Around The College 

Library

As of day one next term laptops are no longer to be used in the library during lunchtime unless being used by students to complete homework or study in the silent study space.

Students are welcome to come to the library and are encouraged to play a selection of games provided by staff and or read. The library is a safe and inclusive space where students are encouraged to come with friends, play and socialise.

Top Gun Aviation Program

What an exceptional day and achievement Thomas Jackson has experienced that needs to be shared! Thomas is a Year 10 student participating in the aviation 'Top Gun' program. With less than 5 hours flight time under his belt, Thomas is already able to take-off and land the aircraft by himself, unassisted by anyone else! What a magnificent effort Thomas! You should be very proud of your achievements in such a short period of time, and I as a teacher am very proud of the effort you have put in and what you can do. Well done!

The Top Gun Aviation Program is open to all students in Year 10, so if your son or daughter is currently in Year 9 2023, and a keen aviation enthusiast, then next year 2024 is the perfect time to jump on board and learn to fly! If students or parents have any questions about participating in 2024 program, please contact Mr Chris Barry at the school.

Chris Barry

Aviation Sciences

Waratah House Leader

Water Rockets – Year 10 Enrichment Science 

Throughout term 1, the year 10 science enrichment class have been hard at work making model rockets. In class, they spent time learning about aerodynamic principles and applying their knowledge by creating their own unique designs for their rockets.

Students worked in teams to make their model rockets and the entire process took about 3 weeks. The students did everything from buying the materials, to building the rocket itself. Some teams took up the challenge of designing and implementing a parachute in their rockets which was interesting to see.  Teams even tested their rockets to examine its stability and if the parachute worked as expected.

Utilising results from their tests, teams redesigned or modified their rocket to work more effectively. On the day of launch, all the teams poured water into their rocket and then pushed air into the same chamber so that pressure is built up inside the chamber.

Finally, one person from each team had to release the pressure created by the trapped air by pulling a rope. After that, everyone could witness each team’s innovative creations in action. Every team’s rocket flew outstandingly well and the parachutes on some rockets ensured a gentle landing.

Overall, this experience allowed the students to explore science beyond mere theory and gave them a chance to collaborate with their classmates. 

Arvind Indukuri, Year 10 enrichment science student

11 &12 Vocational Major - Gateway Careers Expo

On Tuesday 28th March, just over thirty of Brentwood’s VCE: Vocational Major students attended the Gateway LLEN Careers Expo at Box Hill Town Hall.

Students were able to interact, explore and network with a wide range of employers, industry associations and training partners. This excursion built upon the students’ knowledge and key skills surrounding future pathways and career progression for their Work-related Skills outcomes.

There were over 70 exhibitors in attendance with the following industries represented: Health, Community services, Early Childhood, Building and Construction, Digital Media and Technologies, Hospitality, Engineering, Automotive, Agriculture and Environment, Hair and Beauty, Creative Industries, Sport and Recreation, Emergency Services and Defence.

Overall, the students had a fantastic time and really engaged in the discussions and networking opportunities they had. Special thanks to Mr Kieran Shah and Mr McLaughlin for supervising on the day.

Ms Nicole Green

Head of Vocational Major

The Resilience Project at Brentwood Secondary College 

In 2023 Brentwood has partnered with The Resilience Project to collaborate on curriculum that can support students to develop their interpersonal skills targeting specific themes including Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy. Students in Years 7-10 will primarily engage with these resources with activities in their Student Planner and in their ASPIRE lessons however all subjects will incorporate some elements of interpersonal development. 

The Resilience Project also develop resources our staff will be engaging with for Professional Learning and resources for families too. Over the year we will be sharing some of these resources that families may find beneficial. 

In the newsletter this week we have an introduction to the Resilience Project and some suggested resources to explore.

Philip Van Ginneken

Director of Inclusion and Diversity

Twilight Concert

On Wednesday the 29th of March 2023, we had the first Twilight Concert of the year. Various groups and ensembles had the opportunity to perform to parents, families, and the Brentwood community and overall, it was an amazing night. 

It was a wonderful experience for us as music captains to be involved in the planning process and running of the night. We had a variety of performances highlighting the musical talent of Brentwood students and this was a great performance opportunity to improve their confidence and grow their love for music. We would like to thank the other music representatives Michiko Versluis, Tharuki Govvinage, Erin Ibrahim, Daniel Robbins, David Evans, and Marcus Chee who introduced each performance and the crew Mahima Pillai, Wendy Vu, Charlie Sherwin, and Matthew Robbins for keeping the flow and getting the acts on and off stage. 

We would also like to thank the instrumental music teachers for dedicating their time and effort to make the performances come to life, Troy Male – Intermediate and Senior Guitar Ensemble, Cathie Presa – Intermediate and Senior Strings, Lisa Gaudion – intermediate concert band, Nicholas Milosevic – percussion ensemble (Combo Blue), Ursula Cetolin – Brentwood Choir and the Vocal Ensemble (College Cadenzas) and Lauren Davine – Senior Concert Band and the Jazz Ensemble, also a special mention to Cj Kim who performed a guitar solo “Pride and Joy” – Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Thank you to the Brentwood PFA for organising a barbeque to support the concert and the music department and finally thank you and well done to every single person who performed or presented at the concert. It was a very successful start to the 2023 music year.

Jasmin Bhoday, Madison Ferris, Madeleine Hollis & Harvey McGrath

2023 Music Captains

To the 2023 Instrumental Music Students,  What a fantastic start to the year. There were some outstanding performances at our concert last week. I truly look forward to the year ahead with many events in store.   Congratulations on a fabulous night!  

Lauren Davine

Director of Music   

Music Events Term 2: 

Music Camp: Monday 1st May to Wednesday 3rd May, 2023 – Ferngully Lodge

Music Gala: Wednesday 21st June, 2023.