As Semester 1 draws to an end, I would like to take the time to update you on some of the fantastic things that have happened this term and also inform you of some of the upcoming changes.

As a college we were really pleased that our rescheduled school tours were able to go ahead. With over 130 prospective parents attending, we were able to showcase a range of different aspects of the college and allow parents a live view of our day to day business. Both on the day and over the weeks that have followed, we have received some really positive feedback regarding our practice both academically and in the pastoral care space. This has been a great boost for our school community knowing the hard work we put in everyday is being noticed.

This term also sees the start of our subject selection process. Last year for the first time, we moved to subject selection for our prospective year 9 students. This has been further expanded this year, with a range of new courses developed across the optional areas. New year 10 courses for 2022 have also been developed to follow on from the 2021 year 9 update. A key focus of these courses is the inclusion of STEM capabilities, ensuring our students are prepared and ready for the careers of the future. Our year 11 2022 subject selection process also start this term. This is a very important decision for many of our students, some of whom may need a little guidance. Unfortunately, acting on health advice, we made the decision to cancel the parent information session regarding this. However, the college will make available the PowerPoint presentation and FAQ sheet to all Year 11 parents. This along with access to subject selection counselling if required, should ensure our students can make an informed decision.

On the 4th of June the college was host to our annual Joondalup Learning Community (JLC) Conference event. This is the one time of the year when all of our network schools are able to come together and share professional learning. An event like this takes an extraordinary amount of organisation to come to fruition, I would like to thank Chloe Ironmonger for her leadership in this space along with JLC representatives from our network schools. The day was a fantastic event focused around engaging and extending high achieving students. We were blessed with keynote speakers Dr Eileen Slater from ECU and the amazing Glenn Capelli – The Many Lands of Smart. Both were an inspiration and provided a wealth of information for teachers to enhance their teaching and learning.

There are also a number of staffing updates that I would like to make you aware of. In Semester 2 our long standing HOLA of Arts Anna Dyer will be temporarily stepping back from the position. Jodie Grieve will move into this role for the remainder of the year. Our new Year 7 2022 Year Coordinator has been selected, congratulations to Rebecca Edmonds.  Brent Jarvis-Spinks will also move into the role as Year 11 Coordinator for the remainder of 2021 and on into 2022 replacing Kerry Clarke. We welcome Dean Cox and Matthew Kovacs to our D&T team, as Ross Stumpers moves on to a new role. We welcome Patrick Moore to HASS, covering for Chloe Ironmonger whilst on leave and Gavin Whyman in Science covering Heather Ferreri’s secondment to state-wide services. We welcome Emma Powell El-Gammal to the college as our new Dance teacher and congratulate Kasun Tennakoon (Term 3) and Joanne Baker (Term 4) our current HOLAs of Maths and English who will be stepping into Rob Strickland’s Deputy Principal position whilst he is on leave during Semester 2. Stuart Rutter will take on the role as Maths HOLA in Kasun's absence. I wish all colleagues moving on, all the best in their new endeavours and thank them for their contributions to the college.

A reminder that reports have now been distributed via email, they are also available on Connect (online or download Connect Now App). If you have not received your child’s report, please contact the College.

Parent board elections are also now open; it has come to our attention that some people are having difficulty voting. Please bear with us and we will ensure this is rectified.

I hope you all have a restful school break and get to enjoy your time with friends and family. Look forward to seeing you back for an action packed Term 3.

Thank you for your support.

Sharon Lyon
Principal 

Thank you to parents who took the time out to vote in the recent elections to fill three vacant parent positions.  The following parents were successful in gaining positions on the board for the next three years and we look forward to them joining us for their first meeting in August. 

• Danielle Brown;
• Steven Hall; and
• Sonia Moyle

We also wish to acknowledge and thank parents Brian Brightman, Paul Jones and Nicola Wilkie for putting forward nominations, who were unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Board profiles will be updated on the website early next term. 

Scott Amy
Chairperson - Belridge SC Board

E: belridge.sc.schoolboard@education.wa.edu.au

Semester 2 Classes and Timetables

All students will be given their Semester 2 timetables during a special Form Class at the start of the day on Monday 19 July. Timetables for all Year 7, 8 and 9 students will change based on the rotation of elective classes. There may also be some adjustments to MESH classes (Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities) for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 based on their Semester 1 academic performance. Parents will be notified of these changes by the respective Head of Learning Area before the end of Semester 1.

Year 11 and 12 timetables will also reflect course changes which have been made in consultation with Mr Strickland.

