As Term 1 draws to a close, I want to highlight some of the incredible achievements at the College during the second half of this eventful term.

On Thursday, 27th March, the College had the pleasure of celebrating our wonderful Year 12 students with a magical ball at Beaumonde on the Point in the city. The event was a success from start to finish, with all attendees thoroughly enjoying the occasion. A big thank you to Miss Hunt and Mr Dawkins for their efforts in making the night so special. A special thanks also goes to Miss Grieve for her wonderful photography, and to all the staff who supported the event on the night.

Our annual Belsurf event took place on 7th March at Sorrento Beach—a highlight of the school year and a uniquely Belridge tradition. This event unites Belridge SC and Belridge Education Support in a shared day of sports, activities, and friendship. This year, the inclusion of additional beach activities proved to be a hit, boosting student engagement and participation. A big thank you to Mr Bennett and the HPE staff for their careful planning and execution.

In Week 5, students with high attendance were rewarded with a visit from the ice cream van, receiving free ice creams as recognition for meeting the regular attendance target. It was wonderful to see students celebrated for their positive contributions to the College community.

During Week 8, staff participated in a School Development Day focusing on enhancing our instructional framework, RLEARNERS, and refining the curriculum within our Learning Areas. These sessions aim to ensure that students benefit from engaging lessons backed by a robust and well-designed curriculum.

Week 9 saw our interim reports evening for Year 7, Year 11, and Year 12 parents—a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with our parent community, share early feedback, and support students in settling into their new school or WACE pathway.

On Wednesday, 26th March, we hosted a taster program showcasing our specialist areas: Cricket, Netball, Music, Fashion Design, and STEM AEP. Alongside this, we offered morning and twilight parent tours and an information session for new and prospective families, highlighting the College’s unique offerings. If you missed these events and would like to explore what Belridge has to offer or join a future tour, please contact the school administration.

Looking ahead, our First XI Cricket team will compete in the Kim Hughes Shield final at the WACA on 3rd April. We wish them every success and are immensely proud of their achievements.

Finally, I extend my gratitude to the Belridge community for their support throughout this term and to the dedicated staff for their hard work. I wish you all a relaxing Easter break filled with quality time with loved ones and look forward to an exciting Term 2.

Regards

Sharon Lyon
Principal 

The Board kicked off 2025 with an action-packed agenda during our March meeting, with the funding for the Sports Science Centre being a feature. An election promise, from the WA Labor Government, this funding promise opens a number of opportunities for our students and community to benefit from a state-of-the-art complex. Additionally, being able to fully fund the project frees up money previously earmarked to be used on school improvements, from amenities like shaded seating areas, to new 'crow' resistant bins, even improved bag 'management' for the library.  

The Board also had the opportunity to note some Department of Education policies, our overall finances and the events throughout the year. Certainly, a full agenda, but with so many important things happening at Belridge Secondary College, was a wonderful way to start the year.

Steve Hall
Chairperson
Belridge Secondary College Board

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

Term 1 has flown by, filled with exciting events, engaging classroom activities, and student leadership initiatives. We’ve also seen our new Year 7 cohort settle into high school life. Feedback from staff across the school has been overwhelmingly positive regarding students' ability to stay organised, be ready to learn, try their best, and build new friendships. I encourage all our students to continue striving for their best, both academically and personally, as we move into Term 2.

We remind students that success isn’t just about academic outcomes, but also the effort, resilience, and curiosity for learning they show every day. I hope Year 7 parents also received positive feedback at the parent-teacher evening about their child's progress and can use this to set goals for Term 2.

I encourage all parents to review their child’s task mark reports at the end of the term, along with Compass communication, to set personal goals for Term 2, after a relaxing break.

Year 7 Immunisations

The Department of Health will be offering Year 7 immunisations at the school on Monday, 4 August, and Tuesday, 5 August. All Year 7 students are eligible for a free adolescent booster dTpa vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough) and the HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus).

Parents/guardians must provide consent and can find further information at: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Schoolimmunisations.

