It’s hard to believe that it’s Week 5 already, the term is flying by, filled with many events at BHS.  Our last Year 12 exam was held on Tuesday and we will celebrate our Year 12 students at their Graduation Dinner next week. Our Café Studio students have completed a 2-day Barista course, both our Year 7 and Tourism Studio camps were a blast and our Year 8s successfully completed the Maths Trail.

2025 Head Students

It gives me great pleasure to announce our Head Students and for the first time, Deputy Head Students for 2025. Sebastien Hughes, Tess Rana, Maylea Carpenter, Denise Nellas and Addyson Slater will be fantastic ambassadors for our school and represent BHS and the student cohort with PRIDE.

Remembrance Day

On Monday morning our Student Leaders participated in a small Remembrance Day service at the Balaklava Triangle which was hosted this year by Balaklava Primary School.  We paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to thank those who have served in the armed forces.

Art Exhibition

On Wednesday, 30th November, we had the pleasure of hosting the opening of our annual Art Exhibition at the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery. The event was a resounding success, with a large number of parents, students, staff, and invited guests in attendance. This exhibition is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of our students in the fields of Visual Art, Design and Creative Arts.

Curated by our Art and Design teacher, Miss Michala Taggart, the exhibition showcased a diverse array of student work. I’d like to thank Michala for her passion for the Arts and hard work and dedication to bring this exhibition to life. I’d also like to extend our thanks to Cherie Cmrlec for her invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts in organising the opening night and to Nicole Matthews for her support.

We encourage everyone to visit the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery to witness the exceptional quality of our students' work. The exhibition is a celebration of their creativity, hard work and artistic achievements. Your support and appreciation mean the world to our young artists.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the artistic talents of our students. We look forward to seeing you at the gallery.

Minister for Education Visit

We were privileged to host the Minister for Education Blair Boyer MP at Balaklava High School on Wednesday 6^th November for a school tour with 2025 Head Students Sebastien Hughes, Tess Rana and myself.

This was a great opportunity for the minister to tour of our modern facilities and have discussions about the future plans and direction of BHS, challenges as a country high school and what public education looks like for our community.

Thanks for visiting Minister Boyer!

The dangers of excessive mobile phone usage and social media for our children

As we navigate the complexities of raising teenagers in a digital age, it is crucial to address the growing concerns surrounding excessive mobile phone usage, social media and its potential dangers. As educators and parents/carers, it is our responsibility to foster a safe and supportive environment for our young people, both online and offline. This information is a timely reminder of the risks associated with excessive mobile phone use, the importance of responsible usage and the dangers of sexting or sending explicit images. Furthermore, it is a topical discussion in relation to the proposed federal and state government ban on social media and the recent Social Media Summit.

The Dangers of Excessive Mobile Phone Usage

Excessive mobile phone usage can have several negative impacts on teenagers, including:

• Mental Health Issues: Prolonged screen time can lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The constant need to stay connected can create a sense of dependency and stress. Studies show that teenagers who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media are at a higher risk of mental health issues.
• Academic Performance: Distractions from mobile phones can hinder concentration and reduce the time spent on homework and studying, leading to lower academic performance. 70% of students report that mobile phones distract them from their studies.
• Physical Health: Extended use of mobile phones can result in eye strain, poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to various health issues. 60% of teenagers experience eye strain due to prolonged screen time

Encouraging Responsible Mobile Phone Usage

As parents and guardians, you

play a vital role in guiding your children towards responsible mobile phone usage. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules regarding mobile phone usage, such as limiting screen time and setting specific times for phone-free activities.
• Lead by Example: Model responsible mobile phone behaviour by limiting your own screen time and prioritising face-to-face interactions.
• Open Communication: Maintain an open dialogue with your children about the potential risks of excessive mobile phone use and encourage them to share their online experiences with you.