Middle School Semester 1 Reports & Parent Evening

Year 7, 8 and 9 reports were emailed to parents/caregivers on Monday 28 June and Year 10 reports emailed on Friday 25 June. The Parent/Teacher evening scheduled for Thursday 1 July was cancelled due to snap lockdown.  As instructioned, please continue to make your bookings and teachers will make contact you to discuss your child's progress over the phone. 

I also encourage parents and students to analyse the reports together and assess their performance. This is a great opportunity to set firm and realistic goals of achievement or improvement for Semester 2. In many cases student performance is directly related to student attendance. An attendance rate below 90% places student performance in jeopardy. Students should only be absent from school if they are sick or have medical appointments. Far too often students are absent from school for invalid reasons. I ask parents to support the school and their child in ensuring 90% attendance as a minimum is achieved.

Enrolments 2022

Belridge SC is currently taking Year 7 enrolments for 2022. Enrolment packages have been distributed to our partner primary schools and are also available from reception. We require enrolment applications returned as soon as possible to allow sufficient planning time for 2022. 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. Should you have any concerns on the enrolment process please contact reception.

Year 7, 2022 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

The College has now received information/pricing for the BYOD 2022 program. Our preferred supplied is CDM Australia. Parents/caregivers have the option to source a suitable machine from other suppliers, but please ensure that devices meet minimum specifications. Prices and specifications are detailed below. 

School sickness procedures

I reminded parents/caregivers in the previous newsletter 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 the nurse or Student Services. If the child feels ill during a break time they are to make their own way to the nurse or 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.

Finally, I wish all a happy, relaxing and safe holiday break.

Mario Pisano
Vice Principal - Middle School 
Yeras 7, 8 and 9 

It's Course Selection Time

We are coming to that time of the year when Year 10 and 11 students have to make important selections regarding their courses for 2022. Year 10 students have already been given a helping hand in Humanities & Social Science (HASS) classes to clarify their future directions. For most students in Year 11, they will simply be following the pathways they chose for 2021.

All students should keep in mind that they should not make selections based on what their friends are doing or what is easy. Parents play an important role at this time of year to help students make responsible decisions. Guidelines will be provided at the parent information night (details below). The school will generate a timetable based on the needs and decisions made by the students. Once the timetable is set, there should be minimal course changes and only the most valid reasons will be accepted.

Selection Forms must be handed in by:  
Year 11 (going into Year 12, 2022) Thursday 29 July 
Year 10 (going into Year 11, 2022) Tuesday 3 August

Please also note that high cost courses must be paid in full (100%) in advance, as highlighted in red in the booklets. We are unable to accept selections forms without payment or a copy of your direct deposit receipt.  Thank you.

Year 10 Parent Information Night (Year 11, 2022)

This parent information evening unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the snap lockdown.  Information has been emailed to parents and placed on website

Exams are over!

Year 10 students will have completed their first set of exams.  We hope that for Year 10 students this experience provides another piece of information to help inform them of their course decisions for 2022. 

Year 11 and 12 students should use the exam experience to refine their study program for the rest of the year.,  Now is the time to get organised and 'study smart'. Students should discuss with their teachers how to best study in their particular subject. Students who need extra fact sheets, treasure your mistakes sheets or study plan documents should collect these from my office. 

We also hope that those students returning from work placement will have extra incentive to work hard and achieve their best results. 

Finally I wish all our students a successful and rewarding finish to the semester and a safe and enjoyable term break. 

Robert Strickland
Vice Principal
Senior School

Grandparents Morning Tea

The Student Services Team invited Grandparents who are full-time carers for a morning tea at the school. This was an opportunity for the team to introduce themselves and explain how they are able to support these families. The families enjoyed some yummy treats and a cuppa whilst meeting other people in similar positions. Phil the Chaplain provided families with some information from the following agencies:

• City of Joondalup Library – Event Directory
• WA Government Grandparents Caring for Children Resource Directory
• Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren Support Group
• Defence Force Cadets

We look forward to welcoming the Grandparents back again next term.

Heather Currie
HOSS – Senior School

Inclusive Learning Lunch

The Inclusive Learning Lead Team invited students with different learning needs to join us for a pizza lunch. Students and staff devoured the pizza before a sweet chocolate crackle for dessert.

Students had the opportunity for their voice to be heard by completing a short survey to provide staff with valuable feedback for their learning. This feedback will provide staff with ideas for improvement and affirm what is working to support our students in the classroom.

The Year 10 Students had their first Exam Accommodations Room for those students who had special arrangements and this was very well received with positive feedback.

