Harmony Day

BSC celebrated a low key, Harmony Day this year. Staff were invited to wear orange in support of recognising the very multicultural school community we have. Mr Spedding read out some interesting facts about Western Australia as a multicultural society (see attachment), and during form there were some activities to complete. Prizes were awarded to individuals and Form classes with the most correct answers, returned in the quickest time. See photos for winners.

Student Parking

There will be a system implemented regarding enabling students to park their cars at school in designated areas. Information regarding this will be sent with students that drive to school in their own vehicles. Parking permits will be issued to students and will be revoked if there is any poor behaviour regarding parking areas or safety. Can I please remind parents and students that there are signs up around the bituminised driveway areas designating where there is to be no parking. This includes near fire hydrants, gates or other areas where a car may cause a potential hazard.

Getting There Safely

Student Services has received a number of reports recently around the safety of our students getting to and from school. This is mainly around crossing the road where it is not safe to do so and riding bikes unsafely near cars. Students are reminded to cross the road at designated crossing points (manned with crossing guards) where possible and to look both ways. Students riding bikes are instructed that once they enter into the school gates, they must walk their bikes to the destination (bike racks), there is to be no riding through the school. Please use the bike racks near the D&T department and not anywhere else, as the safety of the bikes cannot be guaranteed. Following these simple steps will ensure that students arrive safely and that the cars that use the area can be free from obstruction.

Peer Support

During this term, our Year 10 Peer leaders have been supporting the Year 7’s with their transition to high school.  Each week, the peer leaders have been meeting with their Form class to work through a range of activities that focuses on resilience. Over the term, the Year 7 students have acknowledged their strengths and achievements, identified people who support them and have learnt how to view challenges as an opportunity for growth. Meeting in small groups allows meaningful connections to form, assisting students with the transition to secondary school at the same time developing the leadership skills with our Year 10 Peer Leaders.

ATSI Support Program

Last week we were fortunate enough to have Rebecca Garlett from Butler College come in and work with our Aboriginal students.  Rebecca is renowned for her local knowledge of the Noongar language and culture.  She yarned with our students for two hours, discussing the importance of the ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ as well as some of the stories of their ancestors.

Our students meet each week as a group to support each other but also to develop a sense of belonging and they are now working on a platform to share their culture with the rest of the Belridge community.

Bridgid Lafferty - Middle School
Hal Spedding - Senior School
Heads of Student Services