Principal's Report
Congratulations to the Class of 2023
Last week the class of 2023 received their Year 12 results. Once again, we are very proud of our students. Here is snapshot:
5% (9 students) of students achieved an ATAR of 95+
15% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+
37% of students achieved an ATAR of 80+
48% of students achieved an ATAR of 75+
Over the past few years our students have shown a lot of grit and determination to be the best learners and people they can be, and we couldn't be prouder. These results not only reflect their effort, but the dedication and high expectations from their teachers and most importantly the love and support from their parents and carers. Thank you to everyone who has supported the class of 2023 over the past 6 years.
A special congratulations to Tara Metaxas who is our Dux for 2023 with an ATAR of 99.6. An outstanding achievement! Tara has worked hard over her time at Brentwood at is someone who has embraced our values for learning and community.
Whilst we are very proud of our students' achievements this year, we remind them it is what happens next that counts. We look forward to seeing the many and diverse pathways this cohort take in the future and have no doubt that they are ready for their next steps in life.
Congratulations once again to the class of 2023 and we look forward to celebrating with many of them at the Presentation Night which is being held next year on Thursday February 1.
Reports:
On Friday December 15 Year 7 – 11 student reports became available on Compass. These reports will provide a summary of the learning progress of our students this semester. We encourage parents and students to reflect on these reports by celebrating the learning growth and identifying learning behaviours and habits that could be improved in 2024.
2023 Presentation Night:
On Thursday February 1, 2024, we look forward to celebrating and recognising our students for their excellence in academic achievement, academic growth, and community service at our Annual Presentation Night. Families will be individually invited to this event.
Camps Week:
Last week approximately 100 year 8 students and 80 year 9 students enjoyed a wonderful week on camp. The year 8 students participated in an adventure camp in Toolangi where they enjoyed canoeing, high ropes courses, mountain bike riding and more. The Year 9 students enjoyed seeing the historical and natural sites in Tasmania. From all reports our students were great ambassadors of our College. A big thank you to the staff who were willing to provide our students with these opportunities. It is greatly appreciated.
Orientation Day:
We formally welcomed the 2024 Year 7 cohort last week. It was wonderful to see the students meeting their new classmates and teachers. The Parents and Friends Association also welcomed new parents over coffee and tea in the morning also. It was a great way for our new families to begin making connections at the school. We hope that the students and parents received an insight into life at Brentwood and are excited about the 6 years ahead!
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training:
Our school is committed to doing our best to enhance the learning and wellbeing of all students. To support this work almost 75% of our staff have now completed a two-day course in Youth Mental Health First Aid, with a majority of staff undertaking this training last week. The course was delivered by our own Wellbeing Team and has given staff a framework and skillset to respond to students who may be experiencing mental health issues. Thank you to the Wellbeing Team for providing this training to our staff.
Thank you to our amazing staff!
Every year I feel so grateful for the wonderful team of teachers and education support staff at Brentwood and once again I couldn’t be prouder. Brentwood is so very lucky to have such dedicated professionals who strive to be their best so that they can support the students in being their best. On behalf of the school community, I want to thank them for their efforts in supporting our students and wish them all a restful and well-deserved break over the Summer holidays.
Staff in 2024
The following staff are leaving Brentwood at the end of this year. I would like to thank them for their service to our school community and wish them all the very best for their futures:
Niema Allen (Maths)
Vee Anrep (Health and PE)
Sarah Bucci (Health and PE)
Clayton Edwards (IT)
Sarah Jolly (Maths)
Matthew Lay (Science)
Paula Olsen (Library)
Sue Stenning (Humanities)
John Satchell (Design and Technology Wood)
Andrea Weinbergs (Design and Technology Food)
Jess Winefield (Humanities)
Laura Zalesiak (Music and Performing Arts)
The following staff will be taking leave in 2024:
Sue Bach
Daniel Mackay
Simon Steele
The following staff have been appointed to start at Brentwood in 2024:
George Bouios (Health & PE)
Veronica Fox (Instrumental Music - Brass)
Megan Furphy (Arts and Technology)
Bradon Hermanto (Maths)
Kay Hollis (Design and Technology Food)
Alice Krieger (Arts and Technology)
Jason Louey (Health and PE)
Grace McKerras (Humanities)
Christopher Munn (Instrumental Music – Cello)
Elise Ozga (English)
Mary Petridis (Science)
Ruby Qiu (Science)
Kristina Rainsford (English)
Chaya Ranathunga (Science)
Chris Shaw (Design and Technology Wood)
Peter Vlahos (Health and PE)
Janene Watt (IT)
Emma Xin Liu (Maths)
Return Dates in 2024:
Year 7 and 12* classes will resume on TUESDAY JANUARY 30
Year 8 to 11 classes will resume on WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31
*Advanced placement students (i.e. Year 11 students studying a Year 12 subject) who have a Year 12 class on Tuesday January 31 should attend for that individual class only.
The General Office will re-open from January 24.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Finally, on behalf of the Principal Team, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope everybody has a wonderful break with family and friends. Keep safe and we look forward to seeing the students back in 2024.
John Ballagh
Principal