message from the principal
Term 2 has started very well; students are productive with their studies and co-curricular programs.
VCE
Year 12 students studying VCE ended Term 1 with a busy schedule of assessments and they were all looking forward to the term break in order to rest and return energised for Term 2. It is really pleasing to see how many VCE students this year are utilising English and Mathematics help in after-school sessions as well as meeting with their teachers on an individual basis for feedback.
VCAL
I also commend the Year 12 VCAL students on their recent presentations to Moreland Council, where they presented their project ideas which raise awareness of racism (see the article making a difference in this newsletter). The presentations by the VCAL students and their responses to questions from the floor without notice were all highly credible. I look forward to supporting the VCAL students with their ideas from this project.
Victorian Young Leaders to China return
Tayler Roberts and nine Year 9 students recently returned from their six weeks in China as part of the Victorian Young Leaders to China Program. This was a highly successful trip for all involved and I thank the students and their families for committing to this program which is supported by our School Council and the Department of Education and Training. Tayler's work, as the leader of our students and as a group leader of students from other schools, has been lauded by the Department of Education and the families of students who attended. I thank Tayler for his commitment, professionalism and care.
Professional Development
All of our teachers and education support staff have worked on professional development plans which collectively cover the goals in our school Annual Implementation Plan which we hope to achieve this year. All the performance plans have a common purpose – which is to “support students to meet or exceed expectations”. I recently addressed prospective parents at our Open Night and spoke about the quality teaching at Brunswick Secondary College. Educational research shows that one of the most significant factors for learning is the quality of teacher instruction. Brunswick Secondary College teachers are highly committed to professional learning and professional collaboration and I am excited by the goals individual teachers have set in their professional development plans which focus greatly on student outcomes.
Parent Information Evening
Many of our teachers and current students were in attendance to meet prospective students and families at our Open Night. We received many positive comments about the calibre of the student tour guides and students who presented on different learning areas and programs. We look forward to receiving the applications for Year 7, 2018 in the near future.
Building Progress
If you have visited the school recently you will see that the building works have commenced and are now visible. The old gym exists as the outer shell only whilst the interior undergoes the transformation to the new Performing Arts area. Excavation of the area for the new canteen and Food Hub classrooms is also underway and we look forward to the construction beginning. Maintenance of B block is also underway with work on windows and flooring. It is an exciting time for the school, looking ahead to the finished products.
At the same time, signage has been added to the external walls of the new gymnasium. The signs look fabulous; not only do they clearly identify the school boundary, they also advertise the significant improvement to BSC grounds and facilities and our immense pride in this achievement.
Year 7 Innovation Expo
Finally, I invite the school community to attend our Year 7 Innovation Expo on
Thursday 11 May
4:30pm and 5:30pm
where Year 7 students will showcase the work they have been doing across Science, English and Mathematics. We look forward to the Year 7 students presenting their ideas and using their persuasive techniques to pitch their product.
