Issue 2 2023

Issue#2 | 2023

Welcome

Be the best we can be in 23.

Term 1 is now behind us, and hopefully, students are enjoying a well-deserved rest. Therefore, I thought it would be timely to reflect on the term, using the lens of my challenge at the commencement assembly, being the best we can be in ’23.

This edition is filled with staff and students striving to achieve. From indoor to outdoor, from curriculum to extra-curricular, the achievements last term clearly demonstrated a focus on being the best we can be in ’23.

I hope you enjoy the Buzz.

Mr Russell Deer Principal

Braemar has students who say yes...

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

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

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

EXEAT Program - Year 11 Horse Riding

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.

Mr Tobin Connell

Ms Lucy Dowell

Mrs Rebecca Morgan

Mr Jack Werrett

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

Students seemed to take NAPLAN in their stride, recognising that it was a chance to have a go and do their best.

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

Middle School Captains

A healthy and positive attitude to have in life is “leave it a little better than you found it.” Our actions have a real effect on the people we interact with, our communities and the value we give to society. We have only one reputation in this world, and when it gets damaged, it takes an extraordinary amount of effort to repair it. A better place could be a word of encouragement or inspiration; a challenge to think differently; a newly found confidence that something can be accomplished; an understanding that was not there before or a deeper awareness of oneself.

“Leave this world better a little better than you found it.”

Term 1 has come to a rapid close and we finished it off with some wonderful performances across the College. I read a quote today from Wayne Gretzky - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This reminded me of students who are competing in school and community sport and the excitement and energy amongst them. It is infectious as they try their hardest, take every opportunity and are excited by both the competition and competing with friends.

House Athletics

It is great to see Darling House return to the winners list. It has been a while for Darling but their teamwork and energy were unstoppable on the day. House results below:

Darling – 1,678.0 pts – 1st

Farley – 1,590.0 pts – 2nd

Clyde – 1,500.0 pts – 3rd

Baker – 1,499.0 pts – 4th

Ward – 1,453.0 pts – 5th

Harry – 1,442.0 pts – 6th

Age Group Champions

These were announced at Assembly earlier this term. Well done to the following students on competing in what was a hotly contested House Athletics Carnival.

Year 5 Sienna Ranson & Benjamin Sumpter

Year 6

Year 7

Camilla Beck & Keanu Caputa

Grace Miles & Nathan Galvin

Year 8 Georgia Letson & Connor O’Kelly

Year 9 Natalie Arbanas & Luca Laird

Year 10

Charlotte Gray & Thor Royal

Year 11 Eliza Patterson Lade & August Stelma

Year 12 Eleanor Kappel & Saxon Royal

Trials and selections have begun in earnest for many teams competing next term, Term 2 is always a busy term for sport, and I look forward to all students representing Braemar at their respective events with excitement and enthusiasm. I also wish all the students competing in age group, state or national competitions over the break all the best.

Mr Matt Ellis Director of Sport

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Wayne Gretzky

EXEAT Program

The EXEAT Week 2023 for Senior School has concluded. The 590 students supported by 70+ staff attended 15 programs across the state. From riding in the high country, creating artwork inspired by Western Victorian scenery, walking the Great Ocean Walk, and sailing on Port Phillip Bay, our Senior School students faced and overcame challenges. While the weather was variable, the efforts of attendees were not. Many staff and students reported that while the week was challenging, upon reflection, the outcomes were valuable and appreciated.

EXEAT’s purpose provides an avenue to fulfil the College’s vision to be a leading co-educational College, where through relationships we engage, stimulate and challenge every student, inspiring exemplary personal outcomes. We hope that students have taken the time to talk about their experiences. If they have not, maybe this might be a conversation starter.

College Prefects

Jamie Williamson

Hi there, my name is Jamie and I’m one of the prefects of wellbeing for 2023. On 21 March, we celebrated harmony day at Braemar College. The middle school and senior school leaders came together with teachers and other staff, to organise harmony related activities for students to participate in to celebrate harmony day and the values of respect, inclusivity and diversity. Students at the senior school were each given a piece of orange paper to answer harmony related questions on. These responses were collected and are currently being made into a mural for display in the cafeteria, with the efforts of students and prefects at the senior school. Overall, the day was a success and it will be good to see it run again next year.

To give a little more insight into my interests. Alongside hanging out with friends, I enjoy running in the morning and spending time in nature. I’m interested in business, and have already made a couple of attempts at starting one, although I’m focusing more on school at the moment. Next year I plan to take a gap year and perhaps pursue some business ideas more seriously. I also intend to take some time to travel, learn some new skills and earn some money to support me at university.

Zoe Wilmann

Hi my name is Zoe, I’m one of the middle school Encounter SRCs for 2023. As many of you know I spoke at assembly along with Julia and Jamie about Harmony Day. Harmony Day was started in the year 1999 when the Australian government declared that Harmony day would be celebrated on the 21 March. Harmony Day is celebrated to encourage inclusiveness, diversity, respect, community participation and the idea that everyone should be and is included, but most importantly Harmony Day is celebrated to send the message, “Everyone Belongs”. Harmony Day is celebrated with a range of activities especially including lotuses and the colour orange as they are both symbols of harmony.

