Principal's Report

Principals’ Report 

As always there has been a wide range of events happening across the school over the last couple of weeks. Including our annual Athletics Carnival, Community Day, NAPLAN testing and College Tours. We are also about to embark on our first round of Learning Conferences for 2024. 

Athletics Carnival & Community Day 

While the weather on the day of our Athletics Carnival was not at its best, our students demonstrated a great deal of resilience and competed in a wide range of track and field events. It was also great to see the level of House pride and the way in which students supported each other throughout the day. Unfortunately (from the staff perspective), our 4x100 metre staff relay team were not quite quick enough to beat our fastest Year 12 student relay team. 

Thank you to all staff who contributed to the smooth running on the day. Particularly Kim Nash and Sarah Swilks (Directors of Sport) who did a great job in preparing for and coordinating the day.  

Community Day was organised and coordinated by our SRC and Student Leadership Team and focused on recognising and celebrating the diversity and range of cultures that we have in within our school community here at Brentwood. Students did a fantastic job of coordinating a wide range of activities during lunchtime. 

Well done to all of the students involved in the running of the day, as well as Bianca Saathoff (Director of Student Leadership). 

Both events represented how effective collaboration can result in providing a range of positive experiences for our students and the wider school community. 

NAPLAN  

Over the last two weeks, our Year 7 and 9 students have undertaken their NAPLAN testing online. I would like to acknowledge the effort that our students put into this testing. 

I would also like to thank all of our staff who were involved in administering the tests and supporting our students in working through each test to the best of their ability. 

A special mention to Ben Franklin (Director of Teaching and Learning) for organising and coordinating NAPLAN over the last two weeks.  

Whilst individualised results to students and parents won’t be released for some time, some initial whole school data will be provided for teachers in the coming months so they can individualise and target the needs to individuals and small groups of students in their classes.  

Learning Conferences 

A reminder that Learning Conferences will be held online on Thursday 21st March from 11:00am to 7:00pm via the Cisco Webex platform. Bookings have now closed. 

Just a reminder to please check your Compass newsfeed for details to support you to use the platform and access teachers for your appointments. 

A final reminder that this is a student free day and the school will not be providing supervision for students as there are no scheduled classes on this day. We look forward to this opportunity to meet to discuss your child's learning. 

Student Wellbeing Support 

As a school, we are committed to continue to support our students in every way that we can to be the best people and learners that they can be. A significant resource that we are fortunate to have in our school is our Wellbeing Hub. The Wellbeing Team provides a proactive and comprehensive Wellbeing Program that builds and promotes a sense of belonging and resilience for all students. The team works holistically and collaboratively to build the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of our students.  

A reminder that the services of the Wellbeing Team are available to all of our students. This support can be accessed in a range of ways. These include: 

• Students visiting the Wellbeing Hub and speaking directly with a member of the team. 
• Teachers can make a Wellbeing Referral on Compass, that will result in a member of the team reaching out to the student. A student may also choose to ask a teacher who they have a strong relationship with, to make a Wellbeing Referral for them. 
• A parent/carer contacts the school and requests some support for their child. This can be done by contacting the Wellbeing Hub directly on 8545 0338.  

If you would ever like to discuss your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please never hesitate to seek out some guidance from our highly qualified team. All communication is managed in a discrete, respectful and confidential manner.  

Last Day of Term: 

Thursday the 28th of March is the final day of Term 1. 

A reminder that students will be dismissed at 2.30pm. Students will return for the first day of Term 2 on Monday the 15th of April. 

We wish all of our students and families a safe and happy school holiday period.  

Aaron Palmer 

Assistant Principal – Director of Wellbeing