Upcoming NAPLAN
Over the next few weeks, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will undertake a practice test and then a series of real NAPLAN tests. The tests examine student skills and knowledge in the areas of reading, conventions of language, numeracy, and writing. In the last few years the National Assessment Program (the NAP in NAPLAN) tests have become much, much better at individualising the questions that each student is asked based on their previous responses. This means that the old, one-size-doesn’t-fit-all, test that came under such criticism is no longer the NAPLAN reality. Instead, questions branch, and rise or fall in complexity and difficulty based on each student’s responses. This means that the results that are returned give your child’s teachers a much clearer picture of the areas that they need to work on. Given that, ultimately, that is the point of any assessment, this can only be a good thing.
I share the concerns of many educators and parents who see in a small number of schools students being drilled towards NAPLAN tests so that the school’s scores are inflated. This is potentially harmful and not really the purpose of NAPLAN tests. Conversely I am also concerned though when I hear some say that NAPLAN tests should be thrown out altogether, as potentially damaging to students. Both of these positions are extreme ones, and like most extreme views are not particularly useful. As an individualised, point-in-time snapshot of student knowledge and skill which is used to direct future teaching and learning, NAPLAN can be a highly useful tool.
Framed in this way, our students are resilient enough to sit a small number of low-key tests across a week or so, and I encourage parents of these year levels to reinforce this message at home if students are concerned or dismissive of the program. I welcome contact from any parents or students who would like to discuss the tests further, and wish all of our Year 5, 7 and 9 students well across the testing time ahead.
Further details regarding the logistics of our delivery of NAPLAN are available in our Dean of Learning and Teaching article.
Mr Michael Horne Associate Principal
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The Middle School sprung back to life at the start of the year and continues to flourish through the first 5 weeks of term. There have already been so many highlights across each year level that have set in motion a year of positive experiences for our young people. Our Year 5 students enjoyed an Exeat Day at Hanging Rock, engaging in a range of activities and further strengthening connections with their peers. In Year 6, students explored the geology of Organ Pipes National Park and Hanging Rock, drawing connections from their learning in Investigate. The Year 7 cohort spent a week in Anglesea on their Exeat Program where they enjoyed time in the water bodyboarding and surfing, visited the lighthouse and learnt about the ecosystem of the waterways. Braemar House had a makeover for Spookfest on Friday evening where Year 8 students shared spooky stories, toured the historic facilities and ended the evening with a spooky disco.
Being able to connect with families at the Welcome Evenings in the first week of term offered an opportunity for members of the community to come together, celebrate the start of the year and build connections between parents and staff. I know that this was a useful undertaking that was not possible in 2022 and something that will continue in years to come. I also look forward to engaging with families in other ways throughout 2023.
Finally, I would like acknowledge the efforts of our staff who have been focused on students reconnecting through engaging activities in the classroom and beyond. Their efforts continue to bring to life a thriving learning community that students enjoy embracing on a daily basis. After such a positive “coming together” at the beginning of the year, I am looking forward to seeing all of the opportunities for us to “work together” in the months to come.
Mr Rob Jenkins Head of Middle School
5
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
A warm welcome to 2023. The year has quickly begun, with many events and activities already occurring, setting the pace for a busy year ahead. Thus far, we have acknowledged our 2023 student leaders, subject and sports captains and academic awards, and I would like to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of our students. The 2023 College Captains Julia Smith and Matthew Barake have also shared their focus on demonstrating the college values of being kind to others and ourselves within assemblies.
I also welcome our Year 9 students, parents, and guardians to the Senior School. I acknowledge that transition and change will be at the forefront with these students and many will approach this differently. In meeting the Year 9 students, many have described how they are excited to undertake their new elective subjects. I look forward to seeing their progress and continuing to see them settle into the Senior school.
I have had the pleasure of welcoming parents onsite to the Senior School information evening, where I discussed the various programs within the Senior school, the VCE program, homework expectations, and support parents and guardians can provide from home. This information is available to view via the parent portal. In summary, research and experience after Covid-19 have focused on assisting students to continually develop their skills through establishing routines and embedding healthy habits, positive sleeping patterns, time socialising with friends and, importantly, time away from technology.
