Year 7 students are asking for toy donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital please.
The students are collecting BRAND NEW toys & books for ages 2 -12. 
All families are invited to donate and help us put a smile on the kids’ faces.  We will be taking all the gifts directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital and passing them out to the patients there. 

We would really appreciate any donations so let’s do it for the kids!  If you have any questions please email cam0080@brightonsc.vic.edu.au

 

Athletics
On Friday 3rd May the College participated in the Annual House Athletics Carnival.  The attendance was fantastic, however, better still was the very high level of participation in the sports by the students.  This meant that there were so many heats in some events that we ended up 45 minutes behind schedule at some point.  There were a huge number of parents present, which was fantastic, and the costumes of the students were very funny.  The el Marashli triplets, now in Y12, took the prize with their power ranger suits.  Phillip House were the eventual winners on the day.  Congratulations to Mr Dobric and all Phillip House members.  I extend a special thank you to Miss Simmons for her brilliant organisation of the day, and to all staff and parents, especially the PFA who assisted on the day running the Canteen.

 

Brighton's Got Talent
Grand final on Tuesday 28 May, 7.30pm
Performing Arts Centre, Brighton Secondary College
Tickets will be sold at the door. All welcome!
$2 staff and students
$5 for adults

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are invited to attend to find out more about Brighton Secondary College's:

•  2014 Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, including an optional 3 year VCE that leads the way in top VCE results and tertiary placements
 •  Innovative teaching in a soon to be complete (2013) Science, Arts and Technology wing
 •  Excellent 7-12 Mentoring program
 •  Opportunities to participate in World Challenge Program and Language Tours to France or Japan
 •  Academic Scholarships for entry into Year 9 - Applications close 17 May 2013.
Click here to apply or click here for more details.
 •  Vibrant music program
 •  Incorporation of ICT across the curriculum with Netbooks provided to all students.

 

 

 

The 52nd Annual Chorals event which was held last week was absolutely stunning. Each and every performance was fabulous and a true testament to the incredible level of preparation of each choir and each of the conductors and soloists. Congratulations to Lonsdale House on their victory winning the Michele Batour Trophy and to Meghan Shaw, the Golden Hands award as the winning conductor. Christian Rhodes-Wolfe, from Grant House won the soloist award for a heart-stopping rendition of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables from Les Miserable. Christian would give Hugh Jackman a run for his money, so good was his performance.

 

Julianna Dubinsky won an honourable mention for her performance with Ryan Jewell. Michele Batour and Robyn Humphries were the judges and made all these very difficult decisions, for which we offer our deepest appreciation. I must mention three other highlights for me. The  nternational choir was fantastic, singing the Ship Song, the staff choir was fabulous and the Year 12 choir was sensational.

Lastly, we mention that Grant House were the winners of the $200 prize for having the most members with 49 participants. This is my prize and the money is transferred into your house budget, to be spent any way the house determines.

Formerly known as Parent Teacher Interviews, we have changed the name to make sure it is understood it is vital that students attend with the parents as this is part of the educative process, and an important part of the feedback loop. The next “conference” will be on Tuesday 16th April starting at 2pm until 8pm, with a break at 4.30-5.15 for staff to have a light meal. You should have received information about making bookings. No classes will run on this day, but the second-hand uniform shop will be open from 8.30am - 10.30am.

 

Working Bee
Thank you very much to the few parents who supported us at the Working Bee last Saturday. Your help is truly appreciated as we try to do as much as we can to make things the best they can be for our students. As you know further budget cuts to our school are making things increasingly difficult and your help is always needed and we are very grateful for this. The next Working Bee is in Term 4 on Saturday 26th October, 9-11am. Mark it in your diaries now please.

 

Last day of term
The students have worked hard all term, so while they may have homework to complete, please ensure they also have a break from studying. I wish you all the best for a well-earned break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most stunning aspects of this school is Chorals.  I remember my first year in this school and I thought it sounded like a very old fashioned idea.  Then I remember the hair standing up on the back of my neck as I listened to my first choir….it was the most incredibly beautiful sight and sound!  I was sold on the idea.

 

This is a student led event.  During the past few weeks I was regaled by the most stunning sounds coming from choir practice rooms; it was beautiful!  There is great competition amongst the houses to have the largest choir, so students were working hard recruiting as well. Earlier this term, the International Captain, Shodai Yamada called for an International Students choir to be formed and over 50 International students turned up for the try-outs.  Amazing!  The House Head Teachers have worked very hard to encourage the students, and the students really respect this effort on their behalf.  Well done Ms Smallacombe (Lonsdale), Mr Dobric (Phillip), Mr Noonan (Grant) and Ms Schroffel (Murray). 

