After a difficult start to the term, it is great to see the College coming back to life. In what has been a time of uncertainty and change, our staff and students have adapted very well to the new norm. With further restrictions being lifted this term, many of our events and extra-curricular activities have been able to resume, bringing positivity to the air.

This term, the College Leadership Team have been strongly focused on the strategic planning and the vision for Belridge SC moving forward. The development of a new Business Plan 2020-2022 sets the scene for the future of the college, with 4 key focus areas:

1. Successful Students
2. Excellence in Teaching and Learning
3. Building Capacity, Wellbeing and Leadership; and
4. Community Engagement and Partnerships.

The college is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that challenges students to achieve personal excellence and encourages them to become active citizens in the community.  Our new Business Plan and 2019 Annual Report are both available to view on our website.

An indicator of change that shows our intentions for success, include the establishment of two new Academic Enrichment Programs – STEM Program and Humanities Program. These programs are designed to develop the knowledge, skills and core competences that will provide our students with the best possible foundations to access the careers of the future. Expression of interest for Year 7 students commencing in 2021 close at the end of Term 2, Friday 3 July. Please see our school website for further details.

In addition, the College welcomes Michelle Austin – Science and Maths Engagement Coordinator from ECU to the College Board. Michelle will bring a wealth of experience and provide many connections to the college in the areas of Science and Maths providing further opportunities for our students.  Find out more about your Board and its members here.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Robert Pierce, Jan Norberger and Andrew Doran for their service on the school board over the past few years, who have recently tendered their resignation due to personal commitments. Their contributions, time and knowledge brought to the school and Board have been greatly appreciated.

In recent weeks our students have been involved in a number of activities supporting both each other and our younger year groups. One of which was our Inclusive Education Morning Tea. This event provided the opportunity to bring together our students with diverse learning needs and celebrate their successes. A selection of our Year 10 students also took part in the Peer Support Program. Within this program, our Year 10 students ran a number of activities and sessions with our Year 7 cohort to support their transition into the college. The involvement in this program also developed the interpersonal skills and leadership skills of our Year 10 students, really putting some of them to the test!

The next few weeks are going to be busy ones, with a number of events coming up. This includes our subject selection process across year groups 9 to 12 (2021), and for the first time, our new Year 9 selection process. In addition, there is also Semester 1 reporting across all year groups and early next term a Parent Teacher Interview evening on Thursday 23 July.  Please note due to COVID guidelines we request that only one parent to attend this event. 

Cricket trials are also being held this Thursday 25 June. With a number of events coming up, please see our events for quick links to online bookings and the school calendar to start organising your time to meet any of the deadlines that may apply to your child.

Just a reminder, Monday 3 August is our scheduled open board meeting. This meeting is open to all of our parent, staff and community members. If you would like to attend this meeting to find out about the future plans of the college or have any questions you would like answering, please RSVP to Nicola Harris on 9408 8002 or by email nicola.harris@education.wa.edu.au  Alternatively you can register your attendance via our booking link HERE.   Tea/coffee and light bites will be available prior to the start of the meeting. (See article further on in newsletter).

With my position here at the College confirmed to the end of the year, I thank you all for your ongoing support and look forward to an exciting Term 3.

Sharon Lyon
Principal