To assist students in successfully managing and approaching the Semester, I encourage students to develop a calendar of their tasks and assessments via SEQTA early to help with broader planning and preparation in a positive manner for the Semester ahead. Additionally, seeking assistance early from their teachers if needed is critical and parents assistance in both these matters will be needed.
Parents and guardians would have received communications from their child’s relevant Year level leader welcoming their students to 2023 and outlining their focus for the term. Tutors have also sent communications home, and these are the staff who meet with and support your child daily and your first point of contact should you have questions.
Please ensure you regularly review the College calendar, emails and Operoo, as information will be provided prior to parents and guardians for each event. I look forward to the term ahead, working with and supporting the students in celebrating their growth, achievements and progression more broadly in 2023.
Ms Lisa Fritz Head of Senior School
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Get to know us...
Ms Inalya Altmann
Hello, my name is Inalya Altmann. I just recently completed my Master of Teaching at Monash University and am a graduate teacher. I will be teaching year 7 Indonesian classes and a year 8 Investigate class. My science background is in genetics and mathematics. I have a deep passion for languages, particularly Indonesian as it is part of my ethnic background, and I hope to share that love of languages with the students and school community.
Mr Christian Bagin
For the past 20 years Christian has worked as a performing artists. He has worked with many independent theatre companies in Melbourne, made and performed shows for schools and families, and toured works regionally and internationally. He is an avid gardener, and loves playing chess.
Mr Daniel Healey
I have worked as an LSO for 4 years while finishing my teaching degree, I am a passionate Richmond supporter who is a 12 year member (before the bandwagon accusations come in). I like travelling in Asia (mostly Singapore and Japan) when I can and just exploring what cities have to offer culturally. My passion in teaching is to help students improve in their learning and it gives me great joy to be a part of their journey.
Ms Amadea Revina
Hello everyone, I am Amadea Revina, a third year Mathematics and Science teacher. I have previously taught Maths, Science, VCE Psychology, Forensic Science as well as Primary Science in the public sector. I am passionate and motivated, always ready to learn and love learning about the world and its interconnectedness. My interests involve games, reading, music as well as connecting with people. Looking forward to starting at Braemar College!
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This year has taken off with excitement and engagement as students work closely together for performances. The Commencement and Academic Assemblies featured our newly formed Middle School String Quartet with Julia Sykes, Lucy Sykes, Sienna Caputa and Eloise Carden performing. Year 12 VCE music student Ridley McNamara-Moyle held the attention of all with his poignant solo guitar performance of his very own composition.
Assemblies are an important forum for student leadership, initiative, engagement, and also for performance and practising the art of it. We have now increased the number of opportunities for students to perform at Assembly, and students are again rising to the occasion. Pianists are being encouraged to expand their musical interactions by developing skills as accompanists. Oscar Leila took the lead by accompanying the whole school singing the National Anthem. The VCE VET band took centre stage with an exuberant rendition of Queen performed by Tate Anderson, William Chambers, Finn Farrell, our music captain Sarah Hibbins, Sophie Janusko and Mathilda Yap. And performers from the VCE Music Class formed a percussion ensemble to accompany the processional and recessional with multipart African drumming that had all those in attendance clapping along. Special thanks to Ridley McNamara-Moyle, Maximillian Jeffcoat-Holm, Jack Goodsell, Finn Farrell and Luca Pezzimenti.
Drama teacher Ms Mallia is leading the school musical, and together with the other music teachers, we have been auditioning an unprecedented number of future Broadway stars. The appetite to sing, make music and perform is wonderful.
Instrumental music tutors are largely at capacity and we are currently in the process of interviewing many applicants. This is an exciting time as the department grows post-pandemic and the school continues to grow.
All instrumental students learning at the school have now been given a complimentary practice diary to assist with their home learning and organisation. It is also a useful tool to encourage communication between parents and their instrumental instructors. I encourage you to use it and develop good habits.