The Dangers of Sextin

g and Sending Explicit Images

Sexting, or the act of sending explicit images or messages, poses significant risks for teenagers, including:

• Legal Consequences: Sharing explicit images of minors is illegal and can result in severe legal repercussions for both the sender and the recipient.
• Emotional Impact: The sharing of explicit images can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety, especially if the images are shared without consent.
• Reputation Damage: Once shared, explicit images can be difficult to control and may be used to bully or harass the individual, potentially damaging their reputation and future opportunities.

I encourage all parents/carers to click on the links below to the eSafety Commissioner to learn more about ‘nudes’ being requested or shared and how young people are participating in ‘revenge porn’ or imaged based abuse.

• My nudes have been shared | eSafety Commissioner
• Someone is threatening to share my nudes | eSafety Commissioner
• I’m being pressured to send nudes | eSafety Commissioner
• Receiving unwanted nudes | eSafety Commissioner

Federal and State Government Proposed Ban on Social Media

In response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people, both the federal and state governments have proposed measures to regulate and, in some cases, ban certain aspects of social media usage among minors. These proposals aim to protect children and teenagers from the potential harms associated with social media, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

• Federal Government Initiatives: The federal government is considering legislation that would impose stricter age verification processes for social media platforms, ensuring that minors cannot easily create accounts without parental consent. Additionally, there are discussions about implementing time limits on social media usage for young people.
• State Government Actions: The South Australian government is exploring options to restrict access to social media during school hours and in educational settings. This includes potential bans on mobile phone usage in classrooms and the implementation of digital literacy programs to educate students about the responsible use of social media.

I encourage all parents/carers to find out more about the push to increase the age for use of Social Media.

Push To Not Allow Children Under 16 To Use Social Media - YouTube

Social Media Summit

Recently, a Social Media Summit was convened by both federal and state governments to address the pressing issues related to social media usage among young people. The summit brought together policymakers, educators, mental health professionals and representatives from major social media platforms to discuss and develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard young users.

Key outcomes from the summit included:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Agreement on the need for greater collaboration between governments, schools and social media companies to create a safer online environment for young people.
• Educational Programs: Commitment to developing and implementing educational programs that focus on digital literacy, online safety and the responsible use of social media.
• Support Services: Expansion of support services for young people experiencing cyberbullying, mental health issues or other negative impacts of social media usage.

Seeking Support and Resources

If you are concerned about your child's mobile phone usage or need support in addressing these issues, several resources and agencies can provide assistance:

• eSafety Commissioner: Offers resources and advice on online safety for parents and children. Visit eSafety Commissioner for more information.
• Kids Helpline: Provides free and confidential counselling for young people. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit Kids Helpline.
• Headspace: Offers mental health support for young people. Visit Headspace for resources and services.
• Parentline: Provides counselling and support for parents. Call 1300 30 1300 or visit Parentline.

Working together with parents/carers and our community to ensure the well-being of our young people is vitally important. By addressing the dangers of excessive mobile phone usage, promoting responsible behaviour and staying informed about government initiatives and the outcomes of the Social Media Summit, we can help our teenagers navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Year 12 Farewell Assembly

It was a privilege to farewell our Year 12 students on Thursday Week 3 as they completed their last official day of school. Below is a copy of my thoughts about their High School journey.

I am honoured to be standing here celebrating this special occasion as we prepare to farewell our Year 12s – the graduating class of 2024. Exams are about to begin, assignments submitted, many textbooks have closed, pens placed away, tools and equipment packed down. Before we get set to wave you goodbye, let’s take a little trip down memory lane.

2020 Year 8 - You started your High School journey in 2020 as fresh eyed Year 8s with Home Group teachers Mr Jenner, Miss U and Miss Crowe in what was certainly an eventful and challenging year worldwide, marked by significant events.

