10 minute read
Braemar has students who say yes...
from Issue 2 2023
Cleaning out my files prior to departing at the end of term, I found my presentation and speaking notes for one of the first Senior School assemblies I ran at Braemar, just over six years ago at the beginning of 2017. At that assembly, we recognised students who had variously: won an app development competition, reached the finals of the ‘Young Archie’ portrait competition, come top 10 in a Victorian equestrian event, been a state finalist in the Sayembaran Lisan Indonesian Competition, and performed in a professional theatre production. The breadth of recognition in just one assembly, for one half of the College, from all that time ago, provided a good frame to reflect on what makes Braemar special and what I’ve so enjoyed in my time here. There are many answers to those questions, but I think foremost for me is that Braemar has students who say yes to opportunities and who are prepared to try, even something that might be initially uncomfortable. Yes, our academic results have been consistently high and I hope will remain so, but this has always been made more significant by the fact that those same students who do well academically are also involved in sports teams, and volunteering, and the local arts scene. That spirit of involvement exists in abundance still at Braemar and was on show last week for Senior School Exeat. While some small number sadly took the easy and safe route of not going, most students did front up, took the risk, and I know that they got back much more than the small discomforts cost them.
The joy and heart of any school is its students, and I have loved every minute with our irrepressibly funny and smart young people. I will miss them, but leave them in the hands of the wonderful staff who guide them each day. I look forward to remaining connected with Braemar through various networks and will keenly watch the College’s continued success from Hamilton. My best wishes for a restful holiday break and with my gratitude for my years here, Michael.
Mr Michael Horne Associate Principal
At the beginning of the year, the staff in the Middle School began our time together with a focus on ensuring our students are KNOWN, SUPPORTED and CONNECTED throughout Term 1. Whilst the positive mindsets of individuals in the Middle School have been evident throughout the term, I am most proud of the efforts that our cohorts have made in better understanding how to be inclusive young people. Our Year 8 leaders initiated a College-wide day of activities for Harmony Day, recognising and celebrating the diversity of our community. As part of the Experiential Learning Program, our Year 8 cohort also visited the Tibetan Buddhist Society and the Hume Islamic Youth Centre to broaden their understanding of the richness that exists in the community around us. Our Year 7 students spent a morning with Tate Kemp, a young man who challenges the societal stereotypes around disability and promotes messages of inclusion and acceptance. Our Year 6 students engaged with Elephant Ed, investigating how to promote positive relationships and deal with the social challenges that come with adolescence. The Year 5 cohort have continued to ask each other to THINK before they speak or act, considering “is it True?”, “is it Helpful?”, “is it Inspiring?”, “is it Necessary?” and “is it Kind?”.
The House Swimming and House Athletics events provided an opportunity for students to unite across the College in their Houses for days of competition. I have been impressed with the level of involvement and spirit of competition that has resonated throughout these events. The final week of Term 1 also brings the first round of competition towards the Bunjil Trophy, the award for Middle School competitions that has come to life for the first time in 2023. Throughout the year, Middle School students will compete in a range of different activities in recognition of their involvement within their House. This initiative has only been possible through the efforts of our newly appointed Middle School Heads of House who have instantaneously lifted the connection and culture of the House system.
Finally, as Term 1 draws to a close, it provides an opportunity to reflect on all of the learning experiences that have transpired over the past 10 weeks. Alongside discussions at Parent-Teacher Interviews, the feedback that is provided through SEQTA offers an insight into ways in which students can move their learning forward in the term to come. I encourage all families to spend some time reflecting on the advice from teachers and considering where their goals lie for Term 2.
I wish all students and families a restful and safe break over the holiday period and look forward to welcoming you all back to the College at the beginning of Term 2.
Mr Rob Jenkins Head of Middle School
It has been wonderful to see the senior school students find their rhythm in the busy pace the first term has provided. Students have already participated in many different opportunities, such as house swimming and athletics, demonstrating both their leadership and competitive sides, through to incursions and excursions such as Urban surfing, the Melbourne Zoo and the Holocaust museum, to name a few, all providing rich learning opportunities they work on once returning to the College. Students balance this with their educational programs, where their growth and progression have been exciting.
The whole Senior school has also participated in the EXEAT program in the second last week of this term, which involved students attending one of seventeen camp locations around the state. The experience these camps provide builds new skills, friendships and autonomy within the students, all of which are excellent for their preparation for life beyond the College. Some students may find the thought of camp challenging after Covid; although greeting the students back afterwards, it was evident that all returned tired, but happy with the sense of achievement invaluable.
Finally, the student leaders are working on bringing the student voice to the College through the many activities and events they are organising ahead for the year and connecting the senior school students as they do. The house leaders are also introducing the new Senior School Stockdale award, focusing on embedding a wide variety of activities and skills whilst mentoring other students and building the college culture. I wish you all a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing the students return in Term two.
Ms Lisa Fritz Head of Senior School
An Englishman originally, I have been in Australia for 5 years. Previously I have lived in the Middle East, Malaysia and Switzerland teaching a variety of subjects (mainly mathematics) in British International schools. I am married with three teenage children, a dog and a couple of chickens and am now living the dream in Woodend and looking forward to fully committing to being a member of the Braemar community.
Originally from Hobart, I’ve taught secondary English and Psychology including both VCE and IB since 2010. Most recently I taught at Wesley College where I was also a Head of House in the Senior School. I’m looking forward to joining the Braemar community (and to the cardio benefits of working on a mountain).
