Planning Day

On Wednesday 4th December various members of the Student Service Team, met to review the year that was and plan for 2020. It was a very productive day and I am excited to see initiatives that were discussed will be implemented next year.

Behaviour and Attendance

As always, our ‘big ticket items’ revolve around behaviour and attendance. This year, there was an overall significant improvement in behaviour. Focussing on the role of a student within the classroom and adhering to the expectations of the Belridge Secondary College community, will set them up to be positive, contributing members of society. Our attendance for the second semester is a highlight, as it is the best that it has been in a number of years. I would take this time to remind parents/caregivers that wherever possible, sending your young person to school every day, enables them to have the best chance at success going forward. Remember, the Education Department benchmark is students to be attending 90% or more of the time.

Rewards Day and End of Term Reward Prize

This year, we are excited to announce that students who have achieved an attendance rate of 90% or higher and have had exemplary behaviour will be invited to one of two reward days. Students will enjoy the fun of going to the movies as a Year 7 or 8, or heading to Outback Splash as a Year 9 or 10. Congratulations to the more than 470 students that have been invited from across these year groups.

Along with this, we will have our final prize draw for the year at the end of the term. This is always a great prize and previous winners have enjoyed iPads, bicycles, portable speakers and hundreds of dollars worth of entertainment vouchers for places like the movies and Adventure World. Remember, the way to be in the draw is to be doing the right thing. Students receiving Student of the Month nominations, special awards, or have an attendance of 99% or 100% will all be placed in the draw for this term’s prize.

Mobile Phone Policy

Please be aware that in 2020, the Education Department’s Mobile Phone Policy will change the landscape of our school slightly, where students will not be able to use their mobile phones upon arriving on the school grounds. It must remain switched off and out of sight for the entire day. Please talk with your young person about this change to prevent any difficulties at the beginning of 2020.

Old/Unwanted Uniforms

Thank You

I’d like to take this time to thank all of the members of the Student Services Team for their dedication and support for students, their families and the wider community. The work that you do is invaluable. I’d like to thank several members specifically for the work they have done and wish them well in the next phase of their careers.

Carolyn Wright finishes as Inclusive Education and Learning Support Co-ordinator. She has been very valuable in this space over a number of years, supporting students with additional needs, families and staff. She has also been the EA Coordinator, making sure that these students receive the support they need within the classroom. Thank you Carolyn.

Lisa Pignatiello, Year 7 Co-Ordinator, has done a marvellous job in having the Year 7 students come into their first year of high school so successfully. The transition planning and the support she has provided to students and families has been amazing.

Heather Currie, Year 9 Co-Ordinator leaves the Student Services Team to become the Head of Arts at BSC. Her tireless efforts have seen the Year 9’s develop into a great group of young people. Heather has re-invigorated the Year Co-ordinator role with new initiatives like the ‘Big Project’ and C8 Camp.

Peter Papasergio stepped into the fray as the Head of Student Services (HoSS) for the Middle School part way through Term 3 when Melesha Sands (Principal) was seconded to do some big work for the Director General at Statewide Services. Peter’s time in the HoSS seat was greatly appreciated and he managed that area exceptionally well. Peter, unfortunately, then required knee surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the year.

Joel Bond has had a massive year. Starting the year as the Year 12 Co-ordinator, which included managing the school ball and graduation and ended finishing up as the stand-in HoSS for Middle School. Joel has taken on this role with great passion and diligence and we have been very lucky for him to have stepped into the fray.

We welcome a number of staff into the Student Services Team for 2020 and they will be acknowledged at the beginning of the next academic year.

Finally, I’d like to thank the parents/caregivers that have had any involvement through Student Services, for their willingness to support their young person in their journey through school. The ability to communicate between home and school has been a highlight and we are grateful for all the support we have received. I wish the entire Belridge Secondary College community a safe and happy holiday break, and I look forward to working with you again in 2020.

Hal Spedding
Head of Student Services - Senior School