Term 3 has yet again passed quickly with a multitude of programs and opportunities that our staff and students have engaged in to enhance learning experiences. There is much to be proud of at Balaklava High School with an amazing demonstration of the diverse range of talent and breadth of opportunities that our students are exposed to. I would like to thank all of the staff who have poured hours of hard work into organising these opportunities for our students and continually go above and beyond so our young people can participate in these experiences. In the past 3 weeks we have seen: 

• Outstanding results at the Royal Adelaide Show
• A range of curriculum excursions
• Knockout Sports
• Showcasing of student talent at our Performance Evening and Public Speaking competition
• PAT testing
• STEM Aboriginal Learning Conference
• Student Led Conferences with our first trip across to the Port Wakefield community
• VET Awards
• Breakfast Club and Positive Behaviour for Learning

Staffing

Staffing has been a major component of Term 3 to ensure we set ourselves up for a successful 2025 with a full contingent of staff and continuity of teaching and learning.

I am pleased to announce the follow leadership positions for 2025 and beyond.

• Assistant Principal – Head of Senior School – Carena Brookes
• Assistant Principal – Head of Middle School – Pina Ribbons
• Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School – Donna Carpenter

There are a range of teaching and leadership positions that are currently being finalised and I look forward to sharing more information with our school community soon.

Governing Council Fundraising

My sincere thank you to all members of our school community who donated produce, money or their time and expertise towards the smooth catering efforts for the Balco tent at the Balaklava Races.

It was a highly successful day with many positive comments and a great opportunity to link our school with a local event and local business.

Through your generosity, the Governing Council has raised approximately $2000 which will be used in the future towards school projects.

Keep an eye out at the Balaklava Show on Saturday 28^th September for a range of student work and school produce that has been entered into the various competitions. One such item that is not to be missed is the amazing creation from Miss Schubert and Miss Buick who have been busy in our STEM department whipping up this nifty little phone holder as our contribution to the Dalkey Trail Showbag. Such an amazing design!

5 Steps to Study Success

We are approaching the time of year where our senior students are preparing for exams, or are currently doing practice exams, and it can be tricky to know how to most effectively study for an exam or test.  The following tips from Reachout.com are not only useful for senior students but also for younger students preparing for a test:

• Break your study up into manageable 20 or 30 minute chunks. No one can study for 6 hours straight and be effective.  Get some more information about setting small goals here.
• Talk about it or say it out loud. When you say something out loud, you'll find it much easier to remember it. Chatting with someone about what you're studying is even better.
• Remove the distractions. Put your phone on silent and out of reach and turn off pop-up notifications on your computer. Research shows that it can take up to 20 minutes to refocus on what you're doing once you've been distracted.
• Take breaks. If you plan your study chunks with breaks in between, having the time away can help you to come back refreshed.
• Get some sleep! Getting a good night's rest helps your brain and body to rest and recharge. In fact, you'll do better at your exams and remember more of what you studied if you get a good night's sleep, rather than if you stayed up late studying.

Other things you can do include eating the right foods, perfecting your time management skills and knowing when to take a break from studying and getting some physical activity or social time in.

Student Free Day

A reminder that our final Student Free Day for 2024 is on Friday 1^st November (Week 3). This day will be used to work on site learning priorities for 2025. Balaklava Primary School also has a Student Free Day on this date and as such, buses will not run.

Student Council Colour Run & Early Dismissal

I’m looking forward to taking part in the Student’s Council’s Colour Run activities next Friday for their major fundraiser and also to celebrate the end of Term 3. Normal classes will operate in Lesson 1, following a whole school assembly in Lesson 2.

The main activities will take place in Lesson 3 and 4 before the Staff v Student football match, Ice Bucket Challenge and Lions Donut Van in action at lunchtime. We will ensure our yard and classrooms are neat and tidy in Lesson 5 followed by an early dismissal at 2:25pm for Term 3 holidays.

Enjoy your weekend and please feel free to contact me at the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning.  I can be contacted via DayMap or email derek.friedrichs447@schools.sa.edu.au or you can phone the school on 8862 0600 and ask to speak with me directly. Alternatively, I would be happy to discuss your needs in person – please pre-arrange this with the Front Office Team so that I can ensure I am available when you arrive.

Derek Friedrichs