Welcome

First term continues to be a great success, the tone around our school and the focus of our students on their learning is to be congratulated. Similarly, the commitment and willingness of our students to participate in the many co-curricular activities on offer, including sports carnival, Joining the Chorus, Cycling Club, Athletics Squad, Technology and Dance enhancement programs to name a few, has been outstanding. I particularly want to draw Council’s attention to the performing arts area of the College, in particular I would like to highlight the significant growth in student participation in the Instrumental Music Program. The College Captains have chosen to focus their efforts on expanding the number of participants in whole school events and they are making a fantastic effort to enhance the students sense of belonging at the College.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Tuesday 19 April 2016 has been set aside for Parent Teacher Interviews between the times of 12:00noon 7:30 pm. This is a student free day and consequently students are not required for classes on this day.

The purpose of these interviews is to support student academic progress, and it is an important opportunity for parents, students and teachers to discuss how the 2016 academic year is progressing for each student. Students are strongly encouraged to attend interviews with their families.

Open Night

The Dromana College Open Night for prospective Grade 6 families will be held on Wednesday 27 April 2016 commencing at 7:00pm in the Basketball Stadium. The night is being organised by our Transition Coordinator Mrs Brooke Mollenkopf, and all staff and some students will be involved. It is hoped that this evening will give parents an opportunity to seek answers regarding their child’s secondary education and the opportunities that we can provide. Personally I enjoy this evening and see it as an opportunity for the College to celebrate all the great things that the students, staff and families of the College achieve.

Swimming and Athletics Carnivals

The annual whole school swimming and athletics carnivals were both held this term and I would like to congratulate Miss Brittany Felsinger on the organisation of these events. All students and staff in attendance commented positively about the days, such occasions are invaluable to the enhancement of school spirit and it was fantastic to see such a significant attendance and participation from all students, particularly our senior students.

Enhancement Program

It is fantastic to see some 50 students and four staff training students in the athletics squad on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 7:15am. Likewise, we have 25 students taking part in the Dance Club on Tuesday morning and Thursday after school, and a regular 12 students involved with the Tuesday morning Science & Technology enhancement class. Staff running these programs are giving freely of their time and I believe it appropriate to formally acknowledge their commitment through a motion of the College Council.

Easter Holidays

Students will be dismissed from school for the Easter/Term 1 break at 2:30pm on Thursday 24 March 2016. I wish all our families a safe holiday over the Easter period. This time is a particularly dangerous time on our roads and I urge all travellers to be cautious and patient when driving.

Development of Year 7 Area

The redevelopment of the Year 7 area is now underway however we are experiencing some delays. As with all large scale building projects there is disruption to the regular routines of the school but a positive attitude has prevailed and many of our Year 7 students have expressed that they actually have preferred being integral to the larger school from commencement.

We have minimised the impact on students and staff, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their consideration and support of the teaching and learning program in delivery of this significant capital investment to our facilities. All going well the new classrooms will be available for Term 3 2016.

College Council Election Results

The College Council elections have concluded and it is with great pleasure that I welcome all new and returning members to the Dromana College Council and look forward to working with the new council to continue to deliver excellence in education across the Peninsula.

Newly elected College Council members:

Daniel Aubert
Scott Goodman
Simon Healy
Stephanie Pearce
Kelly Podboy

Re-elected and returning College Council members:

Alan Bounds
Yvonne De Mille
Claire Easton
Murray Inglis
Jennifer Johnson
Drew King
Julian Tintinger
Catherine Trevorrow
Murray Turner
Stefan Wycisk

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those retiring members of the Dromana College Council for their contributions to the college in making Dromana College the great school that we are today.

Kirsty Dare
Rosemary Dowling
Kylie Griffin
Brooke Mollenkopf
Belinda Mullen

I also congratulate and welcome our new council members and look forward to working with the new council to continue to deliver excellence in education across the Peninsula.

Alan Marr

PRINCIPAL

For Your Information

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Theatre Company

Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services YLounge School Holiday Program April 2016