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FROM THE PRINCIPAL, Carol Thorsby
End of Year Events
This year, Covid 19 Phase 4 Restrictions will have an impact on our end of year Graduation Ceremony for Year 10’s and our end of year assembly. Unfortunately, the number of guests invited to the Year 10 Graduation Ceremony at the Shire Hall, will be reduced to 2 guests per family. The end of year assembly will be held in the school library, but each year group will have a “mini” assembly so that parents can attend. Please be assured that we will do our best to ensure that both events are memorable and enjoyable for all that attend whilst adhering to Phase 4 Restrictions.
Bring Your Own Device
A reminder to the parents of Year 9 and 10 parents in 2021, that the school has a Bring Your Own Device policy and many students already bring their own laptop. Unfortunately, we have found that some students that have the capacity to bring their own device either do not choose to do so, or bring it not charged. This places a strain on the school owned devices, of which numbers are limited. Our school owned devices are primarily provided to students, who for financial reasons, are unable to provide their own. Buying your student their own device is an investment in their future schooling after BHS and a purchase now or layby for Christmas is an ideal way to do this. The price of these devices have becoming increasingly more reasonable in recent years so we would ask parents to consider providing a device for next year. In 2021, to further encourage responsible and respectful use of school devices, all Year 9 and 10 students who wish to be allocated a school owned device for the year will be asked to pay a bond. If the machine is returned in good condition, this bond will be refunded at the end of the year.
Physical Education
I would like to remind parents that participation in Physical Education lessons is not only compulsory, but also a very valuable part of your child’s education. The benefits of regular physical activity are well documented and it is also a great social experience for students. I was disappointed to hear from one of our teachers that in a recent class of 22 students, 14 had notes from home excusing their participation, which left 9 active participants for the lesson! Whilst we do not expect those with genuine illness or injury to participate, we do ask that parents strongly encourage their student to give their best in every PE lesson.
Student Attendance
Our current student attendance data tells a rather dismal and concerning story. We currently have only 41% of our students attending 4 days per week or above. We also have 38% of all absences as “unexplained”. This means that parents have not responded to the automated text messages from the school asking for an explanation for why their student is away. I am sure that all parents are aware of the importance of regular school attendance and how important it is to let us know, when your child will be absent.
2021 Broome Tour
Planning for the Broome Tour next year is underway, as the response to our survey was very positive. I look forward to updating you on how our Tour is looking in the near future.
Until next time,
WOW! It’s hard to believe it’s the end of Week 3 already! I would like to commend the majority of Year 7 and 8 students for maintaining their rigour with regards to their learning. It is such a pleasure to see so many students achieving well, especially when the end of year reporting period begins in just a few short weeks.
My advice to all lower school students is to keep setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself, make the most of your class time, and keep asking your teachers for advice and feedback. What you are learning about now will become the foundations for future knowledge and understanding.
Learn it once and learn it well.
Over the next few weeks, I encourage all Year 7 and 8 students to complete their classwork and homework to the best of their ability. This will ensure their Semester Two report reflects their true achievement.
Traditionally, Term 4 is a very busy term – both at school and within the wider community. In the next few weeks, Year 7 and 8 students can look forward to the annual Athletics Carnival, a Cadet Camp to Walpole, music and drama performances, the final whole school assembly and supporting the Year 6 students during their two days of Transition in early December.
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition – Week 9, 2020
We are looking forward to welcoming our 2021 Year 7 cohort to our school for two days of classes and activities on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December, 2020. I have recently completed drafting a busy and rewarding transition timetable that will provide the Year 6 students with a realistic understanding of what life is like at Bridgetown High School.
The timetable will include a music performance on the Thursday afternoon by our current music students as well as a complimentary sausage sizzle, a Year 9 & 10 drama performance, cooking, visual art, digital technology and of course, meeting teachers from all of the MESH subjects. The students will also have the opportunity to meet the Student Services Team.
Important information regarding both the Year 6 to 7 Transition and the 2021 Year 7 Orientation Days will be directly posted home to parents in the coming weeks.
Only those students who have completed and submitted their 2021 BHS enrolment will be invited to attend both of these days.
Enjoy the coming weeks, everyone!
This semester, every Year 10 student has had the option of completing their Providing First Aid Course (HLTAID003) completely free of charge. Organised by Mrs Loton and only made possible by the generosity of the Bridgetown St John Ambulance Sub-Centre, 24 students and 3 staff members have successfully passed the course and are now fully qualified to provide first aid.
Bridgetown High School would like to specifically thank Erica Duffett for her time, energy and patience. Over three separate dates, Erica expertly trained the students to an extremely high standard.
This formal qualification is valid for 3 years and will make an important addition to students resumes and portfolios.
Year 10 students recently attended the annual Roadwise Mystery Tour of Life in conjunction with Boyup Brook District High School. The day involved not only our students but also Bridgetown Police, Bunbury Traffic Police, St John’s Ambulance, Bridgetown Hospital Staff, and Bridgetown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
The focus of the day was to alert our young people to the potential dangers of driving, and the impact of road trauma; not only on the individual but also the wider community…especially in a small town like ours. Students followed the journey of a road accident victim and were made very aware of the seriousness of dangerous – or distracted - driving.
A delicious morning tea was provided by the CWA, and Mr Pratico kindly donated his time to cook lunch and provided everyone with a free icecream. Students were also given an opportunity to get up close to emergency vehicles, and to ask questions of those who are on the front line of road trauma every day.
This is a real community effort, with not just emergency services being involved but also a number of community members coming to talk to students about their own experiences, which makes the message even more real.
Students behaved impeccably on the day, and the attending staff were most impressed by their conduct and sensitivity to the issues that were presented.
On Sunday 20th September, 32 students and 5 teachers set out for Country Week in Perth. This year Bridgetown High school sent 2 volleyball teams, 1 basketball team and 1 netball team.
The format for our accommodation was quite different this year as we stayed in a hotel, and students were expected to make their own lunches, keep their rooms relatively clean and try to get along with each other. This proved to be quite challenging for some students. However, for others, their maturity and leadership skills were quite apparent.
In the first 2 days teams were graded; volleyball was graded into both A and B grades, basketball – A grade and netball – B grade. Volleyball B team was moved up to A grade.
Students participated in their prospective sports each day, and in leisure activities each evening. It was a busy week with students and teachers partaking in bowling, mini golf, laser tag, shopping and a visit to Optus Stadium.
There were many hard fought battles throughout the week, with some players falling to injury and having lengthy hospital visits. However, the highlight of the week was definitely the finals in each sport. Volleyball A team romped into first place in A grade winning the perpetual shield and undefeated for the whole week, volleyball B team won 3rd place in A grade, basketball came 3rd in A grade and netball came 3rd in B grade.
As it was doubtful that Country Week would go ahead due to Covid, it was remarkable that we were able to attend, participate and be so successful. Both students’ and staff had a amazing time.
What's happening at school next term?
School Calendar
OLNA Year 10
22 Apr 2024 - 03 May 2024 |
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Public Holiday - Anzac Day
All day |
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Year 7 Cadet Camp - Grimwade
02 May 2024 - 03 May 2024 |
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School Photos
8:45 AM - 11:00 AM |