Secondary Happenings
Have You Met Allie??
Name: Allison Talty
Role: Administration Assistant (Attendance/Enrolments) and Bus Coordinator
What do you enjoy most about working at DCC?
I love the sense of community, being surrounded by other believers, and the openness we are blessed to have to be able to share our faith. I remember a time when I first started 5 years ago where colleagues were offering to pray for each other, something I wouldn't have been able to do in my previous job! It initially took me by surprise, but now it's something I really treasure, and is one of the things that sets us apart from other workplaces.
What do you love most about your role, and why?
As funny as it sounds, I love all admin work and am always on the lookout for something to scan, laminate or guillotine! I also love the variety my roles offer, in being front of house on Attendance and getting to interact with students day-to-day, and then out back with Enrolments, being able to build relationships with the future families of the College and assisting people where I can. I also get the opportunity to help with different primary and secondary events which I enjoy and which allows me to see different aspects of school life.
How does your faith shape the way you approach your role?
Romans 12: 4-8 provides a good description of the way all of us (teachers and operational staff alike) can use our God-given gifts for a united purpose. Donvale (like an onion, Ogre or parfait) has many layers, and it wouldn't run seamlessly without everyone doing their part. Personally, I try to show God's love, patience and compassion in every interaction I have in my various roles.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My favourite past-times include travelling, spending time with my 2 nephews, having games and movie nights with friends, and hunting for a bargain out op-shopping!
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2026?
Continuing to make connections and build rapport with staff and students, getting my hands on as much filing as I can and hopefully finding and settling into a new house!
Shrek - A Roaring Triumph!
James Cutler, Director and Secondary Teacher
At its heart, Shrek The Musical celebrates the value of community, the power of acceptance, and seeing beyond appearance. These messages align closely with our Christian ethos of loving others, standing firm in our God-given identity, and uplifting those around us. This year’s production became one of the largest, most ambitious and most collaborative musicals ever undertaken at DCC, involving an extraordinary number of students across cast, band, backstage crew, makeup and hair, props, microphones, sound, lighting and AV - even choreography and direction. It was an astonishing triumph!
What made the production so successful was not simply the scale of involvement, but the spirit in which students worked together and with the staff at The Round. Combined with a fiercely talented and wonderfully dedicated Creative Team and so many generous parent volunteers, and it was clear that community and joy was right at the heart of this mammoth project.
Across the board the standard was exceptional. The cast brought enormous talent, humour and heart to the stage, and our predominantly student-based band carried the intricate score seamlessly and with polish and flair. Our backstage teams delivered seamless professionalism well beyond their years, managing a demanding and complex production with calmness and extraordinary teamwork.
My congratulations to our students who carried themselves with maturity and humility throughout the entire process. We saw many instances of just how transformational the school production can be. Shrek The Musical will remain something that the team and audiences alike will talk about for years to come and endure as a defining moment in DCC Performing Arts.
Year 9 Outdoor Education: Mountain Biking at Blores Hill
Hannah Purdie, Year 9 Teacher
Week 6 saw our Year 9 Outdoor Education students head to Blores Hill for two overnight mountain biking camps, with different groups attending each trip. Located 6 kilometres north of Heyfield, the Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park provided an excellent setting for challenge, learning and growth.
In the lead-up, students engaged in both theory and practical sessions, learning bike handling, safety, gear use, and trail awareness, as well as basic bike maintenance and repair skills. This preparation gave them the confidence and knowledge needed to approach unfamiliar terrain with a strong foundation.
At Blores Hill, students applied this learning across a range of off-road trails. From steady climbs to flowing descents and technical sections, the riding challenged both their fitness and control. As the camp progressed, many showed clear growth in confidence and capability.
The experience extended beyond riding. Students supported one another through difficult sections, shared successes, and built a strong sense of community. Camp life also required responsibility, as students managed their own clothing, nutrition, hydration, and rest in cool outdoor conditions.
Time spent in Victoria’s bush environment provided opportunity for reflection. Students were encouraged to appreciate God’s creation and consider how challenge, perseverance, and community shape personal growth.
As expected, the camps presented challenges. Whether managing fatigue, riding through rain and mud, or tackling unfamiliar terrain, students demonstrated resilience and determination, often achieving more than they expected.
For many students, this was a memorable and rewarding part of the Outdoor Education program. By the end of the camps, students returned with improved mountain biking skills, stronger friendships, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of the value of learning beyond the classroom.
DCC wins Bronze at Victorian All Schools Cross Country Relays
Emily Townend, Head of Health and PE
Donvale Christian College was represented at the Victorian All Schools Cross Country Relay Championships at Jells Park on Saturday 23 May.
Alfie Onley, Lewis McLennan, Zander Botha and Sawyer Onley competed in the Under-18 Boys relay against 35 teams from schools across Victoria. The students produced a fantastic effort to finish third and claim the bronze medal!
Congratulations to Alfie, Lewis, Zander and Sawyer on a fantastic result and for representing the College so well!
VCE Vocational Major Expo
Nicky Joiner, Secondary Teacher (VCE Vocational Major)
The VCE Vocational Major Year 12 Careers Expo provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to step into the role of experts, showcasing their passion, creativity and growing confidence. Each student selected a workplace, career pathway or educational institution to promote and created a range of tailored texts designed to engage a real audience.
A highlight of the event was students presenting to Year 10 classes. Many pushed beyond their comfort zones, developing public speaking skills while engaging in meaningful conversations with younger peers.
This task reflects what makes the VCE VM pathway distinctive. For students who find traditional timed assessments like tests and exams challenging, VM offers a different way to demonstrate what they know.
For parents, this pathway can be transformative. Students benefit from a more hands-on, practical approach to learning, as VM offers a personalised and supportive environment where they can experience success, build confidence and build skills for the real world. They benefit from strong relationships with teachers, targeted support and flexibility, while keeping future options open.
We would love to see you at our VCE VM Information Evening on Wednesday 10 June at 7pm in L Building.
Come and see directly from students and parents what difference this pathway can make!
