Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,
Being a nine week term has meant the weeks have just flown by. The beginning of our Independent Public School journey has gone smoothly and we are already seeing the benefits. Student numbers are the highest they have been in several years which has meant an increase in resources; class sizes in Year 7-10 are now lower than normal, thus creating an optimal learning environment for students. Most students have responded well to the expectations I outlined in the previous issue of ‘School Speak’; however I think it is an opportune time to reiterate these expectations. All students must take responsibility for their learning and behaviour by:
Attending School: Letters have already been sent out to parents of students who fall below 90% attendance. If a student fails to improve their attendance rate, a meeting to support parents and develop an attendance action plan will be organised.
Dress Standards: Whilst I am pleased to say that the vast majority of students comply with the prescribed dress standards, each year a handful of students attempt to push the boundaries by wearing inappropriate clothing such as black shorts. Please remind students that wearing correct uniform creates a sense of pride and team work amongst the school community.
Behaviour: It is important to emphasise that fighting, bullying, verbal abuse and harassment of others is completely unacceptable at BSHS. Staff will support students to take responsibility for their behaviour and assist them to make the right choices. We ask parents to support us and work with us when issues do arise.
Beach Carnival and School Ball
On 27 February I attended my first Beach Carnival. Since I arrived at Busselton Senior High School I have heard that this is an amazing event that unites the entire school community. I was not to be disappointed with over 478 participants attending the event at Meelup Beach. All students participated and a sense of teamwork was very evident throughout all year groups. I was extremely proud to be a member of the BSHS Community; I know staff and students shared the same feelings. Congratulations to Geographe who took out the day’s honours and to Vasse who received the most R.E.A.L tickets on the day.
On 21 March the annual Year 12 School Ball was held. The theme was ‘Burlesque’ and the students presented themselves in a very elegant and mature way on the evening. It was perhaps one of the most enjoyable balls I have had the privilege of attending. Behaviour was exemplary and students appreciated the efforts of staff in preparing, organising and participating in the event. I am particularly impressed with the maturity of this Year 12 cohort. Time and again they have demonstrated great qualities of leadership, compassion and a very cohesive attitude. They are very accepting of diversity. Look out for photos in the next addition of the ‘School Speak’
Interim Report and Parents Evening Years 7-9
By the time you read this newsletter you would have received either an interim report for Term 1 or attended the Year 7 to 9 Parents evening. I would like to thank staff for their efforts for undertaking this new communication initiative for parents. We felt as a school it was important to explicitly provide information on how your child is progressing this year. It is important to remember that this report provides only a snap shot of how your child is performing both academically and behaviourally in line with our R.E.A.L values. Should you have any questions or require advice on how to best support your child’s learning, please contact your child’s classroom teacher listed in the report.
BSHS Band Fete
On the 28 March at Mitchell Park between the hours of 8.30 am and 12.00 pm the Music Support Group and BSHS Music Department will be holding their annual fete. Our bands will be performing and there will be number of food and novelty stalls.
ANZAC Ceremony
2015 marks the 100 Year Centenary of the ANZAC legacy. This milestone is of special significance to all Australians as the First World War contributed to defining us as a nation. Busselton Senior High School’s ANZAC ceremony will take place on 24 April at 10.06 am (Period 2). The service is approximately one hour and is held in the school gymnasium. All parents and citizens are welcome to attend.
I hope you enjoy a safe and restful Easter Holiday break and the students return ready for Term 2 which begins on Monday 20 April (Note: There is no pupil free day on the Monday)
Kind Regards,
Dainon Couzic
PRINCIPAL