It is hard to believe that our final term for the year is here and already passing very quickly. Term 4 is traditionally a very busy time with student assessments, the interhouse Athletics Carnival, end of year assemblies and Year 10 functions. It is important that families continue to reinforce that message at home; that it is business as usual right up to the last day of school on the 17^th December, 2020.

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,