Hello Everyone,

I hope that this newsletter finds you enjoying the winter weather and managing to avoid the usual winter coughs and colds that seem to be impacting on both our students and staff. A reminder to parents that our strong preference is for students who are ill to be kept at home to minimise the risk to others. Like schools across the state, we are struggling to find staff - both long term or for relief - and so we are asking for your help in keeping our staff well and able to come to work and give their best.

The Bridgetown community should be very proud of the way students conducted themselves on the recent Darwin Tour. Staff received many positive compliments about the way our students behaved from members of the public and from venue staff. A big thank you to Mrs Loton, Ms Reidy-Crofts, Mr Power and Mrs Holdsworth for their support on a very successful and enjoyable camp.

Similarly, our students recently performed highly credibly at the Model UN event held in Busselton, where they competed against students - mostly Year 11’s and 12’s - from other much larger schools. Our Year 8’s also conducted themselves most appropriately during their visit to Talison yesterday.  At school, Years 10’s continue to prepare for Workplace Learning in Term 3 by completing their SmartMoves card.  We consistently receive very positive reports from the “employers” of our five students who are working several days a week for local businesses. All of this is evidence that Bridgetown High School students are successful, engaging young people that we can be proud of.

During this cold weather, we understand both the need for students to “rug up” to come to school and the difficulties in getting uniforms and clothing washed and dry. However, we do ask that you support the School Uniform Policy by ensuring that your student comes to school dressed in uniform.  The uniform allows for a black hoodie or a black long-sleeved shirt to be worn under a school shirt. These hoodies or shirts need to be logo free. Similarly, tracksuit pants need to be black and logo free. Socks worn with “Crocs” or slides are not an option for footwear as they do not meet safety requirements. The BHS Uniform policy states that students may lose their Good Standing for repeated breaches of our school dress code and this will be enforced from the beginning of Term 3.  If your student is unable to wear a uniform item to school, please let us know either by text or with an email so allowances can be made. A copy of the School Uniform Policy is attached should you need clarification.

The Commission for Children and Young People has just released the report “Hungry for Change”. This report is the outcome of an enquiry into food security for children in WA. The report has some interesting but not surprising findings, many of which centre around the positive impact on learning and behaviour of a healthy breakfast, lunch and brain food snacks for students. It is great to see most of our students coming to school well prepared in this way but there is also a number who are not. Whilst it is fair and reasonable to expect your student to be responsible for packing and bringing their own food to school, it is worth checking their bag in case they have forgotten.

All the best for a safe and relaxing holiday – stay warm.

Warm regards

Mrs CA Thorsby

Principal

Just a few reminders.....

1. Recently we sent home statements of unpaid billing items, along with some permission forms, please ensure these permission forms are returned ASAP so that we can update your students record before commencing semester 2.

2. It's now time to check your child's personal items and replace pens, pencils etc as required, so they are prepared and ready to commence term 3.

3. Country Week deposits of $250 are due by the end of term, Friday 30th June. If your child has been accepted to play in one of our school teams, please contact the front office to arrange payment or direct deposit into our school bank account BSB 066 504  ACCT 1004 2435, with reference of Surname - Country Week.

                                                                                                                                       Thank you

As part of our PBS learning, we have been participating in team building activities for the past few weeks, working together co-operatively and having fun.

One such activity was toilet paper costume creation.

 In small groups, students were tasked with dressing up one member of the group as creatively as they could, using only 2 toilet rolls. 

They came up with some awesome and original designs!

Blackwood Valley School Bus Service are seeking a bus driver.

Minimum requirement - MR class licence.

Part time, 5 days a week during school terms.

Training available to acquire qualifications.

Please phone or email to enquire.

Ph: 0455 572 731

E: admin@blackwoodvalleyschoolbusservice.com 

Kind regards,

Lauren Cheffers

Blackwood Valley SBS