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- And the winners are!
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Welcome back to Term 2
In what has been a time of uncertainty and frequent change, the staff of Belridge SC have risen to the challenge. With the adaptation to distance education and then the return to face to face teaching our staff have been amazing. At the forefront of their efforts has been ensuring that our kids get the best possible education and that nobody is left behind. Moving between online, paper packages and face-to face, they have been nothing but professional.
Due to the disruption of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting in Semester 1 will look different for students in Years 7-9. Under new guidance, schools are currently not required to report learning area grades for Semester 1 2020.
This means the overall Learning Area achievement section of the report may be unshaded, and the components for a Learning Area, if applied, may be unchecked or marked as “Not Assessed”. Reports will still be provided, however will contain a comment around progress rather than a grade. The usual attitude, behaviour, effort attributes will also be completed.
With changes to government guidelines at the start of term, we initially saw attendance rates of around 57% for the first week, a high of 76% in week 2 and 87% in week 3. As of 20th May our attendance for the day was 90% reaching a new high. This is such a positive for our school community and I thank our parents for their support in ensuring, where possible, their children return to school.
Although the COVID situation is currently under control in WA the Department of Education is still funding the addition of extra cleaning staff to ensure the high traffic areas of the school are cleaned regularly. The messages around hygiene still stand and visitors are not to enter the school site at present, other than to visit Administration or attend case meetings.
As you may be aware the construction of our Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is underway with massive changes occurring over the last few weeks. The Art work for the side of the building has been finalised and major walls have been removed. Please be aware that this may lead to some room changes for your child over the next few months until we have our new completed space - see article further on in newsletter.
Other changes around the school include the installation of our new Bush Tucker native garden. I would like to thank staff, students and members of the community who have been a part of this project so far, whether that be in assisting with the construction or the donation of materials and plants. It is such a lovely addition to the school grounds and I know it will be a place for students to enjoy for years to come - see Bush Tucker Garden article.
It was brought to our attention last year that our students would like an update to components of the College uniform. One aspect that received such feedback was the school jacket. The students found that this was not warm enough and did not protect from the elements. A new design – that is thicker and wind/water resistant has been selected and will hopefully be available for purchase next year. Existing jackets are still part of the school uniform, however these will be phased out over the next two years, subject to stock. Other additions to the range will now include wider fitting shorts, the option of a skort and new style track pants.
Our annual open board meeting will take place on 3 August 2020. Registrations to attend are now open. I would love to see as many of our parents and staff there as possible, to share ideas and hear about our future plans.
Our 2019 Annual report is now available on the school website. This provides an overview of the school’s achievements throughout the year, and identifies some areas for development in which we will work on over the coming months.
Just a reminder, Friday 29 May is our next School Development Day. This is a student free day which allows time for our staff to focus on the strategic planning and development of the College.
Once again, I thank you all for your understanding and support in what has been a difficult time. Take care.
Sharon Lyon
Principal
|
Click here - May 2020 Board Report |
Register Now for the
Annual Open Board Meeting
Monday 3 August at 6pm
As part of the school’s approach to developing parent/college partnerships, parents, staff and community members are invited to attend the next open meeting of the College Board on the above date and time to be held in the library. This is an opportunity for the school community and parents to work together and support our children.
The Board welcomes any ideas and thoughts on the college’s future in order to enhance the educational experience of every student who attends Belridge Secondary College.
Please be aware that the Board’s mandate is for the whole of college plans and projections for the future and does not involve itself in the day to day operations of the college. The meeting is not for anyone to discuss individual cases. There are many avenues open to parents within the college to resolve an individual issue; for instance speaking directly with the teacher concerned, Year Coordinators, Student Services, Associate Principal, Vice Principals or indeed the Principal.
Register Here!
To register go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au
Enter the event code: 2zstz
Select: GO
Enter your details
Alternatively, please contact either the front office or Nicola Harris on 9408 8000, no later than the morning of Wednesday 29 July, to advise of your attendance and submit any questions or suggestions you may wish to raise with the board.
nicola.harris@education.wa.edu.au
The College Board very much values the input of our school community and we hope to see you there.
Scott Amy
Chairperson
Belridge Secondary College Board
Welcome back to Term 2!
It is fantastic to see such a large number of students back at school participating in the face-to-face delivery of lessons.
