Message from the Principal
Shane Gemmola
Acting Principal
As we come to the end of a very full and rewarding year, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many people who contribute so much to the strength of the Brunswick Secondary College community.
My sincere thanks go to all members of School Council, and in particular School Council President, Shahab Kasmai, for their time, expertise and commitment to the governance and strategic direction of the school.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of our Grants and Fundraising (GFA) team – Rosie Nicholson, Sonia Ingham and Tracey Talko – for their dedication and persistence in supporting initiatives that directly benefit students. Thank you also to our Breakfast Club volunteers, whose generosity ensures students are supported to begin each day well.
I also wish to acknowledge the incredible work of our Parents’ Association, led by Allison Berry, whose efforts continue to strengthen connections across our community.
A special thank you to Jo Keeble, who has led an extraordinary amount of planting and greening at the front of the school this year. This work, supported by students, teachers, Parents' Association and community members, has already transformed the entrance to the school and reflects the pride and care our community has for the learning environment.
Complimenting the work of these wonderful volunteers, the 2025 Student Representative Council has also had an action-packed and very successful year, crowned by their phenomenal effort in staging the Twilight Market. Leading by example, these young people have been - and will continue to be - excellent ambassadors for our school!
Community, Connection and Celebration
Over the past month, we have been fortunate to host and celebrate a number of events that truly reflect the spirit of Brunswick Secondary College. The Twilight Market was a fantastic opportunity for families and community members to come together and experience the warmth, creativity and inclusivity that define our school. It was a wonderful expression of the “Brunswick spirit” in action.
Our Awards Night provided a meaningful opportunity to recognise student effort, growth and achievement, while the Media, Art & Design Exhibition showcased the creativity, skill and critical thinking of our students.
The quality of work on display was exceptional and a testament to both student commitment and staff expertise. I would also like to acknowledge the significant work undertaken around the Media, Art & Design Exhibition, and the collective effort that went into making this such a positive experience for our students and community.
Student Achievement, Pathways and Futures
I was delighted to see so many students achieve strong outcomes in their VCE results this year. These results reflect sustained effort, resilience and the strong partnership between students, staff and families.
We also wish our VCE VM students all the very best as they move into the next stage of their pathways. We are incredibly proud of the way they have engaged with their learning and the purposeful transitions they are making into employment, training and further study.
We are all very much looking forward to hearing about our students’ tertiary offers and university pathways when these are released in January, and celebrating the diverse and exciting directions our graduates will take beyond Brunswick Secondary College.
A Year at a Glance
Looking back across the year as a whole, it has been a joy to see students grow not only academically, but as confident, capable and community-minded young people. The way students finished the year speaks volumes about the culture of the school.
End-of-year celebrations and performances highlighted the strength of our extra-curricular programs — from vibrant music performances, to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid production and impressive drama showcases. These experiences reinforce the importance of creativity, collaboration and belonging, and reflect the commitment of staff to providing rich and balanced learning opportunities.
It is a privilege to be part of a school that consistently nurtures such thoughtful, engaged and generous young community members.
Acknowledging Our Staff
As the year concludes, I would like to acknowledge staff who are heading off on leave, retiring, or taking up new positions beyond Brunswick Secondary College. Their contributions have been immense, and their impact is evident in the learning, wellbeing and growth of our students, as well as in the culture of our school. We thank them sincerely for their professionalism, dedication and care, and wish them every success and fulfilment in the next chapter of their journey.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, planning is already underway, with key dates being added to the Brunswick Secondary College website calendar. I am very much looking forward to a successful new year and am grateful to continue to be part of this community as we build on the strong foundations already in place.
As the year draws to a close, I wish all members of our community the very best for the many cultural and religious celebrations taking place at this time. I hope the break provides time to spend with family and friends, to rest and restore, and to return refreshed and ready for a big and exciting 2026.
Thank you to students, staff and families for a wonderful year.