What a massive start to Term 4 it’s been at Balaklava High School, with two weeks packed full of achievement, teamwork, and plenty of BHS PRIDE shining through! This has included:

• Mary Poppins Jr – A Magical Success - an amazing highlight was our spectacular production of Mary Poppins Jr. Huge congratulations to Sarah Wensley and Nicole Matthews, along with their incredible team of helpers, for their outstanding leadership of this magical production. Having the privilege of being backstage and witnessing the joy and excitement from students, staff, and audience members was truly special. The hard work, passion, and creativity that went into every note, dance, and scene were remarkable.

We also received some heart-warming feedback from the community, including:

• “Your students were absolutely brilliant – the costumes, music, singing, lighting, and stage presence were outstanding. The whole Year 9 cohort said it was one of the best excursions they’ve ever been on!”
• “Congratulations on an excellent performance from your musical team! Well done to all involved!”
• “A super effort to be proud of, well done.”
• “It was absolutely delightful! Seeing students perform with such passion was inspiring. How lucky is BHS and the surrounding community!”
• “Mary Poppins was absolutely fantastic! Hats off to you all.”

Congratulations again to everyone involved — what an incredible community celebration of talent, teamwork, and creativity!

• Year 12 Final Day - our Year 12 students celebrated their final day in style with a fantastic breakfast and farewell assembly. It was a wonderful way to recognise their hard work and achievements, and we wish them all the best as they take their next steps beyond BHS.
• EMS Goes Live - a big achievement behind the scenes was the successful launch of EMS Live. This was a significant undertaking, and our Admin and ICT teams worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for your professionalism, patience, and persistence throughout the process.
• 2026 School Captains Announced - congratulations to our newly appointed 2026 School Leaders. These students impressed with their speeches, enthusiasm, and leadership potential — we know they’ll represent BHS with pride and passion.
• Transition Visits - we were thrilled to welcome our 2026 Year 7 students for their transition visits. It was fantastic to see so many excited faces as our future BHS students got a taste of high school life. We look forward to welcoming them back for the state-wide transition days in December!
• RST Courses Onsite - several RST (Rural Safety Training) courses are currently being delivered onsite, providing valuable hands-on learning experiences for our students and strengthening practical skills that will benefit them beyond school.
• Bullying No Way Grant Success - a massive congratulations to Abhi Kaur and Ash Parsons, who have successfully secured a $15,000 Bullying No Way Week Safe Spaces Project Grant! This is an incredible achievement and a testament to their initiative and hard work. We’re excited to see how this project will continue to make a positive impact on our school community.
• Professional Growth - thank you to Natasha Dunn from Clare High School for running a Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher information session. Staff found it informative and motivating, offering great insights into the professional recognition process.

It’s been an outstanding start to the term — a true reflection of the dedication, passion and collaboration that define the BHS community. We look forward to keeping this momentum going through the rest of Term 4!

Farewell to the Class of 2025

Last Friday, our Year 12 class signed off for the final time. While many will be back for exams, it marked the end of an era. We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and can’t wait to see what comes next!

Please see below my farewell speech from our Year 12 Farewell Assembly.

Good morning parents, carers, families, staff, students and most importantly our class of 2025.

It’s a privilege to be celebrating our Year 12 students — our soon-to-be graduates. The end is near for you: exams are around the corner, assignments are in (mostly), textbooks have been shut with a sigh of relief and those 5-year-old laptops can be closed and finally put to rest. Before we wave you off and pretend not to tear up, let’s rewind the clock and take a little trip down memory lane.

You started your High School journey in 2021 as fresh eyed Year 8s with Home Group teachers Miss Buick, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Niblett, Miss Hoepner (as she was back then) and Mr Thomas in what was certainly an eventful and challenging year worldwide, marked by significant events.

Worldwide we still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic which meant you were navigating the complexities of online learning and mastering the art of muting microphones. We saw the US Capital Riots, the Olympics held in a ‘bubble’ in Japan and Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympic games. In Australia, much of the country experiences flooding, Ash Barty won Wimbledon and the Australian National Anthem's lyrics were changed for the first time since 1984, replacing "For we are young and free" with "For we are one and free." A small but significant change. The first Dune movie was released, Olivia Rodrigo dominated the charts and TikTok further cemented itself as a social media powerhouse with viral challenges and dances.

Year 9 in 2022 saw Miss Buick, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Niblett and Mr Thomas continue as your Home Group teachers and they were joined by Miss Reusch.  

