ALUMNI VISIT

PEP VCE & BEYOND BSC – Alumni visit to share their experiences from the perspective 

During our Personal Excellence Program, we were thrilled to invite and welcome some of our past students to discuss their experiences of life after BSC, with our Year 11 Cohort. 

Our Alumni first enjoyed a morning tea with the Principal and Assistant Principals before speaking to our students during PEP about what their experiences were, whether they were currently studying, a personal perspective on how to cope with Year 12, how they improvised during COVID, what form of qualifications they had obtained and what career they are currently following.

• Luke Dunk – a graduate of 2020  
  Luke is currently an IBL student at Deloitte in Forensics. Working in Forensic Analytics. He is a student of the Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional) degree at Swinburne university. 

Luke spoke about his experiences and gave current students sound advice on topics such as the difference between studying at BSC and University, the challenges of Year 12, tips to prepare for deciding on why he chose to study at Swinburne and the rewards of further education and work placements. Luke highlighted that an ATAR is the fastest way not the only way to achieving your goal, which is very true.

Meg O’Leary – graduate of 2011 and elder sister of current Year 12 student Ella O’Leary, presented and shared her experiences in studying a Bachelor of Aviation at Swinburne University and becoming a pilot. Meg began her career as a flight instructor, teaching others how to fly for 5 years before obtaining employment for Tiger airlines. She experienced a period of no flying due to the pandemic however, spoke to students about taking every opportunity as she this did by taking on employment as a train driver for Sydney Trains during that period. Meg is currently employed as a pilot for the Australian Ambulance Services as an aeromedical pilot. Meg has also recently completed her Masters of Aviation Management.

Erin Kelly – Graduate of 2010 

Erin decided to do a gap year in the Navy and it didn’t take her long to join after 6 months of her gap year. She was posted to HMS Cairns in Queensland to a ship where she spent 6 months at sea. After the 12 months of her gap year in the Navy she was discharged as Erin was not sure if she wanted to study. 

Erin completed a Bachelor of Education in primary teaching and decided to re-join the Navy as a maritime personnel operator. Erin explained that whilst her ATAR score was not the best, she did not require it to get into military service, She did, however need Year 10 English and Maths. Erin was also deployed to the Middle East area of operations in 2017. She worked at the Royal Navy recruit school and taught civilians how to be sailors. She discussed the challenges of living away from home, but how the rewards outweigh the challenges.

Vicky Vitevsky Graduate of 2020

Vicky is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University. Her current major is in       

Creative Writing and Education and Minor is Drama. Vicky shared some tips on how to cope with studying after BSC such as the importance of balance, routine, and planning and scheduling your daily work throughout your course. Vicky discussed that although the current course she is studying was not her first preference and she was upset, she is very happy with the selection and course she is currently in. Vicky covered the aspects of her BSC year 12 studies, lockdown and studies, and how to cope whilst in Year 12.

Argia Ponchard Graduate of 2020 and older sister of current student Luis Ponchard shared her experiences in our Moring Tea also. Although we ran out of time and Argia was unable to present to the year 11 Cohort, she will be returning to share her experience with BSC students in the next Alumni presentations. Argia is currently enjoying studying psychology at University.

We are extremely grateful and incredibly proud of all our Alumni presenters for taking the time from their studies and work to attend our Morning Tea and support our BSC students with their wise and valuable information. We wish them well and look forward to seeing more Alumni join us in the near future. 😊

On behalf of the us and the Junior and Senior School Teams, 

Being our first Semester back on school grounds since 2019, we would like to thank all our students, staff and school families for the wonderful term of learning, teaching and the many opportunities and experiences had. As we bring the semester to a close, we do so with the knowledge that our staff have worked with genuine intent to bring continuous improvement to every aspect of what we do and in the best interest of our students. Whether it be in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in the community. 

We thank our families for their ongoing and devoted support and working with us during their child’s Junior school journey in preparation for Senior School, and Senior School journey and in preparation for life beyond BSC. 

We wish the Brighton Community a restful two-week break and look forward to returning refreshed for the second half of the year.

Warm wishes,

Effie Frangoulis | Head of Senior School               Mark Doyle | Head of Junior School