After an action packed 10 weeks, Term 1 is drawing to a close. As I sit here and reflect on our start to 2025, I again feel a great sense of PRIDE for everything that we have achieved throughout the term.

These are just some of the happenings that have taken place in a busy Term 1.   

• Year 7 Meet and Greet and Moonta Excursion
• BHS and Lower North Swimming and Athletics Carnivals
• Open Boy’s Cricket
• Year 12 Camp
• Elevate Program
• Student Led Conferences
• Governing Council AGM
• Student Council Camp and Student Leader Induction Ceremony
• NAPLAN
• AG Committee inaugural meeting
• Harmony Day
• BHS Formal
• BHS Major Fundraiser – Online Auction
• A range of curriculum-based excursions

End of Term Assembly and Early Dismissal

A reminder to our school community that there is an early dismissal next Friday for the last day of term. The school day will finish on Friday at 2:15pm. We also have a whole school assembly at 12pm in the Gym.

Student Free and School Closure Day

Our Student Free Days and School Closure Day (Adelaide Show) have been set for 2025.  These are as follows;

TERM 2 – Student Free Day – Monday 28^th April (Week 1)

TERM 2 – Student Free Day – Monday 23^rd June (Week 9)

TERM 3 – Student Free Day - Friday 25^th July (Week 1)

TERM 3 - School Closure Day - Monday 1^st September (Week 7)

TERM 4 - Student Free Day - Friday 14^th November (Week 5)

Vaping

As we continue our commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our students, it is crucial to address a growing concern within our school community: vaping. This practice, which has gained popularity among adolescents, poses significant risks to the health and development of our students.

There has been a concern about the harmful effects that e-cigarettes and vaping have on young people.

The take-up of vaping by young people is increasing. A survey of 13 to 19 year olds by South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People found that 2 in 3 young people had tried vaping, with almost 1 in 4 describing themselves as a regular vaper. Young people say it’s easy to get an e-cigarette illegally at a shop or online and hard to stop once they start.

There are many different styles of e-cigarettes and they can be difficult to spot. The biggest misunderstanding about e-cigarettes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. E-cigarettes are not safe.

Vaping facts

• Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine despite being labelled as not, making them very addictive.
• E-cigarettes contain many toxic chemicals, they just don’t put it on the pack.
• E-cigarettes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.
• E-cigarettes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety.
• The nicotine in 1 vape can equal 50 cigarettes. Depending on the size of e-cigarette and nicotine strength, it can be much higher.
• Young people who vape are 3 times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes.
• E-cigarette aerosol is not water vapour.
• Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease.
• E-cigarettes cause long-lasting negative effects on brain development.
• E-cigarettes are harmful to the environment as they contain single-use plastics and lithium batteries, cause pollution and can start fires.

Insert FACTS ABOUT VAPING PDF

https://youtu.be/Yf_5Ia2ZOU4

Legislation

In South Australia, smoking, including vaping, is banned in all enclosed or indoor public places, shared areas and workplaces. Enclosed public areas are smoke-free under the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act 1997. Regulations under the Act are being introduced to address risks associated with passive tobacco smoking and passive inhalation of e-cigarette aerosol.

Last year, new smoke-free and vape-free laws will ban smoking and vaping in a number of public outdoor areas in South Australia. This includes early childhood services premises, education and children’s services facilities (including schools), and within ten (10) metres of their boundaries.

https://youtu.be/2xRJVfTmCtA

Is your child vaping?

Signs that your child might have started vaping are the usual symptoms of nicotine addiction, such as feeling irritable or anxious. If they are vaping, encourage them to stop and let them know that you are there for support. Stopping can sometimes be hard and they may need advice from a General Practitioner (GP) or other healthcare professional.

What can you do as a parent?

Take the time to talk to your child about vaping and help them understand all of the risks associated with vaping. As e-cigarette use is increasing, they may see it as a normal thing to do, which is not the case. Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from this information, and importantly, have your facts ready.

SA Health has a range of e-cigarettes and vaping information and resources available, including fact sheets for parents and carers, and children and young people.

Parenting SA provides a Parent Easy Guide on Young People, Alcohol and Drugs with advice on talking with children and young people.

For more information

Get the evidence and facts about vaping at SA Health e-cigarettes and vaping information and resources.

Find out more about how the Department for Education manages alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in schools on their website.

Students caught vaping or in possession of vapes on school grounds are participating in illegal activity and will receive a behaviour response from the school. Furthermore, selling or the distribution of vapes on school grounds will be reported to SAPOL and may incur fines. I encourage students to report any activity they witness around vaping. This can be done through multiple forums including:

• Talking to a teacher of leader
• Sending a Daymap message
• Reporting health and wellbeing concerns anonymously through Stymie (Stymie)

As parents, we play a vital role in addressing the issue of vaping among our youth. By educating ourselves and our children about the risks associated with vaping and fostering open communication, we can empower them to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure.