If any parents have feedback for adjustments that are contributing to their child’s learning at school, please email through feedback to
Mikaela.shirley@education.wa.edu.au

Inclusive Learning Lead Team

Students are no doubt preparing and looking forward to Leaver Celebrations.  leaverswa.com.au website has a wealth information for both students to help plan their Leavers and parents to help your child have a safe and enjoyable time. 

Authority Developed Workplace Learning (ADWPL)

Year 11 and 12 non ATAR students recently had the opportunity to complete a two week block of Workplace Learning. ADWPL is a valuable Endorsed Program that enables students to develop Employability Skills while investigating possible future career paths. In addition, students gain WACE credit upon attending a minimum of 55 hours in the workplace, documenting this in their ADWPL Logbook and answering ten Skills Journal questions.

Over fifty students took advantage of this opportunity and placements were arranged in a variety of industry areas in line with students’ career aspirations and certificate studies. Feedback from both the participating students and their host employers was extremely positive. The college is grateful to the local businesses and employers that support our students by offering the work placements.

TAFE courses one day aweek for 2022/2023

Each year TAFE advertises a list of Profile courses for school students to apply for, that are Government funded and generally cover areas of skills shortage. These courses are run at various TAFE campuses one day/week over one or two years.

Year 10 and 11 students can apply to enrol in one of these Profile courses and if successful, attend the course one day/week the following year while still attending school. WACE credit is gained upon completion of the course.

I am currently taking copies of the list of proposed Profile courses to Year 10 form classes, to give to interested students. Once students have decided on a course they are interested in, I will provide further detail about specific courses, and how to apply. The online application process opens on July 19, the first Monday of Term 3. Students will be able to apply directly via the TAFE website. Entry to Profile courses is competitive so students can support their application by providing additional documents such as a resume, references and certificates of achievement or participation.

If you require any support in your career pathway, please come and see me!

Meredith Furhmann
Careers Coordinator 

Perth SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo 

This free event is being held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from 26 o 28 August 2021.  Go to skillswestexpo.com.au for more details. 

The Writers’ Collective

The cold morning and dawn start did not deter the select group of talented writers who participated in the recent Writers’ Collective workshop in early June. Students experienced first-hand the craft of writing from internationally acclaimed 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Book Prize winner, Australian author, self-confessed Pokémon nerd, punk rock lover, car enthusiast, Holden Sheppard.

When Holden Sheppard discovered that feelings – especially painful ones – weren’t something boys were meant to talk about, he began to write his down instead. Twenty years later, the boy from Geraldton, Western Australia is now a multi-award winning author. His debut novel Invisible Boys was published in 2019 by Fremantle Press and achieved both critical and commercial success. Invisible Boys won several accolades including the 2019 West Australian Premier's Prize for an Emerging Writer and the 2018 City of Fremantle Hungerford Award. The novel is now in development as a TV series. source: holdensheppard.com

Students learned how bad writing can stimulate creative ideas and form good writing as they workshopped, edited and shared their writing with like-minded peers from across the state at The Literature Centre in Fremantle. The buzz of excitement filled the air as students formed new friends and continued to learn and enjoy the craft of writing.

Next term students will learn from the experiences of Leanne Hall in the third workshop of the series.

Ms Glynne Bartle
AE Coordinator

Interview 2 Impress

Students from the Year 11 Business Management and Enterprise course were given the opportunity to participate in the Interview 2 Impress programme on May 20th  2021. This programme is conducted by ABCN (Australian Business Community Network) in conjunction with local business, which was, in this case Macquarie Bank. The purpose is to give students exposure to the business environment and interact with them through engaging in interview techniques.

The fourteen students who participated were hosted by Macquarie Bank employees who took on the role of mentors throughout the session. Students enjoyed the surroundings of a corporate environment and engaged in a number of activities with their mentors, ranging from ice breakers through to completing ‘real life interview scenarios’. Students were given feedback by the mentors on their interview skills enabling students to improve on their technique throughout the session. Students were commended by both the facilitator and the mentors on their notable progression and growth over the course of the programme.

Students were required to complete a survey at the end of the course with significant improvements in the skills achieved:

Students were also treated to lunch in lovely surroundings and at the end of the programme were given the opportunity to go to the 26th floor and take in the beautiful views and ambience from the main bank foyer. Students were very excited at the end of the day and found the Interview 2 Impress programme a very worthwhile life experience.

