Stories and highlights
There's always something to celebrate at our school! From exciting events to proud moments and everyday wins, here are some of our highlights.
Celebrating Success: Year 10 Graduates Step Confidently Into Their Future
9 December 2025
Balmain Campus celebrated its Year 10 Graduation this week, marking a significant milestone for students, staff, and families. The ceremony, attended by proud parents, teachers, and distinguished guests, highlighted the resilience and achievements of the graduating class of 2024.
Year Adviser Ms Ly delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the cohort’s journey from their uncertain first days—as masked newcomers—through four years shaped by challenge, growth, and camaraderie. She fondly recounted how both she and Year 10 began at Balmain Campus in 2022, forging bonds despite the difficulties of a global pandemic and remote learning. “It is through challenging times that we grow,” she reminded students, praising their evolution from “timid little tweens” to resilient teenagers ready to face senior school.
Students’ accomplishments went beyond the classroom, with recognition for involvement in musicals, community service, and sport. Special mention was given to the student leaders for their initiative in organising school and community events, and for serving as role models throughout the school.
In a heartfelt moment, the Ms Ly acknowledged the everyday acts of kindness and integrity displayed by Year 10: helping younger students, showing honesty, and keeping the school environment positive. “You should leave here today feeling immensely proud of all that you have achieved,” she said, encouraging students to celebrate both big and small victories as they move forward.
The ceremony closed with a message of hope and encouragement, as students embark on new journeys in senior school and beyond. As families and friends applauded, Balmain Campus' Year 10 graduates stepped confidently into their futures, carrying lessons of resilience, integrity, and courage learned during their high school years.
Balmain High School 50-Year Celebration
24 October 2025
We celebrated 50 remarkable years of Balmain High School with a special commemorative event that took participants on a unique journey through our school’s rich history, vibrant past, and innovative legacy. Guests explored key landmarks around the campus, from early historic vantage points and honour rolls, to cutting-edge STEM facilities including the Year 10 CAD Rocket Competition and the thriving STEM Highway.
Attendees discovered how Balmain High and Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus evolved over the decades, embracing sustainability through the hydroponic display, fostering creativity in the CAPA suites, and advancing hands-on learning in TAS and Marine Science.
They also relived cherished memories through history exhibits featuring original articles from the New South Wales Teachers Federation and enjoyed highlights from the AV Club’s special 50-year video project.
The tour concluded in the school hall, where guests relaxed and connected over refreshments and a grazing table, reflecting on shared stories and experiences along the Memories Walk, proudly sponsored by Community Bank Darling Square.
The event provided past students, staff members, community partners, and supporters with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate SSCBC and Balmain High’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence. We were delighted to welcome everyone and commemorate this significant milestone together.
1975-2025
An Unforgettable Experience: School of Rock The Musical
17 18 19 September 2025
Wow - what an incredible experience! It has been an absolute joy to watch our community come together for School of Rock. We couldn’t be prouder of the amazing support from our school, the P&C, and families. Across the four-show run, we sold over 1,000 tickets - an outstanding achievement!
A huge thank you goes to the P&C for providing meals for our cast and crew and for financially supporting the production - we truly couldn’t have done it without you.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional staff, who dedicated over 100 hours of additional, unpaid time to bring this production to life. We are so proud to have such committed public educators on our team.
To the musical production elective class who planned and executed sets, backstage management, audio, lighting, props, and vision. This was no small task, and you all developed skills that will last a lifetime.
And finally, to our students, who shone night after night: your teamwork, gracious stage presence, and lack of ego were truly inspiring. We are so proud of every one of you.
