In what has been a very difficult time for our school community there has still been so much to celebrate and be thankful for at Belridge SC.

On Wednesday 4th March, we hosted our Year 7 Parent Teacher BBQ. It was great to see so many of you there with your families interacting with our staff and putting a face to a name. Forming a good relationship between home and school makes a massive difference to the achievement and success of our students.

Our whole school assemblies saw a significant amount of academic and attendance awards being presented to our students. A notable mention goes out to Evie Innes, receiving both the City of Joondalup Scholarship Award and the ADF Long Tan Award.

Our Student Councillors met in the city to take part in the Halogen Young Leaders Day. This was such a fantastic opportunity for our students and I know that they gained so much from being a part of this event. We also saw whole school celebrations of International Mathematics Day and Harmony Week.

The highlight of the term, however, has to be my very first Belsurf. What more can I say - absolutely amazing! The participation and enjoyment was on a scale I have never seen before. The enthusiasm and commitment from the staff in organising individual events and games just kept the day flowing seamlessly. The attitude and behaviour of the students was exemplary; it was fantastic to see. The Physical Education Department did an amazing job and I know that this is an event that our students will treasure and remember forever.

With the current situation, there has been a number of cancellations and postponements of school events. The Chaplains Dinner and the Year 12 Ball, have both been postponed. However, we are looking forward to running these in the near future.

I would just like to finish by saying, in these difficult times I acknowledge our students who are trying their best to adjust to the new rules and situations around them. Our staff for their professional approach and dedication in supporting both the academic and health and wellbeing of our students. And finally our parents and community for being so supportive and understanding at this difficult time.

I wish you all the very best, take care of your family and be kind to our community in what is a very stressful and anxious time for all.

Sharon Lyon
Principal

Hear all about the first board meeting of Term 1,  
held on 16 March 2020

CLICK HERE!

The College Board very much values the input of our school community.
Should you wish to discuss or raise any matters, please do not hesitate to contact us, otherwise visit the school website to Get to Know Us
and learn more of what we do ...

Email: belridge.sc.schooboard@education.wa.edu.au

Scott Amy
Chairperson
Belridge Secondary College Board

It has been a challenging term with the uncertainty and ever changing landscape around COVID-19. I wish to thank the school community for their adherence to protocols that ensure we all stay safe and healthy. Unfortunately, a number of school and student activities have been cancelled, including the Parent Open Day and Student Taster courses, C8 camp and any Lightning Carnivals planned for Term 2.

Year 7 Immunisations

The first round of vaccinations were held on Thursday 27th February. Students received the Gardasil and Boostrix vaccines. The next and final round of immunisations will be conducted on Thursday 17th September. Please note this date in your diary as there are no catch-up sessions. Students absent on the day will need to get immunised through their local doctor.

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN

The Australian Education Ministers have cancelled the 2020 NAPLAN testing. The decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 has been taken to assist school leaders, teachers and support staff to focus on the wellbeing of students and continuity of education, including potential online and remote learning.

2021 Year 7 Enrolments

It is envisaged that 2021 Year 7 Enrolment packs will be available from partner primary schools by the start of Week 3, next term.  Enrolment packs will also be available directly from the College. I encourage all prospective parents to submit enrolment forms as a matter of urgency to enable the college to accurately forward plan for 2021.

Student Planners

With the end of Term 1 rapidly approaching, it is timely to remind all students and parents about the Student Planner use. Students are expected to use their Planners in every lesson. There is also a Term Planner page which enables students to record all assignments and tests for each term on the one page to give them a visual picture of when everything is due. This encourages students to forward plan and time-manage better. Please check your child’s planner and see if they have used this tool effectively in Term 1.

School Sickness Procedures

I would like to remind parents/caregivers of the school protocols should a child fall ill during the day. During the class time, the class teacher will make an assessment and send the child to Student Services. If the child feels ill during a break time they are to make their own way to Student Services. The school will then contact the parent/caregiver if required. Students are not to contact their parents/caregivers directly to be picked up because they are not feeling well.

