I would like to thank our parents/carers for their support in sending your child back to school in their uniform and with their learning materials. We look to reconnecting with you much more this year than we were able to last year. This term all teachers will be contacting the parents/carers of the students in their Home Group. Grade 7 parents will be invited to a Meet and Greet BBQ at school on Thursday March 4, and all parents are encouraged to attend Parent/Teacher meetings which are scheduled for the last week of Term 1. 

New Staff

We are thrilled to have a great mix of experienced and beginning teachers join our staff this year. A warm welcome to Mrs Nicole Chettle, Miss Brittany Turner, Miss Chloe Carpenter, Miss Sherry Chen, Mr Andrew Rolls, Mrs Rachel Kirkwood, and Miss Michelle Walker.

School Nurse

I am thrilled to announce that Melanie Gaul will join the BHS family as our school nurse. Mel has experience as a school nurse in both Primary and High schools and having met Mel I know that she is going to be a great asset to us.

Attendance and Appointments

At assembly I reminded students that attending every day is crucial to their success at school. Sickness and family bereavement are accepted reasons for being away from school. Leaving early for essential medical appointments that cannot be made outside of school hours like the orthodontist, dentist, doctor, or other medical practitioner is acceptable. All other appointments and activities should be made for school days after school hours. 

An attendance rate of 95% is generally considered good and achievable for most students. This year we will be acknowledging, with certificates those students who can achieve this level of attendance. A goal for every student for 2021 is to achieve 95% attendance.

When students do have appointments to attend during the school day parents/carers need to notify the school office via handwritten note, text message, phone call, or collect the student in person from the office.

School Uniform

I would like to thank parents for their support in ensuring that our students are well presented in school uniform. This high standard of dress and personal presentation is something that is valued by our student and parent body and is frequently commented on by visitors to our school and the public in general.

Student Leadership

This week’s whole school assembly allowed us to formally induct the 2021 Student Representative Council and House Captains.  It was wonderful to share this occasion with those parents and relatives who were able to join us for the assembly.

One of our school’s strengths is the quality of our student leaders and I am confident that this year’s SRC and House Captains will continue to build and contribute to our school’s positive culture. They will be joined by Class Captains, Interact members, and Sports leaders in providing positive role models and experiences for our students.

Swimming Carnival

Our School Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday, February 24. The expectation is that all students will attend school on this day, and participate in the activities that best suit their level of swimming or non-swimming ability. Students do not need to wear bathers in order to participate, an old pair of shorts and a T shirt are suitable for non-swimming activities. This day is a great opportunity for students to interact with each other, and staff, outside of the classroom setting. If your child is unable to attend the swimming carnival for exceptional circumstances please contact me: trudydurkin@education.tas.gov.au

Trudy Durkin
Prinicpal