Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2025 school year. 

Welcome back to our returning students and welcome new Year 7’s - As you might expect, the initial weeks can be quite challenging for our students, particularly for our new Year 7’s. Adapting to a new routine, making new friends, and finding their place can be quite exhausting. However, the Year 7’s appear to be managing the transition well, settling into their new classes and navigating the campus with ease.

In the first week, our Year 7 students engaged in various transition activities, including an ICT induction, a guided tour of the library, and several team-building exercises. Hopefully, these activities helped them acclimate to the College environment and start their journey on a positive note. 

Our big news – Our STEM build is open and ready for business!!

The College is happy to announce that our new STEM classrooms are ready on time and operational. This facility is a massive boost to out Technologies space and we can not wait to see it in action.

WACE Achievement - Our departing Year 12 cohort did the College proud achieving some great results in their WACE. As a College 97% of our WACE eligible students achieved their WACE – higher than like schools and public schools. We also saw an increase in the percentage of students achieving Certificate II/III qualifications with 52% of students enrolled in a VET course. Our strong OLNA results saw 99% of our WACE-eligible cohort achieve the minimum standard in both literacy and numeracy, with 100% achieving the Reading and Writing component.

This term, we have several events, starting with our annual beach carnival, Belsurf. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our HPE team for their hard work in planning and preparing for this significant event, it is a massive task but one we know the students appreciate. Additionally, NAPLAN and OLNA assessments are scheduled this term with preparations in full swing for our Year 7’s and 9’s, along with those students hoping to pass their OLNA during this round.

We also have the much-anticipated Year 12 Ball taking place this year at a new venue - Beaumonde on the Point. I look forward to seeing our wonderful Year 12 students shine and can’t wait to share the highlights with you in our next newsletter.

Parent tours and specialist program student tasters will take place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 along with a parent information session in the evening for future students.

Our Parent/Teacher interviews will take place on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 from 3.30pm to 6.30pm for current students in Years 7, 11 and 12.  Details on how to make your bookings will be emailed shortly or you can find information on our website.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff to the College, Goran Tomic - HASS, Alana Lindsay - The Arts, Mankirat Singh - HOLA Mathematics, Kellie Jackson, Kathryn Illingworth and Leonie Bilbie in Science, Monika Muston – Home Economics, Jessica Pesti – The Arts Dance.  Also, to John Piddington our new IT Technician.

If you need to reach out and contact the college, please see the Talking with Your College document that can be found on the College website to guide your inquiry. Other useful tools include the Parent/Student Handbook, and our College Connect page. I also encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that we can share our successes and events with you in real time

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Regards

Sharon Lyon
Principal 

With our first Board Meeting of 2025 rapidly approaching, we've hit the ground running. The Board's role in governance and strategy underpins the fantastic work of the Principal and staff at Belridge Secondary College. One of  the Board's focuses of the year will be working with local government to forward the College's vision for funding for a new sports facility. 

Don't forget your Board members (staff, parent and community) are available should you wish to raise any matters. For information on the Board's purpose and role visit our website.

A warm welcome to all the new families joining our College this year, and welcome back to our returning families. I hope you had a wonderful, extended school holiday and are starting the year with renewed energy and excitement. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm on the students' faces on the first day, all proudly wearing their school uniforms.

At Belridge Secondary College we are committed to partnering with you to support your child and our dedicated staff have already been working hard to create engaging and enriching experiences for all students. However, we recognise that sometimes concerns, either academically or pastorally, can arise and I would encourage you to contact the school as soon as possible so we can work together to address them.

Year 7 Induction

On Friday, 7 February 2025 Year 7 students took part in ‘The Belridge Way’ Year 7 Induction Program. Sessions included study skills, student photos, library and ICT inductions. We concluded the day with a sausage sizzle and the first formal assembly as Belridge Secondary College students. The purpose of the Induction Program is to help students have a positive start to high school, meet staff who will be supporting them throughout Year 7 and get to know each other. The day went very smoothly, and it was brilliant to see the students problem solving and making new friends.