Julia Sykes

Hello, my name is Julia, and I am one of the 2023 Encounter captains in the Middle School. To celebrate this day all students answered the question “What is harmony to you in your life?” and wrote their answer on a lotus flower. These symbolise harmony, compassion, and enlightenment and are a great and colourful edition to the Woodend Campus Reception.

Mathematics Day

Mathematics was the end-of-term winner as our Middle School celebrated Middle School Mathematics Day. The excitement was palpable as buses arrived for the numeracy event. The number patrol greeted the alighting students, sworn to “serve and correct” these dedicated staff, joined by their faithful sidekick Buzz sniffing out errors, lead the way. During the many mathematically themed opportunities, both within and outside the classroom.

Mrs Gregory, our Food Van Coordinator, created sweet, mathematically themed treats, which received a sold tick of approval from students and staff.

At the final assembly, Mr Jenkins announced the year-level winners of the “jelly beans in the jar” calculation. The students were asked to show how they arrived at their answers, including their working out. That was a vital piece of learning because one year level had two students provide the same solution, and the winner was the student who could show their calculations.

Congratulations to all students who participated by dressing mathematically, our teachers and staff who facilitated the many events and Mrs Cruickshank, our Instructional Leader - Investigate, who was the driving force behind the day.

Old Collegians

Our Old Collegians are a valuable and rich source of support for the College. These cohorts have learned in the same buildings and classrooms, ventured around the grounds and participated in many events that remain recognisable in today’s calendar.

The disruption of the past years has interrupted our usual pattern of old collegian engagement. While the reunions and events could not occur, work was being undertaken in the background to gather and nurture these past students.

Guided by our 1982 College Captain, Mr Todd Langtry (OC’1982) and Miss Emily Jones (OC’ 2008), our Old Collegians platform has been revamped. The platform has been built to focus on reconnecting. Currently, there are over 60 Old Collegians who have registered. They range from members of the class of 83 to the class of 2022. The platform will be used to announce news and upcoming events, including reunions.

If you are an old Collegian, we would love you to sign up for the new platform. Please use the following link. https://oldcollegians.braemar.vic.edu.au/

Astronomy Night

In 2022, gathering large groups together was still challenging due to the pandemic and continued to disrupt many events. One such event was the Year 5 Astronomy Night. Organised by Ms Tanti, the night was to have provided an opportunity for that cohort to hear about this exciting area of learning from teachers and Old Collegians and to use the College’s 8-inch Celestron telescope to look closely at these objects.

Fast forward to the end of Term 1, 2023, and Ms Tanti kept her promise to that cohort. They gathered on the grounds of the Woodend Campus on a clear, moonlight night to hear from Old Collegians Sam White (OC’ 2014), Lachie Ellis (OC’2019) and Robert Anthoney (OC’2019), who, along with Mr Daniel Horvat, our Instructional Leader - Science and VCE Physics Teacher, provided astronomical insights and facilitated the use of the telescope.

The evening concluded with the students brimming, with their new knowledge, passing on those facts and figures to their parents, who also then used the telescope.

We thank our Old Collegians, teachers and Ms Tanti for supporting and arranging the evening.

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Thank you to those green-thumbed members in our community who purchased bulbs as part of the Parents and Friends’ annual bulb fundraiser. Over $1000 was raised by those eager to prepare for the 2023 spring flowering season.

thank you for your support

The Parents and Friends’ are now preparing for their Term 2 fundraiser, our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on 7 May. The afternoon tea at the beautiful and historic Jacksons Hall in Braemar House will be a ticketed and seated event. Raffles and prizes will be offered, so start preparing for the event by gathering a group to enjoy an afternoon of high tea.

Book here

The afternoon tea will be conducted the week before Mother’s Day, allowing our P&F mums to be with their families on 14 May. Tickets are on sale via trybooking. https://www.trybooking.com/CHPAJ

Finally, the Multi-purpose Hall is out of the ground, with the shape of the roofline now clearly visible. The beautiful morning shot from our drone highlights the slanting roofline, with the exposed beams visible. Our P and F aim to outfit this building with solar panels and a battery storage system, and we are seeking your assistance. The anticipated system 11.5 kW system will consist of 36 panels. A tax-deductible donation of $550 supports one panel. Equally, why not gather friends and family to donate as a group? We will recognise the donors within the building. Ultimately we aim to provide young people with the ability to monitor the consumption and storage of electrical energy on the Woodend site.

In a separate effort, the College is working with local suppliers to place a large solar panel array on the roof of Brooksbank. This system will support the energy demands on our historic mount campus.

The link to donate is below https://braemar.xportal.myxplor.com/donate

SchoolTV Special Report: Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying. Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Mrs Emma Grant Dean of Wellbeing and Culture