As Term 1 comes to a close, I would like to share with you some of the amazing work that has occured at the College during the second half of this very short term.

At the end of week 6, we held our Belsurf event. This is one of the highlights of the school year and is very unique to Belridge. The event involves our two schools, Belridge SC and Belridge Education Support Centre coming together in a shared event, filled with activities, fun and friendships at Sorrento Beach. The day was a great success and went off without a hitch. The students had an awesome time and really made the most of the opportunity, with high participation seen in all events.  Our video via Facebook summarising event can be viewed here. 

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 implementation of our new Belridge Teaching and Learning Framework – R LEARNERS. The framework aims to ensure consistency in T&L across the college whilst providing a common language and clear expectations for both staff and students. The framework is currently in draft format.  Once finalised this will be shared with parents and carers and placed on our school website.

During this time, we also worked on our Triple 3 expectation documents that was originally put in place in 2019. The college has seen some changes since the end of 2018 and is not in the place it was, hence the need to update the model to a version more in line with our current climate. The document is finalised and is available on our school website.

As part of our commitment to cultural inclusivity and developing our understandings of Aboriginal culture, we had the wonderful opportunity to hold a live Zoom call with Dr Anne Poelina, Managing Director of Madjulla Incorporated. Anne gave an inspiring and heart-warming story about the importance of land, water and country which really impacted our staff and motivated them to learn more. Our Native garden is also developing. This term has seen the addition of Aboriginal paintings and design being added to the columns that line the garden (see article). A big thank you to our Dandjoo Group, Visual Arts students and our teachers, in particular Carolyn Wright, Chloe Tsoulis and Glynne Bartle for their time in developing this initiative.

Our interim reports evening was well attended from our Year 7, 11 and 12 parents. This is an important point of contact in building relationships with our parent community. It provides a good opportunity to share information early and ensure our students are settling in to their new school or WACE pathway. Other events for parents this term included our E-Smart Learning seminar. This aimed to support parents in the area of digital technology so that they are familiar with some of the apps and programs their child is using, enabling them to assist with homework and day-to-day use.

This term we also celebrated Harmony Day, this involved a display in the library and students and staff wearing orange to spread the message of Harmony Day across the College. The College also held white card training and participated the Try-a-Trade event, which saw a number of our students involved in a range of hands on trade based learning. I had the wonderful opportunity to see the brick laying course in action. The students involved were extremely engaged and learnt some valuable skills. Hopefully this will assist them in planning their future career pathway.

Early next term we start our enrolment processes for 2022. This commences with our student taster days in our specialist and school based programs (Cricket, Netball, Music, Fashion Design, and STEM). During this time, we also conduct parent tours. If you are interested in seeing what Belridge has to offer or just interested for possible future enrolment, please either call the school on 9408 8000 or register for a tour/student course taster day via https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/news-events/parent-tours-register-your-interest-here/  Bookings are essential. 

Please check the key dates for each program and application deadlines and spread the word to your friends/families who you think may be interested in any of our programs.

Term 2 also sees the return of NAPLAN Online for students in Years 7 and 9. Further information and updates will follow via Connect.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Belridge students, staff, parents and wider community a very happy Easter. I hope you are able to spend some quality time with family and friends over this holiday period. Looking forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2.

Sharon Lyon
Principal

Year 10, 11 and 12 - Studiosity

On Wednesday 10 March, Di Guise from ECU re-introduced all students to the benefits of Studiosity.  This is a free online service provided to our students to help them improve their academic success.  It has two main areas of help.  Connect Live allows the students to get help with questions they are 'stuck on' at home and writing feedback is a service to improve students' essay writing.  Also some important study and assessment tools have been added. 

Every Year 10, 11 and 12 student was sent login details via their DOE email account, so please encourage your son/daughter to use this great service. 

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 on Wednesday afternoons. 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 23.  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 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.

Rob Strickland
Vice Principal - Senior School 

OLNA and NAPLAN (Systemic Assessment)

As many of you would be aware, we have just concluded the first round of the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are yet to achieve ‘Category 3’. This is the benchmark level of literacy and numeracy taken from the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).  Level 3 is regarded as the “minimum required for individuals to meet the complex demands of everyday life and work in the emerging knowledge-based economy”.  The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is the common national reference point for assessing performance in the core skill areas; language, literacy and numeracy from Pre Level 1 to Level 5.

