As Term 1 draws to a close, I would like to share with you some of the amazing work that went on across the College during the second half of this very busy term.

With the current COVID situation full of uncertainty and many students having to isolate and deal with illness this term, it would be an understatement to say that it has not been business as usual at the College. Staff have worked hard to ensure student work has been uploaded onto Connect and have tried to support students at home as best as they could. Students have also been very proactive in contacting their teachers and trying not to fall too far behind with their studies. I have had many conversations with parents over the last few weeks, concerned around the amount of class time their children have missed. All I can say is that we do understand, and we will make every effort to ensure that no child is disadvantaged due to absence as a result of COVID. Our Connected Learning Plan is available on our school website in the event that we move to a “working from home” situation. Please make yourself familiar with this plan and contact the school if you have any questions regarding the content.

Staff Development Day

The College held a school development day for staff during Week 8 in which we focused on a number of strategic priorities across the College. This included development of our staff in the continued implementation of our Teaching and Learning (T&L) Framework – RLEARNERS.  To develop and grow our staff capacity and ensure a consistent approach to T&L across the College, our staff will be undergoing a process of self-reflection and peer classroom observation throughout 2022. As a College we know that an effective teacher has the greatest effect on student outcomes, and we want to prioritise this in our plans.  The remainder of the day was focused around understanding how students learn. Sessions were delivered to staff from our ATSI Lead Team developing Aboriginal perspectives into the curriculum. Our school Psychologist and Inclusive Education Coordinator organised for the Triple P Program – Fear-less to be delivered to our staff to support them in their dealings with anxious students. The day was very successful with much positive feedback received.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Unfortunately, our Interim Reports evening had to be cancelled, however just a reminder that these teacher/parent interviews will take place by phone. If you have any concerns about your child's progress, please contact the school and arrange an appointment time for a call back.

School Events

This term we also celebrated a joint Harmony Day and National Day against Bullying and Violence. This involved a fantastic anti-bullying video starring our BSC staff edited and recorded by our wonderful Media Teacher, Jodie Grieve. The video was shown to students during an extended form time to spread the message across the College.  At the end of the week, students across the college who had maintained their good standing and shown positive behaviours towards others were treated to a visit from Mr Whippy the Ice Cream van. It was a great day and I really enjoyed seeing the students being rewarded for their positive contributions to the College.

Students Getting Future Ready

The College held White Card training and participated in a Try-a-Trade event, which saw several our students involved in a range of hands-on trade-based learning. The students involved were extremely engaged and learnt some valuable skills. Hopefully this will assist them in planning their future career pathway.

Enrolments 2023

Early next term we start our enrolment processes for 2023, commencing with our Year 5 and 6 Student Taster Morning in our specialist programs (Cricket, Netball, Music, Fashion Design, and STEM AEP). During this time, we are also holding Parent Tours. Both of these events will be held on Wednesday 4 May 2022. If you are interested in seeing what Belridge SC has to offer or just interested for possible future enrolment, please contact the school or book your place here.

NAPLAN Online will take place in Term 2 for students in Years 7 and 9. Further information and updates will follow via Connect.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Belridge SC community for their support and understanding across this difficult term. I hope you all have a very happy Easter and get to spend some quality time with family and friends. Looking forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2.

Sharon Lyon
Principal