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Welcome to Term 2, in what seems like no time at all, we are already more than halfway through the term. Although students and staff alike have experienced disruption over the last few weeks, with many being away with COVID, the College has managed to continue its operations with minimal impact. With restrictions being lifted we will begin adding our usual events back into our calendar. This includes assemblies, lightning carnivals, and excursions.
This term our Year 7 and 9 students have participated in the NAPLAN online testing. With staff shortages I had the pleasure of running some of these sessions myself. Student behaviour and cooperation was exemplary. Students followed instructions well and tried their best. I am very proud of how they conducted themselves and thank them all for their efforts, even though some were not feeling their best. Thank you to Carlos Notarpietro for the organisation and management of the NAPLAN testing, along with our teaching and support staff for their efforts in making this a stress-free experience for all.
In Week 2 this term we held our taster courses for primary students wanting to experience the specialist programs we have on offer at the College. The STEM taster session booked out once again with other courses also showing significant increases in attendance. Thank you to the staff for planning and delivery of these sessions. I saw lots of smiling faces leaving at the end of the tasters. Hopefully we get to see them again as Belridge students next year. The event also included a parent tour which saw over 150 parents attend on the day. Thank you to our tour guides for passing on your wisdom and to our Deputy Principal, Louise Hall, for her detailed organisation of the event.
At the start of Week 4 we completed our first round of AEP testing, due to COVID, a catch-up session was also planned for Week 5. For those missing out, there will be a final opportunity during our transition program at the end of the year, however places will be limited. Also, can I remind parents and students that applications to our Specialist Program in Fashion Design and Elite programs in Netball, Music and Dance, close shortly – please see website for details.
Students in Years 8-11 will start to select their subjects for 2023 very shortly. Handbooks are in the process of being finalised and will be available soon on our school website under the curriculum section. This year selections will be made online using the new platform SSO (Subject Selection Online). Information on how this works will be provided to students over the coming weeks.
Exams are coming up shortly for Year 11 and 12 students. These will take place from 30th May to 10th June. Please do not book holidays during this time, as these will form an important part of your child’s final assessment grade. We also have a School Development Day on the 3rd June – students do not attend school on this day.
Our annual report for 2021 will soon be available on our school website for your reference detailing our achievements against our School Business Plan targets across the 2021 school year.
For those of you who may not be aware, I have been in the Principal position at the College for the last two years on a temporary basis. The permanent Principal position is currently going through the recruitment process and will be finalised for a Term 3 start. I have applied for the position as there is nowhere else I would rather be than here at this wonderful school. However, if things don’t work out that way, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and collegiality over the last two years. We have achieved some wonderful things in very difficult circumstances to which we all should be very proud.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sharon Lyon
Principal
Deputy Principal - Middle School
This term began with the reintroduction of many school activities which has enabled students to meet as year groups again. Being new to Belridge SC this year it was brilliant to see students in Years 7-9 meet as cohorts, discussing good standing excursions and reminding ourselves of the vision and values we have at Belridge Secondary College. Also, with the lifting of the mask mandate it was fantastic to finally see students' full smiling faces!
The disruption to school this term through COVID is still very much apparent with many staff and students affected. If you have any concerns either pastorally or academically whist your child is in isolation, please contact the school and we will do our best to support you.
NAPLAN
Over the past two weeks most of the Year 7 and 9 students have completed four NAPLAN assessments. The student’s participation and approach were superb in both year groups and I look forward to celebrating student achievements later in the year. However, NAPLAN is only one of the many assessments we do to track students’ progress throughout the year and if you have any concerns, please contact your child’s teacher at any time for an update.
If your child has missed any of the NAPLAN tests the testing window has been extended until Friday 27th May and we will endeavour to complete catch up sessions with them.
Open Morning
On the 4th May we welcomed over 150 parents and over 100 prospective students in Year 5-6 to Belridge SC for the annual open morning. Parents and caregivers completed a tour of the school while students spent the morning taking part in the specialist programs we offer. The feedback from staff, parents and students was very positive and we look forward to welcoming these students to Belridge SC in 2023!
If you could not attend the open morning, please contact the school to request an enrolment package. A further parent tour is planned on Wednesday 24th August at 8:45am. Tour duration 45 minutes. Book your place HERE
Uniform
A reminder as the weather cools down that hooded jumpers are not part of our school uniform and cannot be worn to school. Your support with this matter is much appreciated.