It was a sensational night at Kingston Municipal Centre -Congratulations to Meg Shaw and the Lonsdale choir on receiving the winning awards!

 

Saturday 23 March, from 9 - 11am.
All Brighton Secondary College parents and friends are welcome and your assistance would be much appreciated on this occasion. Please meet at the Main Entrance (near the General Office).

 

 

 

 

The Induction Assembly held last week was a great tribute to those students who were awarded their leadership badge.  However, I also salute those who put their hands up for leadership.  I admire and respect all who aim to assist their peers in a leadership role in a school.  We don’t always get the things we strive for, but not to try, because we might not be selected is the wrong approach.  I congratulate all students who were selected for leadership as well as those who entered the race.  Well done to all of you! 

 

Our 2013 Chorals event promises to be a sensational night, and I urge you to attend and bring your children, even if they are not in a choir.  This year the event is being held on Wednesday 20th March, at Kingston Municipal Centre, Nepean Highway Moorabbin, commencing at 7.30pm sharp.  Tickets are available for sale at www.flexischools.com.au  Look forward to seeing you there.

 

Mentoring Program
By now your children will have discussed this with you, no doubt.  In 2013 we introduced a new way of organising the school.  We did away with the notion of Form Groups to make way for Mentor Groups. I am confident that as the weeks turn into months it will be very clear why this change was necessary and how this will benefit our children.

 

Compass
Brighton Secondary College has introduced a new communication software package. Compass acts as a communication tool between teachers, parents and students.
Over the next couple of weeks parents will receive instructions on how to access the Compass portal.

 

It has been a busy start to the school year. School photos have been completed, our year 7 and year 12 students got to know  each better at their orientation camps and our annual house swimming carnival was held at MSAC. Well done to all those staff involved in the organisation of these events. Congratulations to Grant House and Mr Noonan for their convincing win at the Swimming Sports.

 

Council Elections
The College is seeking nominations for three vacancies on the 2013 College Council.  There are three two year positions.  Parents wishing to nominate can collect the appropriate nomination form from the General Office which must be lodged by 4pm on 1st March, 2013.

 

The results of the election will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Council which will be held on 20th March at 7.00pm in the Conference Room. Like all Council meetings, the AGM is an open meeting of the College Council, parents are welcome to attend.

 

Building Program
Students are now using the refurbished VCE building for their classes. The rooms are very comfortable and modern.  The new Science wing is due for completion at the end of Term 2 and the builders are making excellent progress, reporting the possibility of completion prior to the end of term.  Fingers crossed!

 

 

 

Welcome back to school for 2013 to all members of our College community and a special welcome to all new families to the College this year. I hope that your time here is rewarding and happy.

 

In the last weeks of Term 4 2012 our new school leaders for 2013 were announced. l congratulate College Captains Antonia Glover and Jack Stewart and Vice Captains Ollie Watts  and  Michelle Melky along with International Captain Shodai Yamada on their appointments and wish them well for the year ahead. They will lead a large leadership team from within the school and all leaders will be announced in later newsletters.

 

Also at the end of last year our Year 12 students received their VCE results. I am delighted to report that 14% of our VCE students achieved ATAR results of 90 or above and 30% of the cohort received ATAR results of 80 or above. College Dux Jiemi Lin scored 99.65.  The College recorded 68 study scores of 40+ and a perfect study score of 50 was achieved by two students in two subject areas.  We were very proud of the outcomes achieved by our Year 12’s.

 

The School has been a busy place over the holidays when the following works were completed: The gym floor has been resurfaced; A number of classrooms have been converted from computer rooms back to general purpose classrooms; The hall and Performing Arts foyer have been repainted; A new Junior School Office has been created; The upper part of the VCE centre has been refurbished into two elegant and comfortable classrooms, one of which will be the study centre in the interim.

 

 

Brighton Secondary College looks forward to the action and fun of the carnival at MSAC, Albert Park, this Thursday 7 February. Students are to wear their House Colours to show their support.

 

 

 

 

Wishing you all the best for the new year.

 

We hope you have had a restful holiday period and look forward to another successful school year.  