NAPLAN, the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy is, similarly, a national program to set developmental benchmarks and measure student progress in literacy and numeracy over Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Achieving Band 8 or above in Year 9 NAPLAN is equivalent to meeting the ACSF Level 3 benchmark, and pre-qualifies students for OLNA (meaning they do not need to sit the OLNA assessment and have met the English Language Competency requirement for WACE.

NAPLAN Online will run again in May from Tuesday 11 – Friday 21 May, after being cancelled in 2020 during Covid disruptions. The testing schedule is as follows:

Parents and students are encouraged to access the example tests available at the NAP Public Demonstration Site at https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site in advance of the assessments taking place. Students in Years 7 and 9 will be taking practice tests with their English and Maths teachers in advance of NAPLAN in order to familiarize themselves with the test environment.

Carlos Notarpietro
Associate Principal 

Harmony Week

This term we acknowledged Harmony Week.  

Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this.
Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of their cultural background. Here at Belridge SC we have many different cultures within our community and this term we celebrated this.

Miss Currie
Head of Student Services - Middle School

Peer Support Program 

The end of Term 1, 2021 sees the culmination of the formal Peer Support Program between Year 10 Peer Leaders and Year 7 students, however, the relationships formed continue on.  In Term 4, 2020 Year 10 Peer Leaders participated in a two day leadership course conducted by staff with the assistance of Peer Support Australia. These leaders then assisted with the transition program with our feeder primary schools and the orientation day late in 2020.

During Term 1 of 2021, our Year 10 leaders have been leading small groups of Year 7 students through a set of eight structured sessions, one period a week. The focus of the sessions for this year is ‘Rethinking Challenges’ which focusses on Resilience and operates through interactive activities and games.

The purpose of the Peer Support Program is to develop understandings, attitudes and skills necessary to help students (both Year 7 and Year 10):

• Enhance their self esteem
• Develop leadership skills
• Be more resilient
• Cope with their changing environment
• Foster positive relationships with others
• Contribute to the wellbeing of the school community.

The Peer Leaders have done a wonderful job working with the Year 7s showing maturity, organisational skills and a strong sense of responsibility. The connection between the Year 10s and the Year 7s has become strong and will continue throughout the year and beyond. A big “well done” to our Year 10 Peer Leaders.

Phil Leenman
Chaplain

Every Day Counts!

Every Student, Every Classroom, Everyday!

Western Australian law stipulates that all school-aged children must go to and attend school every day.  Each school is required to keep accurate attendance records for all its students. This includes taking attendance:

• In the morning and afternoon for students in Kindergarten to Year 6.
• At every lesson for secondary school students.

When a student’s attendance falls below 90%, the school is required to investigate the matter and develop a plan (in consultation with the family) to address and restore regular attendance.

Developing the habit of going to school every day is vital so children do not miss out on important ideas and skills they need for future learning.

Did you know?

• Missing half a day of school each week equates to one month of missed learning each year.
• The attendance habits set by children when they first start school continue throughout their school life.
• If children miss half a day of school each week between Pre-primary and Year 10, they would miss almost one full year of learning.
• Learning is cumulative – if children miss a day, it is harder for them to catch up.

You can help by arriving and collecting your children on time; making sure they get nutritious meals and enough sleep; and making appointments with doctors, dentists and specialists, and making holiday plans during school holidays and not during the school term.

Heather Currie
Head of Student Services Middle School 

The Science Experience
Opportunities seized for BSC Students

Seven students from our college successfully completed four days of STEM immersion during January at ECU Joondalup as part of The Science Experience.

These students have an interest in science and applied to participate in this unique and engaging program where they partook in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. They worked within many different laboratories and lecture theatres, collaborating with scientists, industry leaders and experts in various fields of STEM hands on learning including: coding, Aboriginal sciences, pure mathematics - infinity and beyond, biological soil sciences, ecosystems, physics, astronomy and conservation both within the world class learning spaces of ECU Joondalup and out in the field; two favourites being Gin Gin and Yanchep National Park.

Not only did students gain insights about further studies in science, technology and engineering, highlighting the wide range of careers that allow students to pursue their interest and abilities in the sciences, but the experience of learning at university with like minded passionate youth has fuelled their intrinsic curiosity for lifelong adult learning. The 21st Century skills of critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork and personal and social skills which are highly desirable for successful students in future pathways, were activated every day, for every student, during this program.

Congratulations to In Jung, Thomas Kay, Mya Firth, Beau Greig, Alex Hamlton, Alice Abrehart and Elouise Syers who recently met with college staff to share their experiences from this program. The takeaway message from these students was:

“If you are interested in STEM, look out for future opportunities
and have the courage to apply and register.
It was the best thing I have done, EVER!”

