Dunhelen

                                                           Ms Jacquelyne Armstrong

Welcome to all our Dunhelen families to what will be a wonderful 2022. I would like to extend a special welcome to all of our new families this year. The year has already started off with an exciting and energetic vibe and I am looking forward to working with you and your children. 

First Day of School

All Dunhelen students began on Tuesday. There were a few nerves at the start of the day but once students were in their homerooms and with their new friends they settled in quickly. Students spent some quality time with their homeroom teachers over Tuesday and Wednesday and then got straight into their classes. It is great to see so many smiling faces. 

Term 1 Program

For Term 1 the Dunhelen team consists of Mr Tassie Eleftheriou (Year 7), and Mr Michael Patchell (Year 9) with me as Acting Head of School and Year 8. Mrs Francis Scuderi will join us again in Term 2. We are of course supported by several amazing staff across the three year levels.

The theme for Dunhelen in 2022 will be ‘Learn, Build and Grow’. Our students will learn new things, build themselves up and, finally, how to grow their world. To do this, students will be encouraged to learn about themselves and others, recognise their achievements and step out of their comfort zones. Things like joining one of the many clubs or extracurricular activities the College can offer influence a young person in so many ways. We hope these learning opportunities will bring about some thoughtful questioning of themselves and the world around them, resulting in compassionate and empathetic members of our community. 

Dunhelen Assembly and Chapel Service

Our focus in assembly this term will be “Everyone Belongs”. This ties nicely to the Dunhelen theme. To start the year off we will explore the Wurundjeri Culture, specifically regarding the traditions and the people. This will then be followed by a Welcoming Ceremony to welcome visitors to their land and a Smoking Ceremony to cleanse places and people of bad spirits and to promote the wellbeing of our people as well as guests on Country. This is taking place on Tuesday next week. This is a very exciting and special opportunity for all members of the community. 

Chapels and assemblies will resume this year on Zoom. Students will be with their Homerooms, and they will view as a class. We hope to welcome everyone back to the CPA soon.

Upcoming Events

A number of exciting events are taking place this term including Camp for the Year 7s to Phillip Island Adventure Resort.  Our Year 8s and 9s will attend an incursion of a live performance where they will explore the consequences of drugs and alcohol. We also look forward to a myriad of other activities such as SSV Sport, the College Musical, Debating and a variety of other co-curricular opportunities.  Students are encouraged to keep an eye on the student bulletin for further information. 

I am looking forward to an exciting and productive term as the Acting Head of School while Mrs Scuderi is on leave.