Year 7 as well as 10 - 12 students resume on Wednesday 30th January 2013, and Year 8 - 9 students resume on Thursday 31st January 2013.

 

Please note the College General Office will be closed this Thursday 24th January due to a power outage in the Bayside area on this day. We will re-open the office on Friday 25th January.

 

Presentation Night
A reminder to all BSC family and friends that we welcome you to attend our student Presentation Night for 2012. Tuesday 18 December, 7.30pm, at the Kingston Civic Hall (old Moorabbin Town Hall) on the corner of Nepean Highway and South Road. The formal Awards section of the evening concludes at approx. 9.15pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Art Exhibition
I officially opened the VCE Art Exhibition at the Brighton Town Hall on Friday 30 November. It was a well-attended evening and works of art were displayed in a very professional manner – a rare opportunity for many of that age. Well done to Mr Spurr, Ms Johnston and Mr Karailis for their work organising this, and all the students on their artwork.

 

Season’s Greetings
I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday season and I want to wish you all a safe, happy and healthy new year. I look forward to an even more successful year at Brighton Secondary College in 2013.

Please note this is compulsory for all students going into 2013. 

 

This exhibition will be opening tomorrow on Friday 30 November at the Bayside Arts & Cultural Centre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets Brighton, from 5-7pm. You are all invited! This display of student work will be on show for two weeks, so please take the opportunity to get along and see this magnificent display of our student talents.

 

Presentation Night
Once again we roll around to the end of another school year and it’s nearing time for Presentation Night. This is one of the most important nights on the College calendar. It is the event where we celebrate the achievements of Brighton Secondary College’s students for 2012. All students are invited to attend, as well as families and friends.

 

 

The formal Awards section of the evening concludes at approximately 9.15pm. Please note that parking is limited in the area, so you should get there with time to spare. We look forward to seeing you there on the night.

 

Congratulations to Brady Arlt who has been selected this year. The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program will afford the participants the opportunity to mix with like-minded peers and future leaders.

 

 

 

The students are well into their examinations by now, and some lucky ones have even completed the exams for all the subjects they have undertaken. In this school we do not promote the Schoolies notion. For some it becomes a very high risk undertaking. If your son or daughter is intending to take a break under the guise of Schoolies, please offer them the usual word of wisdom and make sure they have access to your contact details at all times.  Having lost a few students to tragedies of one sort or another over my career, I really need my “kids” to take care and not take risks that could be life threatening.

 

Arts & Technology Exhibition
This exhibition will be opening on 30 November at the Bayside Arts & Cultural Centre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets Brighton, at 5-7pm. You are all invited! This display of student work will be on show for two weeks, so please take the opportunity to get along and see this magnificent display of our student talents. Congratulations to Gabby Hughes of Year 12 on her beautiful art work that won the Principal’s Acquisitive award this year.

 

Earn & Learn
Thank you to all those who submitted Earn & Learn stickers during the Woolworths Promotion period. We are delighted to announce that in early 2013 our prizes will be delivered to us. We were able to use the 56,000 points earned to select a wonderful mixture of sporting equipment, musical instruments, and laboratory and chemistry equipment for our new science wing!

I celebrated the graduation of my 17th group of VCE students at the end of October. Scarily, I think that means that some of them weren’t even born when I started here as Principal in 1996. However it was a sensational night. The students looked magnificent and we were very proud of them all as they were presented with their graduation certificates. It is no mean feat getting through such a packed program and graduating nearly 200 students. My deepest appreciation to Mrs Sentry, Mrs Graham, Ms Angelidis, Miss Dee and Mrs Vlahandreas for all their hard work in the presentation of another fine group of granduands. The highlights for me are always the delight of meeting and shaking hands with each of our students and having a graduation photo taken, the announcement of the Principal Acquisitive Art award - which went to Gabby Hughes for her magnificent bottle-top piece, as well as The Principal’s Award, which went to Vlad Floca. I wish all the students well in their VCE examinations.

 

Finland
Thank you very much to those parents who read and commented on my article in the last issue of Highlights. Please see the home page for the link to my presentation.

 

Environment Awards
Mia Vissenjoux of 7S has been nominated, and is a Finalist, in our State’s largest sustainability awards program for Victorian schools, the ResourceSmart Schools Awards 2012. Later this month Mia will attend the ResourceSmart Schools Awards event at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Congratulations Mia, we are extraordinarily proud of you.