I have been living in the Macedon Ranges for nearly 20 years. I have 3 children, 2 at secondary school and 1 at primary school. For the past 3 years I have been managing the Gisborne Primary School Canteen. I am also very involved in basketball with all my children playing and I have been coaching basketball for years.
2023 will be my first year at Braemar. Previously, I have been teaching for 10 years across Victoria working mainly in the upper primary levels, as both a classroom teacher and PLC leader. I have a passion for literacy, having studied to be a journalist before moving into education. My personal interests include running, music and gardening.
We are excited to announce new instrumental music tutors who are joining the Braemar music team. These teachers are recognised in their field, have the capacity to teach both classical and contemporary styles, from beginner to VCE level, teach to the AMEB syllabus and maintain a performing career. We warmly welcome new staff in the areas of percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, double bass and voice. Over the course of Term 2 we will introduce these specialist tutors to the College and their classes.
We welcome further enrolments in all these instruments.
The College production rehearsal schedule is in full swing. As we approach the final weeks of the term, production students who have been cast in character roles have been participating in acting and vocal workshops. During these workshops, students have had the opportunity to strengthen their expressive and performance skills and develop their characters. It has been incredible to see students stepping outside of their comfort zones and building confidence in their skills. In Term 2, fullcast rehearsals will commence and all performers will begin to bring the world of Oliver! JR. to life on-stage as we begin blocking scenes.
The 18th Woodend Winter Arts Festival was launched recently with a sold-out solo recital by the virtuoso oud performer Joseph Tawadros. The VCE music class attended the performance and had an opportunity to meet Joseph. (pictured below)
A reminder to support and put the restaurant nights and lunches in your diary; these provide another important opportunity for performance for students.
Yours, with good vibrations,
Dr Jacky Ogeil Director of Music
It has been another busy term for Learning and Teaching at Braemar College. NAPLAN has finished up for another year, completed online for the second year running. The date for results to be released to schools and families is yet to be determined, so we will provide you with more information when this is released.
Overall, students seemed to take NAPLAN in their stride, recognising that it was a chance to have a go and do their best, but nothing more to worry over. This attitude was greatly helped by the extremely supportive group of teachers and Year Level Leaders running the tests, so I thank each of them for their reassuring and calm assistance. As a school we use NAPLAN data in conjunction with other data sources such as AAS data, teacher feedback and communication with parents to ensure all students are being appropriately challenged at their level, and to see where we can improve our programs.
Teachers have been working hard on several new and continuing initiatives to ensure we are being “the best we can be in ‘23”. Continuing from 2022 are our Professional Learning Teams, with a sustained focus on embedding Formative Assessment and Literacy techniques within our practice. Both areas are heavily supported by research about how students learn and what has the greatest impact on their learning, so I am excited to see the long-term benefits of this work. As a College we have also introduced an Instructional Model based on Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and pre-existing models such as GANAG. The aim is to support a more consistent student experience across the College and ensure high yield strategies permeate the standard lesson. In addition to our whole College improvement initiatives, each teacher has set personal goals for their teaching and a plan for how they will achieve them with their Instructional Leader or member of the Leadership Team.
To finish, I’d like to acknowledge two (of many) examples of teachers going above and beyond to enhance the educational experience of our young people. The College Drama team have been working tirelessly on preparing students for the College production, with rehearsals well under way for lead roles. This wonderful opportunity would not be possible without the dedication of this group of teachers. The same can be said for the Investigate team, who planned a fantastic Maths Day for our Middle School students on Tuesday 4 April. There were a number of guest speakers and facilitators, fancy dress, and Maths Day Menu items at the canteen. Thank you to all teachers involved.
Ms Emily Ryan Dean of Learning and Teaching
And just like that, we have completed first term of 2023. The whirlwind fashion in which the term has passed is extraordinary and, albeit exhausted, we head towards Easter and a welldeserved break, with certitude of our future direction. It is an extremely exciting phase for the College as we build upon the traditions and cultural fabric that frame our wonderful school and its community.
Recently, I had the pleasure of representing Braemar College at the Ecumenical Schools Australia (ESA) Leaver Award celebration day. The Reverend John Leaver Award is awarded to a Year 11 student, returning the following year, who demonstrates compassion, resilience, ability to connect with others and broadmindedness. The theme for this event was ‘Leaving it Better’; a concept that we should all tread lightly and make a conscious decision to always leave every situation/place better than we found it.
The concept of leaving the world a better place can be traced back to a quote from, 19th century poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.”
- Robert Baden-Powell
I wish to emphasise the value of deep, honest reflection and encourage everyone, especially our young people to set aside some time during the break to consider actions that will strengthen their sense of purpose and shape the way they wish to have a positive impact in the world around them.
Resilience comes from the perspective that it is our decisions, not the conditions, that determine our mindset, self-worth and attitude. Once we realise that we’re in total control of our decisions, we can start to choose how we respond to the external conditions of our reality. It comes down to accepting the things we cannot control and focusing on the things we can. Finding the best version of ourselves requires constant practice, and it helps to recognise what it is that distracts us and then learn how to let those things go.
I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating break. I look forward to reconnecting with the Braemar Community throughout the term and year ahead.
Mrs Emma Grant Dean of Wellbeing and Culture
