message from the principal
Karen Harris
Principal
I extend a very warm welcome to new members of our school community. This year we have eight Year 7 classes, the highest number of classes since my time commencing as Principal in 2016 and I take this as a positive sign of the standing of the school amongst the local community. Much of this reputation is of course due to our current students and the positive way in which they portray themselves and our school beyond the school day. I do believe Brunswick Secondary College offers a positive and challenging academic and co-curricular experience for students in a caring environment with quality staff. I trust that will be the experience for our new students this year.
Staffing
With an increase in student population comes an increase in our staffing profile. We have employed new staff to accommodate the increase in student numbers but have also employed a number of new staff to replace some outgoing staff members. I look forward to you meeting those new staff at upcoming events. Our new students and new staff have settled in very well, having been welcomed and supporting by existing students and staff. This is an attribute of Brunswick College on which I often receive positive feedback.
Community
It has been pleasing to see and feel the positive energy in our students on their return from the summer break. I recognise that this break may not have been as replenishing as usual with the devastating bushfires across the country which affected so many. I am pleased that our school community was able to make a contribution of $2300 towards bushfire relief, following our casual dress day and bake sale. We will be supporting the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
In particular, we have requested the funds go to their Back to School program with funds to be distributed to families experiencing financial hardship. These funds will take the form of vouchers for school requisites (books, uniforms etc) in fire affected areas. Once again I am very proud of the willingness of our students to support others in time of need.
Teaching & Learning
On the first day of school, all students were introduced to the Brunswick Secondary College Instructional Model. Our Instructional Model describes five essential elements that students should experience in their learning in all classes, regardless of year level or discipline. Throughout 2019 teachers and small groups of students worked through activities culminating in the decision on the five essential elements of an effectively taught lesson. These are: Set Goals, Make Links, Develop Skills and Knowledge, Apply and Deepen and Reflect. Staff professional learning has been focused on the Instructional Model and how it enables the differentiation of teaching to cater for students at different stages of the learning continuum. More information on the Brunswick Secondary College Instructional Model will be provided by Tasoula Michael, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, as the semester progresses. We will be seeking input from students in regards to the implementation of the Instructional Model over this semester.
Co Curricular Program
Our rich Co-Currricular Program was launched this week and it is something I encourage all students to become involved. Increasingly, employers and universities are looking for students who have a holistic approach to school and learning, and who are able to demonstrate that they have acquired skills in terms of teamwork, problem solving and initiative. These skills are often at the core of Co-Curricular activities and complement academic learning.
School Privacy Policy
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.
Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website and included in this issue of the Brunswick Star.
With many events on the school calendar I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.