The COVID-19 Pandemic was declared where lockdowns, mask mandates, zoom calls and remote learning became the norm. Boarders were shut and travel reduced. Joe Biden elected as the 46th President of the United States in a record voter turnout. Bad Boys for Life became one of the highest-grossing films in 2020 before theatres closed and "Blinding Lights" - The Weekend topped charts globally and was one of the biggest hits of 2020. "Savage Love” was also a viral hit on TikTok that topped charts in multiple countries. Sports like the AFL and NRL, operated in "bubbles" to reduce COVID-19 transmission risks.

2020 was a year defined by its resilience, adaptability, and the collective experiences that brought the global community together through crisis and innovation.

2021 Year 9 - In 2021 you ventured into Year 9 with Mr Jenner and Miss U still guiding you as home group teachers along with Mr Szular who joined the team as we continued to deal with and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID vaccinations were rolled out and the Delta variant led to renewed lockdowns and restrictions, hitting hard in Australia. There were capital riots in the United State to protest the presidential election results, the Olympics were held in a ‘bubble’ in Japan with no spectators after a year delay and sadly, Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99.

Spider-Man: "No Way Home" became the highest-grossing film of the year, Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film "No Time to Die" was a global hit, Olivia Rodrigo’s "Driver’s License" was a breakout single that dominated charts worldwide and Dua Lipa was Levitating.

Grace Tame, an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, was named Australian of the Year for her activism, Brisbane was announced as Host of 2032 Olympics and Ash Barty became a national treasure by winning Wimbledon. 2021 was a year marked by resilience, reflection, and the re-emergence of global activities, setting the stage for an evolving post-pandemic world.

2022 Year 10 - 2022 was a year of significant events, pop culture milestones and unforgettable moments worldwide. You ventured into Year 10 with Miss U, Mr Szular continuing as your Home Group teachers along with Miss Tilbrook and we started the year yet again with online learning as the Omicron variant wreaked havoc. However, over the year COVID restriction eased.

Russia invaded Ukraine sparking a major conflict, economic inflation surged impacting the cost of living in many countries including Australia and who could forget the end of an era with the passing of Queen Elizabeth after a historic 70-year reign. This paved the way for King Charles III to ascended the throne. 

Cinemas hit their straps again with the return of block buster movies including "Avatar: The Way of Water", "Top Gun: Maverick", "Jurassic World Dominion" and "The Batman". Harry Styles had the biggest hit of 2022 with "As it Was’" and the feel-good anthem was "Lizzo’s About Damn Time".

Paralympian Dylan Alcott was honoured as Australian of the Year, Albo became Australia’s Prime Minister and Ash Barty again impressed a nation by winning the Australian Open only to turn around months later and retire. My personal favourite from 2022 was Season 4 of Stranger Things and the scene that led to the resurgence of Kate Bush’s “Running Up that Hill’. An 80s song that was released the year I was born.  

2023 Year 11 - 2023 was another remarkable year, with pivotal events, entertainment highlights and memorable moments from across the globe. Miss U, Mr Szular and Miss Tilbrook continued to steer the ship as your Home Group Teachers with Miss O’Halloran and Mrs Cowan joining the team.

The war between Russia and Ukraine continued, cost of living continued to be an issue, AI tools like ChatGPT became mainstream and Barbie and Oppenheimer battled it out in the box office. "Flower" by Miley Cyrus topped charts worldwide and became one of the year's biggest hits. Matildas’ success at the Women’s World Cup inspired national pride and a boost in women’s sports viewership. The debate over an Indigenous Voice to Parliament was a major issue, with campaigns, community discussions and a national referendum.

2024 Year 12 - This brings us to 2024 and your final year at Balaklava High School. Mr Szular and Mrs Cowan have rounded out your High School journey as Home Group teachers.

International conflict continued to rage, we watched the Paris Olympics, Luke Combs covered Fast Cars, AI generated characters sparked ethical debates, the Adelaide Thunderbirds went back-to-back and we hardly mentioned the word COVID. You obviously determined when sausages were on special at Foodland and enjoyed making comical mems.  

