Dunhelen

                                           Mrs Francis Scuderi

Welcome to the 2019 school year. A special welcome to all the new families that have joined us this year. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Year 7 First Day

There were a few nerves on the first day for the Year 7 students, however, it is pleasing to see that most of them are beginning to settle well and establish some new friendships. Their confidence will be further developed while we are away on camp, leaving Monday 11 February. Students will be arriving back at school on Wednesday 13 February at approximately 4.00pm. 

Year 8 & 9 Students

The Year 8 and 9 students have also settled well and are transitioning into this next year of their school life.  It was wonderful to see them all after the break, they were all taller and seemed ‘more grown up’. They were also a reminder of how old I am getting!

2019 Dunhelen Staff

The Dunhelen team for 2019 consists of myself and three Assistant Heads of School, Mr Tassie Eleftheriou (Year 7), Mrs Caron Flynn (Year 8) and Mr Michael Patchell (Year 9).  We are also very fortunate to have a wonderful group of teachers on the team; Miss Charlotte Beales (7B), Ms Graziella Carta (7C), Miss Ella Kim (7E), Mr Christian Inturrisi (7I), Ms Christalla Koukoullides (7K), Mr Ian Francis (8F), Miss Sarah Howells (8H), Mr Gordon Oreo (8O), Mr Ben Prentice (8P), Ms Sherry Sadler (8S), Ms Jacquelyn Armstrong (9A),  Mr Luciano Bernes and Ms Juliana Spaleta (9B), Mr Linden Koodravsev (9K),  Ms Rita Preziuso (9P) and Mrs Elsa Tsalapatris (9T).  Feel free to contact your child’s Homeroom teacher for any concerns you may have.

Middle Year Student Guidance

The middle years for students can be ‘tricky’ years that require a lot of patience, understanding and communication. Students at this age are trying to assert their independence, but they still need adult guidance and boundaries. Take the time to ‘try’ and have conversations with them, understand that friends are very important to them, help them to organise routines for homework and for leisure time and assist them in trying to manage school and out of school activities. It can be a difficult time for some parents, however, listening and empathising with your child, acknowledging their feelings and keeping all lines of communication open is a start to what can also be an amazing time in their lives. As tricky as it can be, you will get through it. Just remember to laugh along the way.

Student Uniform

Students should be in correct uniform every day. Please take the time to read the Aitken College uniform policy, which is on the College website. Students out of uniform will receive demerits so please ensure that you and your child are familiar with the policy.

Once again, a very warm welcome to all the Dunhelen community and I look forward to another great year.