Principal's Report

As we approach the end of Week 6 of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see such a strong start to the 2026 school year across our community. Our students have returned with a clear readiness for learning, demonstrated through exemplary behaviour, outstanding attendance and punctuality, and high levels of engagement in the classroom. Across the school, students have responded positively to the clarity of expectations and the consistent routines that support calm, focused learning environments. These structures allow students to maximise learning time and engage deeply with their studies. It has been particularly pleasing to see students stepping up to these expectations and demonstrating pride in their learning.

This strong start reflects our continued focus on implementing consistent, evidence-based approaches across all classrooms to ensure every student experiences a guaranteed high-quality curriculum. Our work is centred on developing carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum alongside positive classroom management strategies that enable teachers to focus on high-impact teaching and learning.

Attendance continues to be a significant strength for our college. Our students are currently attending at rates significantly higher than similar schools, our network, and the state. This reflects a strong culture of attendance within our community, supported by families and enabled by the safe, supportive, and connected environment we strive to provide. Encouragingly, our attendance this term is the strongest it has been over the past four years, highlighting the positive learning culture across the school.

Alongside classroom learning, many of our co-curricular programs are now underway. Interschool sport, the instrumental music program, auditions for the College Musical, and a wide range of clubs and activities are all beginning to take shape. These opportunities are an important part of school life, helping students build confidence, teamwork, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. Our Year 7 Transition Camp earlier this term also provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with one another and strengthen friendships as they begin their secondary school journey. I would like to sincerely thank the staff, parent volunteers and wellbeing placement students who supported the camp and helped make it such a positive experience for our students.

Next week, our Year 7 and Year 9 students will participate in NAPLAN. These assessments provide valuable information about student growth and achievement in the key areas of literacy and numeracy. These foundational skills underpin learning across all subjects and are essential for students to communicate effectively, solve problems and engage confidently in learning and life. The information from NAPLAN helps schools understand student progress and informs our ongoing work to support every learner.

A strong partnership between school and home is central to student success. Over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed excellent engagement from families through our Middle School and Senior School Information Nights and the Junior School Learning Partnership BBQ and Information Evening. These events provide valuable opportunities for families to connect with staff and better understand how we work together to support student learning and wellbeing.

We are also looking forward to our upcoming SEAL Science of Learning Information Night, where we will share research-informed guidance on how students learn most effectively and how families can support learning at home. The session will explore key ideas including:

• How memory and learning develop over time
• Why students forget and how review strengthens learning
• The role of short, regular Daily Review
• Effective ways families can support maths, science, and literacy learning
• How routines and consistency build independence and confidence

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our College Open Night on Wednesday 25 March, which provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective families and members of the wider community to experience our learning programs and the strong culture that exists within our college.

Families are also reminded that we have a Student-Free Day / Curriculum Day on Monday 10 March. On this day staff will focus on strengthening classroom procedures and routines to further enhance learning and build a consistent learning culture across the school. Staff will also begin professional learning cycles that include peer observation and instructional coaching, supporting teachers to continuously refine their practice and strengthen learning outcomes for students.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge several members of our College Council who will be concluding their service. Vicky Paradisis has served on College Council for nine years since 2017, including as Vice President in 2020 and Council President from 2021–2025. Her leadership and dedication to our school community have been greatly valued. We also thank Linda Masoni for five years of service since 2021, and Kevin Soh, who has contributed to Council over the past two years since commencing in 2024. I would also like to thank Belinda McGee for her valued contribution as a staff representative on College Council.

Our staff representatives on College Council this year will be Elisha Sadikay, Kristin Skennar, Wesley Pfitzner and Tim Sprigg, and we thank them for taking on this important role.

We are also pleased to announce that the following nominees have been successfully elected as Parent Members of the College Council:

• Kai Robotham
• Joseph Stramandinoli
• Jacinta Sanders

They will be formally appointed as Parent / Carer Members of Doncaster Secondary College Council at the upcoming Council meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

Congratulations to the successful nominees and thank you to all candidates who nominated. We also extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the voting process. Your ongoing support and involvement in our college community is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for contributing to such a positive start to the year. We look forward to continuing to build on this strong momentum throughout the term.

Warm regards,

Glenn Morris

College Principal