Donald High School Newsletter

From the Principal

Mr. Paul Aikman

SCHOOL VALUES

 

Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Learning. 

 

Staff, students and parents are encouraged to ensure we all operate and conduct our business at school according to these core values that were established by various members of our school community for the school community throughout the school review process in 2019.

 

Key focus areas for Donald High School in 2024

 

As part of our Annual Implementation Plan, and as part of the findings from our school review this year, our school has identified a number of key priorities we will be focussing on in 2024. These include:

  1. Striving for improvements in Literacy and Numeracy with a particular focus on Reading and Writing;
  2. Re-focussing our teaching staff to teach according to our Donald High School Instructional Model and re-focussing classroom behavioural and learning expectations. 
  3. Using data to inform our teaching and learning for improved student outcomes with a focus on teaching students to their point of need.
  4. Using student voice as a source of feedback inside and outside the classroom with a view to improving student engagement and connectedness; and
  5. Striving for improvements in student mental health and wellbeing, and engagement and connectedness at school through specialist programs and support.

There is also an expectation of all students to ensure they continue to grow and develop as learners, and for staff to continue to strive for improvement in themselves and the students.

 

MAN CAVE AND FLOURISH JOURNEY SESSIONS

 

On Wednesday 1st May and Thursday 2nd May, our school hosted some Mental Health and Wellbeing sessions for our Year 9 & 10 students on the Wednesday and for our Year 7 & 8 students on the Thursday. The boys attended sessions with the Man Cave and the girls attended sessions with the Flourish Journey. Both sessions provided advice, counselling and emotional intelligence training for our students in the Mental Health and Wellbeing space and were well received by most of our students as they have been over the last 2 or 3 years when they have visited our school. Thanks to Miss. O’Brien for her organisation and coordination of these sessions.

 

STAFF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY WITH WIMMERA NETWORK OF SCHOOLS

 

The majority of our Teaching and ES staff attended a professional learning day in Horsham as part of the Wimmera Network of Schools Professional Learning Day. Staff participated in learning sessions about appropriately managing student behaviour, using appropriate language when dealing with students to develop a strong culture, building relationships with students and methods to keep students engaged in class. The special guest keynote speaker was Adam Voigt from ‘Real Schools.’ A very engaging and well-regarded educator and presenter who speaks proudly of his ‘common sense’ approach to working with young people. All our staff that attended gained some valuable tips, hints and insights from the presentations they attended, including learning some things from other schools within the Wimmera Network in relation to engaging students at school.

 

IDAHOBIT DAY

 

Wednesday 15th May is IDAHOBIT Day where staff and students can wear casual clothes appropriate for school on the day to express who they are. This initiative is to acknowledge inclusiveness of all different people no matter their gender identity or sexual preference. I encourage all our students to be involved in this day.

 

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

 

Can parents and students please take note of the graphic below. Last year we had too many of our students missing over 15 days of school (some students over 20 days). Some students this year have already had over 10 unexplained absences (half or full days). Everyone should be prioritising education and learning for all our students. The more time students spend at school, the greater the outcomes for their learning. All Year 7 – 12 students are expected to be at school for the whole day on a ‘normal’ school day. The only exceptions are for illness, medical appointments, or a family bereavement. Parents are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines for their child’s attendance.

 

I am available to talk to people at the school to assist you with any enquiries if required and can be contacted to make an appointment or have a discussion on Ph. (03) 5497 1205.

Paul Aikman.