ASPA Summit and my role on the WASSEA Board
I was elected to the Board of the Western Australian Secondary School Executives’ Association (WASSEA) this year.  This body represents and advocates for principals and other school leaders across WA.  As part of this representation, I was invited to attend the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association Summit, held in Canberra last week.  It was a privilege to be able to attend this event, to talk and work with other principals about how we can improve education for young people across the country.  This summit was held at Parliament House, which enabled the various politicians to come and listen and speak to us.

Photo:  WASSEA Board at Parliament House

Complaints Policy and link to form
I have been working on a new complaints policy for BHS.  The aim of this policy is to provide a clear process for parents and community members to raise concerns with the school.  The Complaints Policy will be placed onto the school website shortly.  This process includes an online form that anyone can access here.

Fishing Trip Observations
Teaching staff have been engaging in informal classroom observations this term.  This involves teachers opening their doors and allowing other staff to come and have a look at what they are doing – see what they can “catch”.  This sharing of teaching strategies is a valuable form of professional development.  Nearly all our teachers opened their doors to share their practice with their colleagues.  I really appreciate their commitment to quality teaching at BHS.

YARN mental health expo
All of our Year 9 students attended a special mental health expo which is run each year by Blackwood Youth Action at Manjimup SHS.  Our students participated in a range of workshops that covered topics such as stress and anxiety management, healthy relationships and, strategies to build their confidence as individuals and to support their peers in positive ways.  We enjoyed a cupcake at morning tea, a sausage sizzle lunch and the talented performance of MSHS’ music students.  Thanks to Mr Kneale and Ms Phillips, who assisted me with supervision.  I want to acknowledge the excellent behaviour and participation of the Year 9 students.  They were outstanding.

Winter Uniform
Just a reminder that as the cold weather is approaching, please make sure your child has a school-appropriate jumper or jacket to wear.  Hoodies are not permitted.

Excursion process explained
Parents have expressed frustration with our excursion process and the paperwork required each time.  The school must ask for up to date medical info each time, but parents and carers only need to complete this section if there has been a change to your child’s health information.  We hope this clarifies the process.

Connect – how to view your child’s progress at school
The Department of Education uses a platform called Connect as the main application for communicating student’s curriculum and progress.  You will need a parent log in to access this platform.  This can be obtained via our front office.  Please see the attached Step by Step Guide for Parents to assist with your use of Connect.  Please note that your child’s formal reports are accessed via Connect.  We do not send out hard copies of academic reports, unless by special request.

Bus Behaviour
Unfortunately, there have been some problematic behaviours reported on our bus services.  Mostly this has been bullying behaviour of some older students towards younger students.  When we receive reports of this behaviour, we take strong punitive action at school.  I encourage parents to report their concerns to me.  It is also strongly recommended that parents report their concerns directly to the bus services, as they can also take action, such as not allowing students to access the bus service if their behaviour is repeatedly causing concern.

I can hardly believe that I am nearing the end of my first term here at Bridgetown High School.  I am thoroughly enjoying the experience.  Thank you to everyone in the whole community for welcoming me so warmly and for making this time so lovely.  I hope that everyone has a safe and restful break.  See you in Term 2!

Kelly Anderson.

I am sorry to announce that Yuko Tonai-Moore, our School Chaplain, has decided to retire from her position at the end of this term.  Yuko has been at the school for several years and has been an amazing member of our staff and school community.  Her kindness and her warmth have made her a favourite amongst the students.  She has always been so generous with her time and energy.  I want to personally thank Yuko for her contribution to our school.  Yuko needs to spend more time with her family, so she is regretfully stepping away from BHS.  We wish her all the very best for her new adventures.