As we start Term 4, we consider a number of things about our Year 12 students in particular. Most importantly - how significant this year is for them. I trust that they have given themselves the best of all opportunities by putting in their maximum effort. I know my staff have, as they always do, gone above and beyond for their students. I must express my deep appreciation to those staff who conducted additional classes in the school holidays, which included mock examinations. I am pleased that some students availed themselves of this additional support. In the last few weeks prior to swot-vac, a number of additional mock examinations have been held to offer additional opportunities for students to maximise their results.

 

Staff Professional Development - As calendared, Monday 5 November is a Pupil Free Day. The college will utilise this time to prepare for implementation of the National Curriculum. Students are not required at the College on this day unless they have an exam.

Music Extravaganza
Last week I had the good fortune to attend one of the three Instrumental Music presentations held across this fortnight.  I was blown away by the talent. The vocal and guitar or percussion presentations that we were treated to were first rate.  Even year 7 students who have been playing a very short time, displayed outstanding skill, talent and that they had practised a lot.  The pieces played were classic rock or contemporary.  The students clearly loved what they were doing and the relationships with their teachers a very positive key in the progress made. 

 

Congratulations to Nick Carver, Director of Music on the fantastic work he has done to lift our game so far.  I extend a special thank you to Nyssa Bradsworth, our new voice teacher, who has male and female voices soaring.  Lastly a big Brighton thank you to Serge Delucio for his sensational work with the percussion students! 

 

PLEASE congratulate Cal Charge, Cal Taylor, Jack Wilson, Peter Demetriou, Alex Sandalis, Jordi Ryall-Escale, Trent Hughes, Andrew James, James Ball or Josh Cerci on becoming the Senior Boys Basketball State Champions! I’m sure it will be days before the smiles fade from their faces and so it should be! This is the first State Championship team that Brighton has had for quite a few years and for these boys it will be a significant moment from their final year at high school. This group of Year 12 boys began their campaign back in Term 1 winning the Kingston flag, then the SMR prelims, then SMR finals and now the State Finals.

 

Since Year 7 this group of boys have been working towards this achievement. Our boys were up against the best of the best. Eight schools out of 411 in the SSV competition make it this far. The boys had 2 round matches to play, which they won 50-38 and 60-35. This put them through to the big grand finale where they were up against Balwyn HS.

Once again the boys came through and were victorious 45-34. A fantastic effort boys and thank you to Brendan Patemen for all his work and time training with these star basketballers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Science Technology Arts Wing
The tender for the new building has now been let to a company called Building Engineering.  Their tender was extremely competitive, allowing for many items that might have been deleted to be included.  We expect a fantastic outcome with this company.  Work will commence in the next few weeks.

 

Netbook Program
During the week I was advised that there will be no further funding to support the Netbook program.  As a school, we are however committed to continuing to implement this program across the school in 2013, and we will endeavour to find a way to ensure this happens.  While I am aware some schools charge as much as $200 per year (non-refundable) to provide a notebook or Netbook, I plan to continue to provide the students a netbook under the current arrangements.  

 

Camps & Excursions
Year 11 students had an exciting day on 17 August, with students heading in three different directions.  Some went skiing, some went rock climbing and a third group went ice skating.  In proposing the idea for this day to me, Mr Bahramis, the coordinator told me that this group of students are fantastic and working hard at school and deserved a day like this as a reward.  So, well done Year 11!

 

The Year 8 students are heading off on their Ski camp this week and those not on the ski camp, are attending a Winter Experience which sounds sensational. 

 

“Remember to laugh every day and do something fun. Spend time outdoors. Move every day and find an activity you love to do. Discover new hobbies. Be mindful of the moment, focus on your breath and take three deep breaths if you start to feel anxious. Practise compassion for another person. Diarise your thoughts and feelings. Play. Make art. Unplug – turn off the TV, computer and mobile phone. Develop a healthy social life – support systems are vital in handling stress."

Principal

 

Over the holidays the Performing Arts Centre Entrance had a spruce up and the results are impressive! 

Rose Brazilek, who was the Brighton Secondary College dux for 2011, has been awarded an Australian Student Prize.  This year Rose is studing Medicine at Monash University and is enjoying working on projects like the Teddy Bear Hospital Initiative, which will teach her how to work with children in hospitals.  Best wishes Rose!