Mario Pisano
Vice Principal
Middle School

Year 11

Year 11 students should be in full stride now. They should be using their school planners to organise their time effectively to not only have all their assessments completed on time, but also to be carrying out their studies.  Every week, they should be adding to their notes and factsheets and continually testing themselves. 

Year 11 ATAR Students

Mr Pisano is working with the Year 11 ATAR students every Wednesday afternoon. He has been working on study techniques and improving goal setting.

Year 12

On the matter of assessments, teachers are still giving me the names of students that have failed to submit these on time.  Students lose marks for late submission and this has an adverse effect on their grades and results.  Please do your best to help your son/daughter to be organised and plan ahead of time.   Students should write all assessment items in the term planner section on pages 22 to 29.  This gives a clear picture of what is due and when. 

Year 12 ATAR Students

I gave all the ATAR students a study program taking them up to the end of Week 1 of the holidays. It is not compulsory for them to use it, but they must be using some sort of study program.  The one I gave them had some very handy hints on it.  Please discuss these with your son/daughter.

Year 10, 11 and 12 Students

School holidays will be upon us soon. Although students should be using this period to refresh themselves, it can also be wise to put aside a few days to consolidate the concepts they learnt in  Term 1.

Years 11 and 12

We periodically email parents the externally provided exam preparation programs and study to give students extra confidence for exams.  These might be worth consideration.

COVID-19

Currently we are in very uncertain times. Where possible, students should keep their approach to their studies as normal as possible. The big change should be implementing social distancing and rigorious hygiene routines.  I hope all our students can remain positive and healthy.

Rob Strickland
Vice Principal - Senior School 

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck on a study question or not sure where to even start with an assignment?

Year 10, 11 and 12 students were recently provided with login and password information to enable them to access Studiosity - a FREE study and homework online help platform, which is available 24/7.

Belridge SC is supported by Edith Cowan University which provides students with FREE access to Studiosity; an online study help from real people.

1. Connect Live: select a subject (like writing, maths, science, economics, assignment research and more), type your question and you’ll be connected with a friendly Subject Specialist for live, one-to-one help in real time. It’s typed chat, interactive whiteboard and you can even share files.
2. Writing Feedback: submit your draft essay or written assignment, and in less than 24 hours one of the writing specialists will send it back to you with detailed feedback on how you can improve your own work. They’ll comment on your spelling, grammar, structure, language and more.
3. Practice Quizzes: access a database of over 750 practice tests in all core curriculum subjects, including maths, English, chemistry, biology, and physics with year levels from 7-12. If you get stuck on a quiz question you can connect straight through to a Specialist.  

To access Studiosity, login to Studiosity.com/connect, find your school and login to your account.

Carlos Notarpietro
Associate Principal 

Here, at Belridge, we appreciate that our families are facing uncertainty and will undoubtedly be feeling anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic - well, we are here to help! 

The Student Services Team have put together a Connect Classroom - which is one with a difference! The idea is to support students and families by providing information that may be relevant to your circumstances, such as:

Online Counselling

Information and Online Support

Helpful Apps / weblinks

Activities

Other Helpful Links 

Next time you or your child login to Connect look out for 'Belridge SC COVID-19 Mental Health Support'.  Information can be sourced from the Library and Notices tabs. 

If you require further individual support or information please feel free to contact:

Bridgid Lafferty
Head of Student Services Years 7, 8 and 9 
bridgid.lafferty@education.wa.edu.au

Hal Spedding
Head of Student Services Years 10, 11 and 12
hal.spedding@education.wa.edu.au

Phil Leenman
School Chaplain
phil.leenman@education.wa.edu.au

Ida Steyn
School Psychologist
ida.steyn@education.wa.edu.au

Jo Savoury / Deb Lawrence 
Community Health Nurses
joanne.savoury@education.wa.edu.au
deborah.lawrence@education.wa.edu.au


Stay safe, healthy and happy

Be the first to know about what's happening at our College.

