message from the principal
Class of 2019
Karen Harris
Principal
On 21 October we recognised the Class of 2019 at Graduation Night, with a fitting celebration with students, families, friends and teachers. I congratulate all graduating Year 12 students on their VCAL or VCE achievements and wish them well for the future. Many Year 12 students have now finished their examinations with only a small number of subjects still to be held. The feedback from the Chief Supervisor, Lee Emresoy, is that the students have shown dedication and commitment through the examination period so congratulations to all.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 60th Anniversary Celebration of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp. Brunswick Secondary College was recognised for supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award for twenty one years. It was through this recognition that I learned the school introduced the Bushwhacked elective all these years ago along with the connection to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I am extremely proud that the school has continued to run this program up to the current day and that so many past Brunswick Secondary College students have obtained Duke of Edinburgh awards over the last twenty one years.
One such student, Marcus Ho, who graduated in 2014 was awarded an individual honour at the ceremony for his contribution to the award. Marcus coordinates the Duke of Edinburgh Award for all of Australia through the Air Force Cadets.
It was especially gratifying to meet Marcus and to find that he has continued his strong commitment to community service since leaving Brunswick Secondary College. I was also proud to be there with our two outstanding Outdoor Education teachers, Mark Haebich and Sarah Meads, who continue to promote the study of Outdoor Education and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Cultural tour of China
On 1 December we have nineteen students accompanied by three teachers leaving for a cultural tour of China .
This will include visits to major attractions in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and a visit and stay at the Fudan School in Shanghai. We wish all participants, led by Wanling Zhong, well for the trip.
The school will also be participating in the Victorian Young Leaders to China Program again in March/April next year.
We are grateful to the Department of Education & Training for their ongoing commitment to this program and the opportunity for our Year 9 students to have the opportunity to participate once again.
Herbert Smith Freehills
Mentoring Program
Another of the schools ongoing associations is with Herbert Freehills Smith.
Each year some of our Year 9 students participate in a mentoring program with Herbert Freehills Smith employees and every year the program delivers successful outcomes for our students. You can read a student's reflection on this experience in this newsletter.
Thank you to Herbert Freehills Smith and to Jennie Easson who has coordinated this program for many years.
Student Exchange
Yet another student achievement, made possible through another generous association, is Miranda Rose (Year 11) being awarded a scholarship to go to Germany. Congratulations to Miranda on being successful in obtaining one of the highly sought after scholarships made possible through Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE). Miranda studies German outside of Brunswick Secondary College.