Louise Hall
Deputy Principal - Middle School
Years 7, 8 and 9
Vice Principal - Senior School
Semester 1 ATAR Examinations
The Semester 1 ATAR Examinations will be held from Monday 30th May till Friday 10th June (Weeks 6 & 7). Students have been given their personalised examination timetables with Examination Rules and Procedures on the back. Morning examinations commence at 8.40am and students are encouraged to be outside the examination room (PA2) at least 15 minutes prior. See link below for complete list of all scheduled examinations.
These examinations are compulsory and contribute a large portion of the Assessment outline. Should a student be absent from an examination a medical certificate, as well as a written explanation from their parent or caregiver is required. The college administration must be advised as soon as possible if a student cannot sit an examination.
I ask students that they prepare adequately for these important examinations. Looking over notes the night before is not sufficient preparation. All students have been given examination preparation and study techniques to best prepare.
A copy of the exam timetable can be found on the website
I wish all students success in their examinations.
Year 11 students – Changing subjects for Semester 2
Students who require a change of subjects for Semester 2 are to see Mr Pisano during Weeks 6 and 7 of this term. Written confirmation from parents/caregivers is also required. Changes are not guaranteed, and any changes will be dependent on the availability of places in the desired class.
Year 11 & 12 Semester 2, 2022
Semester 2 for Year 11 & 12 commences on Monday 13th June. Students will not be issued with a new timetable. However, students who have changed courses can collect their new timetable before school on the Monday morning from Mr Pisano's office.
Tertiary Institution Talks Program
Year 12 ATAR students are participating in talks from all the tertiary institutions. These informative sessions are held during their Wednesday lunch and P5. Thank you to Mr Mouritz (Careers Practitioner) for organising the speakers.
Electronic Device Policy
Contacting your child during school hours
This is a timely reminder that should students bring an electronic device to school it should be switched off and placed out of sight for the day.
Should you require to contact your child during school hours please contact Administration or Student Services and staff will relay a message to your child. Too many times students have breached the policy and have had their devices confiscated because they chose not to switch it off or had genuinely forgotten and their parents ring or send them a message.
Mario Pisano
Vice Principal - Senior School
Years 10,11&12
Seasons for Growth
Grieve Education Program
This term Student Services are offering the Seasons for Growth program for Year 7 students. Seasons for Growth is an innovative, evidence-based change, loss and grief education program that draws on the metaphor of the seasons to understand the experience of grief. It builds the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing following significant loss by:
- Exploring the impact of change and loss
- Learning about effective ways to respond and adapt
- Participants learn that they are not alone in their experience of change, loss and grief, and are able to build their communication, decision making and problem solving skills within the context of a safe and supportive peer group learning environment.
The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People's Program are small group programs (4-7 participants) delivered over 4-8 sessions. Each participant receives a journal to complete throughout the program. The topics covered in each session of the program include:
- Seasons and Change (autumn)
- My story and grief reactions (winter)
- Feelings and memories (spring)
- Choices and moving forward (summer)
If you are interested in your Year 7 child participating in this program please contact our school chaplain, Phil Leenman - Student Services:
E: Philip.Leenman@education.wa.edu.au or call 08 9408 8000
Belridge SC Companion Dog
Peanut has made a paw-sitive impact on the students and staff at Belridge. He loves coming to work and seeing his colleagues and the students. He is becoming very popular amongst the student body and loves getting lots of attention. Peanut has helped students with mental health care plans, chill out cards, injuries and individual education plans, some students have been lucky enough to spend time with him as a reward.
Peanut surveyed some students who reported;
- Peanut has helped reduce their anxiety, calmed them down and making them feel happier.
- Having a companion dog at school has been a good idea.
- They look forward to seeing Peanut because he takes their mind off of their worries.
- We look forward to Peanut working with more students throughout the year.
Student Services Team
Follow Peanut on Instagram @peanutofperth
Positive Incentive Stall
In Week 10 of Term 1, students across the Year 7 to 12 cohorts at Belridge SC visited the Positive Incentive Points (P.I.P.) Stall to reap the rewards of their hard work and good behaviour. Students are awarded P.I.P.s for Student of the Month nominations, good behaviour in class, demonstrating care for others and upholding College values. The P.I.P. stall offered the opportunity for students to exchange these P.I.P.s for prizes and experiences!
A few of the most popular experiences and items included:
• Time with Peanut, our Student Services companion dog
• A High Tea with friends
• A private movie screening in the Auditorium with friends
• Handballs, water bottles, art supplies, lip balms, basketballs, soccerballs and boardgames
Student Services will be opening the P.I.P. stall at the end of Term 2 again for students to come through and cash-in their points. Make sure you are working your hardest and maintaining Good Standing (good behaviour and attendance) so you can enjoy the range of experiences and items up for grabs!