Thank you to ECU Joondalup, Rotary Joondalup and Rotary Northbridge who provided sponsorship for all seven participants to participate in this national program.

Glynne Bartle
AEP Coordinator 

ABCN Focus program at Belridge

The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) is a not-for-profit organisation that connects volunteers from member companies with students to provide fun, workplace-based mentoring programs that develop students’ confidence, skills and aspirations vital for thriving in the workplace of the future.

Belridge girls had the opportunity to participate in the ABCN Focus program targeting leadership skills. Over three weeks girls from Year 9 to 12 met with a facilitator and mentors online to discuss leadership skills and qualities. The Focus Program proved valuable based on the feedback of participants.

Students are encouraged to take part in other ABCN programs on offer throughout the year. 

Chloe Ironmonger
HASS Teacher

Dandjoo Group

The Belridge Secondary College Bush Tucker Native Garden will be formally opened at the end of Term 2, for NAIDOC week. The project is a multi-faceted project that has encompassed all learning areas of the school.

Recently six poles, reflecting totem poles were added to the garden design. The 6 'totem' pole designs were inspired by the artwork created by the Dandjoo group, elders and Art teacher, Ms Chloe Tsoulis reflecting the six indigenous seasons. Mrs Carolyn Wright adapted the design to wrap around the 6 poles and led a group of talented students to paint the design in an art incursion.

Book in a Day Fundraiser

In Week 5 this term, the English department held a movie fundraiser to raise funds for Book In A Day.  Past and present students and their families were invited to see Chaos Walking at Grand Cinemas, Joondalup.  The film, starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, is based on the ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ by Patrick Ness: a novel that Belridge students study in English.

This event has kick-started our school’s fundraising for ‘Write a Book in a Day’ Competition which will take place later in the year. All funds raised go towards The Kids Cancer Project.

Alicia Holliday 
English Teacher

Belridge Ball 2021

Year 12 students had a stellar time on their night of nights – The Ball. The theme this year was a starry night, which suited the venue wonderfully.

As the sun went down, students sipped mocktails overlooking the oval and big-screens of Optus Stadium. Then, when the stars came out, we had a glorious view overlooking the Swan River from the grand ballroom. The students themselves were the most stunning sight though, glittering in their formal gowns and very handsome in suits and throughout the night they got to dance and take photos.

The 2021 Ball was a huge success and the students made memories to last a life time.

BALL AWARDS 2021

Belle of the Ball: Camille Bates
Beau of the Ball: Zane Witt
Mr. Charming: William McMartin
Mrs. Charming: Amber Howell
Social Butterfly: Bonnie Kerslake
Mr. Charisma: Clay Arrah
Brave and Bold: Noora Hameed
Best Dancer: Dylan Stuart
Students’ Choice: Ms. Jodie Grieve

Alicia Holliday
Year 12 Coordinator

Girls AFL Freo Dockers Cup

On the 23rd of March we travelled to MacDonald Reserve to compete in the Year 9-10 Girls AFL Freo Dockers Cup. Our girls came from a range of experiences, including some who had not played a game of AFL before, and players with different grades.  All students came together to work brilliantly as a team. We faced off against a mix of schools, including some with AFL Programs and Academies.  We were highly competitive against all teams and were leading at times against academy teams!

At the beginning of the day some of our less experienced girls were quite nervous to face off against some of the specialist schools, but were quite courageous and gutsy on the field, going into every contest to compete their hardest. As the day went on nerves started to settle and all the girls were keen to display their talent, with some of our most nervous players rapidly improving to become some of biggest contributors by the end of the day.

Throughout the day we had some West Perth talent scouts approach us about some of our girl players who had impressed them and looking to add to their talent programs.  They also commented on how competitive we had been against teams with far more experience than us. All girls that represented Belridge on the day should be proud of how they played, their sportsmanship, behaviour on and off the field and the talent they put on show.

Hopefully we can continue to build on the results of this carnival in future competitions to come, and  what is becoming a growing support and culture of Girls AFL at Belridge Secondary College.

I would like to thank Mr Timu and Mrs Ferreri for helping out with training in the lead-up to the day and at the carnival. Finally, a big thank you to all the girls for representing Belridge in such a positive way and show casing the talent that we have here at the College.

Josh Hollows
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Netball State Representatives 

Congratulations to Zjana Herangi (Year 12) on being selected to the 17U Netball State Team and Teagan Sawatzky (Year 11) as a Training Partner for 2021. We wish you both every success! 

