Principal's Report

Election Commitment for Brentwood

Earlier today Neil Angus, who is a candidate for the seat of Glen Waverley in the upcoming Victorian State Election, visited the school to meet with Stella Koutsikos (School Council President), Helen Higgins (School Councilor), myself and our 2023 School Captains.  Neil announced an election commitment of $10 million for stage two of our Capital Works program.  This would result in the much needed construction of a state of the art Performing Arts Centre for the school community to use. 

Staff Appreciation Day

Today also marks the annual Staff Appreciation Day. I would like to acknowledge the dedication and work of all staff at Brentwood who continually put in above and beyond in supporting our students.  It was pleasing to see many students and parents taking the time to acknowledge the staff at Brentwood.  The kind words for staff are greatly appreciated.  Thank you. 

Farewell to the Class of 2022

After a two-year hiatus, we were finally able to celebrate and formally farewell our Year 12’s at the Valedictory on Friday October 21 where students had their moment to ‘cross the stage’ and receive their graduation certificate. 

This moment, whilst fleeting in the journey of life, is a significant milestone.  The moment that students stepped on stage in front of their parents, teachers and peers marked the completion of 13 years of schooling.  It is the pinnacle that students have been working towards as they have grown from children to teenagers, and now the young adults they have become.  It is this moment for each one of our students that marks the end of one very important and formative chapter in their life and the beginning of their next adventure. 

On behalf of the school community, I would like to congratulate the class of 2022 on graduating Year 12.  As a school community our mission is to support each and every one of our students to grow into the best version of themselves; to be the best learner and person they can be.  I have no doubt that the experiences at Brentwood have helped our Year 12’s achieve this and prepare them for their next steps in life.  I hope that students realise they are all more capable than they know and are well prepared for what lies ahead.  By the end of the exams this year students will have the knowledge and skills that will help them to be a lifelong learner and the personal qualities to make the most out of life’s opportunities.  The experiences that Brentwood has provided has helped shape the class of 2022 into the fine young adults and individuals that they have become.  We wish each student all the best for their next steps in life.  We know that they are ready to flourish and we look forward to seeing them find success and happiness in their chosen paths. 

Over the coming weeks our Year 12 students will be completing their final VCE exams and we wish them all the best.  This is the time when they are able to demonstrate all that they have learnt, and I have no doubt that our students will strive to do their best. 

Year 12 Art and Technology Exhibition

Our Senior Art and Technology students have done it again!  Led by the Art Captains, the Year 12 students have put on an amazing exhibition for the school community in the ‘J-Block Gallery’.  The quality of work is outstanding. 

In particular, I would like to congratulate Mikayla, who was awarded the Principals Award.  This award is given to a student whose artwork is captivating and of a very high standard.  It also recognizes the student’s passion and dedication to the arts.  Mikayla's beautiful piece will be professionally framed and placed on display in the Administration area of the school for everyone to enjoy for the next 12 months.

Parents and Friends Association

The Brentwood Parents and Friends Association is certainly up and running.  I would like to thank our parents who have volunteered to be part of the PFA and support our school.  In particular, I would like to acknowledge the following parents who were elected office bearers:

• President: Ed Meszaros
• Vice President: Rotana Sok
• Secretary: Vicky Bouranis
• Treasurer: Lily Bu

Congratulation also to Vicky Bouranis and Holly Oakes who have also joined School Council as Community Members. 

We look forward to working with the PFA to further enhance our school community.  The next PFA meeting is on Tuesday November 8 at 7pm. 

2023 College Captains

It gives me great pleasure to introduce our 2023 College Captains to the Brentwood Community. Congratulations to Jacinta, Natasha, Spencer and Owini. 

They are all outstanding young people and we look forward to seeing them grow as College Captains in 2023 and making their mark on Brentwood.  They certainly have big shoes to fill with the amazing job our current College Captains have done so far and will continue to do for the remainder of the year.

Whilst the 2023 College Captains and the extended student leadership team don't officially begin their roles until next year, they will spend time this term preparing for student led initiatives in 2023 when we will hear a lot more from them. 

John Ballagh, Principal