Benjamin Dawkins
Head of Student Services (Year 11 & 12)
Can you help?
We are currently seeking donations of good quality pre-loved school ball dresses, suits and accessories that are now collecting dust in the wardrobe and need a new home. If you can help give someone a boost for their confidence and self-esteem to attend our formal events in style, please contact us on 9408 8000. Thank you.
Join the adventure!
We encourage you to join us in unlocking the wonderful world of reading for your children. Help them to join the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Will they fly above the clouds, dive into the ocean or jump into a rocket ship? All students from Kindergarten to Year 10 are challenged to read 12 books by 9 September 2022.
Your children can register via the website, choose their own avatar and log all the books they read over the course of the challenge. Weekly prizes will be awarded to students who log a book that week, with major prizes drawn when the challenge ends.
Books don’t have to be in English – families are encouraged to read books in their first language.
There are extraordinary tourism prizes to be won each week.
Children can sign up on the website to begin their magical journey.
Students can talk to their English Teacher or Library Staff for more information.
Year 10 Excursion to Perth’s annual Career Expo – 13 May
Close to 100 Year 10 Belridge students recently attended the annual Perth Careers Expo, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The annual event is WA’s biggest careers based event, attracting 14,000 visitors each year. The excursion was organised and supported by the College’s Career Practitioner, Mr Mouritz, Senior School Head of Student Services, Mr Dawkins and Deputy Principal, Mr Notarpietro.
All staff were really proud of the mature conduct and high level of engagement shown by well over half of the Year 10 cohort in attendance. Staff in attendance commended students for contributing to the exemplary reputation our students have established for themselves when they are representing the College during participation in off-site events.
Students spent the afternoon travelling to the city on two chartered buses in order to allocate an hour and a half navigating their way through each exhibitor’s stand. Students benefited from the opportunity to directly source tertiary course information from a range of TAFE, university and private training providers; as well as directly networking with some of Australia’s well-known government and private employers. It was great to see so many of our students confidently ask for information, advice and access resources to take away with them for future reference. A number of students enjoyed the opportunity to win prizes and collect a range of ‘goodies’ from the exhibitors as well!
Attendance at the event is designed to support and promote the very important career pathway planning and Senior School subject selection processes that Year 10 students will be involved in during the year. At the end of the event students were reminded of the importance of making informed career related decisions and to continue to seek out resources they can use to develop a suitable and meaningful individual career pathway on completion of their secondary studies.
We strongly encourage parents to go to the National Careers Week and My Future websites with your child. Both sites contain numerous resources for use. The My Future link also hosts a range of related videos to help your child engage with careers.
Year 5 and 6 Taster Courses Morning
On Wednesday 4th May, 30 students from Years 5 and 6 attended Belridge SC to participate in the Academic Enrichment STEM, Fashion, Cricket, Music, Dance and Netball taster courses.
One such taster session was in the Academic Enrichment STEM subject area. Throughout the morning, students were involved in sessions across Mathematics, Humanities, Digital Technologies and Science. Students completed activities that used their STEM skills including problem solving and collaboration. They used a Caesar Cipher, constructed earthquake-resistant structures and hunted for QR codes.
Students also conducted science experiments in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A lot of fun and learning was had by all.
A massive thanks to Mr Rutter, Mr Winch and Mr Whyman for running these sessions, and to the current AEP students who helped out. Also to all other subject area coordinators for making the morning such a success.
Rebecca Edmonds
HASS Teacher/Year 7 Coordinator 2022/Academic Enrichment Coordinator
Year 7 NAPLAN
A small group of students with NAPLAN adjustments sat their assessments in Student Services. The students, who opted to complete their NAPLAN with specified seating arrangements, got a special treat with a visit from Peanut. This quiet, calm and supportive space helped students concentrate and feel comfortable, and the visit from Peanut was an added bonus! Peanut is our companion dog and loved by staff and students alike.
Mikaela Shirley
Teacher - English/Inclusive Education Coordinator
Year 11 Outdoor Education
A little bit of surfing fun!
Surfing has now been added to the Year 11 Outdoor Education program with Surfing WA at Trigg. All students enjoyed the beach and showing off their natural talent!
Tiffany Collins
Teacher - Health & Physical Education
ABCN - Interview to Impress
ABCN workshops have continued this term at Belridge SC.