Please note: Students will only be vaccinated if parent consent is completed prior to the immunisation day.

C8 Camp

The spaces for the upcoming Year 8 camp at Woodman Point in May filled up quickly this year. Thank you to parents for their prompt responses, which have helped us to begin organising staffing and activities to ensure a memorable experience for students.

A special thanks to Chadd Richardson for his hard work in organising the camp so far. Further communication will be sent to those attending at the start of Term 2.

Due to limited accommodation and staffing, spaces are limited. However, if any other students would like to attend, names can be added to a waitlist in case any spaces become available.

Social Media

Social media in 2025 is a significant part of teenage life, offering both opportunities and challenges. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok allow teens to connect, share creativity, and stay informed. The popular Netflix show Adolescence highlights how constant exposure to idealised images can lead to comparison and mental health struggles.

The show also serves as an important reminder of the role we all play in supporting students during this time and guiding them toward healthy social media habits.

Many teenagers struggle silently and may withdraw, but it's crucial to keep the conversation going. If your child is struggling, don't hesitate to seek support from the school or a GP.

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

Year 11 and 12 ATAR Students

To help students maximise their chance of success, we have employed the services of ATAR Support. This is an online revision program featuring ATAR teachers delivering detailed sessions on each topic of the syllabus. All costs for access to the program has been covered by the College for one year. Year 12 students have access to all of their ATAR courses, while Year 11 students have access to ATAR English. I recommend students to use this on a weekly basis to keep abreast of the content in their class. I also encourage parents to engage with their child while using the program to assist in their revision. Please see the link below.

atarsupport.com.au

Success Subsidy

To assist students in achieving their highest possible ATAR score, the College has established a Success Subsidy for up to $100 per Year 12 ATAR student. This can be used for purchasing academic and revision resources directly related to their ATAR Courses. This may include additional text books (not on the book list), revision seminars or study resources. Students will need to apply for reimbursement via the Subsidy form on Compass or the link below.

Success Subsidy Application Form

Year 10 Students

As we are halfway through Semester 1, I would like to emphasise the importance of students putting in their best effort in each of their classes. At the end of this semester, students will be required to select their subjects for Senior School. Their Year 10 Semester One report will determine what subjects they will have access to. ATAR courses in year 11 all have prerequisites and students will need to meet these this year or be recommended by their teacher. Students will receive guidance during this process and parents will be heavily involved in the subject selection process.

Elevate Education

Wednesday evening, we were fortunate enough to have a presentation to parents from Elevate Education. This is aimed at assisting parents to support their children as they navigate their way through Senior School. This helps empower parents to understand the skills and strategies necessary for students to succeed. At Belridge, we strongly believe the partnership between the school, the student and the parents is integral to help our students thrive. Engaging Elevate Education is just one resource we use to help foster these positive connections and guide students towards their academic goals.

Louis Cheeseman
Deputy Principal Senior School 
Years 10, 11 and 12

Specialist Netball Program 

Pi Week 

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Accommodations

We have successfully completed NAPLAN for another year! Our Inclusive Education Coordinator, Mikaela Dawkins, implemented accommodations for students with a diagnosis. Our wonderful Education Assistants spoke with the students to let them know about their accommodation and then worked with a small group of students who opted in to the specified seating arrangements on offer.

A gentle reminder to submit all diagnostic paperwork and documentation to the school if your child has a diagnosis. We need evidence of a diagnosis to implement accommodations, as per SCSA requirements.

Well done to all the students for being so calm and trying their best!

Form Activity Day – House Challenges

As part of Belridge Secondary College’s new Form and House structure in 2025, once a week during form students have been taking part in House Challenges. Forms compete within their year cohort to earn points for their House as either winners or participants. These challenges develop students’ collaborative skills with their peers and encourage a sense of belonging and commitment to their House.  Ultimately, it’s a valuable opportunity to have some fun as a form class and establish healthy rivalry between Marlins, Sharks and Manta Rays. Form classes have battled it out in a variety of both physical and mental challenges such as quizzes, a riddle competition, a scavenger hunt and a basketball half court challenge. So far, Marlins have proven their worth in winning the most house points this term, but it isn’t over yet…

Student Leadership Camp

An exciting opportunity for the Student Leaders at Belridge!

