It has been a busy few weeks since the last newsletter went out to you all. If you ever want to reach out to me directly, you can call the school on 9761 0100 or you can email me on kelly.anderson@education.wa.edu.au   Here is what we have been up to and what is coming up in the next few weeks:

Warren-Blackwood Principals’ Network

I attended a network meeting with local Primary and Secondary principals from the local region in mid-February.  It was an excellent opportunity for me to meet my colleagues and to exchange ideas and information about the local education scene.  We listened to some presenters, heard from the Director of Education, Dainon Couzic, and enjoyed the hospitality of East Manjimup PS.  I am looking forward to our next meeting and working with these lovely people to improve education for our young people across the Warren-Blackwood region.

Welcome Parent Night

BHS staff welcomed parents into the school on the 26^th February.  It was a great turn out, with parents chatting and getting to know the new staff and Year 7 parents getting to know all of them.  Our students leaders represented the school well, offering around some yummy finger food.  There were some displays of student work from Science and Visual Arts.  It was an enjoyable occasion.  If you missed this event, and would like to talk to any of the teachers, please reach out and ask for an appointment or a return phone call.  We want parents to be our partners in the education of their young people.

P&C

The P&C met just after the parent night.  There were some new faces in this meeting, which was terrific to see.  The group had some great discussions about how the P&C could best support the school.  They have a bunch of fundraisers planned for the year.  If you are interested in helping out, please get in touch with Libby Burgess (P&C President) at libbyb74@hotmail.com.  Next meeting is 19 March 5.30pm at The Freo function room.

School Council

The School Council also met recently and had an excellent influx of new faces.  The Chair of the Council will be a rotating role, but I want to thank Craig Goulder, who has been the main person keeping it going in the interim of Carol taking leave and me finding my feet.

I would like to thank the following Council members whose term is coming to an end:

• Rebecca Hardey  (Staff representative)
• Belinda Meehan  (Alumni representative)

It is great to welcome these people to the Council:

• Jo-An McCagh  (Manager of Corporate Services)
• Heidi Payne (Parent representative)
• Ben Vecchiet (Parent representative)
• Kyle Abbott (Parent representative)
• Nick Pantou (Parent representative)

 They are in addition to continuing members:

• Craig Goulder (Parent representative)
• Ian McGuire (Community representative) – his tenure expires in May
• Tammy Beswick (Community representative)
• Jodi Dagg (Community representative)
• Kathleen Holdsworth (Community representative)
• Kate Henderson (Staff representative)
• Tracy Gibb (Staff representative)

Our School Captains will also be attending School Council meetings and taking it in turns.  Alex McGuire was present at the most recent meeting and Joe Reape will attend the next one on Wednesday 2^nd April 5.30pm at The Freo function room.

The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

I had a terrific meeting with Tracy Lansdell (Shire President) and other Shire staff at the end of February.  We had a great discussion about how both the Shire and the school hope to support young people in the community.  This led to an opportunity for our students to be involved in a Youth Leadership workshop that will be happening later this term.

Swimming Carnival

There will be a longer article about this in the newsletter, but I just wanted to say a big thank you to the BHS staff for an amazing day.  The students had a great time and the House spirit was strong.  The students did a great job exhibiting the school’s PBS values and behaviours all day.  A special thank you to the P&C for the yummy sausage sizzle.  Libby Burgess and Wendy Palmer worked tirelessly in the heat and I can’t thank them enough.  Good luck to the students who will compete at the interschool swimming carnival on 21 March.

COMING UP:

NAPLAN

As this newsletter comes out, we are about to commence NAPLAN testing.  This can be quite challenging and distressing for our students.  I would ask parents to encourage them to do their best, but also remind them that it is only one indicator of their academic ability, and should not cause them stress.  I want to acknowledge the work of Bec Hardey, who has undertaken the organisation of this testing across the school.

Year 10 Immunisations – please get your paperwork in for this as a matter of urgency.

Lots of Socks Day 20^th March – please support this awareness raising school event.

School Photos 21^st March

Year 9 students attending YARN Mental Health Expo in Manjimup on 27^th March – look out for permission notes coming home soon!

Thanks to the whole community for a warm welcome to Bridgetown High School.  I feel very lucky to be here.

Kelly Anderson

Principal