Message from the Principal

Shane Gemmola

Acting Principal

It has been a very strong and purposeful start to the year at Brunswick Secondary College. Students have returned settled and engaged, and classrooms have quickly re-established a focused learning environment. Staff have worked hard to ensure that students feel supported in all aspects of school life, setting a positive and confident tone for the year ahead.

I am particularly thankful for our sub-school teams, which look a little different this year following the move to a two sub-school structure. The work that has gone into ensuring a smooth and cohesive start has been significant. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Middle School team, who have worked tirelessly to support our new students in transitioning to secondary college. Their care, organisation and attention to detail have ensured that our Year 7 cohort has settled quickly and confidently into life at BSC.

Our Year 7 students have made an impressive start. They have integrated quickly into the culture of the College and are already demonstrating enthusiasm and a sense of belonging.

I have also been really impressed by our Year 12 students. In conversations in the yard and through the feedback interviews being led by the Senior Sub-School team, they are describing an experience that feels both challenging and well supported. They acknowledge that it will be a long year, yet many are also saying it already feels like it is flying by — all the things Year 12 students typically feel at this stage. It is pleasing to hear that they feel stretched in their learning while knowing the structures around them are strong.

Beyond the classroom, extracurricular programs have commenced with real momentum. Camps, excursions and interschool sport are already underway, reflecting our commitment to providing a rich and engaging school experience. These opportunities strengthen connection, broaden perspectives and contribute significantly to student engagement and wellbeing.

Preparations for this year’s school production of Legally Blonde are generating genuine excitement. With a large cast and crew involved, the production promises to be a wonderful showcase of talent, teamwork and dedication.

Respectful Relationships and restorative practices remain central to our culture. We are committed to ensuring students feel heard, supported and accountable, and that when challenges arise there are structured opportunities to repair and restore relationships. This work underpins a safe, inclusive and responsible learning environment.

Student leadership has also started the year with purpose. Our SRC is already hard at work on two important initiatives: developing a student-led newsletter and planning celebrations for Harmony Day. These early projects reflect a strong desire to amplify student voice and celebrate the diversity that defines our school community.

Partnership with families remains a priority. Recent parent events and information sessions have strengthened our shared understanding of student learning and pathways.

Our upcoming Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences provide an important opportunity for families to engage directly in conversations about progress, goals and wellbeing. I strongly encourage all parents and carers to make the time to attend. These conversations are most powerful when students, families and teachers are working together with shared clarity and purpose.

Our energetic Parents' Association has hit the ground running this year, partnering with the Visual Arts & Design faculty to deliver the Art After Dark life drawing workshop. Attending Parents' Association events is an easy way to meet other parents and staff while also supporting school programs. It has been wonderful to see so many parents embrace the opportunity to become involved. I encourage families to read more about the Parents' Association’s 2026 plans later in this newsletter.

As announced via Compass, we are pleased to confirm that the composition of the 2026/2027 School Council has been finalised. As the number of nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies, no ballot was required. We thank all members for their willingness to serve and contribute to the governance of the College. The 2026/2027 School Council members include Oscar Hagarty, Emily Lynch, Ann Jorgenson, Belinda Newick, Shane Gemmola, Claudia Johnson, Samantha Steinkrug, Louise Allgood, Oscar Ferreiro, Shahab Kasmai, Lois Knight, Stephanie Muller and Andrew Silcox. In addition, two student representatives will be elected by the student body later in Term 1 to join Council and ensure student voice is represented in our decision-making processes.

There is a great deal to look forward to this year. Students are engaged, staff are deeply committed, and there is a strong sense of momentum across the College. I am confident that 2026 will be a year of growth, connection and continued achievement for our school community.