Principal's Report

WICKED 

Our production of Wicked last week was simply brilliant. I have no doubt that those who were fortunate enough to get a ticket to the sold out event would have been incredibly impressed with the standard of the performances from our students. The show itself is a wonderful story with a great score. However, it is a very challenging and demanding show for the cast and crew to produce, particularly to the high standard that our team put on.

I would like to congratulate and acknowledge all of the students for their wonderful performances. Their dedication in learning their roles, practicing and working as a strong team not only ensured they were prepared for opening night, but has given them a learning experience that will stay with them for the rest of their life. I have no doubt that their experience in the production has pushed and challenged each of them to achieve things that they didn’t think was possible when they auditioned in 2018. This is a wonderful example of the Brentwood Co-curricular program helping shape our students and ensuring they are future ready.

The production would not have been possible without an amazing team of staff, parents and volunteers. Their passion for the performing arts and giving our students a first class experience is second to none. On behalf of the school community I would like to thank each of them for their contribution. Their efforts have given our students an experience of a lifetime…. Thank you! In particular I would like to mention Mr Joel Batalha, Mr Ben Franklin, Mr Brenton Van Vliet, Mr Daniel Mackay and Ms Tracey Campion who led an army of staff, parents and volunteers. The school is incredibly proud of everyone involved!

VASSP Conference

Earlier this month the Principal Team engaged in a two day professional learning program at the annual Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals Conference. We were lucky to hear from a number of speakers across the two days. Some of which challenged our thinking by stretching our beliefs about the skills and knowledge our students will need in the future, whilst others were able to provide us with some new knowledge and skills of our own that we can take back to school and action immediately. In particular we heard from Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel who challenged the current selection practices of students into University by sharing research that highlights the importance of students studying more complex Maths and Science subjects so that they are better prepared for studying Math and Science pathways. He expressed a concern about students choosing subjects simply to maximise ATAR scores, rather than choosing subjects that are better aligned with student pathways.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Mr James Merlino spoke to Principals about the new Mobile Phone Policy implementation in 2020 which will see phones being banned at secondary schools from first bell to last bell.

Futurist Gihan Perera shared his thoughts on how to become ‘fit for the future’. This involved discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence and how humans and machines are better together. The question for educators is how will AI continue to influence our work and how can we use it to enhance teachers’ work? Gihan also talked about what gets the best out of people in a team environment. These are important skills for our students to have when they leave at the end of Year 12.

PIVOT Survey

All students were given the opportunity to ‘have a voice’ and provide their teachers with feedback on their learning experience in the classroom by completing a short survey. This process was undertaken earlier in the year. The feedback from the students to the teachers has been used, along with other information, for teachers to make adjustments to their practice so that we are better meeting the needs of our students in the classroom. From a school perspective these surveys help our teachers become even better, but it also demonstrates to our students that learning is a life-long endeavour with our teachers always looking to get a better understanding of their students so that they can then learn how to better improve their knowledge and skills. 

House Names

Over the past week more than 700 people have cast their vote on the names of the new Houses at Brentwood. The results of the survey will go to the Principal Team and School Council before being announced on Friday August 30. The school is very excited to see what our new names will be!

New Signage

The first stage of the works at the front of the school is nearly complete with new signage being installed earlier this week. This work has been important in giving the school a greater presence on Watsons Road, but more importantly in helping develop more pride in our school by having an entrance that better represents our excellent school. The next step will be the installation of new fencing around the perimeter of the school to replace the 50 year old wire mesh fencing.

John Ballagh, Principal