Around The College
May 27 - June 3 marked National Reconciliation Week, which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme was, Bridging Now to Next, which called on us to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next called on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us is strengthening relationships, respecting cultures, and working together for a more inclusive future.
At Brentwood, we marked this week by inviting students and teachers to colour in a leaf of reconciliation and write a statement about their understandings. These leaves were collected to create an installation in the shape of a bridge, which has been displayed in our library.
We encourage all our Brentwood community to continue to participate in reconciliation beyond this week. You may do this by:
Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and artists
Engaging in respectful conversations about reconciliation
Reading books written or published by First Nations Peoples
- Watching or listening to TV and Radio created by or featuring First Nations Peoples SBS National Indigenous Television
Engaging with media created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Trades & Tech Fit Excursion on 3rd June 2025
Monash Tech School Experience
Here is a recap written by a few of our Year 7 students....
Going to Monash University’s tech school was an excursion packed with immersive learning opportunities and welcoming staff. The university had a variety of science equipment that all had different purposes, it was quite an experience. We gained exposure to a wider branch of science, one that was so interesting to learn about. Space.
We had to create a suit for a 3D printed astronaut, using fabrics and small plastic items we could attach to the suit that would aid the astronaut in the climate. Every group had a different objective and area in space they would send their astronaut in. All the groups would also get 50 ‘coins’ to spend that they would use accordingly at the different stations from what they learnt. The plastic items would also be 3D printed on what we bought and would be displayed on the astronaut.
Our group was called the Interstellar Visitors, and our goal was to explore an interstellar comet, Oumuamua. We learnt that it was the first object from outer space that we have received and there is some speculation that aliens or their technology would be settled on the comet. From this, we packed our astronaut with amour, to protect them from any potentially dangerous extraterrestrials.
After using some of the University’s equipment, a common favourite was the Hololens. A headset that allowed the user to see their partner in the control room. Using the Hololens, our partner would guide us through a few puzzles, boxes that we had to open under a time limit, 5 minutes. From this experience, we made sure our astronaut would be packed with a 2-way camera, one that would definitely allow the control station back on earth to see everything they were doing in space. This was a good precaution, especially since our astronaut would be taking samples of the comets' air, rock and soil, just to see if any life was inhabiting/or had inhabited the area. The people in the control room could also guide the astronaut, making it seem like the perfect product for the mission.
Going to Monash University showed us way more than what an average science lesson about space could teach us. The learning had us engaged and enhanced what we knew. Monash Tech school was a great learning experience, it encouraged understanding and being creative and overall, many students wish to go again!
Thanks, Thinali (7Y2)
Recount: My Two-Day Super Space Adventure
Last week, I had an exciting opportunity to attend the Super Space Program at the Monash Tech School. It was a two-day excursion where we worked on a space mission and learned all about how astronauts survive in space. The program was fun, hands-on, and engaging.
During our time there, we were given an interesting challenge; to design a space suit that could keep a person alive during the space mission. The groups focused on three important aspects - oxygen, communication, and the materials needed to make the suit. We researched how astronauts breathe in space, how they stay in contact with their team on Earth, and what materials protect them from radiation and temperature changes.
One of the coolest parts of the day was the VR communication mission. We used the Microsoft HoloLens headsets and had to complete a task with a partner who was in the next room. We could see each other’s screen, and my partner in the ‘command base’ had to describe what he was seeing in the form of a cryptic clue. It was a challenging activity, but it was also fun and a great lesson on teamwork and clear communication.
On the second day, all the information we collected on Day 1 was put into action. We were given a small 3D printed astronaut statue to which we added 3D printed pieces from our purchases on Day 1. These pieces represented parts of the astronaut’s space suit. My group had choosen parts like a 350-litre oxygen tank, a one-way video communicator helmet, and a layer of protective material which would protect against radiation. It was awesome to see our research come to life as we attached the real physical pieces to the statue.
To finish the program, we created a slideshow presentation and designed a logo for our mission. We presented our project to the class and explained how our space suit would work in real life. It felt good to share our hard work, and I was proud of how well our group collaborated.
Overall, the Super Space Program was an unforgettable experience. I learned so much about science, design, and communication. It made me even more interested in space and how technology helps people explore it. I would love to go again if I had the chance!
Thank You, Arnav (7Y2)
Host Families for Japanese Students
Our Sister School in Japan, Ono Senior High School, will visit us again in July and we are looking for more male host families to accommodate them for 11 nights.
Why should you host?
This is what some past hosts have to say about their experience-
“It’s a good experience and you can have friends over in Japan.”
“It's a great way to learn about foreign cultures and make lifelong friends”
“ A highlight is learning about Japanese culture and their lifestyle as well as experiencing their excitement for usually mundane Australian things”
“Over just a few weeks, we formed a close bond, and it truly felt like gaining a new sibling. Despite the distance, we still keep in regular contact and call almost every week to share updates about our lives!”
“It's fun and there is nothing wrong with making friends!”
Information Evening
You can find out more about what is involved and ask questions
Wednesday 14th May, 6:30pm in TLC
RSVP to discoverjapan@ms.brentwood.vic.edu.au if you would like to attend.
Expression your interest to host here: https://forms.office.com/r/mUqnGNc72F
🌟 Wellbeing Update – Let’s Get Involved & Stay Connected! 🌟
Dear Students,
Wellbeing continuously brings along new activities, lunchtimes clubs and campaigns to support your wellbeing, meet new people, and have a bit of fun along the way. Check out what’s happening at school:
🥪 Breakfast Club – Every Wednesday, 8:00–8:30 AM
Start your day right! Come along to the Breakfast Club in front of G3 and it opens to all students. Free food, friendly faces, and a positive start to your day! Please let our team know if you have any dietary restrictions.
🎨 Lunchtime Clubs – Get Involved!
Lunchtimes just got a whole lot more exciting! Join a club that suits your interests:
- 🌈 Rainbow Collective and Allies – A safe, respectful, and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies every Wednesday during lunchtimes in K13.
- 💻 DigiTech Club – Explore digital skills, gaming, and creative tech every Thursday during lunchtime in G10.
- 👭 Sista Society – Empowering young women through connection and conversation every Thursday during lunchtime in TLC4.
- 🎨 Art Club – Unleash your creativity in a relaxed space every Wednesday during lunchtime in A4.
- 📚 Anime & Manga Club – Chat, draw, and connect over your favourite anime and manga every Friday during lunchtime in TLC4.
These clubs are a great way to de-stress, try something new, and connect with others who share your interests.
Remember, wellbeing isn't just about mental health – it's about feeling connected, supported, and balanced. There’s something for everyone, so step in, show up, and take care of you.
See you there!
Wellbeing Team
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.
Brentwood Buzz first edition 2025
Dear Brentwood Community,
The Newspaper Club is excited to share the first edition of Brentwood Buzz, our student-led newspaper, with the school community.
We hope you enjoy this first edition for 2025.
Link: https://brentwood.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/4th-Edition-of-Buzz-T1-2025.pdf
BrentCast Episode 8
Our latest episode is now live.
Please use the link below.
In this episode, we hear from our wonderful Library Monitors and Librarians as they outline the Brentwood Library Monitor Program and how this helps promote reading, friendships and helping our students grow as learners and people in our Brentwood Community.
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