Principal Report 

The past four weeks have been a strong reminder of the rich learning experience at Berwick College, both within the classroom and outside it. I have had the absolute pleasure of attending a range of events, and of observing a number of classes that so clearly demonstrate the enriching experience students enjoy at Berwick College. 

At the end of Term 1, Berwick College completed its ‘School Review’. This review process is undertaken in every Government school on a four-year cycle. It is on the basis of the review findings that schools build their Strategic Plans for the coming cycle. This year we were privileged to have Deborah Harman (Principal – Balwyn High School) and Chad Ambrose (Executive Principal – Carrum Downs Secondary College) join Emma Richardson (Independent School Reviewer) , Michaela Cole (DE – Senior Education improvement Leader), Kerrie Russell (School Council President and current parent) and myself, Josie Millard (Principal) to critically examine all aspects of the education program at Berwick College. There were a number of current highlights identified across the school, but I think perhaps the most important one was that students at this school want to do well. They want to be proud of their school. They want to be rewarded for effort, and they want their successes to be celebrated. In fact, this feedback was so compelling that I clarified, “Isn’t that the case in most schools?” but the panel emphatically replied that the pride and determination of Berwick College students in their experience “stood out”. The truth of this has been evident to me in almost every interaction I have had with students and in every observation I have made. Needless to say, this provides our school with the most essential ingredient for improvement. 

There are a number of areas where, as a school, we will focus our improvement efforts. At the moment we are concentrating on the development and documentation of a rigorous curriculum. There will be some minor changes to our offerings in 2026, but our focus will be on mapping, delivering and differentiating a quality curriculum across the school. 

An area that we will also examine is the role of the school’s vision and values as a lived experience for all. Great schools have, ‘a shared vision, values, culture and ethos, based on the highest expectations of all members of the community’. In order to ensure that our values truly reflect those of the students, the staff and the community, we commence the consultation process to examine these – and if need be, to renew them. This work will underpin much of the work of the school over the coming four years. 

Two weeks ago, 80 students represented their peers in the first Student Congress for the year. Students heard about the history of Berwick College and they saw examples of a range of ways in which schools base their work, such as their behaviour and expectations framework on the school values. 

Our students began the initial work on determining how this could work at Berwick College. It was simply wonderful to be a part of their thoughtful, considered and creative conversations. They have started the work which will move throughout the community – and it really was true that they exemplified the ideal of proud, determined students. 

Throughout this Newsletter, I hope you get a sense of this as well. The Berwick College Production of ‘Matilda’ was as entertaining as it was wonderful. The students seemed to have so much fun as they showcased breathtaking talent and incredible teamwork. 

As I write this, I am looking forward to attending the Year 11 Presentation Balls. Students, and parents, are extremely excited to participate in this traditional rite of passage. Much effort has gone into the preparation for the event, and I thank not only the families who have committed so much, but also the members of the Rotary community who have worked with our students to bring them to this point. I particularly thank the staff who give up their time to ensure our students may enjoy such an experience. 

I congratulate the Careers Team who put on an amazing Careers Expo earlier this week. All students from years 9-12 attended the Expo and certainly gained great insights into what possibilities lie in the future for them. I was privileged to have a number of conversations with students over the following days to hear firsthand how the Expo had opened options for them.

Please enjoy this edition of the Berwick College Newsletter.