The end of the first term was challenging for students, parents and the school. Thank you to the school community for adhering to the enforced protocols ensuring we all stayed safe and healthy.
Unfortunately, most extra curricular activities remain cancelled. We hope as restrictions further ease some activities can be re-instated.
2021 Year 7 Enrolments
2021 Year 7 Enrolment packs are now available from partner primary schools or directly from the College. We require enrolment applications returned as soon as possible to allow sufficient planning time for 2021. Returned enrolment applications should also contain all necessary documentation. This includes a copy of the full birth certificate, two proofs of address (current rates notice or current lease agreement and a utilities bill or drivers licence), immunisation records and any applicable Family Court Orders. Please refer to the Final Check List located on the back of the Student Enrolment Form for the enrolment to be processed. Should you have any concerns on the enrolment process please contact reception on 9408 8000.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Year 7 2021
Incoming students in Year 7 (2021) will be asked to bring their own device in the form of a Windows laptop, Macbook or iPad. Information regarding BYOD 2021 has been included in the enrolment pack. Specifications are the same as the BYOD for our current Year 7 cohort. Unfortunately, costings have not been finalised by our supplier (CDM) due to COVID 19 and the fluctuating Australian Dollar exchange rate. This will be communicated to parents as soon as they are finalised.
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
Welcome Back!
Clearly, this is a year like no other. All our lives have been disrupted in one way or another. With the majority of students returning to school we are trying hard to make it as close as possible to business as usual. COVID-19 aside, Term 2 is well and truly underway now. Traditonally, it is a busy term for parents and students, with important decisions to be made. During the term, Years 9, 10 and 11 students will receive important information about subject selections for 2021. It is important for students to attend to these selections as early as possible and seek advice from the administration and their teachers whenever necessary.
The choices students make now will determine which subjects run at the school next year. THESE FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON TIME.
Please note that some course selection dates have changed from the dates originally published. This has now been updated on the school calendar.
Year 11 and 12 Exams
Due to COVID-19 disruptions, there will be no official Semester 1 exam period for Years 11 and 12 students. Students will attend normal timetabled classes during these two weeks and coursework/assessments will continue. For the remainder of the term, teachers of some courses may conduct exams during their normal timetabled periods. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) have been giving very clear messages to students:
- The curriculum will not change.
- There may be less assessment items.
- You must stay engaged in your studies and do your best to ensure continued success.
Reports
Please note due to COVID-19 disruptions, some report dates have been changed and these have been updated on the school calendar. All the same, Semester 1 reports are important for all students to gauge where they are at. Years 10 and 11 students should carefully analyse their current success and progress when making selections for 2020.
Year 12 students need to reassess the time spent on, and the effectiveness of their study if their results are not what they expected. Remember the school staff are always ready to assist students.
Studiosity - Years 10, 11 and 12
We know the school day may look a little different for your child right now. That’s why, along with all of the online learning modules, we’re providing around-the-clock human support with ‘Studiosity’ for all Year 10 – 12 students.
Your child has 24/7 access to a huge network of expert teachers and subject specialists, online, on-demand. They can connect to an expert in minutes and ask a question one-to-one when they get stuck, or upload a draft essay or assignment for review anytime and get fast, helpful feedback on how to improve it.
Students can access Studiosity FREE all year, thanks to the school. Simply log in to the school’s Studiosity service via the LMS, or find your school at studiosity.com/access for instructions.
Watch this video to find out more: https://vimeo.com/395822028
Students who have used it in the past have commented on the boost in confidence to tackle their studies.
All Year 12 Students and Parents
Student Declaration and Permission online
Year 12 students have been given a package to complete their student declaration and permission online for SCSA. Please read the following carefully.
All Year 12 students wanting to complete their WACE this year need to complete the online student declaration and permission. Details of this process are listed below.
NOTE: Although the deadline for students to complete this process online is by the end of Term 2, I suggest this is completed as soon as possible.
Student Declaration
Year 12 students need to declare that they are aware of the requirements to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and for sitting the WACE examinations. These requirements are listed in the Year 12 Information Handbook which is available on the Authority website at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/year-12-information
In closing, I wish all our students a successful and safe term and look forward to them achieving their best.
