Assistant Principals' Reports 

DREW KING

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 

JUNIOR SCHOOL 

Each new school year aims to build on the achievements of the previous year and Term 1 of 2023 has seen the school community get off to a flying start; with Dromana College continuing to provide a quality educational experience for our students.

Our Year 7 students arrived looking great in their new uniforms, ready to take on the challenges of finding their way around, understanding how to read and operate Compass, getting to know their eight new classroom teachers and making new friends. Our wonderful team of Year 7 coordinators and form teachers have made the transition from primary to secondary school smooth for our new students by setting clear expectations and highlighting the wide variety of opportunities for students to take up within the Dromana College curriculum. Furthermore, their parents have had the opportunity to attend our “meet the teacher “event, held in the student’s form room with form teachers outlining a typical school day.

Highlights of Term 1 were the swimming and athletics carnivals. Great weather, great swim times and the popular wave pool at the Monash Aquatic Recreation Centre in Glen Waverley contributed to the success of the swimming carnival, where it was pleasing to see our students encouraging each other and showing good sportsmanship throughout the day. Thank you to all the teachers, especially the sports coordinators, who put the event together and also to the students who participated. Our athletics carnival saw the entire school head off to Ballam Park, Frankston for a huge day of running , throwing, jumping, singing and dancing. What an awesome day it was for those who made the most of it.

On the final week of the term, 14 forms of Year 7 students hit the road to Phillip Island Adventure Park, where the real fun and games took place. Students were able to share rooms with their friends and were placed in activity groups where they could participate in a variety of activities and excursions such as surfing, rope courses (high and low) swimming, rafting, archery, team building, rock climbing and visiting the penguins. the camp proved once again to be a huge success and backed right on to Easter. Perfect timing for everyone!

The Year 8 students, who started the year looking fantastic in their full school uniforms, are off to a strong start. They have applied their geographical knowledge and skills to complete fieldwork at various locations across the Mornington Peninsula, demonstrating our four school values (respect, responsibility, personal best and integrity) whilst out in the community. Furthermore, the Year 8 student leaders planned and conducted a fun pastoral session which enabled students to engage in activities of their choice, based on their hobbies and interests. Well done to our Year 8’s on such a positive start to 2023.

It’s been a busy term for the Year 9 cohort. With NAPLAN being brought forward to March this year, many pastoral sessions focused on core literacy and numeracy skills. To celebrate the end of NAPLAN, our Year 9 student leaders organised a “Bench Ball” tournament, which students played in their 2022 forms. the competition was followed by a feast of souvlaki. Next term will involve many exciting excursions and events for this group, and we particularly wish our Alpine students all the best whilst away.

Looking ahead, I encourage all our students to take the opportunity to fully participate in the many wonderful activities our school has to offer. 

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter break.

STEPHANIE PEARCE 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 

TEACHING AND LEARNING

It has been a busy but exciting start to the year with all students now settled and enjoying their classes for Term 1. Dromana College is committed to providing an extensive teaching and learning program that supports all students to pursue their passions, as well as exploring new interests in a supportive and challenging learning environment. This year we are proud to offer greater breadth in our curriculum with the addition of new and innovative subjects as well as enhancement and extra-curricular programs that are offered adjacent to the school day. 

Our collective focus this year, as with every year, is learning. We pride ourselves on holding high expectations of all students and equally supporting students to have high expectations of themselves. As part of this work, we were fortunate to have Elevate Education return and present to each year level in areas of study skills, memory and mnemonics, time management and exam preparation.  The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. An integral part of our high performing culture is that our students are equipped with the tools and strategies they need to be successful, to live the lives they wish to live.

Year 7 and 9 students successfully completed NAPLAN Online in March this year. Over two weeks we saw 2215 student tests successfully submitted with a final participation rate at Year 7 and 9 of 85.6%. Students were exemplary in their display of personal best and I speak on behalf of the whole learning community when I say I am confident their results will be a testament to this. The earlier date will also enable schools and families to receive results much sooner than we previously have, undoubtedly proving more beneficial in informing teaching and learning programs, and providing additional support and extension to students at their point of need.

I would like to give a special mention to the new staff that have joined our teaching team this year. They have already established great relationships with their classes, and I have every confidence they will have a positive impact on the learning outcomes of their students. Welcome!

I am always so reassured by the efforts of all members of our school community, and I am motivated for another successful and celebratory year at our wonderful school. 

SIMON JONES

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 

SENIOR SCHOOL

We are all ready for a break after a big and eventful first term. I have been greatly impressed by the approach of students across the senior school, who have applied themselves diligently to their studies and are generally doing the best that they can. Our year 12’s have lead the way for junior year levels to follow in all aspects of school life. The way that they participated in both the whole-school swimming and athletics carnivals was exemplary and has set a very high bench mark for future cohorts to live up to. The ‘Year 10’ formal held two years later than anticipated due to the pandemic, was another highlight of first term and was also enjoyed in great spirit by the year 12’s. In conducting weekly primary school tours for prospective students and families, our senior students receive regular compliments for their respectfulness and application. 

Looking ahead, term 2 is another busy one as we complete the first half of the year with mid-year assessments and then move in to the mid-year exam program. The VCAA GAT is a part of this on the 15th June and all year 12 students as well year 11’s doing a year 12 subject are required to sit for this important exam. Students will be given preparation in the lead up next term. 

In cases where the latest progress reports show that work is required, it is vital that students address this over the holidays so that they return for term 2 up to date with their studies. There are only 5 weeks of classes in term 2 before we move into exams and mid-year final assessments and so remedial action needs to be taken now if required, before it is too late. 

But first things first, I encourage everyone to have a rest and enjoy the Easter break. Have a great Easter, stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone again for the start of second term.