 

The Tokoname visit to our College concluded on Sunday with many tears as new friends parted company.  During their 9 day stay, Mr Haines, Ms Melches and Mrs Sano arranged tours, class visits, as well as excursions in and around Melbourne and the Bayside area.  Thank you to all the staff who went out of their way to welcome our visitors and accompany them on the various excursions. Again, thank you very much to those families who hosted a student for this very important event.  I remind you that there will be a Japan tour next year.  Families need to be considering if they wish to nominate their child for this priceless opportunity.

 

DEVELOPING CHILDRENS’ VOCABULARIES
We want every child to enjoy environments in which words are not only noticed and appreciated, but also savoured and celebrated. From an early age, children can enjoy new or unusual words and use them in speech and writing. The key for parents is paying attention to what words mean – and how they work.

 

Brighton Secondary College 2011 Year 12 graduate Anna Kirkpatrick was among those awarded at the prestigious Premier’s VCE Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 27 June. She was presented with the Premier’s award for Further Mathematics. 

 

The Premier’s VCE Awards are a celebration of the very best and brightest students in our schools.  Students must have a study score of 46 or above to be eligible for an award. Anna, you have done yourself, the College, and your friends and family proud – well done! This year Anna has chosen to study Biomed at Monash University.

 

This week at BSC we have students and staff from our sister school in Japan, Tokoname visiting our College.  During their 9 day stay, staff have arranged tours, class visits, as well as excursions in and around Melbourne and the Bayside area.  Thank you very much to those families who are hosting a student for this very important event.

 

The Year 10 camps to Canberra and the Work Experience program all went well.  Thank you to staff for leading and attending the camps. I extend a special thank you to all involved in assisting students with their Work Experience and visiting work sites to see how the students were going.

Only a few weeks remain of this term and Y10-12 students are well into their exams.  Staff have commenced their reporting for parents also, so we all have our noses to the grindstone at present.

 

Friday 15 June is a report writing day and as such is a Pupil Free day. 

 

Speaking of reporting, one of the features of this school is that we like teachers to get their students to issue them with a type of report, so you will hear about the various manner in which staff gather feedback from their students. 

 

We expect the whole process to be useful, purposeful and provide information in which staff might consider their professional practice in a new light.

 

Sustain-a-ball
The inaugural Sustain-a-ball in 2011 generated a great deal of publicity for this school, and many schools are now copying the idea.  The Y12 social committee is hard at work planning the 2012 event, which will occur on 15 June 7-11pm for students in Y10-12 only.  Tickets are a mere $15, available at the General Office.  The theme is 80’s, which as I recall is anything in bad taste, or hideous over the top eye make-up, boys & girls.

 

Donations
Many thanks to the generous parents who have been in a position to make a donation to the school!  Our building updates are well underway now.

 

 

 

The end of term 2 fast approaches, exams are over, teachers are writing their reports and everyone is looking forward to the term break with much anticipation.  Please note on Friday 29 June school will finish at 2.20pm.

 

I attended the Sustain-a-ball last week at our school, which was a fantastic event for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.  Thank you to everyone involved.

 

Cut in Half
Charlie Buchner of Year 11 launched his cookbook, Cut in Half, a fundraiser for Little Dreamers, on Sunday to much fanfare.  Congratulations to Charlie on such a successful launch for a very exciting project after so much hard work.  Little Dreamers provides support to the siblings of those who are suffering from serious illness or disabilities.

A is for Attitude
I heard a fantastic radio interview last week, with a dynamic and vivacious woman called Robin Dalton, who astounded me with her positive attitude and view of the world.  At 91 years of age she appeared to have no limits to her energy and capacity for taking on new projects.  She is currently writing two books, a screenplay and producing a movie.  She was 18 at the outbreak of World War 2 and has the most amazing memory of a life she describes as ‘very lucky’.  She views the world through a very positive lens and has plenty of life yet to live, believing there are few things that really matter in life more than work, love and food.  It made me realise just how important your attitude is to the challenges you face in your life.  If you treat every event as something to learn from, no matter how tragic, it may be, you will grow and develop greater strength and depth in your life and even more capacity for taking on what life will throw at you.  This brought to mind one of our College captains from two years ago, Teri Hirschman, who is currently battling cancer.  Once sporting the most glorious head of hair, Teri shaved it all off rather than let the cancer fighting chemicals do the job.  I have never seen anyone looking more gorgeous with no hair, and part of that is her positive attitude, which just shines through.  Our thoughts are with you Teri.  Your positive attitude will help you win this fight, of that there is no doubt.

