Principal Report

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I have been delighted to see our students fully immersed in their learning and focused on achieving their best. As I walk through the corridors and classrooms, participating in professional "Learning Walks," I have consistently observed students actively engaged, collaborating with their peers, and deeply invested in their work.  The transitions between classes have also been impressively swift ensuring that we are maximising every opportunity for learning each day.

As mentioned in my Compass update on Friday, March 7th, Diamond Valley College proudly celebrated International Women's Day with special guests, Premier Jacinta Allan and MP Vicki Ward.  It was a fantastic opportunity for 20 of our student leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, sharing their perspectives and concerns as young adults. It was particularly inspiring to hear our students confidently express their thoughts and to witness the valuable insights provided by two prominent women in leadership roles. Our students truly represented Diamond Valley College with pride and maturity.

Additionally, alongside Rebecca Taylor, Assistant Principal (Years 11 & 12), it was my honour to attend the annual Pauline Toner Prize ceremony at Montsalvat last week to celebrate International Women’s Day.  Now in its 11th year, this prize honours the legacy of Pauline Toner, the first female minister in the Parliament of Victoria and the first female MP, mayor, and councillor in our local area.  The award recognises outstanding local young women. Please join me in congratulating Maggie Spriggs, nominated from Diamond Valley College for her leadership in kindness and wellbeing.  Maggie represented our school admirably amongst nominees from various other schools in our region.

This week also marked the completion of NAPLAN testing. I'm pleased to report that our participation rate was notably higher this year, reflecting strong student engagement and parental support.  NAPLAN assessments offer valuable insights into each student's learning progress, providing our teachers with critical data that guides curriculum planning and identifies areas requiring targeted support.  The results inform decisions around interventions such as our tutoring programs and the Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy initiatives, ensuring all students receive tailored educational support to meet their individual learning needs.

Our upcoming Athletics Day promises to be an exciting event for the entire school community.  Please ensure you've provided consent via Compass for your child's participation. Beyond traditional athletics events, there will be numerous fun-filled activities available for students of all skill levels.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in friendly competition, demonstrate teamwork, and enjoy a day filled with school spirit and camaraderie.

Finally, a reminder that our Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for this Thursday 20th. This virtual event is a critical opportunity for you to meet with teachers, discuss your child's progress, and collaboratively set goals to ensure ongoing academic success. Bookings can be made through Compass.

Warm regards,

Sam Luck

Executive PrincipalDiamond Valley College