Here are some reflections from our musical production class about their experience:
I loved the community, everyone was so brilliant, fun and productive, I couldn't've wished for a more awesome time. The play absolutely changed the way I look at theatre, knowing what happens behind the scenes makes what happens upfront so much more impressive. I believe me and Brad contributed as much as we could to the play, and I'm proud of our work. - Jamie G, Audio Operator
I would love to be involved in another production because when I first joined the musical, I had no friends, but as time went by, people started talking to me and I made loving relationships with my peers and that makes me feel loved. - Eli G, Performer and Props Designer
Being part of the Stage Crew for our school production of School of Rock was such an exciting experience. My job involved assisting with scene changes, setting up props, and ensuring everything was ready behind the scenes so the performers could shine on stage. When the crew first joined me, I wasn't sure what to expect. It seemed like a lot of pressure! But with the help and encouragement of my friends, teachers, and the rest of the team, I quickly learned the ropes and found my confidence. I'm so thankful I got to be a part of this production. It taught me important skills like teamwork, staying calm under pressure, and how much effort it takes to pull off a live show. I also got to meet amazing new people, and from those friendships I'll always value. Looking back, I'm proud of how much we all achieved together. Working behind the scenes has given me a whole new appreciation for musicals and plays, and I know I'll never watch one the same way again - Chayanan T, Stage Crew
Rising Stars: Under-15s Girl’s Soccer Showcases Future Champions
Winter 2025
Puma cup
Puma cup was the year 11-12 tournament Elena, Lilly, and Elise were called up for, it was a difficult challenge as it was on a full pitch against older girls. They came 3rd as they versed Fresh Water High and lost 1-0. It was a great game and an even better experience.
Bligh zone
In early term one, the girls football team played in the Bligh Zone football tournament. This was a tournament that consisted of teams with ages from year 7-12. Most teams were all year twelve for example Blackwattle Bay, (our year 11 and 12 campus) who won the tournament. Our team was made of only year 7, 8 and 9. We competed against the other schools, winning most games and making it to the third place playoff and unfortunately lost by a goal. It was a great experience being able to play against older rivals and our teammates. Players were selected for the Sydney East tournament, which had teams like Endeavour and Hills Sports. Three of our students were selected for this team (Elena Collins, Lilly Gasper and Elise Green). Our school performed well, as we were up against the toughest competitors.
Bill Turner
Across Terms 1 and 2, sixteen girls from Years 7, 8 and 9 represented our school in the Bill Turner Football Competition. They competed against schools from all over Sydney in a challenging knockout format. The team showed strong determination and teamwork throughout the tournament. They started with three impressive wins, demonstrating great skill on the field. One of their standout moments was an incredible 11–1 victory over Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus. Although they were knocked out in the fourth round, they continued to show great sportsmanship.
Futsal
In the start of 2025 6 girls consisting of Elena C.(8) Lilly G.(8) Maia J.(8) Indi M.(8) Chloe G.(8) Elise G.(9) assistance coach Maya W.(9) and coached by Mrs Touchard, competed in the Futsal Sydney East Tournament. They were competing against public and private schools with coaches and organised teams that trained together weekly. In the hot weather this team won game after game, facing their challenges head on. These girls progressed to the finals with only one substitute, closely beating the opposing team (a private school) by 1 goal. 5-8 weeks later this team drove an hour and a half to Hawkesbury PCYC to represent Sydney Secondary College Balmain in the NSW state championships, being the only public school competing. Unfortunately, the results were not as positive as the previous matches, though they learned lots through this exciting experience. Fortunately, this competition was not the end of their journey this year, for these 6 girls were invited to another more local futsal competition in the Bligh Zone Schools competition. The girls put in their maximum effort and placed first in the open’s age group across the Zone.
Thank you to all the parents, supporters and teachers for giving this team the chance to compete. A Special mention to Ms Touchard, who had helped us develop as players and given us opportunities to play against teams with more experience and privileges.
The girls have had a great year and should be proud of their efforts and the way they represented our school. Hoping for another successful year of sporting achievements in 2026.
"We love our school for its supportive community and commitment to every student’s success. Our child feels safe and inspired every day.” — a parent of Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus
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