Leanne Gendle
Teacher of Business

Cryptography Workshop 

On Saturday, May 8th, I attended the Girl's Programming Network workshop held at Edith Cowan University. The Girl's Programming Network (GPN) consists of a group of women who enjoy and are passionate about programming. These women at GPN are all about teaching high school girls the exciting world of programming and coding. This term, GPN held a free full day workshop on cryptography and taught us how to input code on computers, cipher, and decipher a variety of text.

In the beginner's workshop, our group of girls had an enjoyable day that consisted of:

• Learning about different cipher techniques
• Ciphering and deciphering different codes
• Using the python programming language to input code into a computer
• Working in teams to decipher secret messages in an engaging and fun scavenger hunt

Overall the GPN cryptography workshop was an experience to remember. My favourite session was the scavenger hunt, which encouraged both teamwork and quick thinking. I enjoyed the workshop a lot and would recommend it to any girl who enjoys coding or solving puzzles.

Charlotte Vinson
Year 9 AE Student

Year 9 Lightning Carnival

On Tuesday the 26th of May, a group of Year 9 students competed at the Year 9 Netball Lightning Carnival. The day which was held at Kingsway Netball Courts, consisted of a round robin competition against other local schools. Although the day is focused on participation and fun, both Belridge teams put some fantastic skills on display which got them into the finals. Although we didn’t come away with the win, the students should all still be incredibly proud of their performance on the day.

Physical Education and Events

Year 10 High School Cup

The High School Cup competition is a School Sport WA netball competition held yearly for some of the strongest netball schools in the state. On the 26th of May the Year 10 netball academy students travelled to Fremantle Netball Association to participate in the first round of the competition. Both teams were impressive throughout the day coming away with a few wins. Their conduct both on the court and off the court was admirable, with many umpires commenting on what a great group we have. One of the teams managed to book themselves a spot in the next round of the competition, finishing the day unbeaten!  A big well done to all students for their efforts on the day.

Janneke Markovic
Netball Coordinator 

Year 8 Basketball Girls Lightning Carnival

On Wednesday 16th June eleven enthusiastic Year 8 girls represented Belridge in the basketball lightning carnival.  It was so great seeing the energy from the girls. Both teams had some good wins and provided great competition against the other schools. Well done girls on representing the school and being brilliant sports people. Thank you also to the Year 10s who helped out on the day.

Mrs Collins
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Senior Girl's AFL

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) 
Indigenous Culture within Mooro Country 

The Aboriginal culture has six seasons Birak, Bunura, Djerin, Makaru, Djilba and Kambarange compared to our four seasons. 

Makaru (June to July)

Makaru sees the coldest and wettest time of the year come into full swing. Traditionally, this was a good time of the year to move back inland from the coast as the winds turned to the west and south bringing the cold weather, rains and occasionally snow on the peaks of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.

As the waterways and catchments started to fill, people were able to move about their country with ease and thus their food sources changed from sea, estuarine and lake foods to those of the lands in particular the grazing animals such as the kangaroo. As well as a food source, animals provided people with many other things. For example, 'Yongar' or kangaroos not only provided meat but also 'bookas' (animal skin cloaks that were used as the nights became much cooler). Nothing was left; even the bones and sinews were used in the manufacturing of bookas and for hunting tools such as spears.

Makuru is also a time for a lot of animals to be pairing up in preparation for breeding in the coming season. If you look carefully, you might now see pairs of 'Wardongs' (ravens) flying together. You also notice these pairs not making the usual 'ark ark arrrrrk' that these birds are well known for when flying solo. Upon the lakes and rivers of the Southwest, you'll also start to see a large influx of the Black Swan or 'Mali' as they too prepare to nest and breed.

Flowers that will start to emerge include the blues and purples of the Blueberry Lilly (Dianella revoluta) and the Purple Flags (Patersonia occidentalis). As the season comes to a close, you should also start to notice the white flowers of the weeping peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) as the blues start to make way for the white and cream flowers of Djilba.

credit to source: http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/calendars/nyoongar.shtml

Hardwork + Dedication + Dreams = Success

Congratulations to Jade Dafel who has been selected to be part of the Calisthenics 'Frangipani Challenge Team' representing Western Australia in Darwin this September. This sport takes many hours of training and dedication and we wish Jade the every success when competing.

Road Safety!

Updated Canteen Menu 

The updated canteen menu for over the counter and online orders has been recently updated.  To see what is on offer go to https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/about-us/canteen/

Uniform Shop 

Due to recent lockdown situation, the Joondalup Uniform Superstore is currently closed.  All being well, the store will reopen during the second week of the school holidays on Monday 12 July.  Contact details for the uniform shop can be found HERE