Shane Gemmola

Acting Principal

As we move further into Term 4, it’s been wonderful to see both staff and students maintain such strong focus and energy during what is always a busy and exciting part of the year. With only a few weeks remaining, the school continues to be a hive of activity — from final assessments and performances to excursions and celebrations.

Twilight Market

I am looking forward to seeing a big community turn-out at the upcoming Twilight Market - and I hear that there may be some surprises! The BSC Media, Art and Design Exhibition will feature at the event this year and it will be great to see families, staff and students together on site and enjoying the best of Brunswick!

Farewell to the Class of 2025

Graduation marks a major life milestone for our students, and it is also a chance to recognise the shared, collective efforts of families and staff who have supported them throughout their secondary school journey. It’s a moment to celebrate the mutual respect, gratitude, and sense of purpose that connects our school community, and to acknowledge the vital roles and responsibilities that families, staff, and students each carry along the way.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements and the strong relationships they’ve built with their teachers. The strong staff attendance reflected the pride and care that truly define our community.

I want to say thank you to all the teachers and support staff who have had an impact on the students over their six years of secondary education. The lessons learned both in and out of the classroom will sustain them as they move forward. On behalf of everyone at BSC, the hard work, emotion, energy and dedication of our staff is recognised and deeply appreciated.

After the ceremony, students, families, and staff lingered to enjoy each other’s company—sharing memories, stories, and reflections on both the year that was and the years that brought them here.

VCAA Examination period

Following the official end of Year 12 classes on October 18, our Year 12 teachers have continued to dedicate much time and energy in supporting our VCE students through the examination period. Students were able to meet with teachers during their Swotvac week and as the examination period has progressed. We wish all our students the very best as they complete their exams and prepare for life beyond school.

Celebrating our students

Our Instrumental Music staff are also recognised for their efforts, recently staging a number of soirees for families to enjoy. It is great to see students being brave enough to get up on stage and do their thing!

I was lucky enough to be asked to be a guest judge for the Junior MasterChef Challenge last week. I was gobsmacked by the artistry and culinary skills on display and the dishes they produced. Being able to sample over a dozen delicious dishes was an absolute pleasure and I know that my partners in judging agreed. Please keep a look out for the article in this edition of the Brunswick Star.

Similarly, the Year 12 Media night held at the beginning of the term championed some wonderful productions for the audience. Despite the weather, which moved the event indoors, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with some really impressive auteurs showing their skills.

Student Leadership

It was a pleasure earlier in the term to announce our 2026 School Captains Oscar Hagerty and Emily Lynch, and our Vice Captains Saskia Black and Shant Chhagan. These student leaders will represent the College with pride and help shape the culture and direction of the school in the coming year. Thank you to Sally Goss for her ongoing support and mentorship of our student leadership team.

Respectful Relationships

Our Respectful Relationships Refresh work has continued this term, and we are looking forward to building on this next year with a new initiative designed to complement our existing programs. The Modelling Respect and Equality Program (MoRE) supports staff to engage in evidence-based workshops that promote healthier masculinities and respectful interactions across our school.

This work builds on our whole-school approach to wellbeing, inclusion, and equality.

Professional Learning Day

The Professional Learning Day saw staff teams from each Learning Area focus on the development of common unit plans that build on the work of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0 and our current lesson model. This work will strengthen consistency in teaching and learning across year levels and subject areas.

Communications