Interview 2 Impress is designed to equip high school students with the practical skills needed to engage in employment options beyond school. Whilst students receive coaching in interview preparation, this workshop connects students with corporate employees to enable them to put practice into theory with a realistic interview scenario. Topics include effective non-verbal communication, building rapport, a typical interview structure and behavioural-based interview questions. See student feedback following this workshop:
Student Comments
“One of the most important thinks I learnt from my mentor was that you should always be able to express yourself even at times of nervousness or uncertainty”
“The most important thing I learnt from this workshop was to have the confidence and belief in yourself during an interview and it’s ok not to know the answers to the questions and ask for a few minutes to think about the question.”
“Love speaking with my mentors! They were lovely people, made the whole experience easy, comfortable and not awkward.”
Mentors Comments
“The students confidence built and it was so nice to see them start talking more
and opening up more as the session went on.”
“It’s a small ask (on your time etc) with a big impact.”
“Great experience for both parties, you both learn, not just the kids.”
“It was nice to just have a chat to younger people to give them some of my perspectives on things.”
ABCN – Future Thinkers
Future Thinkers aims to build creative and innovative problem-solving skills through the process of design thinking, involving a small group of students working with mentors in teams to create solutions to a problem using design thinking methodology. As part of the Future Thinkers program students completed an evaluation at the start and end of the session. The results speak for themselves!
Student Comments
“I learnt cooperation with teammates.”
“I learnt how to communicate over Zoom.”
“Innovative ways to help recycling accumulating recyclable rubbish. How to use video conferencing technology with professionals.”
“How to work as a team to come up with a final solution to help a specific topic.”
“I will use these skills in Student council meeting and leadership at work.”
“I’m interested in exploring more innovative ways, like the ones we learnt in this program and incorporate them into the Belridge SC student council.”
“I learnt from my mentor to listen to others and if they have more experience, make sure to ask them questions.”
Mentor Comments
“The level of engagement grows throughout the program and it’s great to see them animated and engaged.”
“Coming out of their shells, feeling more comfortable talking to adults in a semi-professional environment.”
“Growing in confidence and really thinking succinctly and practically.”
“It’s good to communicate with school students and understand their point of view in life. I am inspired by the student's creativity, imagination and intelligence.”
“It’s worth the time, would absolutely recommend.”
“Do it, you won’t regret it.”
“Very rewarding to give back to students especially those from a disadvantaged background.”
We look forward to our next workshop with ABCN - My Career Rules Program - scheduled in June.
Carlos Notarpietro
Associate Principal
Lego Club
Calling all Lego enthusiasts, our school’s Lego Club has a challenge for you!
We are entering Bricktober held on 8th and 9th October laster this year. The Lego group have decided to do a Ski Resort and we need you! If you feel up to the challenge, come along to M6 during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday recess time to join your peers who also love Lego and join in the excitement and help bring this idea alive!
Lego Club is open for students in Year 7, 8 & 9. We would love to see more students join in.
We would welcome any donations of any Lego from family and friends to build our supplies.
Mikaela Shirley
Teacher - English/Inclusive Education Coordinator
Audra Keeble
Education Assistant
The Student Council have been very busy already this term. With meetings placed online last term, we were finally able to meet again and share our ideas moving forward. We started the first day of term with our Anzac Day Service and the Make-A-Wish 'Wear What You Wish Day' on Friday 29 April, raising over $680 to assist in making wishes come true for sick children. Thank you to the Belridge community for making these events both memorable and a huge success.
ANZAC Day Service 2022
Jade Dafel (Year 11), Aansh Patel (Year 9) and Mr Pisano (Vice Principal)
Wear What You Wish Day 2022 Fundraiser
A survey was run through forms during Week 2 around ideas to better our school environment, with ideas like extra seating, painted blue trees for mental health, handball squares and motivational sayings in our student toilets topping the polls. Watch this space for the results and future projects. Please don’t forget to communicate with your student council through the suggestion box located in the library near the study corner.
We have also been learning the ropes for the new assembly structure at the school, with Student Services running more regular assemblies through the year groups. A big thank you Mr Richardson and Mrs Edmonds in assisting us in this new role.
And lastly, recycling is back up and running in the library. Please bring in any bread tags, bottle tops and old batteries and we will make sure they go to the right place. Drop-off points are located in the library near the study corner.
Jade Wright
Student Council Coordinator
High School Cup 2022
On Wednesday 4th May after missing out on High School Cup due to Covid for the past two years, our Year 11 and 12 Certificate Netball students travelled to Fremantle to play competitive netball once again. Team 2 had a very hard draw and played against Perth Modern, John Forrest 1, Mercedes and Byford. They walked away with just the one win for the day, but a couple of very close games. They should be extremely proud of their teamwork and sportsmanship on the day. Well done girls.
