Principal's Report

Final days for our Year 12 cohort 

Formal Year 12 classes end this Friday and whilst exams have already commenced for students studying performance and language subjects, for many their first will be in a few short days when they sit the English exam on the 27th October. The rescheduling of the GAT and shifts in and out of remote learning have not deterred our resilient 12s who have continued to exhibit their characteristic patience and determination as they have faced every challenge that has presented itself during their VCE journey. 

Thank you also to the parents, carers and families who have supported them along the way, all while dealing with the effects the pandemic has had on your own lives. The disruptions to their learning have been profound and the completion of their VCE is a significant achievement. Students can go into their exams with confidence knowing they won’t be disadvantaged and that VCAA have implemented measures that will take into account your exam performance and individual circumstances. 

We encourage parents to discuss the post exam period with your year 12 children and the important steps that need to be taken to secure educational pathways into 2021. The college Pathways Team (Ann-Marie Mackay, Tracey Campion and Sarah Jolly) will share relevant information and timelines with students and are available to counsel and advise students as they prepare to embark on their journey beyond Brentwood. During the Change of Preference period, that time between year 12 results release (16 December) and the due date for change of preferences (20 December 4pm) the Pathways Team can also provide some guidance – students should refer to the timeline of available opportunities to seek advice. We wish our year 12 students all the best for their upcoming exams, and with their deliberations and decisions about the future.  

Plans for the return to onsite learning 

To date it appears we are on track for the timeline shared with a staggered return of different year levels to onsite learning from the 26th October. We remind parents to please continue to check Compass notifications with further details to be provided as the day grows closer and thank you for your continued support of our students during this most recent extended lockdown. We are certainly looking forward to their return. 

National Mental Health Month 

Never have we appreciated more the importance of our mental wellbeing than through these most challenging and extraordinary of times. October is National Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. A range of activities have been developed this year with a view to embrace different community groups and ages to support recovery and foster resilience. This year’s theme is: ‘Mental Health: Post Pandemic Recovery Challenges and Resilience'  

To learn more about this initiative visit https://www.mhfa.org.au/cms/national-mental-health-month-2021 

Sonja Ardley  

Associate Principal