2020 certainly was not the year any of us expected. It was the year in which COVID-19 impacted so many aspects of our lives, including the way in which we supported our girls’ learning and the ways in which we delivered our lessons. This one virus caused us all to make changes. It was a year of stops and starts, adopting and adapting, pivoting, reflecting and improving, and soldiering on.

We were so fortunate that the girls and teachers had devices at the ready that we could easily take home, so the learning programs that we had started earlier in the year, could continue with little loss of progress during the Learn@Home periods.

The teachers were leaders in their field during this time, delivering 40 lessons a week, most of them live, direct-teaching lessons in the second round of lockdowns. I know of few schools in Victoria which accomplished and succeeded as well as Barbreck teachers did. I am happy to report that as a result of their great work, the majority of our girls achieved their learning outcomes. They were also wonderful! I know many of them worked really hard during this time and that learning new ways was hard at first but they displayed true persistence (what our School Captains have been talking about this year) and they kept going! Congratulations is extended to the girls; they have demonstrated not only persistence, but a ‘can do’ attitude and a growth mindset. During this time, they came to realise the value of a number of things:

• friendships and the simple act of sitting and laughing with friends
• face-to-face teaching and the special relationships they have with their teachers
• an appreciation for having special times such as a birthday party and sharing cake with friends.

They also came to realise a few things about themselves:

• They are more capable than they think
• If they work through things slowly and carefully, what once seemed hard, could be achieved
• That they can become more independent and self-reliant
• That their parents are their greatest supporters – giving so much of their time to help.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Barbreck parents for the wonderful support you provided in partnership with the School. It gives credence to the quote “together we achieve more”.

Despite COVID-19, we had a full and successful year. There were many great activities offered and experienced, a great deal of learning, as well as fun and much laughter. The team of wonderful Year 6 Captains contributed to this with their weekly segments. Thank you and congratulations girls.

As we look forward to 2021, we do so with a little more awareness and self-belief. We know that things can change quickly, but we do so with the knowledge that we are able to adapt, grow and succeed.

Our Year 6 Students are on their way

This week, the Year 6 girls celebrated the completion of their primary years of schooling. It was a special day of shared fond memories, much laughter as they compared Prep and Year 6 photographs, musical performances, bells ringing, best memories of Barbreck and plans for their futures. As they leave Barbreck, we wish them every success and much happiness ahead in their future years. The day was made even more special with parents being able to attend the Bell Ringing Ceremony. We hope they will hold the fondest memories of their time in Barbreck close to their hearts always.

2021 Captains

I congratulate the following girls on successfully being elected as Captains for 2021.

Farewells

Miss Alexandra Meikle, who has been with us as a support aide this term, finishes her contract. We thank her for all of the support she has given both the girls and the staff.

Ms Yu-Chun Wang who has been with us teaching Year 6 last year and Year 2 this year, leaves us. We thank her for dedication to her students, the wonderful rapport she built with everyone and the many lessons planned and delivered during this time. We wish her well with her future ventures.

Miss Alyssa Flint is leaving after four years at Barbreck. She began at this school as a class teacher, employed to set up a STEM program. In the following years, the STEM room became the home for “STEMinists’ – girls interested in STEM. Her dedication to the subject and her passion when delivering it made it a much-loved subject for many Barbreck girls. Miss Flint inspired and extended girls’ learning, with many girls happy to work on their projects during their own time. This resulted in girls entering a range of competitions and successfully competing, even on the international arena. As she leaves us to extend her career in STEM, we wish her every success and happiness. She will be sorely missed.

Staff Changes for 2021

Mr Luke Russell, (Deputy Head of Junior School – Organisation and Well-Being) will be taking up the role of STEM teacher. We congratulate him on this appointment to this role.

We are currently interviewing for a Year 6 teacher and will notify parents as soon as we have made an appointment.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I wish all of the Barbreck community a wonderful Christmas, spent with loved ones and friends. After such long periods of restrictions and with the borders now open, I hope that you are able to connect personally with your close and extended families. Treasure this time together and create wonderful memories to cherish. I hope that the year ahead is filled with kindness, understanding, generosity, good health and prosperity.

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2020 Annual Magazine

Our School has a wonderful history and many stories that our community are deeply connected to. Our Annual Magazine is an opportunity to share and preserve this history. Order your print copy now, or download and save our digital flipbook.

After The Bell

Out of School Hours Care is provided by After the Bell and is available from 7.00am until the commencement of the ELC program at 8.45am. This service is also available in the afternoons from 3.00pm until 6.00pm. The Out of School Hours Care Program operates within the ELC building. Find Out More