Student Achievements 

Year 11, 2020 Subject Awards - Top Students 

With Term 1 being cut short by one week, we were unfortunately unable to hold our whole school assembly this term acknowledging students achievements. 

Congratulations to the following Subject Award winners for 2020:

On Friday the 12th of March the Belridge Secondary College Belsurf Carnival took place at Sorrento Beach. Although the weather didn’t appear to be favourable in the morning it turned out to be a fantastic, partially sunny day. High student attendance on the day was pleasing to see.

It was great to see so many students involved in events, with participation points allowing all students the opportunity to contribute to their house total. The house points tally remained close for most of the carnival, encouraging some good competition. The high number of competitors meant that heats had to be 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 getting involved and enjoying the day.

Iron Man/Iron Woman

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 runners-up. The results were as follows:

Beach Flags

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

Winning House for each Year Group

The Overall Results

Fantastic win Marlins!

A big thank you to all staff for all their hard work, ensuring the day ran smoothly and safely. This event would not run so well without support from the whole school. Thank you to the Physical Education staff who arrive early to assist with set-up, co-ordinate the activities on the day and re-qualify so that they can supervise students in the water. We would also like to acknowledge and thank the lifeguards and staff at Sorrento SLSC who assisted with the venue and supervision on the day.

HPE Department

Term 1 Cricket Wrap

Despite the first week of school being cancelled, we still managed to rearrange and fit in all of our cricket fixtures for the term. We have again been very successful in our lower school games with a win percentage of 75% over those year groups. There were no 5 wicket hauls this term in lower school too add to the trophy, but we have two new names on the Hundred Club trophy with Jayden Rotham (Year 9) and Jaxon Goodchild (Year 8) both scoring their first Hundred’s for Belridge Secondary College.

Our 2nd XI's had their best year yet making the finals for the first time in nine years in the WACA’s Graeme Wood Shield T20 competition. Led by Chris Roberts (Captain) and Jaxon Poole (Vice Captain) we won all but one of our pool matches, except one which ended up being the winners of the competition. Taj McDonald got his second hatrick in 2nd XI cricket this term and had some exceptional games with the ball. The final was held at Peet Park on Wednesday the 24th of March and despite a great effort we lost the semi by 30 runs and ended up in the play-off competing for 3rd or 4th place. The boys put in another monster effort and came away with the win making us 3rd in the state T20 competition.

We are the Kim Hughes Champions again!

On Monday the 29th of March the 1st XI Team made it through to another Grand Final in the Kim Hughes Shield, which is the WACA’s premier secondary schools cricket in 50 over competition. Apart from one early loss this season, the boys have hardly missed a beat dominating all of our games with some great overall performances. Led by Cooper Connolly (Winner of Hyundai Junior Sports Star of the year and Captain of our team) and Kai Orr (Vice Captain) our 1st XI Team has been able to convincingly win games and to show what talented students/cricketers they are. The Grand Final was played at Murdoch University this year and our opponents were Daleyellup College, who were first in the country pool and beat John Forrest in the semi-final to get through to the finals. We won the toss and batted first and lost some early wickets, however, Cooper Connolly and Nic Davidson brought us back putting on a match winning partnership and performance.

Cooper broke school records in the grand final including the highest score by a student scoring 211 runs! Nic batted superbly, as well finishing on 70 not out. We bowled out the opposition for 189 with Cooper and Regan Spear both getting three wickets each. The boys have now gone back-to-back champions of this competition and we are all very proud of their efforts.

Scott Ogilvie
Specialist Cricket Program Coordinator 

Belridge Cricket team extinguish the Western Fury!

A number of lucky Belridge cricket students were selected to play at the WACA against the State Women’s cricket team, The Western Fury, on Wednesday 10 February. The game was organised as a practice match for the Fury before they travelled across to Tasmania to play in the WNCL (Women’s National Cricket League).

The Fury won the toss and elected to bat first. Both their openers batted extremely well, against some solid bowling from our two bowlers Daniel Corry and Harrison Brice, putting on a big 100 run partnership until we eventually got a breakthrough.

The Fury were building a formidable target as they reached 2-180 in the 34th over. Erin Martin (Year 9) and Breanna Giandzi (Year 11) had the opportunity to bowl to some of their cricketing idols, which was a really great experience for them both. Our last 15 overs were really tidy, led by Oskar Le Blanc (3 wickets), Zac Caporn (1 wicket) and Kai Orr (1 wicket). The Fury finished 9-255 after 50 overs.

