Around The College  

Celebrating Student Leadership – Awards and Scholarships in Term 4 2025

Brentwood is proud to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of several student leaders recognised this term for their initiative, service, and commitment to strengthening both our school and the wider community. These awards celebrate young people who lead with purpose, kindness, and integrity. 

Sir John Monash Awards - Youth Leadership 

Congratulations to Katie Lim (12Y3), who received a High Commendation for Youth Leadership at this year’s Sir John Monash Awards. Katie has demonstrated visionary and community-minded leadership that has made a profound impact at Brentwood. As Sustainability Captain, Katie has driven major environmental initiatives, leading Tree Planting Day, championing the Schools Against Extinction campaign, and founding the Schools in Monash Sustainability Committee, a regional network promoting collaborative climate action. 

Katie’s leadership also spans debating, student voice, academic mentoring, and events such as National Science Week. Her ability to empower younger students, strengthen student voice through BrentCast, and foster an inclusive, purposeful culture has made her an exceptional young leader. 

We also recognise alumna Raghad Yousif (2024), who received a Certificate of Recognition for Youth Leadership. Since graduating, Raghad has continued to demonstrate strong leadership and community involvement. She is currently studying Pharmacy at RMIT University and works across both community and hospital pharmacies. Raghad is a member of the Monash Youth Committee and volunteers for her local MPs, helping address community issues and support new local initiatives. 

She is a graduate of the FVREE Leaders for Change Program, where she advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment, and is actively involved in her university’s student union and associations. Raghad is also developing a free tutoring initiative aimed at supporting disadvantaged VCE students. Alongside these commitments, she continues to volunteer at major community and cultural events, and has maintained her local involvement. It is inspiring to see ex-students continue to have such a positive impact beyond school life, and we congratulate Raghad on her ongoing achievements. 

John Milledge Scholarship (Mulgrave Country Club) 

Congratulations to Lisa Lau (11E2), who was awarded the John Milledge Scholarship from the Mulgrave Country Club for her outstanding academic effort, broad leadership involvement, citizenship, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to the Brentwood community. Having held different roles including House Captain, SRC representative, Peer Support Mentor, student coach, and a dedicated member of the Senior String Ensemble, Lisa embodies the values of responsibility, teamwork, and service. 

Lisa is known for her warm, approachable leadership style and her ability to bring people together. Her mentoring in table tennis and badminton, supporting younger students, and her organisation of House Day and Community Day activities have all contributed to a stronger, more connected school culture. She consistently steps up to guide younger students, model positive habits, and encourage participation across different areas of school life.

Her achievements in sport, representing Victoria in table tennis at national competitions, along with her musical commitment as a 1st-desk violinist, highlight her discipline and resilience. Academically, she continues to excel while balancing rehearsals, leadership responsibilities, and coaching commitments. 

Lisa’s creativity has enriched Brentwood through her poster designs, promotional work for school events, and contributions to SRC and House initiatives. Fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin, she also plays a vital role in supporting international and exchange students, fostering belonging and cultural understanding. Lisa’s energy, optimism, and dedication make her a truly deserving recipient of this scholarship. 

Community Spirit and Leadership Award  

Congratulations to Daniel Wojak (10E1), who received the Community Spirit and Leadership Award, presented by Federal MP for Chisolm, Dr. Carina Garland. Daniel’s compassion, creativity, and commitment to service have strengthened community life at Brentwood. As the 2025 Sustainability Captain, Daniel lead the Green Team with energy and purpose, facilitating meetings, developing action plans, and encouraging peers to adopt sustainable practices. His leadership has contributed to a more environmentally aware and engaged student culture. 

As Editor of BrentCast, Daniel amplifies student voice and celebrates school achievements, helping to build connection across year levels. Beyond school, he contributes as a junior leader at his church, modelling empathy and kindness in every setting. His work on the Sustainability Forum, Community Week events, and ResourceSmart representation demonstrates his dedication to uplifting others and creating positive change. 

As Editor of BrentCast, Daniel amplifies student voice and celebrates school achievements, helping to build connection across year levels. Beyond school, he contributes as a junior leader at his church, modelling empathy and kindness in every setting. His work on the Sustainability Forum, Community Week events, and ResourceSmart representation demonstrates his dedication to uplifting others and creating positive change. 

These students represent the very best of Brentwood’s values for community. We congratulate Katie, Lisa, Daniel, and Raghad on their achievements and thank them for the positive difference they continue to make, both within our school and, in Raghad’s case, far beyond it. 

Camps at Brentwood 

Camps play a vital role in your child’s social and emotional development. At Brentwood, we highly value these experiences and offer a wide range of camps and events across multiple year levels, including: 

• Year 7 – Phillip Island 
• Year 8 – Creswick 
• Year 9 – Tasmania & City Experience 
• Year 11 – Central Australia Tour 
• Performing Arts Camps 
• Music Camps 
• Language Camps and Tours 
• Various Overseas Camps and Experiences 
• Leadership Camps 
• Duke of Edinburgh Camps 

Planning and Organisation 

Our dedicated teaching staff invest significant time and effort into planning camps, with some taking over a year to organise. To ensure these experiences are accessible and affordable, we need to confirm student numbers early in the process. 

Many camps begin with an Expression of Interest (EOI) event on Compass. It is important for parents and carers to register their child’s interest in the camp at this stage, as this provides us with an estimate of attendance and costs. 

For some camps there are limited places available. If the number of interested students exceeds capacity, attendees are selected through a random ballot. Students not selected are placed on a waiting list and may be offered a spot if others withdraw.  

Consent and payments for camps must be made before the due date specified on the event. The school cannot accept any late payments or consent for camps. If your child wishes to withdraw from the camp at any stage, the school must be notified as soon as possible.  

Students withdrawing from camps and excursions are not automatically entitled to a refund. Where NO COST is incurred by the school, a full refund will be payable to the student when: 

• The student's place is filled by another student 
• The Principal deems the student’s withdrawal was unavoidable eg. Illness. Proof of reason for withdrawal may be requested in such circumstances. 

Where some cost has been incurred by the school, a partial refund will be payable to the student withdrawing when: 

• The Principal deems the student’s withdrawal was unavoidable. In such cases the refund will be the full amount paid by the student, less expenses incurred by the school as a result of the withdrawal. 

Where FULL COST has been incurred by the school no refund will be payable to the student withdrawing when the Principal deems the withdrawal was avoidable.  Refer College Refund Policy. 

If you have any questions about camps, please contact the school or the camp organiser. 

Thank you for your support, we are extremely lucky to be able to offer so many camps at Brentwood. 

Student Lunches can now be ordered online via the Qkr app

Canteen Menu 

Electronic device use at Brentwood Canteen

We would like to thank you for your continued support with the Personal Mobile Devices Policy. We have noticed students trying to utilise their phones as a payment method at the canteen and ask that families look to make other arrangements. 

Mobile phones are not to be used at the canteen as they are not allowed to be in use between the school hours of 8.45am and 3.05pm. 

Students can make payment via an EFTPOS card or cash.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Robyn Geshev

Business Manager