Our Team 1 had a terrific day, blitzing John Forrest, Mount Lawley and Emmanuel. They had a nail biting game against Melville’s very tall team, but were able to finish with a draw to secure top of the ladder based on the total number of goals scored over the day. This means that they will continue on in the competition to the Elimination Carnival on Thursday 23rd June, where we will hopefully see them progress even further. An amazing display of skill and rising to the challenge from Team 1, excellent work.
Thank you to Maddy Williams and Olivia Williams for coming along to umpire on the day.
Janneke Markovic
Health & Physical Education Teacher
Netball Coordinator
Watch out for the Williams!
Belridge SC siblings Sophie, Olivia and Charlie Williams travelled to Sydney in March to compete in the Athletics Nationals Campaign.
Sophie competed in the U14s age group and her results were below:
- 100m – Won her heat and progressed to the final, coming in 4th by 0.07sec. (PB of 12.83 achieved)
- High Jump – 11th Place
- 200m – Won her heat and progressed to the final, winning a bronze medal 0.66 between 1st and 3rd (PB of 26.30 achieved)
- Javelin – 4th with a throw of 34m83
- Triple Jump – Won Gold and is National Champion with a jump of 11.03m
- Long Jump – Won Gold and is National Champion with a jump of 5.21m
- 4x100m – Won Gold and is National Champion with her team mates
Sophie returned to WA as one of the most decorated athletes in the State!
Olivia competed in the U16s age group in Javelin and won Gold and is the National Champion with a throw of 44m77.
Charlie also competed in the U17s age group in Javelin.
It was exceptionally tough conditions for all, with gales, storms and the rain - congratulations all - we look forward to following your progress.
Following this, Sophie travelled to Melbourne during the Easter holidays and returned victorious with a gold in Javelin.
Enrolments 2023 and Parent Tours
The College offers various School based and Specialist Programs which may be of interest to your child if they are commencing high school in 2023.
- Specialist Cricket - contact Scott Ogilvie to book a trial
- Specialist Fashion - First round applications have now closed. Contact Anna Dyer for more details.
- Academic Enrichment Program in STEM and/or Humanities - first round testing has now taken place. Contact Rebecca Edmonds for more details.
- Elite Netball - Applications close 1 June / Trials 2 June
- Elite Music - Applications close 10 June
- Elite Dance - Applications close 10 June
ENROLMENTS 2023 - GET TO KNOW US FLYER
To assist the College in planning for 2023 enrolments are required to be submitted by 22 July 2022. Thank you.
Did you miss our annual open day and parent tours in May?
Not a problem! Prospective parents have another opportunity to register and come and view the College in action on Wednesday 24 August 2022. Tours commence at 8:45am till 9:30am. Bookings are essential HERE
School Payments
Please note when making future payments our new bank details as follows:
Belridge Secondary College
BSB: 066 040
Account: 1990 6002
Reference: Student's name and year
School Calendar
Our online calendar for this term and beyond is currently being updated. This can be found on our website located under NEWS & EVENTS. Please check regularly, as dates sometimes have to be changed.
Staff Development Day
Please note that the next staff development day will be Friday 3 June - students do not attend school on this day.
Children's Crossing
Utilisation of the Children's Crossing - Ocean Reef Road near Admiral Grove
At a recent Children’s Crossings and Road Safety Committee (CC&RSC) meeting a report concerning a periodical review of the crossing at our school was presented. Observers noted that a number of the school students were not utilising the school’s Children’s Crossing. It would be appreciated if parents could encourage your child to utilise this important service to avoid the service being possibly withdrawn due to underuse. Thank you.
Recycled Timber Wood Projects
Year 11 and 12 students are in the process of completing their Semester 1 wood general project. They completed a jewellery box project using all recycled timber (see examples). The box was made using the GIFKIN DOVETAIL JIG with either hinged or lift off lids. The boxes were made to a very high standard and the students were very proud of their finished product.
Lazo Njegich
Teacher - Design & Technology
Timber Wanted!
As always, the Design & Technology Department is in need of recycled timber. If anybody is pulling down timber or has access to building or construction timber that they could donate to the school, it would be greatly appreciated. The material could be dropped off to the Design technology department or contact Lazo Njegich on 0432 478 123 to arrange collection. Thank you.
Lazo Njegich
Teacher - Design & Technology
NOTICEBOARD