Principal's Report
Year 12 Exams
Year 12 VCE written exams officially began on Wednesday, October 30 with the English and English as an Additional Language exam. This will be followed by the Year 10/11 exams starting on November 11. As always, this time of year can be stressful for students and their families. It is important for students and parents to know they are not alone and there are many supports during the ‘exam season’. The teachers at Brentwood are focused on supporting their students for the upcoming exams and we encourage students to make sure they seek support from them in the preparation for their exams.
In addition to the teachers, wellbeing team and other students, there is a range of supports and tips for students in studying and coping with the exam period. Here are a few links that I would encourage students and parents to read from ReachOut.com and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
It is also important to remind students that their performance on the exams and their score at the end of Year 12 does not define who they are, nor do they necessarily equate to future success. The exams are an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have gained over many years of learning. Students should strive to do their personal best on each exam and challenge themselves so they can be proud of the growth they have made in their learning. At the end of the year, the measure of success for students should be in the effort they have made. The challenge I always give students is to ensure they are able to look back and know they have done their best. I wish all of the students the best of luck during the upcoming exam period.
VCE Art and Technology Exhibition and Year 11 Theatre Studies Production
Once again our VCE students demonstrated their amazing creative talents at the VCE Art and Technology Exhibition and Year 11 Theatre Studies production. The visual art pieces on display were diverse and of a very high standard. As were the technology products being exhibited. The finished pieces this year are a credit to our students and their teachers who have guided them every step of the way. I would encourage any visitors to the school to take the time and admire the artwork on display in the school entry which is a sample of the work our talented students create.
The Year 11 Theatre Studies production of John Marsden’s ‘So Much to Tell You’ which was directed, performed and produced by the class was once again an excellent show. The script had a lot of dialogue for the students to remember, even though the main character does not speak. This added an extra challenge for the students to convey such a compelling story. The students were led by their teacher Mr. Halliday-Bayly who devoted many hours supporting the students in the school holidays and outside of hours. On behalf of the school I would like to thank him for helping the students achieve such a great performance.
Monday November 4
A reminder that the day before Cup Day is a study day for students in Years 10 - 11 to prepare for the upcoming exams and they are not required at school.
Due to Senior School students not being required, and a history of very low attendance on this day in other year levels (a significant number of families are traditionally away at this time), a majority of staff will be engaged in a professional learning program as part of their professional responsibilities whilst other staff will lead the alternative learning program for years 7-9. Therefore, students will not have their normal teachers or classes on the day. The canteen will also be closed on this day.
Staff Appreciation Day
On October 25 Brentwood celebrated and acknowledged the wonderful staff that help create a positive learning community for the students. Brentwood is a great school because of the people who belong to the ‘Brentwood Community’. The staff are leaders in the community and through their passion, dedication and professionalism, help ensure students are both challenged and supported in achieving their best.
A large number of parents and students acknowledged their teachers with a thank you at the end of class, an email or a message. These small acts of kindness and gratitude make such an impact and I would encourage parents and students to continue acknowledging the staff when they go above and beyond in supporting our students.
Our School Grounds
The upgrade to the front of the school continues with the old wire mesh fence being gradually replaced with a higher black steel fence. This along with a new entry has a much greater impact on Watson’s Road and demonstrates the pride the community has in Brentwood. The fence will be completed in the coming weeks and there are plans to replace more of the signage at the front of the school early next year.
A much needed toilet block will also be installed later this term near the basketball courts. These toilets have been provided by the Department of Education and Training as a result of our increasing student numbers.
John Ballagh, Principal