Year 10 and Year 7 Immunisations

Year 10 parents have been sent a link via Compass and text message to 'Register Your Consent' for free immunisations at school.  Immunisations for Year 10's are scheduled on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. It is important to note that students will only receive an immunisation if their parent has provided online consent through the link below, before the day.  Find out more and register here: 

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/schoolimmunisations

If you have not received your invitation to register please contact our front office on 08 9408 8000 or follow the link above. 

Year 7 immunisations will be held at school in August. Further information will be sent to parents nearer the time. 

C8 Camp

Year 8 students have the opportunity to attend the C8 Camp in May this year at Woodman Point Camp. The two-night camp provides the opportunity for students to take part in a range of activities with others in their year group. Due to space at the camp, we only have a limited number of availability and therefore if your child would like to attend please pay the deposit or contact us as soon as possible to secure a space as they are filling quickly.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN this year will run from Wednesday, 12 March 2025 and finishes on Friday, 21 March 2025. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time.

Our teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. In school, students will also complete some practice tests as this is useful to help students understand and be comfortable with the format and process. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best.

NAPLAN supports inclusive testing, so all students have the opportunity to participate. Adjustments are available for students with disability, If you would like to discuss adjustments further, please contact Mikaela Dawkins, our Inclusive Education Coordinator.

See NAPLAN article further on in newsletter for Year 7 and 9 schedules. More information and practice tests can be found at: https://www.nap.edu.au/home

Louise Hall
Deputy Principal Middle School 
Years 7, 8 and 9

Welcome

I would like to welcome back all our students, parents and carers for an exciting year ahead at Belridge Secondary College. This will be an important year for our Senior School students, with Year 10’s investigating their future pathways, Year 11’s starting their two-year journey towards WACE, and our Year 12’s entering their final year of schooling. My goal is to support the growth of our students into independent, driven, curious and resilient young adults who will achieve their goals and contribute positively to their community.

Education is a collaborative effort between the student, school, and home supports. I look forward to working with you all over the course of the year to help achieve positive and rewarding outcomes for their children.  

Student Course Changes

Course changes for Senior School students have now been finalised, any further changes will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.  Late changes place the student at risk of not meeting course requirements and undue pressure on the teacher to try and get the student up to speed with the course. 

Year 9 and 10 elective changes are also finalised. Students should be settled in their selected electives.  

Year 11 and 12 ATAR 

Students on an ATAR pathway are required to attend the ATAR study period every Wednesday lunch and part of Period 5.  Mrs Hall monitors the Year 11 ATAR students, and I monitor the Year 12 ATAR students.  

The College will be engaging with Elevate Education again this year, acting as an academic support for study skills and organisation.  These presentations are designed to allow students to self-assess where they are at and how to plan positive changes to improve their study culture.  The presenters are young successful University students who have left the schooling system a few years previously.

To assist the Year 12 ATAR students in selecting university courses for 2025, guest speakers from all the tertiary institutions are also invited into the College. Speakers cover everything from minimum ATAR required, courses available, early offers and university life. 

Senior School Engagement Program (SSEP) 

To help develop skills and awareness, students who are not in an ATAR pathway and not participating in Workplace Learning are required to attend sessions during Week 3, 6 and 9 on Wednesdays.  This is advertised in parent notices on Compass and promoted in Form Assembly.  

Benjamin Dawkins 
Acting Deputy Principal Senior School 
Years 10, 11 and 12 

A warm welcome to our new staff joining us this year, pictured above. Also joining us, but not featured is Goran Tomic - Teacher of HASS. 

NAPLAN will take place from the 12 to 24 March 2025 and involves all Year 7 and Year 9 students in sitting standardised assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy. The NAPLAN  Public demonstration site provides sample tests for student familiarisation year-round. The testing schedule for Belridge Secondary College is as follows:

Term 1 - Weeks 6 and 7

Participation in NAPLAN

NAPLAN is for all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students. ACARA supports inclusive testing, so all students have the opportunity to participate in the National Assessment Program.

