I hope you have had an enjoyable Easter and restful holiday break for many of you.
It has been wonderful to see all of the ANZAC services able to take place this year. As the horrific experience of so many in war starts to fade into the distance, it is ever more important that we acknowledge and remember the sacrifices of so many to provide stability in the country we love.
We are very fortunate to live in a country where these sacrifices have given us so many opportunities and freedoms. In my time in New Zealand I have taken any chance I can to make the most of these freedoms in our beautiful outdoors. This student break I completed the Kepler Track, one of the Great walks. My love for the outdoors, tramping and mountaineering came from outdoor camps that I attended whilst at school. I was fortunate to have teachers who shared their passion for the outdoors with me.
We are a school community that believes in and provides many opportunities for our students to develop not only their academic pursuits but also to build their characters as individuals. As I write this we have 29 students and staff on the second leg of their Italy and Greece tour having a wonderful experience.
As a school we are very grateful to have so many teachers willing to give up their time to support our students in these extracurricular pursuits. Teaching is not just work in the classroom, teachers make the experiences for their students come alive, be it field trips, productions, recitals, performances and sports commitments. Much of this work is above and beyond the job of teaching their subjects. I have always been proud to be a teacher, it is a hugely important profession, shaping the paths of young lives.
The PPTA union action acknowledges the importance of our teaching profession and we hope this will be resolved quickly in the coming weeks. We acknowledge the disruption that this causes families and appreciate the support that you give us. We will keep you updated with any dates and changes to this action. The first date is Thursday 4th May with Year 11 rostered home. Tuesday 9th May is a designated whole strike day and Thursday 11th May is rostering home for Year 13.
Our school vision of personal excellence and care for others, reinforced by our shared BHS values, shape our mindset and behaviours. As we move into Term 2, I know that our staff will provide the best education and experiences for our students, focussing on these values. We will continue to reinforce, through our values; expectations of behaviour, attendance, work ethic and uniform in assemblies and pastoral interactions. I know that you will help support us in this.
We look forward to a productive Term 2 for our staff and students.
Andrea Griffin
Acting Principal
