Principal's Report
Professional Learning Day Monday 15th July
On Monday 15th July, our staff undertook a Professional Learning Day re-visiting restorative practices and strategies that strengthen relationships between staff and students. The program consisted of:
A workshop with Simon Dewar from Real Schools (http://www.realschools.com.au/)
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Introduction
Staff workshop and introduction to the new mentor program in 2020.
Enhancements to staff use of Compass to record student behaviours
Mental Health First Aid Introduction for staff
The morning session with Simon Dewar was engaging, provoking and practical. Simon worked through strategies to build relationships that enhance a positive learning culture.
The focus for the afternoon sessions was around how teachers contribute to the culture of the school through their relationships with students and the behaviours that are encouraged/rewarded. We explored the formality of rules and procedures in schools and their application in a more informal way in the classroom.
The feedback from teachers was very positive with them being able to apply various strategies the following day.
Personal Mobile Device Policy Update
We would like thank and congratulate our students on their approach to our new Personal Mobile Device Policy that came into effect on Tuesday July 16. Whilst we understand that this policy has been difficult for some of our students, it has been pleasing to see this policy has been so well accepted and our students have seen the benefit of removing a distraction from the classroom to positively affect their learning. A copy of the Personal Mobile Device Policy can be found on our website.
Curriculum Review and Improvements for 2020 and Beyond
Over the course of this year, we have been undertaking a review of our curriculum and in particular, the subjects our students undertake in Years 7 to 9. This has resulted in some changes to the subjects offered and the time allocated to various subjects. The changes better reflect our vision for learning and the needs of Brentwood students.
A summary of the changes is below
An enhanced Mentor Group to empower students to become active agents in their own development as learners and people so they can thrive in a global community and be future ready.
An enhanced Digital Technologies offering to better equip students with the skills they need for the 21st century.
Students will now undertake Drama as a subject in Year 8 to build their confidence in collaborating, creating and presenting in a public forum.
An increased focus on health and physical activity in Year 9 to support our view that happy, healthy and resilient students learn best.
An enhancement of our elective offerings in Year 9 to build students inquiry skills and give them the chance to choose subjects that align with their passion.
More detailed information will be communicated to students and parents in the near future.
Facilities Update
Over the holidays the Department replaced our portable that was destroyed in the fire. The two new rooms are now in use.
Due to poor weather, the installation of signage at our new Watsons Road entrance has been delayed. This will hopefully be completed by the end of Term.
A final roofing inspection for the installation of more solar panels has been undertaken to upgrade our solar capacity. The new solar panels will be installed next school holidays.
Plant a tree day was a fantastic success with many new trees planted around the school. We would like to thank all who were involved in this great initiative.
Evan Miller, Associate Principal