Newsletter Item Week 1 Term 2024

Kaya and welcome back to the beginning of another school year. It is lovely to be back and see our students excited and ready to start the year with enthusiasm and enjoyment. A special welcome to families of students who may be new to the school – we look forward to sharing your child’s educational journey with you.

Timetables for all students have been emailed out to parents and caregivers.  I hope that you find these useful in being able to support your student. Feedback already received indicates that a number of parents are pleased to have received them.  If you have not received one, please let us know.

We start the year with a full complement of staff so, unlike many other schools, we are very fortunate to have all learning areas covered by experienced staff. Mr Andrew Stocks comes to us from Broome SHS where he has had a distinguished career as a D & T and Science teacher. He will be working with Years 7 – 10 in the Woodwork and Photography area and will also be teaching a Year 9 Science class. Ms Cheryl Shaw is an experienced Home Economics teacher that we welcome to replace Ms Coyle, who is on leave this year. We are happy to have Ms Shaw with us for the year and I know students will benefit from the strengths and skills she brings to this role.

It is with mixed emotions that we bade farewell to Mrs Loton very late last year. Mrs Loton has been a very organised and diligent Level 3 Program Coordinator and member of our Admin team for a number of years. I am aware of the extra lengths she always went to, to support students and families, and I know her kindness, compassion and knowledge will be missed. Mrs Loton has taken up an exciting opportunity at North Albany Senior High School, at this stage for the year, and the family have moved with her. We wish them all the best. Whilst it will mean an extra busy year, I am confident Mrs Hardey and I can fill the void and continue to offer the same level of service to students, staff and parents. Please do not hesitate to contact either Mrs Hardey or myself if you wish to share either concerns or commendations.

A huge thank you to those families who have already paid their voluntary contribution fees and additional charges. These monies are vital to the running of our school and operating without them is difficult. Our Manager of Corporate Services, Mrs Sinagra is happy to set up a payment plan to assist anyone who may need more time to pay. A reminder that payment in full of fees and charges is a requirement for students attending major excursions such as Country Week and camps.  Assistance may be available for uniforms & the voluntary contributions for those in receipt of  a Healthcare card.

Parents are invited to attend a “Meet and Greet” afternoon on Wednesday 14^th February from 3:45 – 5:15pm. The event is held at the school and is an opportunity for any parent to come in and meet our staff. We would love to see you there. For catering purposes could you please either email the school at bridgetown.hs@education.wa.edu.au or phone 97610100 if you plan to attend. This meeting will be followed by the AGM of the Bridgetown High School P & C in the school library. These hard working parents are always hoping to attract new members and helpers so please consider whether you would be able to lend your support by attending the twice per term meetings which are usually held on a Wednesday at 5:30pm at the Bridgetown Hotel.

Our School Council meets once per term for a dinner meeting. We are always keen to attract new members from either the community or from our parent body to the group. Please let me know if you would like more information.

All the best for a productive start to the school year and please, as always, do not hesitate to contact me at carol.thorsby@education.wa.edu.au or on 97610100 if you would like to have a chat.

Warm regards

Mrs C. A Thorsby

Principal