Principal's News 2026 Term 3 Week 6
By Simon Doyle, Principal
A Symphony of Stories
Our extensive community lives a "symphony of stories", just like the theme for Book Week 2026 (designed by the Children's Book Council of Australia). Every family adds another voice to our own Symphony of Stories and the diverse community that BDC has become.
2026 Perspectives Survey
Biennially the College completes a formal survey. The survey is called Perspectives. The previous survey supported the College Council and College Leadership Team in creating our Strategic Plan 26+ and this commenced at the start of 2026.
We receive feedback and community voice through many ways at our school including student leadership teams, the link Feedback and Reporting (on our web page), Open Day, Kindy PopIn, direct emails, conversations at signature events, and the Perks and Perspectives morning teas, to name a few methods.
The 2026 Perspectives Survey is designed to hear from you and your story about areas like: school environment, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, leadership and community. It will collect insights from our school community to gain a comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. We hope to use the data to guide strategic planning, foster community engagement, and inform actionable steps for growth.
Each story shared through our 2026 Perspectives Survey adds a unique and vibrant voice to our community. I encourage each family to complete this survey when you receive the email next week.
2026 Perspectives Survey will be sent: Monday 31 August.
Please complete the survey by: Sunday 13 September.
Contact for the survey: Susan Nealon snealon@bdc.nsw.edu.au
The information below shares some of the diverse and short stories that is BDC:
Foundation Students
Students who commenced in Kindergarten and continuously attended through to Year 12, having never left for any duration of time.
By Number - Enrolments
BDC by Religious Affiliation
BDC by Family Size
BDC by Voice
Stories through Performing Arts
Total number of events: approx. 85
Total number of students: 2300 (some students are involved in multiple events).
Peripatetic and Private Music Tuition Staff
Total students in music tuition: 271
Stories through our Sport Academy Participation
2026 Book Week: "A Symphony of Stories"
When we read with our children as parents, grandparents or family, we are doing much more than practising words. We are sharing adventures, discovering new people and places, laughing together, asking questions and building memories.
Some books will make you smile. Some will surprise you. Some will teach you something new. And occasionally you will find a book you remember for the rest of your life.
Our Book Week Parade in the Branson Centre showcased the diverse range of interests and favourite stories — thank you for the effort put into dress-ups and sharing favourite books. I encourage you to continue to choose a book you love, from your childhood, and share it at home. One of my favourites with our children was Dr Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go! Maybe take turns reading, try out the characters' voices, talk about your favourite parts, and enjoy where the story takes you. We even adapted it to the travels we were doing.
Every great reader started with one page, one story, and someone who encouraged them to keep going. Happy Book Week!
Father's Day BBQ Breakfast
We look forward to seeing many special fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and friends at our Father's Day BBQ Breakfast on Thursday 2nd September, sharing your stories on the oval.
HSC Students
At this time of Term 3 we also remind our HSC students (Class of 2026 and accelerated HSC students) to work closely with their teachers and use the feedback from the Trial HSC to focus on areas for improvement. They should make time with their teachers to pursue excellence and continue to build their confidence for the examinations ahead. We also wish our students well for the HSC Oral Language examinations, major works, performances and body of work, whose HSC deadlines and examinations are starting to occur (well before written examinations).
Invaluable members of the support team at this time of year:
- Mrs Meegan Bruggemann — Year Coordinator
- Mrs Bronwyn Kelly — Director of Learning and Teaching
- Ms Andrea Wiffen — Head of Secondary
- Mrs Janine Ryan — Careers Pathways Coach
Recognition
The College was also recognised as a Regional School of Excellence in The Educators Award category, and although we did not win the overall school award, it was wonderful to receive the recognition on behalf of our community.
Thank you, and happy reading!
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.