student outcomes.

The school is embarking on a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program for the Year 7 2020 cohort. It was encouraging to see the number of new parents present at the information evening held late July. This is a new initiative the school is undertaking, but a necessary one, to ensure the College meets the needs of the “learner of the future”.

Planning for the new Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is also progressing. A presentation of the planning process, coupled with unveiling concept drawings and plans was given at the annual Open School Board meeting held in August. Premier Hon Mark McGowan and MLA Emily Hamilton visited both schools (BSC & BSESC) on Tuesday 20 August to view the schematic drawings of the new PAC. The Premier met with students, visited classrooms and spoke with members of the school Board. The Premier thanked me for allowing him the opportunity to visit the school. The Premier was so impressed with the work being done in the Fashion Design class he promised the school he would donate some of his old ties for one of their projects, which were delivered last week. 

I wish all members of the College community a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Students return on Monday 14 October for Term 4. 

Mario Pisano
Principal