Yours, with good vibrations,
Dr Jacky Ogeil Director of Music
8
Making a good start to the school year is crucial for students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Now that our students are starting to get familiar with their new teachers and classes, here are some ways we can support them to make the most of their learning time this term:
1. Set Goals: Encourage students to set academic and personal goals for the year ahead. This can help them stay motivated and focused throughout the year. Students should set both short-term and long-term goals and revisit them regularly to track their progress. This process will be supported within our Thrive and Strive lessons.
2. Get Organised: Starting the school year with good organisational habits can make a huge difference in students’ success. Encourage them to use a planner to keep track of assignments and deadlines, and to create a dedicated study space at home that is free from distractions. All Reportable assessment tasks and approximate dates are now visible on SEQTA.
3. Develop Good Study Habits: Good study habits are essential for academic success.
Encourage students to set aside regular study time each day, break large assignments into smaller tasks, and use study techniques such as summarising, note-taking, and quizzing themselves. Senior School students are taught these strategies explicitly within their Strive (Academic) lessons.
4. Get Involved: Getting involved in school activities can help students feel more connected to the school community and build new skills. Encourage students to join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
5. Ask for Help: Starting a new school year can be overwhelming, and students should know that it’s okay to ask for help. Encourage them to seek out their teachers, Year Level Leaders or other support staff if they need academic or emotional support.
By following these tips, students can start the school year on the right foot and set themselves up for a successful and rewarding year ahead. As educators, it is our responsibility to support and guide them in their journey towards academic and personal growth, in partnership with parents.
NAPLAN – Public Demonstration Website
Our Associate Principal, Mr Michael Horne has outlined NAPLAN in his article. The NAPLAN testing time is fast approaching for our Year 5, 7 and 9 students, with testing taking place online between Wednesday 15 to Monday 20 March. Students have been provided the opportunity to sit a Practice Test to familiarise themselves with the platform, and more detail has been provided directly to relevant families. If this is the first time your child is completing NAPLAN through the online format and you would like to view the platform yourself, a Public Demonstration Website is available at this link.
Ms Emily Ryan Dean of Learning and Teaching
9
Making a good start to the school year is crucial for students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
College Captains
Hi my name is Matthew Barake and i am fortunate enough to be the College Captain for 2023. I am absolutely stoked to be in this position for the year to come and can’t wait for the opportunities that will be not just presented to me but also to you as a member of this school. My favourite subject at school is Specialist Maths. After year 12 I am hoping to go to university to study either physiotherapy or engineering, still haven’t decided. In my spare time if I’m not doing homework, I love playing Cricket and Football and am an avid Richmond supporter, so I enjoy going to a game here or there. I am looking forward to creating a positive connection between the two campuses, and also positive connection between younger years and the older years.
Hi! My name is Julia Smith, and I am delighted to be a College Captain in 2023. I have been at Braemar since year five and have loved my years here part of the College community. My favourite subjects this year are Literature and Chemistry although I completed 3/4 Biology last year which has to be my most favourite. This inspired me to hopefully study medicine next year at Monash University. I currently work as a lifeguard at Kyneton and Woodend pools in my free time. I also love drama and acting, which I have been doing most of my life as well as hanging with my friends and my golden retriever, Rosie. I hope to have a positive influence and relationship with all members of the college this year, fostering genuine connections and enthusiasm in all corners of Braemar life.
Middle School Captains
Hi my name is Sienna and I am a Year 8 Middle School Captain. I commenced Braemar in Year 5 and am very grateful for this opportunity where I’m looking forward to many new experiences throughout this year. Outside of school I enjoy Squad Gymnastics where I train up to 5 times per week and have competed at State level. I also play the violin and have played in front of the school for Assemblies & Jackson Hall Dinner evenings. I have 3 brothers and we live on an acreage farm with my two cats and five horses. As a family, we really love travelling –especially overseas!
Hi, My name is Charlotte Mckie and I am one of the middle school captains for 2023. This year I would like to raise awareness to more fundraisers throughout the community, and get people more involved in activities and groups within the Braemar Middle school. I enjoy playing soccer, football and dancing. At school I really enjoy doing PE and art, as well as science. well as science.