Rob Strickland
Vice Principal
Senior School
OLNA (Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment)
We received results from Round 1 OLNA this week. It is pleasing to see many students achieve the required standard of Category 3 across all components, and many other students getting closer, by passing in one or two of the components. Students who have achieved the required standard in all three categories have now met the WACE Literacy and Numeracy achievement standard, and will no longer be required to sit OLNA assessments in future rounds.
For students who did not achieve Category 3, we will continue to support you to achieve it in the next rounds. Letters and official (SCSA) OLNA results have been sent to all families involved. This should clarify your current status.
A reminder that Year 11 and 12 students who are yet to achieve the standard must attend the OLNA support sessions in the college library on Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 pm. Year 10 students have been provided free access to olna.com.au > Skill Builders, and have 24/7 access to these resources. Please let me know if there are any issues with logging in to the site.
OLNA Student Performance Progression
After Round 1, 2020
VET (Vocational Education and Training)
Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid 19 disruptions, our VET students continue to work towards completing their qualifications on schedule. The teacher/trainers have adapted their content delivery to focus on background learning and theory focused Units, and now the majority of students have returned to full time attendance, there will be an increased focus on practical activities and assessments. We have finalised all ‘third party agreements’ for AQF qualifications delivered by BSC staff, on the BSC campus, on behalf of our RTO partners. It is important for students and their families to understand that the college is not an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), and we work in partnership with RTOs to deliver qualifications. Certificates, once achieved, are issued by the relevant RTO.
The College made the difficult decision to postpone our scheduled mid-term ATAR Examination / Workplace Learning break during Weeks 7 and 8 of this term in order to make up for teaching and learning time lost during the Covid 19 school closures towards the end of Term 1. The June WPL block release will still be required by some students completing external TAFE courses with mandated work experience hours, but for the majority of our ADWPL students, the June placement has been postponed until November.
Carlos Notarpietro
Associate Principal
Parent Information Evening
Assisting your Child for 2021 Course Selections
A parent information evening will be held at the school on Tuesday 21 July from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the Library for parents of current Year 10 students.
Course selection packages for Year 11, 2021 will be distributed on the night and we will be discussing the West Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and how this influences your child's course selections for next year. In addition, we will outline some of the differences between Year 10 and Year 11, expectations of students and how to manage the extra workload.
We hope to see as many parents/guardians there as possible. To register your attendance go to:
www.schoolinterviews.com.au
Enter the event code: 6ah83
Press 'Go'
Enter your details
Alternatively, please contact the school on 9408 8000 to register.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT MAY NOT GO AHEAD IF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ARE STILL IN PLACE. THE SCHOOL WILL EMAIL YOU CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE TO CONFIRM
Thank you Edith Cowan University!
Belridge students were delighted to receive a gift box filled with Micro:bits, breadboards, connectors, sensors, wheels and other robotics components. The items were kindly gifted to us by the School of Science at Edith Cowan University. Students in our Digital Technologies classes are having a wonderful time discovering their creativity and extending their skills. We would like to thank the School of Science at Edith Cowan University for their support of our school. Our working relationship has provided many opportunities for Belridge students and staff, in the form of workshops and lab sessions, as well as in providing classroom resources.
Liz Cassidy
Head of Technologies
Lockers - Physical Education block
The school has purchased 120 new lockers which have been placed on the outer gymnasium wall. These lockers are for a period use only. If a student requires a locker permanently (for the year), they can organise this through Student Services. The permanent (year-long) lockers are located in the Mathematics and English block.
Guidelines for the use of these new lockers are:
- These lockers are solely for use by students during physical education lessons and recess/lunch breaks.
- Year 7 students should make use of these lockers to store their laptops during Physical education lessons. Other students may also use them.
- The use of these lockers is solely for one period.
- Students must bring their own lock, place it on a locker at the start of the period and remove it at the end of the period with their belongings.
- Any locks left on lockers at the end of the school day will be cut off. The contents of the locker will be taken to reception.
Mario Pisano
Vice Principal Middle School
Bush Tucker Garden ... Progress so far
From little things, big things grow.
Our bush tucker project, initiated from Year 7 Academic Enrichment students in 2019, is progressing rapidly this term. All the hours spent behind the scenes, designing, creating, researching, discussing, investigating, engaging with others, involving students, staff and community, complying with restrictions and volunteering time has been extremely successful. Our garden space is taking shape – utilising native species, many found locally in the Yellagonga Regional area, and other edible native plants.