Information on adjustments available for students with disability who have diverse functional abilities and needs is provided in the NAPLAN national protocols for test administration.

Schools work with parents/carers and students to identify, on a case-by-case basis, reasonable adjustments required for individual students with disability to access NAPLAN.  

To help inform these decisions, you may consult the protocols, the NAPLAN public demonstration site, the Guide for schools to assist students with disability to access NAPLAN (PDF 96 KB), and our series of videos where parents/carers, teachers and students share their experiences in using NAPLAN adjustments.

In exceptional circumstances, a student with a disability that severely limits their capacity to participate in the assessment, or a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background, may be granted a formal exemption.

Our Inclusive Education Coordinator, Mikaela Dawkins, can give you more information on adjustments for students with disability, should this be required.

Library Lovers Day was celebrated at the College Library on Friday, 14 February 2025. It is a day to honour libraries, librarians, library lovers and the valuable roles that libraries play in our lives; especially within school communities. Ms Lang created a display for students highlighting books that featured libraries within their stories. A box was included with little "love letters" that students were encouraged to use and write about 'what it is they love about the library'. The letters did not disappoint...

GRIP Leadership Conference
An Excursion of Growth and Inspiration

On Thursday, 20 February 2025, the Student Council embarked on an exciting journey to the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre to participate in the GRIP Leadership Conference - a dynamic experience designed to empower young leaders. Throughout the day, students explored key leadership topics, including:

• Making Our School a Great Place for Others – Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• The Responsibilities of a Student Leader – Understanding the impact and duty of leadership.
• Innovative School Events – Crafting experiences that engage and connect the entire student body.
• Beyond Events: Creative Ideas for School Improvement – Exploring new ways to enhance student life.
• Supporting Others as a Leader – Encouraging and uplifting peers.
• Tackling the Impossible – Finding solutions to challenges that seem out of reach.
• Mastering Time Management – Balancing responsibilities effectively.
• Networking with Other Student Councils – Exchanging ideas and building leadership connections.

Students also engaged with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, reflecting on the importance of basic needs, safety, respect, and a sense of belonging within their school community. By identifying their personal leadership strengths, they learned how to amplify their voices—not just for themselves, but for every student they represent.

The conference was more than just a learning experience; it was an adventure in leadership, growth, and inspiration. The students returned equipped with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a commitment to making a real difference in their school.

Ms Jodie Grieve 
Student Council Coordinator 

ATSI 

Year 9 ‘Song Factory’ Career Taster

On Friday, 21 February 2025 eight creative and talented Year 9 students attended the first Career Taster excursion for the school year; the ‘Song Factory’ Career Taster at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Leederville campus. Students and the College’s Career sPractitioner, Mr Mouritz, travelled by public transport to Leederville for the excursion. The excursion, which forms part of the Year 9 Career Taster Program, designed to provide students with opportunities to explore careers and pathways of interest. All attendees were excited to attend TAFE for the day and experience what life as a TAFE student, studying a music-based course, would be like.

During the day students toured the state-of-the-art music facilities, including recording studios and live stage set up, that TAFE students studying Certificates and Diplomas in Music have access to. They were also given the opportunity to plan, rehearse and perform an original song in the professional recording studio. It was great to see the high level of enthusiasm and teamwork displayed by all attendees. Students also benefitted from exploring career pathways related to screen and media, including music performance, stage directing, broadcasting, sound and lighting coordinating and production coordination.

Students from Churchlands Senior High School were also in attendance and it was great to see both groups of students encourage one another and work well together. A number of students in attendance are hoping to apply to completing Certificate III in Music, combined with their Senior Secondary studies, once applications for Vocational Education Delivered to Senior Secondary Students (VETDSS) are available next year.