Our Student Councillors, House Leaders and College Captains attended the inaugural Student Leadership Camp at Ern Halliday. The camp was designed to empower and inspire the next generation of student leaders, providing them with valuable skills to lead new initiatives and promote school events.

Throughout the camp, students participated in a series of workshops that helped them explore their strengths as leaders. Mr Cheeseman led sessions on leadership and public speaking, where students improved their ability to communicate effectively. They also had the opportunity to brainstorm and plan various school projects and initiatives, sparking creativity and collaboration among the leaders.

Students participating in team building activities focusing on their communication and problem solving skills whilst fostering positive rapport amongst peers. These activities allowed students to push themselves outside their comfort zones, collaborate with new people and face challenges head on – valuable skills that will no doubt shape their future leadership journey.

The behaviour and enthusiasm displayed by the students throughout the camp were exemplary. They demonstrated respect, commitment and resilience, all college values. As they returned to school, we are confident that the experience at camp will enable them to be positive role models in the school community.

The Belridge staff are looking forward to seeing these young leaders continuing to shape our school community.

The Arts

We are excited to welcome two new teachers to our Arts team: Ms Alana Lindsey, our Visual Arts teacher, and Mrs Jessica Pesti, our new Dance teacher. Both bring a wealth of specialised expertise and a deep passion for their respective fields.

Ms Lindsey now leads a vibrant Art Club every Thursday after school, running until 4:00 p.m. This club offers a relaxed and creative environment where students can explore art without the pressure of deadlines or grades. Ms Lindsey provides valuable feedback, guidance, and support, allowing students the freedom to experiment with various mediums and expand their artistic ideas. If you're interested in joining, please feel free to reach out to the Arts team or visit the front office for more information.

Our Dance company has already begun preparing for this year’s competitions and is excited to present our inaugural Dance showcase in Term 3. Mrs Pesti, who has an extensive background in musical theater and dance concerts, is thrilled to be working with such a talented and dedicated team of dancers. We have been very proud of the girls hard work during their early morning rehearsals.

We look forward to seeing the creative endeavors of both our Visual Arts and Dance students flourish under the guidance of these wonderful new additions to our team!

Annemarie Verschoor
HOLA The Arts

Year 12 Outdoor Education Rottnest Camp

The Year 12 Outdoor Education camp at Rottnest Island was a great success. Over the course of two days, both groups experienced exceptional weather and ocean clarity.

Students engaged in snorkelling at five distinct locations.

On the south side, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, and Salmon Bay. Salmon Bay proved to be one of the favourites with its stunning turquoise waters and blue staghorn coral.

On the north side, Little Armstrong, Little Parakeet, and The Basin offered opportunities to observe larger fish and explore reef structures, including swim-throughs that provided a challenging and rewarding experience. Keen observers also spotted various nudibranchs among the smaller marine life.

Camping at Pinky's Campground provided a perfect setting for relaxation, beach activities, and communal meals, enjoying picturesque sunsets after each day's adventures.

Congratulations to all participants for their enthusiasm and engagement.

Tiffany Collins

Physical Education Teacher

Year 12 Biology ATAR Students Dive into the World of  DNA

On Monday March 31st, our Year 12 Biology ATAR students embarked on a hands-on journey into the world of biotechnology, participating in an engaging incursion focused on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Gel Electrophoresis. The day was filled with practical learning, allowing students to experience the techniques used in modern biological research and forensic science.

The incursion began with a detailed introduction to PCR, a technique that allows scientists to amplify specific DNA sequences. Students learned about the key components of a PCR reaction, including DNA primers, Taq polymerase, and nucleotides, and how these components work together to create millions of copies of a target DNA sequence. They then put their knowledge to the test by participating in a PCR simulation, gaining a deeper understanding of the process.

