Brentwood Newsletter

Principal's Report

Class of 2021: 

On Friday October 15 the class of 2021 had their final classes ever! Whilst the usual celebrations have been postponed until November 18, it was a significant moment for the Year 12’s. As a cohort, they have chartered very different waters to any other cohort in the history of the school with significant periods of Remote Learning and not being onsite for a full term during their final two years of school. This has required them to be resilient, motivated and independent with their learning and connect with each other in different ways. In years to come, this experience will be what helps set them apart from others; knowing that they can overcome the unforeseen challenges that come their way. We are very proud of each and every one of our Year 12’s.  

 

The College Community formally acknowledged the Class of 2021 during our online Valedictory Dinner on Thursday October 21. Below are links to the Principal’s address acknowledging our students, teachers and parents, along with the School Captains, who gave heartfelt speeches to our community:  

 

School Captains Address: https://youtu.be/CqED3EBe7V0?t=229  

Principals Address: https://youtu.be/CqED3EBe7V0?t=885  

 

I would like to acknowledge Vee Anrep, Joel Batalha, Bill Exton, Peter Rhodes, Chris Tsolos and Brenton Van Vliet for playing key roles in the success of the evening and all the staff, students and parents who participated.  

 

As part of the evening the following students were acknowledged for their contribution to the school over the past 6 years. Thank you and congratulations to:  

  • Zac Clarke (Sport) 
  • Asher Attard (Sport) 
  • Sienna Pantano (Music) 
  • Lauren Thompson (Performing Arts) 
  • Udit Dhami (Performing Arts) 
  • Sarah Nguyen (International Students)  
  • Tylah Clark (Leadership) 
  • Divi Umakhanthan (Community Service) 

Over the coming weeks, the class of 2021 will be completing their Year 12 final exams. This is their opportunity to demonstrate all that they have learnt this year and put into practice. We wish them all the very best during the exams and encourage each of them to study hard and give it their best.  

 

Staff Appreciation Day: 

Today is ‘Staff Appreciation Day’ at Brentwood where we ask the community to acknowledge the teachers and support staff who make a difference in young peoples lives each and every day. Parents and students were encouraged to perform a random act of kindness to a staff member who has had a positive impact on them in any way this year. This could be a gratitude email, saying thank you at the end of a class or simply offering to help them in a small way.  

 

Earlier in the term the Brentwood Community were asked to contribute to a gratitude wall for Brentwood Staff. Here is a link to the wonderful messages we received: https://tinyurl.com/3n4c38uj    

 

We’re Back! 

From Monday November 1, all students will return to onsite learning every day. It will be exciting to see our school community coming back onsite all together after such a long time apart. We are looking forward to a positive finish to the year with students reconnecting with each other and learning face to face.  

Due to the interruptions so far, there have been some changes to key dates for students and events. Please note the following: 

  • November 12 – Final day of Year 11 classes 
  • November 15/16 – Year 11 Study Days at Home (Exam Preparation) 
  • November 17 – Year 11 Exams Start 
  • November 18 – Year 12 Celebration 
  • November 22 – Year 10 Study Day at Home (Exam Preparation) 
  • November 22 – 25 – Year 7-9 Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) 
  • November 23 – 25 Year 10 Exams Begin 
  • November 26 – Staff Professional Development (Pupil Free Day) 
  • November 29 – Head Start begins. This is the beginning of the 2022 Academic Year with students promoted to the next year level and starting their 2022 classes (E.g. Year 7 students will being their Year 8 classes) 
  • December 3 – Last day of Head Start for current Year 10 and 11 (2022 Year 11 and 12) students 
  • December 10 – Last day of Head Start for current Years 7, 8 and 9 (2022 Year 8, 9 and 10) students 
  • December 13 – 16 – Community Service Days 
  • December 14 – Reports distributed on Compass 

 Congratulations to The Green Team: 

Last week, 600 trees were planted on the Mornington Peninsula as a part of the Green Team’s Project Brentwoods, that aims to offset nearly 161 tons of our emissions and provide a biolink for the koalas. Full details about our tree planting: https://15trees.com.au/tree-plantings/brentwoods_secondary_college/ 

 

John Ballagh  Principal