Principal Report 

Effective Classroom Environment

We have had a very positive start to the 2025 school year. Clear messages around high expectations and respectful relationships were delivered to students and staff in the first few days of school. I am proud to say that the school community has responded extremely positively. The school focus this year is to embed the effective learning environment where classroom expectations and routines are shared amongst students and teachers, with routinised expectations in the classroom. 

We then create an environment that is calm and orderly, where teachers are able to use best instructional practice, and students are able to learn effectively. 

The year level structure has started really well, and I am particularly pleased with the manner in which the year 7 students have started their secondary education.  The active engagement of the homegroup and subject teachers in the year 7 hub has underpinned this positive culture. The student work in ICARE week to build the connection to house and homegroup, has been excellent. Students have also focussed on getting to know each other and beginning an understanding on what good learning looks like in their classrooms, in the wider school environment, at home and in the community. 

The respect that the year 7 students have shown towards Berwick College and for the privilege of learning on Bunurong land was emphasised by their engagement with the smoking ceremony as they were welcomed. 

Year 11 and 12 have started the year, each with a day at Federation University, to set goals for the year and have taken some time to consider how their study habits and behaviours will impact their learning over the course of their VCE. The Year 12s, in particular, have reflected upon how these decisions will impact their choices after school. 

I am particularly pleased that all senior students have been able to spend a day at Federation University. The privilege of living in such proximity to a tertiary education provider cannot be underestimated. Young people who are able to access educational opportunities close to home are more likely to attend and complete further education. 

Years 8, 9 and 10 students have responded extremely positively to the change in the school structure and the change in process for help seeking, support and accountability. There is no doubt, across the school, students have raised the expectations of themselves. We have certainly started the year with the student cohort understanding that each individual is accountable for their own learning and actions, both to themselves and to their peers. 

Families are invited to read through the following Effective Classroom Environment information. This outlines the expected roles of students, of teachers and support staff in creating an environment which is calm, orderly and which enables high levels of engagement and learning.

Josie Millard

Principal