Matthew Barake and Julia Smith
4
10
The start of a new school year is an incredibly exciting time though it also creates some anxiety in all of us. A common nervousness is felt; new faces, new routines, many changes and challenges as we find our way. As we settle into Term 1 at Braemar College, there is a genuine, positive undercurrent across both campuses accompanied by an energy that is future focused among staff and students, something that has been noticeably absent in recent times.
As the term and school year progresses, it is essential to allow time to recognise and acknowledge one’s emotions, thoughts, and responses to different situations so that we can build our capacity to establish and maintain healthy relationships, manage stress, feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals, and find meaning and purpose in our school journey..
The World Health Organisation defines mental wellbeing as ‘a state in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.’
Stress is a normal part of life, and for teenagers, it is particularly important to learn how to manage it. Stress is triggered by external events that are different for everyone. Some of the common causes of stress stated by young people include homework, perceived expectations and pressure to do well at school, social relationships, extracurricular commitments, lack of time, feeling underprepared, lack of sleep and general life challenges.
The more we learn about teens and stress, the better we can be at modelling behaviours that can help our young people build capacity and learn to manage it more effectively, which is a great skill for life. Some signs in recognising if someone is going through a stressful time include difficulties with sleep, fatigue, becoming disengaged, withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in hobbies, irritability and difficulties with concentration and focus to name a few.
The best ways to help a stressed teen are to communicate and to provide regular support.
• Acknowledge their stress so they know you take them seriously.
• Help them to recognise what sits within their control that they can have an impact on and learning to accept what is out of their control, can be helpful for managing stress.
• Assist them to learn some stress management techniques including deep breathing, journaling, yoga, creative expression, or spending time in nature.
• Encourage regular exercise, healthy food, good sleep, spending time on hobbies they enjoy and connecting regularly with family and friends.
• Assist them in strategies on ways to plan, prepare and prioritise events, deadlines, decisions.
• Help them build a strong network of support around them. While it is positive, if they are open to working with you to manage their stress, it is a good idea to help them find other sources of support that include, for example, friends, adult family friends, a teacher or school counsellor.
Working out what is causing the stress can often make it easier for young people to deal with it. Some stressful things cannot be changed, but they can be talked about. Listening and talking about a young person’s concerns is the best starting point to reduce the stress they may feel.
Mrs Emma Grant Dean of Wellbeing and Culture
11
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss,
Term 1 has started with energy and enthusiasm.
Monday 20 February saw us have a successful House Swimming Carnival with over 910 students participating in a range of new events including interhouse Tug of War and Volleyball. Farley House came out on top as the victors winning the Swimming Shield by a slim margin over Darling House. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Age Group Champions on the Day.
Year 5 Matilda Austin Coen Sammut
Year 6 Sienna Evans Keanu Caputa
Year 7 Alyssa Greed Caelen Theodore
Year 8 Clementine Neylon Connor O’Kelly
Year 9 Sophie Griggs Jeff Connor
Year 10 India Paleg Flynn Acott
Year 11 Amy O’Kelly Tom Raybould
Year 12 Grace Coultish Tyler Theodore
We now move towards interschool Carnivals. Training has been well underway for the respective carnivals, and it has been wonderful to see students attending the early morning swim squad sessions with vigour.
On Wednesday 22 February we had 22 Year 5 and 6 students compete at the Macedon Ranges District Swim Carnival. We had some very good performances and a strong team effort across the day. Six students who competed on that day now move to the upcoming Divisional Swim Carnival.
With a quick turnaround we now set our sights to March 9 and the House Athletics Carnival.
This is always a favourite amongst the student population, and I wish all students well as they represent their House to the best of their ability.
Mr Matt Ellis Director of Sport
Friendly reminder:
All interschool sport team trials are advertised to students via email with plenty of lead in time.
Process:
• Google form sent from Sport@Braemar advertising sign up details
• Students to reply by using their individual school log in details indicating their choices
• Applicable coaches will then contact the students via email with training times and info.
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A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, and new challenges.
Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH) at Woodend Campus under construction
