Principal Report 

Term 4 has so far has been a wonderful reflection of student achievement. I was honoured to witness the graduation of the Class of 2025 at their Valedictory evenings on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 of October. For us, the staff, to see each student proudly accept the recognition of the significant achievement of completing secondary school, fills us with pride and joy. The class of 2025 concluded their final days of classes and their last day of celebration with respect and delight - I have rarely, in my years of education, witnessed such a respectful and caring group of wonderful young people. I could clearly see that at Berwick College there is a place where every student belongs and while the journey through secondary education can occasionally present challenges, to witness the young people it produces, fills us with hope for the future.

Education, at its heart, is about transformation. It’s about learning to think critically, to care deeply, to act with integrity, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around you. In gaining such an education, I hope that its principles have shaped our graduating class and hope that they will carry them forward from here along the many diverse pathways they are about to walk.

Some of our graduates will go on to university, exploring ideas that will shape the future. Some will enter TAFE or apprenticeships, building the skills that construct our communities. Some will go directly into the workforce, bringing energy, creativity, and initiative. Others will take time to travel, to work, to think, to discover what truly drives them. Every one of these pathways is valuable. Each one contributes to the shared strength of our society.

Because education is not only about individual achievement—it’s about what each student brings back to their community. Education builds healthy societies. It improves wellbeing, builds empathy, encourages civic engagement, and nurtures the belief that you have agency in shaping your own life. Our graduates join one of the most educated—and therefore privileged—groups of people in the world. With that privilege comes responsibility: to use their education for good, to include others, to challenge injustice, and to lead with compassion.

I was delighted to attend The Arts and Technologies Exhibition and chose Calum Metcalfe (Year 12) for his artwork 'I Can’t Remember Her Name' as the school's art acquisition for 2025. 

It was not only the technical skill and visual presentation, but it was also the critical and creative thinking that had gone into the creation of the work that I found so meaningful. 

Visual Art at Berwick College is about teaching students to reflect back to themselves and their community on the world around us. 

Our Dance students have had a busy term so far. On Saturday 11 October a group of students attended the Melbourne Diwali festival and represented our school with a cultural dance. We were one of few secondary schools that joined a huge range of cultural dance groups. The festival was a vibrant and exciting celebration of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. I was proud to be there and see our representation. 

The year 7, 8 and 9 Dance students presented 'Groove through the Decades'.A feature of the production was the fact that students learned strategies of choreography to choreograph their own routines. This particular skill is often not taught in the Dance schools. It is in the education setting that we are able to explore it more fully. It is also this skill that sets our students up for employment and greater contribution to the dance industry. Our dance students have significant agency in choosing their own formations and styles and the standard is exceptional.

Year 12 exams have commenced. Our students have prepared for them diligently since the last day of classes. The senior centre has been full of students studying, meeting with their teachers to address misconceptions, completing the final practise exams and essays and putting in the final touches. On behalf of the school community we wish them all the very best for the next few weeks. I know that whatever the outcome, we will be very proud.

Ove the coming weeks year 11 and then year 10 students will participate in either the examination process or the work experience process. Each of these processes builds skills, dispositions and habits that will lead to successful educational outcomes.

Presentation Night will be a celebration of achievement across the school for 2025. Performers are already rehearsing and over the coming weeks award winners will be notified. We are delighted to host the event at Bunjil Place at 6pm on Tuesday 2 December and welcome all members of our community to purchase a ticket to attend. Details will be released soon. It is by recognising and celebrating excellence that we build a culture of high expectations across the school.