 

Make the most of the break and I look forward to touching base with you again in term 3.

 

 

 

 

SEAL Examination
On Saturday 19 May over 100 students sat for the SEAL Examination in the hope of gaining a place in the SEAL program at Brighton in 2013.  The Head of SEAL, Brendan Pateman, described the nervous excited tension of this group of potential Brighton students as enlivened.  Offers will be made in the last week of this term.

Parent Support
Parents at this school have generously donated to the tax deductible building fund.  We thank you very much, and remind those who have yet to do so, and wish to do so, that now is a good time in the approach to 30 June – please simply contact the general office.   These funds will be spent on refurbishing the Performing arts entry.  We expect to complete the work in the next term break.  So a very big thank-you to all parents who made donations! 

NAPLAN testing
In mid May NAPLAN testing was conducted in schools right across Australia for all Years 7 and 9 students. The tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN tests are just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.

Netbooks
Most students in Years 7, 10, 11 & 12, are now using Netbooks in their classes.  By the start of 2014 we intend to have few desk top computers in the school, with all students using a Netbook. As time goes by we hope to move further to the use of on-line text books, where they are suitable, hoping to further reduce costs to parents.

 

 

 

Welcome to Term Two
We are in the second week of term two and it is already proving to be a busy term. Our year nine students are experiencing City Camp, our year 10 students are undertaking the Careers Fasttrack program, winter sport training is taking place and all students have been vying for house points at House Athletics.
 Most importantly this term sees building works begin on our new Science and Arts/Technology Wing, which is an important milestone for this College.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service
A record number of students and staff represented the College at the ANZAC Day dawn service, and then breakfasted with a group of veterans from Bentleigh RSL. This has become a tradition at BSC following an approach from WW2 veteran Vic Beitzel to join with his group to commemorate ANZAC Day. My thanks to Ms Tirtahardja for taking on the organisation of this wonderful annual event and my thanks to the students and staff who took part.

Winter Uniform Changeover
As we are in term two, all students must be in complete winter uniform- winter skirts, long sleeve shirt and ties for the girls, and long trousers, long sleeve shirt and tie for the boys.
I ask for parent cooperation that students are suitably attired.

 

Principal

 

 

 

School Leaders
Our school leaders at all year levels were inducted at a special general school assembly recently. I am very proud of the students who have put themselves forward to take on a leadership or committee role. There are many opportunities at this school to experience leadership and I hope students avail themselves of these opportunities during their time here.

 

Gonski School Funding Review
Recently I was asked by the Bayside Leader newspaper to comment on the Gonski Review into funding for schooling. The media has taken a strong interest into the recommendations put forward by David Gonski AC and his review panel. I told the journalist that I welcomed the review but with a note of caution.
While the panel’s recommendations would help to create a level playing field in terms of funding for both government and non-government schools, it remains to be seen if governments (both State or Federal) have the courage to commit to the changes proposed and to the injection of money needed to fund the changes.

On a positive note, it is heartening to see the issue of funding for government schools being debated and in the media spotlight. More talks and working groups are planned and we await their reports.

 

New Law for serving alcohol to minors
I would like to bring to the attention of our parents the new law regarding serving alcohol to minors that came into effect in Victoria late last year. It is now an offence to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years in a private residence without parental consent. A fine of more than $7000 can apply. This new law is part of a Victorian Government campaign to reduce the harm that drinking creates for young people, their families and friends. An interactive website has been created for parents and teenagers at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/teendrinkinglaw and I urge you to visit this site with your children.

 

Julie Podbury
Principal

 

 

 

House Athletics
Our House Athletics Sports Day was held last week. We had a record number of students participating, either competing for their house or supporting from the sidelines. Congratulations to Alisia Simmons, Director of Sport, and Lisa Danne, Manager Health & PE, for the smooth organisation of the day’s events. I was pleased to present the winning cup to Grant House, a great effort.

Public/Private School Partnerships
The Sunday Age newspaper recently featured an article on the prospect of public schools forging partnerships with private schools to share resources including facilities and teachers.
At this school we developed a Joint Use Agreement in the late 1990s with Brighton Grammar for the construction of a hockey/tennis facility on an underutilised oval at the College, which could be used by both schools at mutually agreed times and hired out to local sporting clubs. The ground opened in 2000 and 12 years on the arrangement between both schools is still going strong. I believe this illustrates that Public and private school partnerships can work when there are shared values and goals, with the ultimate winners being the students.