This is an inclusive whole school project which will continue to grow and transform over time as the plants grow and the needs of students and staff evolve. Without the generosity and investment to our project from the following staff, students, local organisations and businesses, our project would not survive.
Mr Njegich expresses his thanks to Jason Leahy from Galvins Hardware in Osborne Park for the donation and free delivery of the large soak well lid that will be used as a base for one of the murals that are being completed by students from the art department.
A special thank you to Tyler Henderson a parent of three students at the school, from Response Civil Equipment & Machinery Hire for giving away his time and equipment on a Sunday morning to move the pavers from the back of the Design Technology to the Bush Tucker Garden area near Student Services ready for the pavers to complete their work.
Adrian Ilies and his amazing team from Imperial Paving & Landscaping for the great job they did in record time of the pathway through the garden. Well done guys on some excellent workmanship.
Thank you also to:
The 2020 Year 8 Academic Enrichment class for the initial idea and continual involvement from research of each plant species to weeding the area in preparation for planting. Thank you to Joan Orr, Maddi Dimitroff and Kerry Clarke for investing time within your learning curriculum to engage students in this project.
Scott Amy, Chairperson BSC Board, for workshopping the initial stages of this project with students.
Lorraine McFarlane from Bunnings Warehouse, Joondalup for donating many of the edible plants for this project.
Ciara McIlduff, Volunteer Coordinator from Yanchep National Park for donating many native plants, species which are representative to our local area.
Sue from Native Landscapes for the donation of one large grasstree and several natives to complement our garden.
Dr Michael Werner and Narae Howard for donating 350L of soil improver to provide our plants with the best chance of survival.
Mark Spencer, parent, who worked tirelessly at our Busy Bee digging holes to plant the plants.
Kai Spencer, Shae Kavanagh, Mia Cain and Meeka Abdullah for volunteering their time after school at our Busy Bee.
Lloyd Silva, Phil Leenman and the MSEP students for installing the bunting to protect this area.
Darren Vernham our school gardener for supporting and adapting to our requests for this space.
Mr Denis Simmons for providing Aboriginal perspective for garden design, form and function.
Jodie Grieve for volunteering time to capture photos of our project as it grows and changes.
Bush Tucker Garden Team for their passion and dedication to the project: Rebecca Millett, Pietro Papasergio, Hannah Sanders, Made Dimitroff, Lazo Njegich, Ms Cheryl, Micael Corless, Maddy Jones, Kerry Clarke, Chloe Ironmonger, Rebecca Edmunds, Tiffany Bresnan, Janneke Markovi, Brett Crosbie, Dr Michael Werner, Narae Howard, Bridgid Lafferty, Hal Spedding and Glynne Bartle for volunteering at the Busy Bees.
BSC Executive Team for ongoing support for this project.
Again, a big thank you to these supporters of a worthy project; without the help of parents and the community, projects like these would not be possible.
Glynne Bartle
and The Bush Tucker Team Committee
Academic Enrichment STEM Focus:
Preparing our Students
Students have been challenged as they engage their critical and creative thinking to work through the self-paced online Introduction to Python Programming within their science curriculum. As with learning any new language, students may experience difficulties, however, this group of bright young minds are relishing the rewards of their efforts as they progress through each level. Soon, they will enter the National Programming Competition and pit their skills against other students across our country. A huge thank you to Mrs Narae Howard for embracing this new initiative which will benefit our students of the future.
Glynne Bartle
Academic Enrichment Coordinator
Home Economics
Our Year 8 students also continued developing their cooking skills by practicing different ways to cook eggs in preparation for cooking a healthy breakfast as their main assessment on return to school. They were required to demonstrate safety and hygiene while preparing their eggs at home. As you can see we have some of budding chefs in the making.
Home Economics Teacher
Middle School Engagement Program
During Term 1 Our Middle School Engagement Program was held with 7 of our Year 9 boys undertaking a number of projects, with the main one being the restoration of an old utility table from the Design and Technology learning area. With the assistance of Mr Silva from the D&T department the boys measured, cut and dressed the timber using the heavy equipment available and then reassembled the table making it a handy addition to the D&T department. Another aspect of the program was to build relationships and spend some time exploring relationship building with male role models, communication skills, tolerance, understanding decision making and consequences, emotional regulation, building resilience and respect.