In response, Belridge had a wobbly start losing two early wickets within the first 10 overs. Daniel Corry and Riley Gillespie steadied the ship and put on a nice partnership before both losing their wicket before the first drinks break. Kai Orr (70 runs) and Matt Carroll (57 runs) batted superbly and put Belridge back into contention to win the match with a big 100 run partnership. Unfortunately, both batsman fell in quick succession which put the tail enders under pressure to finish the game. With 24 balls remaining in the match Belridge needed 34 runs with 2 wickets in hand. Enter Oskar Le Blanc ‘THE FINISHER’, as he is more affectionately known now, who came in and blundered the attack, catapulting Belridge to a nail biting win with 3 balls remaining in the game!

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to play against quality opposition at the home of cricket. We thank the Fury for the invitation to play them. A huge thank you to all our students who represented Belridge proudly once again.

Mr Spinks
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Career News

We have focused this term on a number of events planned to enhance the students’ vocational futures with regard to both career planning and skill development. Hopefully the students will develop an understanding of how important it is for them to not only think about future career options and pathways, but also strive at school and take every opportunity to expand their skills and abilities.

Authority Developed Workplace Learning (ADWPL)

We met with the Year 11 and 12 Workplace Learning students early this term and discussed the value of completing ADWPL, as well as the process of obtaining a Work Experience placement. Considering a work placement in an industry area relevant to their career interests is strongly recommended. Whilst the students are encouraged to source their own work placement, they are also welcome to seek assistance and support from Ms Fuhrmann. Prior to being enrolled in ADWPL, both Year 11 and 12 students must return the completed and signed ADWPL application they have been given. This should be returned before the end of the term.

The Semester One dates for a two week Work Placement block, for both Year 11 and 12 students, are Monday 31 May to Friday 11 June 2021 – Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 2. We would expect students to have finalised their placement by Week 3 of second term.

Liundsay Harlow from Jobs & Skills Centre at NM TAFE came in to talk about employability skills and employer expectations to help ease students into navigating the working world. 

White Card Training

Belridge Secondary College arranged for Paragon Corporate Training to deliver the White Card Training course to two groups of Year 11 and 12 students during Weeks 7 and 8. The course was successfully completed by all participants and each received a Construction White Card issued by Worksafe WA. The White Card is compulsory for anyone working or installing on a building, construction or mine site. This also applies for work experience candidates. There is no expiry on the White Card, so it doesn’t need to be renewed. Possessing a White Card opens up a diverse range of work experience placements for students. We are grateful to Paragon Corporate Training for their extremely efficient service and course delivery, and the students are most appreciative of the opportunity they were given.

Introduction to Bricklaying
Try-A-Trade program

The Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (ABBTF) sponsored this program which was delivered at Belridge SC by a specialist from the Residential Trades and Construction Department of North Metro TAFE. Thirteen Year 10 and 11 students participated in the program which ran over two days during Week 8.

The students threw themselves into the Try-A-Trade with great effort and enthusiasm and their focused, hard-working approach produced some excellent results. All students enjoyed this hands on experience in laying bricks and blocks, gaining information about reading plans, measurement and calculation as well.

Thank you very much to both the ABBTF and Eddy from North Metro TAFE

Meredith Fuhrmann
Careers Coordinator 

Numero Club 

Wednesday Lunchtime - Room M2. All students welcome.  No experience needed.  If you like card games and maths, come along and give it a try. 

Belridge Beats 

DJ classes for 2021 are commencing Term 2.  See Mr O'Neill for more information. 

Math Homework Classes

Mondays after school 3:05pm to 4:05pm - Library. For students who need some extra help with your work in math, please come along.  All year groups welcome. 

Lego Club

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 come along to M5 during Tuesday and Thursday recess to join like minded peers who love Lego.  See Miss Shirley or Mrs Keeble for more information. 

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 - we are here to help. 

Payments can be made by cash or EFTPOS at the front office or Direct Deposit to our new bank details of Comm Bank.

BSB: 066 040
Account: 19906002

Please ensure you quote as your reference STUDENT NAME and YEAR GROUP (ie. JOHN SMITH Y10

Thank you

Kerrie Ward
Manager of Corporate Services

Uniform Supplies

Important - Changes to some bus services

City's Youth Event Series

Autumn Program 2021 is now open for bookings.

How to book:

1. Visit the City’s Event Calendar filter the results by category box, select ‘Youth’
2. Click on the day of the activity you would like to book
3. Complete the registration form by adding the participant’s details

For more information on the Anchors Youth Centre and the Holiday Program call Youth Services on 9400 4228.