Secondary Happenings
Donvale Christian College
Have You Met Mariki??
Name: Mariki Van Wyngaardt
Role: Secondary Learning Assistant
What do you enjoy most about working at DCC?
In my first year of working at DCC, I found myself asking, “What’s the catch?” I was blown away by people’s kindness, friendliness, and warmth. Inclusive gestures and genuine care soon made me realise that the only response I could have was to reciprocate the same love and care that had been shown to me.
Slowly but surely, I realised that I was being blessed so that I could be a blessing to others around me in this community. This created a safe and nurturing environment where I felt free to be myself and grow into the person God had planned for me to be.
Today, 10 years later, nothing has changed. I feel privileged to encourage new staff with the same message and to contribute to the culture that first welcomed me so warmly.
What do you love most about your role, and why?
I work as a Learning Assistant in Secondary. I love seeing how uniquely God has created each one of us, while at the same time recognising that we are all made in His image.
Experiencing acceptance and being valued for who I am, has helped me confidently encourage students to trust the staff who support them. I have enjoyed facilitating connection and learning experiences that help students grow in confidence, recognise their God-given gifts and talents, and understand that they each have a unique contribution to make in the world.
How does your faith shape the way you approach your role?
I believe I would not be able to do this role without faith in the Holy Spirit’s leading. He has been my faithful coach and companion, and it is my daily prayer that I will see what I need to see, say what I need to say, and be where I need to be.
I hope, through my work, to help students understand that they have a faithful God who is invested in every part of their lives, including their learning. I often pray that they would grow in their understanding of who God created them to be and that their lives would bring glory to Him.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy taking my dog for walks. I love watching a beautiful beach sunset and appreciate spending time in nature.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2026?
This year, the last of my three children will finish their journey at DCC. I look forward to reflecting on God’s faithfulness throughout our family’s time here and celebrating all that He has done.
I also look forward to seeing students finish the year well, with a sense of accomplishment and confidence as they take their next steps.
Year 9 Chinese Excursion
Lily Zhong, Head of Chinese
Yum Cha is one of the traditional Chinese dining experiences where family and friends gather to share tea and a variety of dim sum dishes. More than just a meal, Yum Cha reflects the Chinese values of hospitality, respect for others, and the importance of community.
At the end of last term, our Year 9 students had a memorable opportunity to experience this unique aspect of Chinese culture through a Yum Cha excursion.
Prior to the excursion, students explored the cultural significance of Yum Cha in class, learning about its origin, traditional dim sum dishes, the customs and etiquette that form an important part of the dining experience. Through this learning, students gained insight into how food serves as a meaningful way of bringing people together in Chinese society.
The excursion allowed students to put their learning into practice in an authentic setting.
As stacks of steaming bamboo baskets arrived at the table, students were excited to spot dishes they learned about in class. They also practised traditional dining etiquette, learning how small gestures reflect respect and consideration within Chinese culture, such as serving tea and subtle finger-tapping gesture used to express thanks without interrupting conversation.
A particular highlight was seeing students embrace the communal nature of Yum Cha. Conversations flowed, dishes were shared, and students eagerly served one another, experiencing how food in Chinese culture is often about far more than eating. It is a way of showing care for others and strengthening a sense of community.
EISM Division 1 Cross Country
Christopher Turner, Secondary Sport Coordinator
Last term, 82 of our students represented the school at the EISM Division 1 Cross Country event held at Ruffey Lake Park. Competing against some of the strongest schools in the association, our team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing third overall.
The day was highlighted by a number of exceptional individual performances. We celebrated nine podium finishes, including an incredible six students who placed first for their age group. These results are a testament to the dedication, perseverance and commitment shown by our students.
Adding to the success, our students combined superbly across all age groups to claim the title of Overall Boys Champions.
Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding podium finishes:
First place
Annabel Messer – Under 14 Girls
Sawyer Onley – Under 14 Boys
Brienna Coffey – Under 15 Girls
Lewis McLennan – Under 15 Boys
Joel Ferguson – Under 16 Boys
Alfie Onley – Open Boys
Second place
Zander Botha – Under 16 Boys
Emerson Smith – Open Girls
Third place
Noah Carr – Under 16 Boys
Congratulations to all 82 competitors on a fantastic day and an exceptional team result. We look forward to building on this success in future EISM events.
VCE Vocational Major
Nicky Joiner, VCE Vocational Major Coordinator
In Terms 3 and 4 we have been working hard on building our personal development skills to target issues in our community, both locally and globally, and explore opportunities to raise awareness and funds where needed. In VM students build valuable practical skills to get them ready for the world of work, where they will need ato manage the timing, possible budgeting and implementation of tasks.
Students have completed a variety of projects including visiting an aged care facility here in Donvale to help combat loneliness in older people, serving and raising funds for Urban Life, and raising awareness for the work of overseas aid agency Tearfund who’s work includes partnering with families in war torn countries. The students did a fantastic job working as teams to facilitate these projects.
Below is a reflection from one of our Year 11 students, Trinity Coyne.
My group chose to assist Urban Life, a community church that provides necessities for people who struggle or need opportunities to socialise. We aimed to help them by doing a food drive at school, which was an idea we adapted over several weeks. Each homeroom was invited to donate food items and whoever had the most donations was rewarded with hot chips. We also served at Urban Life to provide breakfast to members of the community who are vulnerable. Our goal was to fill the food pantry and to give students from school an opportunity to give donations.
One great benefit from our project was that we created a greater sense of belonging and inclusion and allowed people to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We also strengthened relationships and connections between Urban Life and our VM class.
Overall, we volunteered for two breakfasts at Urban Life and collected an estimated 200 items of food for the food pantry. I learnt that volunteering for Urban Life really helps people in need and gives them a chance to socialise and have access to food they might otherwise have trouble getting.