Phil Leenman
Chaplain
New Performing Arts Centre
We are delighted to announce that parents of Tai Italiano (Year 8) and Ethan Brown (Year 9) are the winners of Win your school fees back. Parents went into the draw for paying their school fees in full before the end of Term 1.
Congratulations to both families!
Parent Tours
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Details on how to book teacher appointments online will be emailed closer to the event date, together with your event code. Booking instructions will also be detailed in June's newsletter.
School Development Days
Students are not required to attend school on the following dates, unless otherwise instructed. Remaining SDD's for 2020 are:
- Friday 29 May
- Friday 14 August
Enrolments 2021 - Get to Know Us!
Parents of prospective students commencing in 2021 are invited to register their interest for parent tours via the following booking link. Once COVID-19 restrictions have eased, Belridge Secondary College will contact you to advise of arrangements for new tour dates.
As well as our sought after specialist and elite programs, Belridge SC will be introducing a STEM Extension Program in Science, Maths and ICT Digital Technologies and a HASS Enrichment Program, both commencing in 2021 - details to follow.
Learn more in What We Offer
The college has recently updated some of our email addresses. Please make a note of the following contact details:
| School Email - New! | |
| School Board - New! |
Reporting an Absence
| Student Services - Years 7, 8 and 9 |
08 9408 8063 |
| Student Services - Years 10, 11 and 12 |
08 9408 8058 |
| Absences - New! |
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
School Payments
Payments for student charges and contributions are welcome at any time. Please note that Upper School subject charges ARE COMPULSORY.
To set up a payment plan please contact our Administration office on 9408 8000.
Payments can be made by cash or EFTPOS at the front office or Direct Deposit to ANZ Bank.
BSB: 016-494
Account: 102744334
Please ensure you quote as your reference STUDENT NAME and YEAR. Thank you.
Administration office hours are between 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Secondary Assistance Scheme
Applications extended till end of Term 2
For parents of Years 7-12 students, who may have been financially impacted/affected by COVID 19 or to assist low-income families - the Secondary Assistance Scheme has been extended by the government till the end of Term 2. Applications can be made by attending in person at the front office and close Friday 3 July 2020.
Changes to school calendar
Can parents/carers please take time to re-check the online calendar on a regular basis. Many events have unfortunately been either cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Change to Uniform Shop operating times
Invitation to webinar on free study help
Parents of Years 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to an online information session on Studiosity, a study help service that is available free to your child this year, thanks to Edith Cowan University.
Join Dianne Guise from Studiosity, to find out how your child can access this free service, and hear how Studiosity’s team of online specialists can help increase your child’s confidence in their writing and core academic skills.
Tuesday, 9 June, 7:00pm
Where: Online (via Zoom)
How: Register your interest by clicking the link below
Register here - https://www.studiosity.com/webinar-ecu-schools
If you can’t make it on the day, fill out the form on the registration page and you’ll be sent the recording afterwards. We hope you can make it.
Planning ahead - Students in Year 10, 11 and 12
ECU’s School of Science will be hosting virtual information evenings about their university courses and later our virtual Open Day!
If you are considering a university pathway that could find you studying at a university in areas that you have studied or are interested in, jump online and get answers to your questions.
25th June
Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Data Science, Marine Science, and Physics
Register here - https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=627023&
1st July
Computer Science, Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security, Information Technology and Security and Intelligence
Register here - https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=627456&
9th August
ECU Open Day
Register here - https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview
Early Offer Program
Register here - https://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/applying/early-offer-program
July Holidays - Revision Programs
City of Joondalup - Youth Services
Registrations are now open for the Youth Services activities for students/young adults aged 11-25 in online activities such as dance classes, music mixing and mastering, Dungeons & Dragons and interactive art and craft tutorials - to name a few! Many of these activities are FREE. Learn more HERE
The Design & Technology Department are ALWAYS on the look out and in need of recycled timber. If anybody is pulling down timber or has access to building or construction timber that they could donate to the school, it would be greatly appreciated. The material could be dropped off to the Design Technology department or contact Lazo Njegich on 0432 478 123 to arrange collection. Thank you.
Lazo Njegich
Design & Technology Teacher
