Brinbeal News

Principal's Message

Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

 

We are now over half way through term 1! Hitting the ground running has really paid off; our students and staff have quickly got back into the swing of things. Our new Year 7 students are engaging well with the Brinbeal Secondary College way: high expectations around our core values of Respect, Aspiration & Achievement and Acceptance.

 

As the term progresses, there are several key highlights on the horizon, including NAPLAN for our Year 7 students, Cultral Infusion Day for all students in Year 7 & 8, Interschool Sports and Dutch Carnaval.

 

In the classroom, our students are already engaging in dynamic and thought-provoking learning experiences. 

 

Upcoming NAPLAN for Year 7 Students

NAPLAN testing for Year 7 students at Brinbeal Secondary College is fast approaching. These assessments provide valuable insights into students’ literacy and numeracy skills, helping to inform future learning strategies.

 

NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, families and schools, and as part of a variety of assessment opportunities are used to meet students at their personalised point of need.

 

Key Test Dates for 2025:

  • Wednesday 12th March: Writing 
  • Thursday 13th March: Reading
  • Friday 14th March: Conventions of Language
  • Monday 17th March: Numeracy

Catch-up tests will be available for students who are absent on test days within the test window of 12th March – 24th March 2025. To ensure a smooth testing process, please make sure your child has downloaded the 2025 version of the Locked Down Browser. 

 

Homework

The College believes that to promote student engagement with their learning, some homework should be set and done regularly under the coordination of the teacher. We know too well the sound of children telling their parents/carers that they ‘have no work to do at home’ so, I hope that we can offer some ways to support you when that message makes its way to you!

 

The work completed at home by a student is a vital and necessary extension of the class lessons; it is an important way to consolidate and reinforce the work covered during the day.  This work is best completed as close to the lesson as possible, in quiet conditions, and as far away from the distractions of a mobile phone as you can muster. The Department of Education has further information about homework but to surmise, students’ work at home is divided into two categories:

 

HOME STUDY is where students independently follow-up on class work by creating notes, revision posters, and annotating work from the day to ensure that work is understood. Home study is a great opportunity to apply understanding to practice tasks, and for students to reflect on what they need to highlight to their teacher for further support, or extension.

 

HOMEWORK  is a task set by the teacher and will have parameters, for example a due date. Please note we do not set Homework for Year 7 students until term 2. 

 

CATCH UP WORK is work students have not competed in class by the set time as directed by the teacher, this is work that students have had ample time in class to complete, however, have failed to do so. This is not considered homework, but instead is essential task they have not completed in the allocated class time. 

 

Please reach out to your child’s subject teacher if you need help with supporting your child’s schoolwork.

 

Communication

It is easy to see how the transition from primary school into secondary school might cause a little anxiety for some new families, our college is often a lot different than your primary school was! Whilst we put many measures in place to smooth out this process, we know that communication is the key ingredient for a successful relationship with you.

 

Communication is slightly different at secondary school in that our main method of communication is via Compass. You will find the Compass App an invaluable way of quickly checking your child’s attendance, your child’s lessons for the day, and any upcoming Learning Tasks. If you need help with resetting passwords etc, please contact the Front Office.

 

I can encourage you to look at the Learning Tasks regularly, you should clearly be able to see the due date and the submission status for each learning task. Via your Compass App, you will be able to see information similar to this:

 

If you access Compass via your browser, you will have the option to not only see upcoming Learning Tasks, but to also see any overdue Learning Tasks.

 

Curriculum Day – Friday 28th March

Please note a curriculum day for staff is scheduled on Friday 28th March (which is fast approaching). This is a student free day and there will not be any supervision available for student at the school as staff undertake essential training and planning.

 

Speed Limits and Traffic Risk Management and Dangers to Students/Staff and the General Public

Please be aware of the strict speed limits around the College and roads within the vicinity of the College. The huge number of cars and traffic movement around both our College and Karwan Primary School both before and after school causes a high danger risk to students, staff, visitors and general public pedestrians.

 

Please be aware of the surrounds and follow the traffic speed, road rules and parking rules. Cars should not double park or park in the driveways blocking traffic flow or residential properties.

 

Securing Lockers & Bikes

We have noticed that a number of lockers and bikes are not secured with locks. Please encourage your child to use the approved lock on their locker to ensure the safety of their belongings. Likewise all bikes and scooters should not only be stored in the secure bike sheds but they should also include a bike lock for added security.

 

Wearing a helmet while riding a bike/scooter

Any student who rides their bike/scooter to and from school MUST wear a helmet.

Below is a letter from the Victoria Police in regard to the importance of wearing a helmet. Please take the time to read this letter with your child/ren. 

 

BIKE/SCOOTER HELMETS 

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL POLICE 

This is a reminder that all users of bikes and scooters (including the motorised versions) MUST wear helmets unless exempt. We have had concerns raised by members of our community, and it is quite apparent that residents have become complacent regarding these laws. 

 

Mandatory bicycle helmet laws were introduced in July 1990. This applies when riding:

  • on roads and road-related areas 
  • on bike and shared paths 
  • in bike lanes 
  • in recreational parks
  • in car parks
  • on footpaths. 

 

Police can stop bike and scooter riders and issue a fine or a warning for not wearing an approved bicycle helmet. The current fine for this offence is $231.

 

Research indicates that bike helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are the major cause of death and injury to bike riders. 

  • Bicycle helmets reduce the chances of a serious head injury by almost 70 % 
  • Two years after introducing bicycle helmet laws in 1990 a 23% reduction in head injuries in Victoria. 

This is a significant safety issue, and we encourage you all to look after yourselves, family, and friends.

 

Kind Regards, 

Mr. Simon Haber

College Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a staff team we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive school with our students and your children.  We encourage you to partner with us as we build our high expectations for our school community as a whole.  Your feedback is always welcome and I can be contacted on 03 8001 3333 or via email at Brinbeal.SC@education.vic.gov.au