Dunhelen

Ms Jacquelyne Armstrong

Welcome back, Dunhelen families, to what will be another busy but exciting term in Middle School at Aitken College. 

Study Strategies

For some of our students receiving their reports would have been an exciting time. However, for others there may have been some disappointment and shock. It is difficult to navigate this at times but now is your chance to help your young person set themselves up for a successful semester ahead of them. 

It is during the middle school years that you can help your young person develop valuable study habits that will assist them into VCE and beyond. A few simple things you can do as a family include: 

1.   Remove distractions

2.   Make homework less of a “chore”

3.   Encourage independent, self-learning

4.   Use a when-then routine – ‘When you finish your homework you can go to the park’. 

5.   Instill time management

6.   Help kids embrace failure and be constructive

7.   Avoid rewards

School Productions

I am sure by now that you have all heard the College musical - We Will Rock You – is about to open and our Dunhelen students are doing us proud. There are 30 students from Years 7 to 9 in the cast (plus 10 in the crew) taking on a variety of roles including understudies for leads, lead dancers and ensemble. It has been a huge undertaking and requires an extensive amount of commitment. I encourage you all to bring the family and enjoy a great night of entertainment. Ticket details can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

Next on the list is the Middle School Play – Alice in Wonderland. This is the show where our students really get to shine. Auditions are happening on Monday 25 July with rehearsals starting straight after the musical finishes. 

Of course, there is also Debating, Tournament of the Minds, Dunhelen Dance Club, SSV Sport and Hospitality Club just to name a few. Research tells us that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities do better socially and academically but also gain skills that far outreach the classroom. These activities are a great way for your young person to expand their social circles, build on resilience, and develop concentration and time management skills. 

Student Wardrobe Policy

I would like to draw your attention to a few reminders and small changes that have been made to the uniform policy. You can access the policy document on the College website for further clarification.

• Summer wardrobe is encouraged in Terms 1 and 4 and Winter wardrobe is encouraged in Terms 2 and 3, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
• Ties are now optional – if your young person wishes to wear their tie this is ok but if they do not, they will need to purchase new shirts or alter their formal shirts to suit. 
• Girls can choose to wear short or long navy socks instead of stockings with their winter skirt. 
• Nails must be natural in colour and appearance – please, no coloured or long fake nails.
• One earring in the lower earlobe only.
• Fake lashes are not to be worn. Students who wear these will be asked to have them removed.
• Formal uniform shoes – must be black leather school shoes, not black sports joggers or fashion runners.
• Blazers are to be worn to and from school with the formal uniform. 
• Parkas continue to be an optional extra only. The parka can only be worn outside over the school jumper and blazer if needed for extra warmth. This item does not replace either the jumper or blazer. 

Student Absences

If your child is going to be absent from school, parents are reminded to contact the Dunhelen Administration Office on 9333 9225 before 8.45am or send an email to dunhelenadmin@aitkencollege.edu.au.