Mr Ashley Mouritz
Career Practitioner

Unlock your music potential!

Belridge Secondary College's Elite Music Program is offering free, weekly instrumental lessons in percussion, flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone.

Current students are encouraged to apply. 

Contact Program Coordinator: Zachary Offszanka

E: zachary.offszanka@education.wa.edu.au 

Certificate III in Allied Health is Up and Running!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Certificate III in Allied Health at our school, delivered on-site by the Australian Medical Association (AMA). A group of senior students has eagerly embraced this opportunity, marking the beginning of their journey towards a health-related career. We extend our gratitude to the AMA for this initiative, which is a valuable addition to the array of Certificate programs already offered at Belridge Secondary College.

Workplace Learning

Belridge Secondary College proudly reports that over 80 senior students have enrolled in the Workplace Learning Program, reflecting a significant increase in participation. This surge highlights the growing recognition among students of the benefits and value of work experience. These students are currently completing induction activities and actively seeking work placements for Term 2, aligning with their career interests. We are committed to supporting them in securing these placements and collaborating with our excellent industry partners.

VET Updates

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Thanks to AIET, HGT, IVET, and SSI, we offer certificate courses in automotive, hospitality, sports and recreation, business and work skills, community services (childcare), and IT. Our dedicated teachers are doing an outstanding job supporting over 200 students in completing their courses, many of which are seen as future career pathways. We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of all staff involved in delivering these programs.

Over 60 students from Years 10-12, who successfully applied to the VETDSS Program, are currently undertaking a one-day-a-week certificate course in their chosen field of study. This demonstrates the high regard in which Belridge Secondary College students are held by our RTO partners, including North Metropolitan TAFE, South Metropolitan TAFE, the AMA, Applied Vocational Training, and Skills Strategies International. The industry areas covered include sport and fitness, health and nursing, construction, engineering, creative industries, business and finance, IT and cybersecurity, animal care, tourism, and education. We wish these students the very best as they embark on their vocational training journey.

Any student interested in these fantastic opportunities are encouraged to speak with Mr Smith, Program Coordinator – Senior School Pathways. 

Belridge Secondary College Students Shine at Indoor Netball Junior Nationals

A huge congratulations to our talented students who have been competing at the Indoor Netball Australia Junior Nationals this week, proudly representing Western Australia. Student representatives are: 

Year 7	Isla O’Leary, Myla Mendrik and Luna Smith
Year 8	Ella Ngarimu-George and Tiarna Burton
Year 9	Dakota Barnett-Lofthouse
Year 10	Camdyn Jenner

It was an historic tournament for WA, with the 12 & Under Team securing two major victories:  

• 6-a-side champions – defeating Victoria 43-32 (WA’s first-ever win in this division)
• 7-a-side champions – overcoming Queensland 26-23  

A special congratulations to Tiarna Burton (Year 8), who was named Player of the Series for the 7-a-side competition and earned a place in the prestigious All-Australian team!   

Well done to all players on an outstanding achievement - we are incredibly proud of your efforts on the national stage!

Janneke Markovic
Specialist Netball Program Coordinator

Many big highlights for our Cricket Program this year!

Cricket Alumni

Congratulations to Belridge SC Specialist Cricket program graduate Cooper Connolly who was presented with his baggy green cap number 471 by former Test opener and fellow West Aussie, Simon Katich this month.  Cooper made his Test match debut for Australia against Sri Lanka for the second Test. Congratulations Cooper – BSC is extremely proud of your latest achievement!

See Department of Education feature also. 

First XI Team 

Belridge Secondary College's First XI Team for 2025 launched their season with a commanding victory. Competing in the WACA's prestigious Kim Hughes Shield, our team—comprised of the program's elite cricketers—is determined to add to the College's impressive record of five championship wins. With a history of consistent finals appearances and a palpable sense of confidence, they're poised to make a strong run for the title this year.

