An update from our Head of Senior School
I had a great conversation last week with a Year 9 student who had been withdrawn from class because her uniform had been consistently below what we expect. We canvassed the purpose of school uniforms, the restrictions to individual liberties that are required when we join a group, and the impact on learning of how students dress. It was a really enjoyable conversation, and I was tested more than once by a pretty sharp 14 year-old mind. That said, we do have a uniform for a reason: it takes away the need to choose what to wear day-to-day; it builds a sense of community and belonging; and also helps to develop what I believe is a useful self-discipline and routine. The winter uniform requirements for Senior School are given below, and also available here on SEQTA Engage.
Winter Uniform (Terms 2/3):
- Braemar College blazer
- Braemar College jumper or Year 12 cardigan (optional)
- Braemar College long sleeve white shirt
- Braemar College tie
- Grey trousers with grey/black socks and black traditional belt
- Grey shorts with long grey socks
- Braemar College tartan skirt worn at mid knee length with navy tights or knee high socks
- Braemar College Japara (optional)
- College supplied plain navy or bottle green scarf, plain navy beanie, plain navy gloves (all optional)
On less-pedestrian matters, I extend a warm congratulations to the students behind the recent STEAM Fair held in Jackson Hall, principally Oliver Bagin and Josh Smith. Well done on this great student-led initiative. Similarly to Jonah Hickey for getting a Diversity Group off the ground; the group is meeting once a fortnight and is a supportive and safe space for students who identify as LGBTQI+ or who would like to show their support. Also thanks and congratulations in advance to Georgie Speed who is organising a Model UN at the College later this term. It’s heartening to see so many students coming forward with initiatives like these that add to the life of the College. Well done.
Michael Horne
Pedagogy Update
Each week, our Year 11 cohort meets in ‘the Caf’ to receive reminders and information from me regarding all things Year 11 and Braemar. It’s a good opportunity to connect as a cohort and share ideas and information. In addition, this time has been used for sessions including:
- Time-management skills
- Online goal setting (SEQTA)
- Guest speakers
- Stress Management Skills
My detailed Year Level piece, covering each of these topics, will be shared on the College Blog this week. Keep an eye out or subscribe to receive emails when new pieces are posted.
The big buzz around Year 11 at the moment is the preparation for the upcoming College Ball. Dance rehearsals have been in full swing for six sessions now, with the students demonstrating some fancy footwork as they learn new twists on old favourites. The full-dress rehearsal is to be held on Wednesday 22 May with the actual College Ball event taking place on Friday 24 May. The students have been working really hard to make themselves and their parents proud and we are all looking forward to an enjoyable evening. Big thanks to the staff who have assisted with after school practices.
All of us in Year 11 have had a successful start to the year and are looking forward to carrying that success across the remainder of this term and into second semester.
Paul Warner
Year Level Leader, Year 11
An update from our Director of Sport
What a very busy two weeks of sport we have had, with plenty of representation and participation from our Braemar students. Our Winter Tour teams continue to hold selection trials and the word from the coaches is that team selection is very competitive this year.
Last Thursday we had our annual ICCES Athletics Carnival at Lakeside Stadium. We were very lucky with the weather, with the rain holding off for the entire day. Braemar finished in a competitive 5th place at the Carnival with Charlie May having a great day on the track taking away the Year 9 Champion medallion for the boys.
Last Friday saw our Year 5 and 6 representatives head down to Tony Clarke Reserve for the annual Macedon Ranges District Cross Country event. In trying conditions, our Braemar students competed admirably.
- Our top boys results were:
Sebastian Lunn 1st, Nash Grinter 3rd, Jacob Saddington, Will Bobetic, Anthony Grobler rounding out the top 10 in the 12/13 Boys age group - Our top girls results were:
Zoe Kucic 3rd, Emily Matheson 5th, Katie Watson, Gemma Triffitt, Mali Gelbart rounding out the top 10 in the 12/13 Girls age group
On Monday night, six Braemar students represented our ICCES association (Independent Country Co-ed Schools) in the inaugural ICCES swim team. Tyler Theodore, Darcy Smith, Brodie Buerckner, Jackson Ellis, Isabelle Luxmoore, and Hannah Lilford were competing in the Victorian Sports Associations Championships (VSAC). With many different associations present, the standard was unbelievably high; the day even saw a national record broken! This is the second year that the event has run and will now be a constant on the sporting Calendar. Those present were excited to compete at a higher level and they all took away a positive experience.
Upcoming Events
Vic Secondary Orienteering Champs – Wednesday 22 May
MR District Soccer Carnival – Wednesday 22 May
Vic Country Futsal Titles – Monday 27 May
House Cross Country – Friday 31 May (parents are more than welcome to attend!)
Matt Ellis
An update from our Director of Music
Middle School days at the Mount Campus are buzzing with activity as the Year 7s (Mondays), Year 6s (Wednesdays), and now Year 5s (Thursdays) join the Music Department and take advantage of music lessons, group band lessons at lunch, and the ability to book a Music Studio to jam with their band. Students have been jumping in on the new drum circles happening at recess (Mondays and Tuesdays). The Year 7 Band (a part of our Group Band lesson program) took to the stage at a recent Principal’s Assembly to rock the room with ‘Seven Nation Army’.
Senior School VCE musicians took a field trip last Friday evening to share some inspiration at the VCAA’s Top Acts concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The programme included some top scoring examples of students in VCE Music Performance (Solo and Group), VCE Music Investigation, VCE Styles and Composition, and VCE VET Music Industry (Performance). This broad range of pathways are all available here at Braemar and we look forward to discussing music pathways for those interested in broadening their experience as performers, composers, music producers and those with an interest in the entertainment industry. Keen musicians or their parents can always reach out for advice on how best to achieve their goals and aspirations by contacting the Music Office via email at directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au.
Shaun Evans