Following the PCR simulation, students moved on to a gel electrophoresis exercise. This technique separates DNA fragments based on their size, allowing scientists to visualise and analyse DNA samples. This incorporated a real-world scenario: illegal fishing. Students were tasked with analysing DNA samples taken from a suspected illegal catch to determine if the fish species matched those protected by law.

The students improved their pipetting skills, loading DNA samples into agarose gels. The resulting banding patterns on the gels provided a visual representation of the DNA fragments, allowing students to compare samples and draw conclusions about the legality of the catch.

Beyond the practical applications of PCR and gel electrophoresis, the incursion also explored the broader implications of DNA profiling. Students learned about the diverse applications of these techniques in fields such as forensic science and environmental monitoring. The importance of DNA sequencing in identifying species and understanding genetic relationships was also examined, highlighting its crucial role in conservation efforts.

The incursion provided our Year 12 Biology students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of biotechnology. We commend our students for their enthusiastic participation and their dedication to learning. A big thank you is also extended to our amazing laboratory technicians, Cath Byrne, Jess Byrne, and Lauren James, who gave a lot of time and preparation in making this incursion a successful experience.

Joan Orr

Science Teacher

Congratulations to the students of Belridge Secondary College for their outstanding attendance, participation, and exemplary sportsmanship displayed at Belsurf Carnival 2025!  This year we introduced some new events - Treasure Hunt, Taplin Relay, House Taplin and Tug of War. This saw an increase in the number of events which permitted all students to compete, given restrictions on who could swim for safety reasons.

The Belsurf Carnival is aimed at not individual talent, but students representing their House. The Carnival was a remarkable display of talent, determination, and teamwork. Students showcased their skills and abilities both in the water and on the sand. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication exhibited throughout the events. The House system also provides students a greater incentive to perform for their team.

OVERALL HOUSE RESULTS

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the competitors who participated in the Belsurf Carnival. Your presence and active involvement made the event a resounding success. Your commitment to representing your house with pride and integrity is commendable. Also, acknowledging the teachers and staff who managed their areas and supported our students. Your expertise, encouragement, and unwavering commitment have been invaluable in nurturing the talents of our students and ensuring the Carnival run smoothly.

Beyond the physical aspect of the Belsurf Carnival, this event instils valuable lessons. Our students learn the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience. They demonstrated respect for their fellow competitors and displayed a true sense of camaraderie in Houses. 

Whilst students had the opportunity to gain points for their House - students who excelled also were awarded greater points, which help them strive for individual glory. Two BLUE ribbon events that individuals can win for themselves are FLAGS and IRONPERSON with the winner and runner-up receiving individual medals. Well done to the following individuals:

FLAGS

Congratulations to all medal winners!

Specialist Fashion Design

Applications close Friday 9th May 2025. 

COMPLETE AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM HERE: 

https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/future-students/forms-downloads-and-useful-links/

Music & Dance Auditions for entry in 2026

Applications close Friday 9th May 2025. 

COMPLETE AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM HERE: 

https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/future-students/forms-downloads-and-useful-links/

Be the next Cooper Connolly!
Belridge SC Specialist Cricket Program Graduate...

Specialist Netball Program 

Trials Day for students wishing to join our specialist netball program in Year 7, 2026 is scheduled for Thursday 22 May.  Register for trials here: 

https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/specialist-programs/snp/

Academic Enrichment Program 

Applications for students commencing Year 7 in 2026 close on Friday 9 May 2025. Complete an expression of interest here: 

https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/specialist-programs/aep/

Entry test is scheduled for Monday, 19 May 2025 at 9am.  Once registered you will receive an email with full details. 

Attention Year 12 Students

Graduation preparations are underway. Please mark your calendars for official graduation photographs, which will be taken on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, during lunch and Period 5. Your presence is essential. Ensure you have noted this important date in your planners.

We would like to congratulate Alivia Wilkie, Year 11 who has been selected in the Calisthenics Association of Western Australia’s (CAWA) State Team. Alivia will compete in the Australian Calisthenic Federation’s AusCali Carnivale being held in Adelaide in July 2025. Well done Alivia!