Executive Team News

The last few weeks have been busy with many wonderful events, including incursions, excursions, interschool sports and whole school events such as Science Week, National Week Against Bullying, celebrating the Paris Olympics and Book Week. These events are important for our students to engage in to further develop their learning and continue to build connections with their peers and teachers.

Book Week Celebrations

Book Week celebrations took place from 19 August to 23 August. During the week students participated in a variety of activities including our annual Book Week Parade, which Parents and Guardians were also invited to attend. It was a fun filled morning observing the many wonderful costumes worn by students and staff. 

Mrs Dellidis made a surprise visit to our library to read "Shhh! I'm Reading" by John Kelly and Elina Ellis to our students .

School Review

Brookside College will be commencing the School Review process on Thursday 29th August. This occurs every four year and it is a wonderful opportunity to identify and acknowledge the progress the College has made over the four years, as well as identify the future goals that will then be outlined in the next School Strategic Plan. 

R U Ok? Day – Thursday 12 September 

Every year, Brookside College aims to spread mental health awareness and community connection through the message of R U Ok? Our mission is to create, inspire and empower students and the school community to connect with those around them and support anyone struggling with their mental health.   

This year our R U OK? Day celebrations will take place throughout the week. The Wellbeing Team at Brookside are organising and collaborating with members of the school and other wellbeing organisations, to run programs and events to raise the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Students and staff are also encouraged to wear a splash of yellow to acknowledge the importance of this week.

Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. 

We will be holding a raffle for those who complete the survey, where you will have the opportunity to enter in a draw to win the cost of a bookpack for one of your children fully paid for by the school (valued between $80-$185). 1 prize will be given way per sector of the school (P-2, 3-6, 7-9).

To be included in the raffle to win a bookpack, you will need to provide proof of completion of the survey. This can be done by taking a screenshot or photo of your completed survey at the end, and sending it to the Brookside College email, brookside.p9@education.vic.gov.au, along with your name, child’s name and year level, and your best contact number. Please also put “Opinion Survey” in the subject line of the email to make it easier to identify.

We encourage all families to complete the survey as your opinions are important to us.

• The survey is conducted online and should take 20 minutes to complete.
• The survey can be completed on any internet enabled device (iPad, Desktop or Laptop, Smartphone) and is compatible with most browsers.
• The survey will be open until Friday 30 August 2024.
• The survey is available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Greek, Turkish, Somali and Punjabi.                                     Please be assured that your responses are completely confidential. The survey is conducted anonymously, and it is important to us that you complete the survey as honestly as possible. 

Please follow the instructions provided in the Compass post that was sent out to all families to complete the survey. Please note that only one parent/caregiver/guardian from each family may complete the survey. Thank you for taking the time to participate. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Brookside Colour Fun Run 

On Tuesday 17 September, Brookside will be holding its whole school Colour Fun Run event. On this day, students will have the chance to participate in a run around the Brookside oval whilst being covered in coloured powder. 

Students will have the opportunity to fundraise money for the event which will go towards new sports equipment and sports uniforms for Brookside College. Students who fundraise will also be able to choose some pretty cool prizes for themselves! There will also be prizes along the way for classes and individuals with the most money raised. 

All students should by now have brought home a pamphlet containing all of the fundraising details needed to get started, and a letter with more information for parents/guardians about how the fundraising process works. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.

Save the Date – Pupil Free Day Monday 2 September

Brookside College will be having a staff Professional Practice Day on Monday 2 September. Students are not required to attend school on this day and there will be no work provided - please ensure that you make alternative arrangements. Please also note that the office will be closed on this day.  

Camp Australia is available for families who require supervision for their children - please contact them to register/make a booking if needed (see flyer attached for more information).  

Staff are entitled to Professional Practice Days (PPDs) in accordance with the Victorian Government Schools Agreement so that they may focus on the improved delivery of high-quality teaching and learning. The Department of Education and Training (DET) has approved schools to conduct one pupil free professional practice day this semester.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

The Executive Team

Brookside College