Like and follow the College's official Facebook page

@BelridgeSC

! BEWARE !
There are some copycat and closed group pages floating around. 

If you have any queries and want the correct information
please approach us directly - thank you 

https://www.facebook.com/BelridgeSC

The college has recently updated some of our email addresses.  Please make a note of the following contact details:

Reporting an Absence

The Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs. To be eligible for the allowance the parent/guardian must hold a Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs Card. The allowance consists of two components:

• $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian or the school.
• $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school.

Applications must to be completed during Term 1 and close on Thursday 9 April 2020 strictly at 12 noon.  

The school can now accept emailed applications with attached scans or photographs of concession cards (copies must be both front and back). Please call 9408 8000 to request a form to be emailed to you. 

Administration office hours are between 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Kerrie Ward
Manager of Corporate Services

BSC Sausage Sizzle brings our Year 7 community closer together

Thank you to all parents, students and staff who attended our Year 7 BBQ. This informal event provided an opportunity for parents to meet with Year 7 teachers, Principal, Vice Principals and the Student Services team. The term has moved forward at a rapid pace and over the last couple of weeks we have had immunisation, peer support, information sessions on Bring your own device (BYOD) and Elevate Education Study seminar and the Belsurf swimming carnival held at Sorrento Beach.

Please remember to log into the Connect website for information regarding your child's classes and general notices.

Jodie Grieve
Year 7 Coordinator 

International Day of Mathematics

On March 14th, the whole world celebrated International Day of Mathematics (formerly known as Pi Day – 3/14 in the US date style). At Belridge Secondary College, a competition involving all Learning Areas took place. Students visited all learning areas to locate a mathematical question within the Learning Area context. The full range of questions were answered by students, with answer sheets deposited in the maths foyer. Some teachers took individual classes on a tour of the school, while other students visited learning areas during break times.

While there were many worthy respondents, there could be only one winner. Congratulations to Libby Brown, one of our Education Support students. Libby was presented with her certificate in a ceremony, and was roundly congratulated by her classmates. Well done Libby!

Look out for more whole school numeracy activities throughout the year ...

Thanks to everyone who took part, and congratulations again to Libby.

Stuart Rutter
Coordinator
International Day of Mathematics

Congratulations Libby Brown on winning the 
International Day of Mathematics Competition 2020

Maths Problem Solving Challenge! 

On Wednesday 4th March, many parents of Year 7 students attended the Welcome BBQ.  A maths problem solving challenge was conducted at the BBQ, with many parents trying their hand.

Our winning Year 7 student was Jacob Berry and our winning parents the 'Luscombes'. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially Jacob and Oliver Luscombe's parents. 

Stuart Rutter
Mathematics Teacher

Netball News
West Coast Eagles - Soar
Youth Girls Wellbeing Series

On Thursday 27th February, Netball Academy students from Years 10-12 attended the West Coast Eagles – Soar: Youth Girls Wellbeing Series at the West Coast Eagles facilities in Lathlain. This program aims to foster the development of skills, knowledge and strategies for adolescent girls, as well as aiming to promote healthy attitudes and practices that will lead young women to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and discover how good they can be. The program was run by Dana Hooker (AFLW Eagles Player), Ingrid Colyer (West Coast Fever player) and West Coast Eagles staff.

Students throughout the day completed four modules that were both classroom based, as well as practical. The four modules covered the following topics:

• Healthy Food Relationship
• Nutrition and Recovery
• Training for Elite Performance
• Overcoming the Female Q Angle
• Athletic Movement and Injury Prevention
• Body Image
• Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Performance.

The girls were also lucky enough to get a tour around the West Coast Eagles Inner sanctum at the end of the day, as our practical session finished a little earlier than planned due to some stormy weather arriving. Overall, it was a fantastic day that all students said they thoroughly enjoyed and gained valuable knowledge and insight about females in sport and how to take care of their own wellbeing and excel in their chosen sporting area.