I urge you to join us in our efforts to curb the prevalence of vaping within our school community. Let us work together to educate our children about the dangers of vaping and support them in making healthy choices. Together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our students to thrive.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding vaping or related issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your partnership and support are invaluable as we strive to address this critical issue.

I’d like to wish all of our staff and families a restful and enjoyable Term 1 holidays. Enjoy the Easter period and I am looking forward to seeing our students representing Balaklava High School with PRIDE at our ANZAC Day Dawn Services around our communities. Take care and we look forward to seeing you all back for a rewarding Term 2.

Derek Friedrichs

Principal

Balaklava High School

BHS' Online Auction is nearly open! 

We are extremely grateful for the the support of the community in donating over 70 items!

Bidding for these amazing items opens on Monday morning at 9am, so if you aren't already in the Facebook group, follow this link to join: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LisKAtP1A/

If you aren't on Facebook, that's ok! You can have a look at the amazing items in the newsletter, and put in a 'mystery bid' to hannah.marshall830@schools.sa.edu.au from Monday 9am. 

Hannah will then provide you with information regarding the bids currently placed and if you are outbid at any point.

Bidding closes at 9pm on the 11th of April.

Kind regards, 

The BHS Fundraising Team 

Last week, our Year 8 students took to the stage for an incredible Performance Evening, and we were thrilled by the amazing turnout! With two classes showcasing their musical talents and two classes bringing drama to life through captivating performances, the night was a true celebration of the students’ hard work and creativity.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported our young performers. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident, and it was wonderful to see their skills and confidence shine on stage. We look forward to more fantastic performances in the future!

Again, a big thank you from Sarah Wensley and Nicole Matthews

Yesterday, our BHS athletics team headed out to Burra Community School for the annual Lower North Zone Athletics Carnival. This year was the 100th anniversary of the event and it was something special to be a part of.

From sunny skies to pouring rain, students faced every challenge with incredible resilience and determination. Despite the unpredictable weather, they maintained their focus, giving their best in every event. Their sportsmanship, teamwork and unwavering spirit was on full display. Congratulations to all students, not only for their positive efforts on the day, but their strong tracking results and ability to maintain their academic rigor and solid attendance at school to enable them to be eligible to represent BHS with PRIDE.

RESULTS

Di Day Shield – 5th Place

Improvement Shield – 3rd Place

Girls Championship Shield – 3rd Place

Boys Championship Shield – 1st Place

Championship Overall Shield – 2nd Place

RECORDS

Elliot Smith - 13 & U Male Javelin

AGE GROUP CHAMPION

Emilee Moulds - 13 & U Female Runner Up Age Group Champion

Elliot Smith - 13 & U Male Runner Up Age Group Champion

Maddie Futterleib – 14 & U Female Runner Up Age Group Champion

Alexa Young – 15 & U Female Age Group Champion

Connor  Willmer - 15 & U Male Age Group Champion

A massive thank you to Miss Caitlin Hanson on the organisation and management of our team. A job well done! Thank you to Mr Parsons, Mr Noack and Mr Cmrlec for supporting the team and the many parents who transported students and came to support our staff and students in a positive fashion!

During Week 7, our Student Council embarked on an unforgettable Leadership Camp in beautiful Wallaroo – and what a camp it was! With energy, enthusiasm and a whole lot of teamwork, our student leaders proved they're ready to take on the year ahead.

The camp kicked off with a town-wide scavenger hunt that challenged students' map-reading skills, problem-solving and collaboration. It was fantastic to see teams working together, navigating unfamiliar places and rising to each challenge with determination and good humour.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the beach, where students took part in team-building activities designed to strengthen trust, communication and leadership under pressure. 

One of the highlights of the camp was the creative work students did along the way. They crafted motivational chants that showcased their team spirit and passion for making a difference. They also created powerful leadership metaphors using objects they discovered along the shoreline. A reminder that leadership can be found in the most unexpected places. 

It was inspiring to witness the growth, reflection and camaraderie throughout the day. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Student Leaders and excited to see how they will channel their experience and enthusiasm into positive change at BHS.

Year 8 Home Economics

Some of our Year 8 Home Economics students have been busy crafting their own oven mitts—a project that has put both their sewing skills and resilience to the test! While enthusiasm has been high, one particular challenge has kept us on our toes: bias binding.

From tricky corners to stubborn edges, this finishing touch has tested our patience. However, our students have embraced the challenge with determination, learning that perseverance is just as important as precision. Through problem-solving, teamwork and plenty of practice, they’ve developed not only their sewing skills but also their ability to tackle obstacles head-on.

Louise O'Halloran

Unfortunately, not rain!

A big thank you to Ian and Jake Michael from Nyowee for dropping off our potential show wethers, giving them their official Merino SA wether comp ear tag and weight! 

The Year 10s will be conducting a feedlot production investigation undertaking all the maintenance and agribusiness decisions which coincides with their breeding plan simulation. The Year 11s will be running a weight gain trial, based on genetic lineage and the Year 12s are currently investigating the sheep, wool and lamb industry and will use this mob as a practical assessment.