It was a year of significant events including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, economic inflations impacting the cost of living and the end of an era with the passing of Queen Elizabeth. On home soil, we saw change in our political landscape when Albo became Prime Minister ending nearly a decade of Coalition government and Peter Malinauskas won the state election. In South Australia, we prepared for the flooding of the Murray River. Top Gun: Maverick conquered the box office, Lizzo dominated the charts and socials with dance challenges to ‘about dam time’, wordle became a global phenomenon that took up far too much of our time and apparently ‘butter boards’ became a culinary delight.

You ventured into Year 10 in 2023 with old faithful’s Mrs Niblett and Mr Thomas leading the way as Home Group teachers and capably joined by Mr Noack, Miss Reusch and Miss He. 

Around the globe the Ukraine war continued, devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria caused massive destruction with thousands of live lost, Artificial Intelligence boomed following the release of technology like ChatGPT with I know none of you know anything about and OppenBarbie became a thing. In Australia, the Matilda’s captured our hearts with a 4^th placing at the Women’s World Cup, a referendum was held, we had a housing and rental crisis, flooding and extreme weather continued across the nation and we cleaned up from the Murray River flooding. The final installment of Mission Impossible hit cinemas, Flowers, Kill Bill and Vampire dominated the music charts and social continued their popularity with viral trends like Girldinner.

Last year you began your Year 11 journey, again capably led by Home Group teachers Mr Noack, Mr Thomas and Mrs Niblett.

MAGA reigned supreme and some bloke named Trump won the American election. Tension in the Middle East heightened, Paris held an Olympic games, and there was notable heatwaves and drought around the globe. Back home and we continued to grapple with cost of living but that didn’t stop Taylor Swift's Eras Tour which broke records worldwide which had an impact on attendance data at Balaklava High from not only our student population, but teaching cohort as well. Dune Two, Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter and Beautiful Things by Benson Boon dominated entertainment. As Gen Zers I’m sure you had clarity in understanding in internet slang, however, society grappled with new terminology that not even our finest linguists could fully understand as we were left scratching our heads at things like skibidi toilet rizz – nonsensical slang that seemed to have conflicting meanings.

This brings us to 2025, your final year at Balaklava High School as Year 12 students. You headed into the year with Mr Noack, M. Thomas and Mrs Niblett by your side to lead you through the year. However, controversially, Mr Noack performed a drums solo to cover his imminent departure, which left the reigns to Mr Thomas and Mrs Niblett.

Worldwide we saw Trump officially return to the Whitehouse, a successful International Luna mission and moon landing, medical breakthroughs including new diabetes treatment and early cancer detections. Fantastic Four, Inside Out 2 and Lilo and Stitch had strong showings at the box office and Ordinary and Golden dominated the charts. Back home and Albo won the election in a landslide and the $5 note was redesigned with First Nations connection to country rather than King Charles. Perhaps now is a great time to leave this educational institution – in what can only be described as a plot to ruin schools, Maths classes and adult sanity around the globe, the past couple of months has undoubtedly unleashed a cultural phenomenon and has seen confusion and chaos reign supreme. I don’t think any of us truly understand the rise to power of 67.

We’re now ready to set you free into the world — to keep growing, learning and discovering what truly makes you you. As educators, we’ve had the privilege of front-row seats to your journey — from those first nervous steps through our doors to this moment where we stand and applaud the incredible people you’ve become. Graduating Class of 2025, you’ve evolved into confident, capable young adults, ready to take your shot at the adventure called adulthood. Ahead of you lies independence, opportunity and responsibility — the trio that will sometimes lift you up, sometimes test your patience and always shape who you become.

We’re here this morning to celebrate your success — whatever that means to you. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it comes in many forms. For some, it’s measured in grades, awards or ATARs. For others, it’s friendships, resilience, happiness or simply crossing the finish line. However, you define it, take a moment to be proud — proud of what you’ve achieved, how far you’ve come and the person you’ve become along the way.

As we farewell you today, it’s worth remembering that your achievements over the past five years didn’t come from luck alone. They were built on hard work, determination, grit — and yes, sometimes a little blood, sweat and maybe even a few tears. Behind every success sits a story of sacrifice, some big, some small. You may not see it now, but one day you’ll look back and recognise the value in those sacrifices. Let them remind you of what matters most — of what you’re willing to give up to reach what you truly want. Remember, success looks different for everyone and so do the sacrifices that come with it. Be proud of yours and respectful of those made by others.

