Brentwood Newsletter

Principal's Report

Year 12 Final Day

Friday 19th of October was a significant day for our Year 12 class of 2018. After a pancake breakfast and a year level meeting, the Year 12's were farewelled by the college in an emotional assembly.  As is tradition at Brentwood, all students filed through a guard of honor made up of their teachers and exited the hall ready to commence the next phase of their journey. The emotions shown by both the Year 12 students and their teachers is a true example of how much members of this community care for each other. On the evening of October 19, the college holds its Valedictory Dinner at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at South Wharf. It is always an outstanding evening and a true celebration of the achievements of our wonderful Year 12's. Congratulations to the Head of Senior School Joel Batalha, Year 12 Student Managers Carla Caminiti and Phil Van Ginneken and Senior School Assistant Jen Chanter for organising the evening.

The Year 12 students and those undertaking a Unit 3 or 4 study now turn their attention to the end of year examinations. It’s important for students to treat this time effectively and with a plan of attack. Success comes in all forms, but it is important for students to consider the following:

  • Develop a strong mindset for success that includes a personal best attitude.
  • Ensure appropriate amounts of sleep and a healthy diet.
  • Create an effective study environment and routine.
  • Network with others and work collectively in study groups and seek assistance from your teachers
  • Do not forget to balance and create times for YOU that allows you to have a break when needed.
  • Approach study in small bursts rather than long periods that become ineffective.
  • Reward yourself when you reach study goals.
  • Walk into the exam room and “show off” what you know.

We wish you all the best for this examination period.

Art and Technology Exhibition

Our college community had the opportunity to attend the wonderful Arts and Technology exhibition in our gallery on October 10th. It was a great chance for our talented artists to have their work on show. It was very pleasing to see so many proud parents at the opening, enjoying the art, company and the beautiful food supplied by our Year 12 food technology students. Congratulations Ben Franklin and his hard working team for presenting such a wonderful show.

EMR Victory

Once again, Brentwood has had a victorious day at the Eastern Metropolitan Region athletics meet. For the third year in a row, our talented athletes have won this division, defeating large schools such as Ringwood SC and Balwyn SC. Our athletes could not have achieved this result if it was not for the great coaching of Tracey Cain, Paul Phillips, Eliza Chancellor, Carly Donohoe, Tom Bond and Carla Caminiti. A huge thank you to Adam Pirrie and the coaches, well done! Good luck to those athletes that have now earned the right to compete at the State Championships on 22nd October at Lakeside Stadium.

Lyrebird Award Nominations

Congratulations to our performing arts students and their recent nominations for the Youth Lyrebird Awards. Brentwood has been a member of the awards for many years now and have been nominated in the past with an average of six nominations a year across the college production and Theatre Studies production. This year, both productions accumulated 37 individual nominations in 22 out of 29 categories. This is an outstanding achievement by our students. The award ceremony is on December 9th at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood and we will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the awards. However, to be nominated is a sensational achievement. A full list of nominations will be presented later in the newsletter.

Monday, November 5 (Day Before Melbourne Cup Day)

In 2018, the day before cup day is a study day for students in Years 10 - 12 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 teacher or classes on the day.

$1 Million Election Commitment for Brentwood

On Thursday, October 18, the local state member for Mount Waverley, Michael Gidley, visited Brentwood to announce an election commitment of $1 million towards a detailed masterplan, design and the beginning of renovation work at Brentwood should the Liberal Party form government at the upcoming state election.

 This is very exciting news and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our school and potential future plans.

Leon Lilly, Associate Principal