Congratulations to Scott Ogilvie on continuing his appointment for another year as Boys Coach for the Interstate Cricket 15s for 2025-2026. The team will be competing in Adelaide, SA from Saturday, 29 March to Friday, 4 April 2025. See Student Spotlights for students who made the team. The continued success of the Cricket Program is a direct reflection of Scott's dedication and passion, along with Josh Hollows and Conor Moldrich, who all provide top level coaching to our Cricket students. 

Congratulations to the following students on being selected to National and/or State Teams.  We wish you all the best in competing. 

Alumni News

Pathway to Success
From Specialist Fashion Design to WAAPA 

A huge congratulations to 2024 Year 12 student Abigail Kruger, who has been accepted into the highly competitive Costume Design program at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Abigail’s passion for fashion has been evident throughout her schooling, having been part of the Specialist Fashion Design Program from Years 7 to 12.

In Year 11, she furthered her expertise by completing a Certificate in Fashion at TAFE, attending weekly classes. A true Arts student, Abigail used the skills gained in her upper school fashion, visual art, and photography classes to create an exceptional portfolio for her WAAPA application. We wish Abigail the best of luck as she embarks on this exciting next step in her creative journey!

Mrs Kristie Wintle
Fashion Design Coordinator 

Former Belridge Secondary College student, David Okwera, a Perth Wildcats player was recently called up to the Australian Boomers squad for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Gippsland. David returned to the College back in October 2023 to run a coaching session as a PIP reward with students along with his Wildcats team mate, Bryce Cotton.

Sporting Scholarships 

SESF Scholarships for 2025 are now open. The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund is a national charity that proudly invests in Australia's young sporting starts by providing financial scholarships of $1000 to support and empower athletes that are facing financial barriers to achieve their dreams. They support athletes aged 10-18 years old, whose financial circumstances would otherwise preclude them from participating at a representative level for their state or Australia in national and international championships. 

Staff Development Days 2025

• Friday, 28 March 2025
• Friday, 30 May 2025
• Monday, 21 July 2025
• Friday, 19 December 2025

The Big Book of Useful Information

The Parent/Student Handbook for 2025 is now available to download from the website located under OUR COLLEGE.  This useful booklet contains everything from contact information, term dates, daily timetable, uniform expectation and school proceedings.  Download your copy HERE

Belsurf!

Belsurf beach carnival is fast approaching and scheduled for Friday, 7 March 2025.  Permission forms must be returned no later than Wednesday, 5 March 2025.  Head to our website to download a copy HERE.  Note: Belsurf is a compulsory school day. 

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 2 April 2025 for Years 7, 11 and 12 only.  An email with booking instructions will be sent closer to event date.  Online bookings open at 4pm on Thursday, 27 March 2025 and close on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 at 12 noon.  It is recommended you make your bookings early as places can fill quickly. 

Handy Links 

Not sure of procedures or how to access the College's online platforms?  Head to our website and search under OUR COLLEGE

https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/about-us/student-parent-useful-links/

Is your child commencing high school in 2026?

If you have a child commencing high school in 2026 or beyond, or you know someone who is, please spread the word of our enrolment events being held on Wedesday, 26 March 2025.  Find out more on our website under NEWS & EVENTS.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

School Fees and 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 download and complete the form and email to us or contact our Administration Team on (08) 9408 8000 - we are here to help.  

Payments can be made by cash or EFTPOS at the front office or Direct Deposit to our bank, details as follows:

Please ensure you quote as your reference STUDENT NAME and YEAR GROUP and PAYMENT DETAILS i.e. JAMES JONES Y7 CRICKET CAMP

Applications for Secondary Assistance close Friday, 11 April 2025

The allowance consists of two components:

- $300 clothing allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian or the school.

- $235 Education Program allowance paid directly to the school. 

Perth Soapbox Club
Open Day and New Members Welcome

For families new the College this year, Belridge Secondary College has a Facebook and Instagram page. Please like, follow us and share our great news and events!