We are now ready to set you free into the wide world to continue your journey of growth, lifelong learning and discovery. As educators, we are privileged to have a box seat in witnessing each student’s journey, from the time you first walk through our doors to this moment in time where we acknowledge and applaud your individual growth and development throughout your time here at Balaklava High School. Our Year 12s have transformed into the fine young men and women you are today who are ready for your shot at adulthood and the freedom and independence that awaits you. You will also take on life’s many opportunities and greater responsibilities that will fulfil you, entertain you, challenge you and no doubt define you.

We are here this morning to celebrate your success and achievement. Success is attaining a purpose or goal you have set out to accomplish. While we acknowledge some who have excelled throughout their journey at school in their chosen fields, we must also remember that success comes in many different shapes, sizes, styles and flavours – it is unique and individual. Some define success through awards, grades, GPAs and ATARs, others count likes on social media posts or value happiness, friendships, skills, ideals and the sheer accomplishment of completion. Some of you package elements of these traits up into a little box and measure success holistically. Whichever way you choose to look at it, I encourage you to be proud. Be proud of who you are because you have achieved success in one form or another and this should be celebrated.

While we celebrate your farewell, there are feats over the past 5 years that were not simply attained purely through good luck; they are intertwined with hard work, determination, grit, blood sweat and tears and sometimes above all else, sacrifice. Some sacrifices have been greater than others in the pursuit of success. It may not be now, but I hope that one day you are able to look back at these sacrifices and justify their worth. Use your sacrifices at school as a gauge for your values for the future and determine what you are truly willing to sacrifice in order to achieve. You will learn that some things are more important to you than others and success is individualised in nature.

To my teaching staff. Education is a partnership—a collaboration between teachers, students, and families in the pursuit of knowledge, development, growth, achievement and ultimately enjoyment. We aim to make a difference in a young person’s life for the better. Things are not always easy and we do not always get things right. However, the passion for students to achieve, the drive for learners to do one’s best is undeniable no matter the course.  I want to acknowledge all of the Balaklava High School staff who have helped shape and mould each young adult who we farewell today. You have all played a part, some more significantly, but important none the less. In particular, our Year 12 teachers who at times go above and beyond and ride the emotional roller-coaster with their students. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of educating these students in the final year of their schooling journey and one that is not held lightly. To you I say thank you, no doubt the memories will be engrained for all in years to come, the good and the bad, the laughter and tears but most importantly the journey that was achieve together.

Today marks a significant occasion, not just for our Year 12s or the educators who wave goodbye, but for the steadfast supporters who have stood by you side throughout the schooling journey. To your parents, carers and families, I extend my sincere thank you. While they do not take centre stage and seek the limelight in this celebration of achievement and success, they are undoubtedly the pillars of strength that have supported you through the testing times of late-night assignments, the tantrums, the fizzled friendships, the disagreements, the lack of motivation and have gone into bat for you when required. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief has been instrumental in your achievements. Their role as mentors, counsellors, personal chefs, individual housemaid and personal ATMs are all part of the journey. They have wisdom, patience, and endless support for you that has shaped your values, nurtured your ambitions, and fostered an environment conducive to growth. I hope their own efforts and sacrifices are acknowledged by you.

Finally, to the graduating class of 2024 who we are farewelling, as you step beyond the threshold of this institution, armed with knowledge and a thirst for discovery, remember that the pursuit of knowledge doesn't end here. Life itself is a perpetual classroom, and every experience, every interaction, is an opportunity to learn and grow. May you all find the courage to pursue your passions, the wisdom to embrace change, and the strength to weather life's storms. Remember, success is not merely defined by the heights you reach but by the impact you make and the lives you touch along the way. It's about finding time to discover your passions, embracing the challenges today to excel in the future and creating a life that's as colourful, vibrant and truthful as the one portrayed on your Tiktok, Instagram and Snapchat feeds. In conclusion, I leave you with a quote from Dr Seuss - “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!”

Good luck!

Derek Friedrichs