Nicola Mann
Health & Physical Education Teacher

BSC Student Council attend Halogen Young Leaders Day

On Monday 9th March, Belridge Secondary College’s Student Councillors attended the Halogen Young Leader Day. We met inspirational speakers including John Coutis, Eamon Sullivan, Dana Hooker and Lachie Smart who told us their life stories, which was inspiring to all.

We all took away from the day important messages about leadership and achieving your goals.

Student Councillors

Belridge Girls Lead in the ABCN Focus Program

ABCN partners business with high school education through structured programs, which involve corporate volunteers mentoring students in the workplace. A group of Year 10 girls and the Year 10 Coordinator, Ms Kerry Clarke, were invited to participate in the ABCN Focus program which aims to inspire and teach leadership in young women. The group of Belridge students got to experience three days in the city visiting the City of Perth library and Duxton Hotel where they engaged in leadership courses and meet mentors for businesses based in the city. The program helped students become aware of their strengths that can make them a good leader, build confidence in their leadership potential and be motivated to become a leader.

Students can watch out for information in Daily Notices for further opportunities to be involved in ABCN programs throughout the year.

Chloe Ironmonger
HASS Teacher and Student Councillor Coordinator 

Learning Adjustments

Hello parents, grandparents, guardians and carers of students at Belridge Secondary College. Assessments and testing such as OLNA, have the potential to be a stressful experience, but our goal is to be as accommodating as possible to ensure your child is feeling safe, comfortable and supported in this space. As such, if your child is diagnosed with a learning difference or disability and requires an adjustment, please contact the Inclusive Education Coordinator to ensure the school has the necessary paperwork and information. 

Mikaela Shirley
Inclusive Education Coordinator
English Teacher

E:  mikaela.shirley@education.wa.edu.au

Belridge Secondary College Belsurf Carnival was held at Sorrento Beach on Friday 13th March. The day was fantastic with very little breeze; warm temperatures and crystal clear flat-water. Students support again was superb with at least 75% of the school attending the event.

All students participated actively in all events enjoying the atmosphere and representing their house. High participation gave all students the opportunity to gain points for their house. Students who pushed themselves could gain placement points for their house. Points scored by each house increased this year, which enhanced a fun, competitive day. The number of competitors in each event increased with heats being run for a variety of races. The Year 7 students had their first experience of a whole school Belsurf Carnival and it was great to see them smiling and enjoying the days proceedings.

Students had a great day with staff and students mingling out of the classroom in a friendly environment. The day provided students with a myriad of events: sand sculpture competitions, tennis ball relays, boogie board races and many more. Two events the FLAGS and the IRONPERSON events allowed the competitive students to perform at their best. The winners and runners-up will receive medallions for their efforts.

BELSURF is as much about participation, as it is about performance, and throughout the day we saw fine examples of both. The day commenced with the traditional Iron Man and Woman events, consisting of the swim, run and body board legs. This event is open to all students and individual medals are given to the winners and runner-ups. The results were as follows:

Individual medals for the winners of the beach flags were presented to each student on the day.  Results as follows:

Winning House for each Year Group 

At the end of the day, the following houses emerged victorious!

The Overall Results

Well done the mighty Sharks!

Special thanks must go to the Physical Education staff for all their hard work on the day.  To all staff that re-qualify so that they can supervise students in the water and finally to all staff who helped ensure the day ran smoothly and safely - well done!

Paul Bennett
Head of Health & Physical Education

The Belridge community gathered on Wednesday 26th February to celebrate the academic, sporting and attendance achievement of students in Semester 2, 2019 and so far into 2020. Congratulations to all of the students who received subject award prizes, merit certificates, honour certificates, attendance certificates or any special other awards. We encourage all students to achieve their best in the coming year and keep up the good work!