To my staff — education is a true partnership between teachers, students and families, built on shared commitment and care. It’s not always easy and we don’t always get it right, but our passion for helping students grow and succeed never fades. Thank you to all Balaklava High School staff who’ve helped shape the young adults we farewell today. Each of you has made a difference — whether in big ways or small. To our Year 12 teachers especially, thank you. You’ve gone above and beyond, sharing in the late nights, the nerves, the laughter and the triumphs. It’s a privilege to guide students through their final year and the memories made, the good, the challenging and everything in between, will stay with us all for years to come.

Today isn’t just about our Year 12s or the teachers who guided them — it’s also about the families who stood beside them every step of the way. To the parents, carers and families — thank you. You might not take the spotlight today, but you’ve been the pillars holding it all together: surviving late-night study sessions, friendship dramas, motivational slumps and the occasional meltdown. You’ve been mentors, counsellors, personal chefs, chauffeurs and ATMs — all rolled into one. Your patience, guidance and belief have shaped these young people into who they are. I hope your efforts are recognised by the ones you love most.

And to the graduating class of 2025 — as you step beyond our gates, remember that learning doesn’t end here. Life is the biggest classroom of all, full of lessons, challenges and opportunities to grow. Have the courage to chase what excites you, the wisdom to embrace change and the strength to face what comes your way. Success isn’t just about how high you climb, but the difference you make and the lives you touch along the journey. So go out, find what lights you up and build a life as vibrant, authentic, creative and fun as your Snapchat streaks. And in the words of Dr. Seuss — “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

Thank you, and good luck!

2026 Head Students

It gives me great pleasure to announce our Matilda Williamson and Karl Arevalo as our Head Students and Tully Pratt and Nate Jeromin-Dickinson as Deputy Head Students for 2026. These students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and school spirit — and we know they’ll represent Balaklava High School with PRIDE in the year ahead.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Sebastien Hughes, Tess Rana, Maylea Carpenter and Denise Nellas for their leadership this year. They have been fantastic ambassadors for our school and represent BHS and the student cohort with PRIDE.

Year 12 Exam Timetable and Survival Guide

Year 12 Results

The SACE Board have announced that Year 12 results will be available via Students Online from 8.30 am on Monday 15th December with hard copy documentation arriving from this date onwards. This will include an official certificate (if eligible) and Record of Achievement.

Staffing

Donna Carpenter has taken leave for the first 4-5 weeks of Term 4. During this time, Laura Hadley is backfilling the Assistant Principal - Head of Junior School position. 

Student Free Day

A reminder that our final Student Free Day for 2025 is in Week 5 on Friday 14th November. This day will be used to work on site learning priorities including curriculum development for 2026. Balaklava Primary School also has a Student Free Day on this date and as such, buses will not run.

Hats must be worn in Term 4

This is another timely reminder that as we are in Term 4, hats are compulsory and must be worn when out in the sun at break times and while participating in activities outdoors, including HPE. 

Students who do not wear a hat will be asked to seek appropriate shade. Appropriate shade is not a small thin strip of shade provided by a shed or building. Appropriate shade should cover your whole body with shade. 

Being SunSmart is an important issue in the harsh Australian sun and the risk of melanoma which is referred to as ‘Australia’s National Cancer’ is real! These statistics demonstrate just how real the risks are:

• In 2023, 18,257 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma.
• 11% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in 2023 were melanoma.
• Melanoma of the skin is the third most prevalent form of cancer in Australia.
• Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20 to 39  

It is not too much to ask to wear a hat when you are out in the sun or seek appropriate shade when you do not have one. I will also make sunscreen available at the front office for students who wish to use it.

Balaklava Show

A big thank you to Kev Kelly, Pina Ribbons, the BHS Parents, Friends and Community Committee, staff, parents and students for donating your time at the Balaklava Show on both the gates and BHS stall. It was much appreciated!

Eden Prize

As published in our previous newsletter, Ruby Lemon, recipient of a Merit Award for the Eden Prize! Thank you also to Josh LaGrutta for the guidance and encouragement you provided in supporting Ruby to showcase her work.

Transition Information Evening

Year 6 families are invited to our Transition Evening on Wednesday 26^th November to hear more about the transition process and 2-day state-wide transition days.

World Teacher’s Day

We will celebrate the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day this Friday 31st October 2025 and acknowledge their work in educating, inspiring and supporting our young people. 

At Balaklava High School, we are very lucky to have a team of close to 40 teaching staff and whilst we aim to thank them each and every day for their passion and hard work, World Teachers' Day is a day to formally recognise the amazing work they do - thank you!

Hats off to teachers this World Teachers’ Day!

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

Principal

Balaklava High School