It’s hard to believe that we are over halfway through this term already.  By this time all new students, including Year 8s, should have settled in and be feeling comfortable with their classmates, classroom expectations and physical surrounds.  Our Year 12s should have established study routines and be pacing their learning as they really only have three terms to go, which is both an exciting and somewhat scary proposition for many.  All of our students are expected to apply themselves fully to all classroom activities and learning and, of course, to follow all school expectations regarding behaviour and what it means to be a student at Balaklava High School.

Governing Council AGM

The school’s Annual General Meeting was held last Wednesday and I want to thank the parents and community members who attended.  I want to particularly acknowledge those members who have retired or elected not to continue in their roles and I thank them for their service to the school community.

The following people have accepted roles on this year’s Governing Council:

I thank the new Governing Council for taking this important opportunity to be more involved in their children’s education and for supporting the school community.  I look forward to a productive and successful year.  That said, we still have room for two more Councillors and I encourage you to volunteer for this important role.  Please contact one of the Councillors named above or the School on 8862 0600 if you are interested in joining us.  There are only two meetings per term and it provides an opportunity to have a greater say in your child’s education.

Sammy D Foundation

The Sammy D Foundation was established in memory of Sam Davis, who, in May 2008, went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday but never came home after his life was tragically cut short when he fell victim to a violent and unprovoked one-punch assault.  The Foundation educates young people about the impact of violence, and the consequences it has on victims, perpetrators, bystanders, families, friends and the broader community.

On Monday 18^th March, all of our students will be involved in presentations and workshops delivered by the Sammy D Foundation.  These sessions are aimed at changing students’ attitudes towards resorting to violence and bullying by educating them about the negative impacts of these behaviours and providing them with strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe.

Students will first hear from Sam’s father, Neil Davis, who shares Sam’s story and gives an example of the characteristics of violence and its consequences on victims, perpetrators, bystanders, families, friends and the broader community. The students will also participate in a values walk allowing them to think about their beliefs and how they would respond when faced with a potentially anti-social situation. Following the presentation students will break into class sized groups and work with education facilitators to explore in greater detail the impacts of violence. They will also explore the personal and community consequences of violence, what influences this behaviour and strategies to respond.

Student Led Conferences

Student Led Conferences were held in Week 5 and were well attended by both students and parents. Students are currently reflecting on their tracking in each of their subjects and are reviewing their learning goals with Homegoup teachers in Pastoral Care, which will be a regular practice throughout the semester. We surveyed parents for their feedback during the evening and much of the comments about the process were positive, however, a review of the booking process will be made before the Term 3 Student Led Conferences. If you missed this opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, please contact their Homegroup teacher via Daymap, e-mail  or phone 8862 0600 to schedule an appointment or speak over the phone.

Sports Day

What an exciting finish to last Friday’s Sports Day, with a one point win to Ross House, who took the honours for the first time in 15 years.  Their victory once again shows that the team who fills their events has the greatest chance of winning on the day.  I would like to congratulate the HPE Learning Area led by Michael Brooks, for all of their work both in the lead up and on the day that made Sports Day such a positive event.  It is always heart-warming to see so many students involved in events and there were also obvious efforts made by many to support their Houses and display real team spirit.  You will see a number of images that attest to this further down in this newsletter.  It was also great to see so many parents and family members in attendance on the day.

During the day it was interesting to note the number of students who attempted events they weren’t necessarily comfortable with.  These students took a risk and potentially looked failure in the eye.  Basketballer Michael Jordan was an outstanding athlete who experienced great sporting success, yet he admits:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I’ve lost almost 300 games.

26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game willing shot and missed.

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life.

And that is why I succeed.”

He also said, “I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying.”  Thinking about this and about what I saw at the Athletics Carnival, I challenge everyone reading this article to take a risk; put yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new.  Who knows what success it could bring?  To finish with another quote from the great Nelson Mandela, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”  Have a great week.

Sonia Pringle

Principal