Year 11, 2019 Subject Awards - Top Students

City of Joondalup Youth Awards 

Congratulations to Evie Innes who was successful in obtaining a City of Joondalup
scholarship to support her in completing her studies through Years 11 and 12. Evie was presented with her award by Councillor Christopher May.

ADF Long Tan
Youth Leadership & Teamwork Awards

Evie Innes was also our award winner for the 2019 ADF Long Tan Youth award. Seaman Nathan Walsh, who is based on Garden Island, kindly took time out of his busy schedule to come and present this award. Evie's name will now be placed on the honour roll with ADF. 

State Representatives 

Although sporting events have been put on hold across the world, and our nation, we still wish to acknowledge our students' achievements.  Congratulations to Cooper McDonnell (Year 10) who has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2020 Softball Boys Championships which was due to be held in May 2020.  We wish you the very best in your endeavours once events are back up and running. 

We want your good news story!

We can only acknowledge and celebrate our students' achievements outside of school if you share your news.  Please email nicola.harris@education.wa.edu.au if your child has accomplished something worth a 'shout out', such as sporting achievements/community work. Thank you.   

Congratulations to our Health & Physical Education teacher, Nicole Mann, who was recently appointed as Coach to the School Sport WA Netball 12s Team for 2020.  This team will hopefully be competing in the School Sport Australia National Championships in Sydney, NSW in September 2020.  Belridge community wishes Nicole and her team the very best of luck.

Whitford City Football Club are looking for soccer players in the following age groups:

U13 (born in 2007) - 2 spots left
U14 (born in 2006) - 2 spots left

Home grounds are at Warrandyte Park in Craigie and fees very competitive.  If you would like to join one of the above teams please contact Lisa at registration@whitfordcityfc.com.au

Toys for Donations

Save the Children have notified us they are looking for donations of quality second-hand children’s toys for younger children to sell in their Op Shops.  They are looking in particular for:

• Puzzles
• Games
• Barbies
• Action figures
• Fisher Price type play activity centres and such like
• NO SOFT TOYS PLEASE!

Funds raised assist vulnerable children in Western Australia, Australia and overseas.

The school will not be collecting, but please donate direct to your local store when they re-open. Thank you. 

Revision Programs 

Academic Group is adapting to the current environment so schools and students can be confident that our April Holiday ATAR Revision Courses will be going ahead. To safeguard everyone’s health all of April courses will be online in our live interactive classroom.

As always, each subject will deliver six hours of revision content, including topic revision, tips and strategies to increase exam marks and personalised help from the teacher on how to answer problems.

Students will learn in a virtual class with limited numbers so that it is optimised for live interaction with the teacher. Student will also be provided with a workbook to support their revision.

This means, your child can expect to receive all the same great benefits and value of our regular revision courses but with that added safety of being online.

Classes will be available in all our regular subjects with class time options in both Week 1 and Week 2 of the school holidays.

Students can enrol online by clicking here 

FAQs

What equipment is needed to attend?
Students will need to have access to either a computer, laptop or tablet and a reliable internet connection. A camera and mic can be used but is not a requirement.

It's not possible for my child to be at home what can I do?
Provided schools remain open a supervised option will be available. Students can attend a venue where WiFi will be available and they can use their own device. To request the supervised option, email Academic Group on learn@academicgroup.com.au

I don't have access to the internet, what can I do?
Provided schools remain open a supervised option will be available. Students can attend a venue where WiFi will be available and they can use their own device. To request the supervised option, email Academic Group on learn@academicgroup.com.au

I don't have access to a computer what can I do?
Students can dial-in using their phones to hear the audio.

Will background noise detract from the class?
For students who have a mic, the teacher can mute and unmute individual students to avoid background noise distractions.

I have no idea how to set up the equipment for the class?
The software is simple and user friendly. Once enrolled, students and parents will receive advice on how to set up and test their devices. On the day, IT support will be available to assist with any issues.