Grief Support for Students and Staff

As our school community deals with the tragic death of one of our students, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We are all feeling this as a community and it’s important that people look after themselves and each other.

We have come together as a school community to make sure our students, teachers and staff know the support available to them.  We have professional counsellors and support services on site for students and staff. This support will continue for as long as it’s needed.  One-on-one counselling is also available for students. If you would like to access this for your child please contact the school to discuss their needs.

As I outlined in my letter to you on Tuesday night, children’s response to grief may vary.  Letting your child know you are aware of the accident and will listen to their concerns at any time can help. Staying connected and engaged with your child is one of the best ways you can support them.  Also be aware that media and social media coverage of this accident is likely in the days ahead.

Professional support is also available for your child through:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Lifeline 131 114

eHeadspace https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

We have had many kind words of support and these are very much appreciated.  We are a strong and resilient school community and will remain close as we work through our grief together.

Governing Council AGM – Rescheduled Date

The Governing Council is an important component of the school’s decision-making and consultative processes and it provides an opportunity for parents to be more strongly involved in school operations and to gain a deeper understanding of how the school functions.  Our Governing Council’s AGM will now take place on Tuesday 16^th March 2021 at 7.00 pm in the Community Library.  Please consider nominating, or renominating, for the Governing Council, which has a crucial role in ensuring that the school is meeting the educational needs of the community.  There is a nomination slip for Governing Council in this newsletter or you can access one by contacting the Front Office.  Even if you are not considering nominating for Council, I encourage you to come along to the AGM, where we will present the Annual Report on the 2020 school year.

A few reminders:

• At BHS, our mobile phone policy, states that mobile phones are banned during the school day (including during breaks). Teachers can specifically request an exemption to this policy if phones are needed in class as part of the learning plan.  The full policy can be found on our website.  We thank students and their families for support with this policy.
• School Uniform - students are expected to wear a navy or white school polo top, navy bomber or spray jacket, navy rugby top or plain navy hoodie, all of which are available for purchase from TADS in Balaklava. Shorts and trousers are to be navy or grey and trackpants are to be navy with no stripes or large logos.  Families are reminded that black pants and tops are not part of our uniform and leggings, jeggings and jeans are also not acceptable for school.  If meeting the uniform expectations is a concern for families, please contact a member of the leadership team to discuss this
• Students are not to go to the main street of Balaklava before or during the school day. We have a duty of care for our students and need to know where they are at all times.  We have an excellent canteen facility on the school grounds where cheap and nutritious food can be purchased.

Student Free Day

We held a joint student free day on Monday with Riverton and District High School.  We focussed on writing in the curriculum and then spent some time in learning areas to focus on preparation for Year 7s joining us at high school next year.  It was a productive day and we value your support in these days to ensure our staff have continued access to current professional development.

As always, I invite parents to contact me at the school with any issues or concerns or if you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning.  I can be contacted via Daymap or email Sonia.Pringle235@schools.sa.edu.au or you can phone the School on 8862 0600 to speak to me directly or to make a time to come and see me.

Sonia Pringle

Principal