Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,
Busselton Senior High School Walks for Tenderfeet
On Friday, 4 September, over 400 of our students and staff participated in a walk in the community to raise money for Tenderfeet. This event was driven by our Student Executive. I have been amazed at their level of leadership, organisation and the interpersonal skills they have demonstrated throughout this fundraising endeavour. Tenderfeet is an organisation led by Craig Garratt and raises money to support a school in Kibera, a suburb of Niarobi in Kenya, where the life expectancy is 30 Years of age. One in five students won’t live to five years of age. As Principal of BSHS, I am so impressed and proud of how our students have taken this cause to heart and engaged in an issue that is beyond our shores. Linking this cause to the curriculum has given students a global understanding of some serious issues that affect the world. Our students participated in the walk with great pride and represented the school exceptionally well in the community. They arrived back at school, where they attended a cultural assembly, had the opportunity to sample ‘ugali’ (the staple food) and witness some outstanding drumming performances. In an amazing effort, the school raised over $4000 for Tenderfeet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the student executive, the Busselton students and staff for their hard work to ensure the day was a success. I would like to thank Mr Holt; with his passion and drive, he inspired the students and made sure they were supported throughout the effort. This is a worthwhile cause and I urge our school community to visit the Tenderfeet website for more information - http://tenderfeetkids.org/
BSHS win a number of Queens Cup Categories
Our specialist Music program has been extremely busy this term, recently performing at the Perth Jazz Festival. They have also competed at the Queen’s Cup competition, scooping a number of awards:
Over 31 individual, duo and party awards including the overall Woodwind performer for the whole competition; Flynn Passamani.
Novice Concert Band Winner
C Grade Concert Band Winner
Congratulations to all the students who competed. We are very proud of you and you have represented your school with outstanding results. Thank you to Music staff; Ms Cooper, Mrs Parkinson, Miss Eastland and Mr Duhig for the time and effort they devote daily to ensure our students perform to the best of their ability. Finally, I would like to thank all of our Music parents and the Music Support Group who attended the various events, rehearsals and performances.
Mobile Phones at BSHS
With the growth of technology in society and the prevalence of mobile phones as the primary form of communication, staff at BSHS understand they are needed by students to be able to contact their parents. However, many students have failed to follow the ‘acceptable usage’ policy that was signed on enrolment at the school. I wish to reiterate that students are allowed to have mobile phones at school, provided they conform to the acceptable usage guidelines. The main points are listed below:
At no time during class are students to have mobile phones visible; they must be switched off during class.
Students are solely responsible for the security of their phone and accept the risk associated with them being stolen or damaged.
Phones are not to be used to harass or threaten other students at any time (SMS, calls, email).
Phones must not be used to hamper staff in the course of their duties or film other students or staff.
The staff at BSHS will always take the educative approach and discuss with students their actions in regards to their mobile phone usage. However, the policy does state that confiscation, a letter home or suspension may occur if the guidelines are not followed. We ask that parents support the school in assisting us with teaching the students the correct way to use mobile phones so it does not affect their learning. If you have any concerns or questions about these guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Year 10 Course Selections
Year 10 interviews for Senior School course selections are currently underway. These interviews are an important part of the selection process and ensure the right pathway is chosen for the student. BSHS has a number of excellent Senior School pathways to cater to students’ interests and needs. These include:
ATAR Pathways for entrance into University: Includes Physics, Chemistry, English, Maths and Maths Specialist, Human Biology and Biology, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education Studies.
Certificate II Business, Certificate IV Nursing Preparation
Manufacturing Industry Studies – Certificate II Engineering
Manufacturing Industry Studies – Certificate II Building and Construction
For more information about available courses, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
I hope you all have happy and safe Term 3 holidays. I look forward to seeing everyone in fourth term come October.
Kind Regards,
Dainon Couzic, PRINCIPAL