Our Year 7s, 8s and 9s will also use this opportunity to learn, develop and become confident and competent with their sheep handling skills.

Ms Rani and Mr Szular’s Year 10 Science classes wrapped up their study of Motion with a "crackin" good challenge to end the unit.

After exploring concepts like velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws and the forces involved in collisions, students put their learning to the test by designing and building mini vehicles to protect a raw egg during a crash. Using their understanding of momentum and impact absorption, the class launched their carts down ramps and sent them crashing into walls, all in the name of science.

In an egg-straordinary outcome, the eggs survived the first round, a testament to the students' clever designs and application of the Physics they've learnt throughout the Term. Round two brought a few hairline cracks and some dramatic impacts, but the energy and enthusiasm in the room stayed sunny side up. 

Here’s a brief overview of Vocational Education and Training (VET) activities and achievements at BHS so far in 2025:

• Student Enrolment: We currently have 37 students actively enrolled in nationally recognised VET qualifications.
• School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs): A significant number of our students, 10 in total, are undertaking School-Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships, gaining valuable on-the-job experience while completing their SACE.
• Diverse Qualification Offerings: Our students are engaging with a broad range of vocational pathways, enrolled across 14 different qualifications, reflecting their diverse career interests.
• On-Site Industry Pathways: BHS is hosting both the Construction Pathways and Engineering Pathways programs on-site through our partnership with TAFE SA. This brings industry-standard training directly to our students.
• Defence Industry Alignment: Our Engineering Pathways course is a Defence Industry aligned Flexible Industry Pathway (FIP). We are one of three schools in our region, and approximately nine total to offer this new initiative in South Australia. This specialised program has already yielded benefits, with additional funding secured to upgrade the Fume Extraction System in our Welding Area, work that was successfully completed during the recent Christmas holidays.
• Defence Work Experience Program: Six enthusiastic BHS students will be participating in the Defence Work Experience Program with the Navy at HMAS Cerebus in Victoria during Week 11 of this term. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to gain firsthand insight into Defence careers.
• Careers Education and Work Experience for Year 10s: Our Year 10 students will commence their comprehensive Careers Education program in Term 2. This program will culminate in valuable Work Experience placements scheduled for Week 1 of Term 3.
• VET Contribution to SACE: VET continues to be an integral part of the senior school curriculum at BHS. Impressively, 23% of our Year 11 cohort and 29% of our Year 12 cohort are utilising VET qualifications as part of their SACE completion, highlighting the importance and relevance of vocational pathways for our students

Luke Clark

REMINDER - 2025 MATERIAL & SERVICE CHARGES ARE DUE 28-04-2025

THANK YOU to the families who have made a payment, submitted a School Card form or who have made contact with the school to discuss a payment plan relating to their child's M&S Charges for 2025. We appreciate your promptness.

This is a friendly reminder that M&S Charges are due in full by Monday the 28th of April 2025, unless you have entered into a payment plan or submitted a pending/eligible School Card application. School Card applications can be completed online, using the link below, or you can collect a paper copy from the Front Office.

SA.GOV.AU - School Card scheme (www.sa.gov.au)

If you have any questions, require support with your School Card application, or would like to discuss a payment plan, please email dl.0769.finance@schools.sa.edu.au. Alternatively, please call the Finance Team on 8862 0600, prior to the end of Term 2.

For any outstanding accounts, reminder and final notices will be issued throughout Term 2, with referrals to the Recoveries Team (Debt Collection within DfE) being sent at the beginning of Term 3.

Kind Regards,

Elly Swift – Business Manager

Elly.Swift570@schools.sa.edu.au

8862 0623

Are you in Year 11 and passionate about Science, Tech, Engineering, or Maths?

Applications are now open for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program. 
A once in a lifetime opportunity to explore your STEM future.

If successful, in January 2026, you'll have the chance to:

• Stay on campus at The Australian National University or The University of Queensland
• Tour world-class STEM facilities
• Meet students from across Australia who love STEM as much as you do
• Discover pathways for life after Year 12
• Try hands-on STEM activities and learn from real scientists

Financial support is available!
Funding options include Rotary Club support and Access & Equity Scholarships for students who may otherwise find it difficult to attend.

Applications are now open for current Year 11 students.
To find out more and apply head to: 

 https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Do you like saving $$?
Want to help raise funds for the BHS Breakfast Club?

Grab an Entertainment membership for $70, download the app on to your phone (up to 5 family members can access the app also) and start reaping the rewards with thousands of 2-for-1 and up to 50% off offers from fast food, casual and fine dining restaurants, hotel accommodation, cruises, shopping, activities and attractions. You will only need to use a couple of the offers and your $70 Membership would have paid for itself.
Visit www.entertainment.com.au to see what could benefit you and your family. In addition to great savings, $14 from every Membership will go to the BHS Breakfast Club and assist with stocking up their supplies.

If you get in quick you can enjoy the Multi City Upgrade for the same price and reap the rewards across Australia, NZ and Bali too.

Order yours now at  subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/1s61485  
Information booklets were given to all students last week at school