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Student Free Day
A reminder to families that our second Student Free Day of the year is next Tuesday 11th June. During this day we will be connecting with the new Public Education Strategy by delving into the Area of Impact of Effective Learners and also workshopping quality lesson structures, curriculum outlines and how to seek improvement for the conditions for learning for our students at Balaklava High School.
Parent notice from the Department
As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, eligible families with school-aged children will receive a $200 discount per child on their public school’s materials and services charge for 2025. This is double the discount provided for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Please see the Parent Letter attached.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The date of National Reconciliation Week is the same each year – 27th May to 3rd June.
Why? Well, let’s explain!
Both of these dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey in Australia – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
On 27th May 1967, Australia experienced the most successful referendum that saw more than 90% of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
On 3rd June 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge of the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. It is also the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Torres Strait Islander flag.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
About the theme
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people and are with us.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
To recognize this important moment in history and to show our support for reconciliation in Australia, we gathered together to walk the perimeter of our school. Many of us wore a touch of yellow to support the Aboriginal Children’s Ground.
We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week early in Term 3.
Wishing all of our staff, students and families a fantastic long weekend and we looking forward to seeing students back on deck next Wednesday 12th June.
Regards
Derek Friedrichs
Principal
The Stage 1 Child Studies class have been learning how to educate young children about the important role movement has in a healthy lifestyle. In small groups they designed and implemented a children's fitness program that focused on age-appropriate exercises, games, and activities to promote physical well-being. Each team member took on specific roles, such as designing workout routines, managing equipment and ensuring the safety of participants. This project emphasised collaborative planning, delegation of tasks and the application of effective management skills. The Year 11 students implemented their fitness program with Room 6 from Balaklava Primary School last week. The Primary school students engaged in a number of activities such as yoga, nature walking, jungle jiving and Simon Says to name a few. The primary school students provided feedback and comments to the Year 11 students which included my body is 'insausted', "sweaty", "puffed out", "happy", "hot".
The Stage 2 Food and Hospitality class have been investigating the impact of multicultural influences on the hospitality industry. To demonstrate their learning they worked collaboratively to hold a Multicultural Food Hall which reflected the different cuisines we have in Australia. Vietnamese, French, Thai and Italian flavours to name a few were showcased through their menu choices. We can confirm that it was delicious!
Our Year 8 students have been busy assembling their oven mitts in Home Economics. The students have learnt a variety of textile skills, such as quilting and making their own bias binding during the construction process. Their material combinations look great!
Year 9/10 Football Report
On Thursday of Week 4 the Year 9/10 Football team hit the dusty trail up to Riverton for their encounter against Burra / Riverton / Eudunda and Clare.
Forward pressure and work rate were the flavour of the first game, Harry Tiller and Kobe Olsen showed great intensity to trap the ball inside 50m for the majority of the half. The midfield brigade led by captain Iggy Stodart worked tirelessly whilst the defenders were as solid as a rock to keep B / E / R to only one point.
Best players: Connor Willmer, Corbin Branson, Kobe Olsen, Khyan Carpenter, Ethan Hatchard, Iggy Stodart.
Goal kickers: Connor Willmer 3, Kobe Olsen 2, Corbin Branson and Ethan Hatchard 1.
Score: Balaklava 7:10 52 defeated B/E/R 0:1 1
In the second match, some tired legs were up for a challenge against a classy Clare outfit. The midfielders showed grit and determination but were battling to win the ball from the centre putting pressure on the back six. With one on the bench, the boys put up a good fight despite only scoring one goal on this occasion.
Best players: Connor Willmer, Corbin Branson, Will Young, Iggy Stodart.
Goal kickers: Connor Willmer 1.
Score: Clare 9:4 58 defeated Balaklava 1:0 6
Thanks to our support staff for their efforts both in the lead up and on the day.
- Jai Thompson and Dylan Williams, assistant coaches
- Mr LaGrutta, runner
- Mr Cmrlec, bus driver
Hudson Noack
Coach
Year 7/8 Basketball Report
Across two days of Antarctic conditions, the Year 7/8 Boys and Girls Basketball squads represented BHS with pride.
Only one match was possible on Thursday of Week 5 causing a postponement to Monday of Week 6. The change didn’t dampen the spirit of the group, who were up for the challenge.
The Girls squad, coached by Mrs Hadley, mustered one win from four matches. Dakota Hatchard and Ella Artwik kept the crowd entertained with their blistering play. The girls showed resilience and determination to play with a fun and inclusive spirit throughout the day.
The Boys squad, ably led by Year 12 Community Connections students Jai Thompson, Michael Myers and Dylan Williams, had a triumphant day winning all three of their matches to progress to the State Finals on Thursday of Week 9!
Special thanks to:
- Jai, Michael and Dylan for their coaching expertise and guidance.
- Mrs Hadley for coaching, umpiring and organising.
- Miss Hanson for her expert photography skills.
- Steve Renton, Nikki McCracken and Zarlia White for umpiring.
- All parents who came to support the teams.
Hudson Noack
Imagine a world where things are so small, they're invisible to the naked eye. Well, that's precisely the world we ventured into recently, armed with curiosity and an electron microscope. Here's a peek into our thrilling journey.
Firstly, let's talk about the microscope itself. Unlike regular microscopes, which use light to magnify objects, electron microscopes use beams of electrons. These electrons bounce off the specimen, creating highly detailed images. It's like having super-powered vision!
As we peered through the lens, we were awestruck by what we saw. Everyday objects, like a strand of hair or a grain of sand, became alien landscapes. The tiniest details were revealed, from the intricate structure of a leaf's surface to the jagged edges of a mineral crystal. There were many more cool and stunning things we could explore.
One of the highlights was observing cells up close. We marvelled at the complexity of living organisms, from the orderly arrangement of plant cells (stomata) to the bustling activity within animal cells. It was like stepping into a miniature city bustling with life!
But our adventure wasn't without challenges. Operating the electron microscope required precision and patience. It took some time to adjust settings and focus properly, but with teamwork and perseverance, we mastered the art of microscopy.
In conclusion, our journey with the electron microscope was nothing short of extraordinary. We delved into a microscopic universe, unlocking mysteries and gaining a newfound appreciation for the unseen world around us. Who knew that something so small could hold such immense wonder?
~ Middle school students with Mr Prasanna ~
*Special thanks: BHS STEM staff and Andrew Chua from Inspire STEM Education
Students making specimens to explore
Samples are ready to explore
Bold point pen head
