School News

Remebrance Day

On Monday 11 November, our school recognised and commemorated Remembrance Day, along with the rest of the country.

Remembrance Day is a day for us to remember those who have served, died or suffered in all wars and peacekeeping operations. The annual observance also acknowledges the service of Australian Defence Force members on active deployment. Remembrance Day marks the date in 1918 when the First World War came to an end. It is officially observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This year on Remembrance Day, the Shrine of Remembrance, in Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, marked its 90th birthday. 

Our students and staff paused for a minute’s silence at 11am to reflect and consider the impact of conflict, both past and present, and its ongoing effect on people in our Dandenong community, our country and across the world.

Year 11 student leaders accompanied Mr Dewar to the Pillars of Freedom in Dandenong for the community service with Member for Dandenong, Honourable Gabrielle Williams. Krithiga and Raei read a Remembrance Day poem (below) and Darina and Seth lay the wreath on behalf of the school.

Each House was selling poppy flowers, pins and bracelets as part of the Returned and Services League of Australia Poppy Appeal, where people can support the welfare of veterans and their dependents. The red poppy has long been a symbol of this day, with the tradition originating from the flowers that bloomed over the battlefields of northern France and Belgium during the First World War.

We thank all members of our school for taking time to pause, remember and show respect on such a solemn occasion.

Dear Mum

They say we'll be home for Christmas,

That will be fun,

To sit down at the old table

And have tea with you Mum

To talk about nice things

Not about war

Planning the future

No levelling the score

Have a walk round the garden

Smell, the scent of a rose

Where all is at peace

And harmony grows

I'll be home, for Christmas

I'll see you then

Away from this hell hole

And the slaughter of men

They say, just one more battle

That should finish the job

Now, the times getting closer

And my hearts at full throb

Here we go mum

Over the top

Hundreds of young men

The best we have got

Mum, can't get home for Christmas

I've had a delay

I'm just one of the many

Who'll have to stay

Now that my body

Lays still and grows old

I'll always be young Mum

I'll never grow old.

DHS Chess Tournament

The chess tournament brought together students across the school from different year levels. It was a high-pressure environment and students played extremely well. After 6 weeks worth of tournaments, we had a final Chess Champion: Karuvezlian from Year 11 Hakea.

I’m thrilled to share my experience with the 2024 Term 3 Chess tournament and how I felt when I stepped foot into it. Every match that I participated in brought a sense of shivering excitement, and every victory brought a new perspective on what I could do next or try next. Until the final match I had, which was against a brilliant player, I felt as if it may have been my last match. 

As the game began, I was playing as the white pieces, and we both started with incredible speed. I was initially shocked by my opponent’s confidence and pace, which made me question whether I could secure a win. However, in the middle of the game, my opponent made a critical error that completely shifted the momentum in my favour.

From that single point onwards I was on the edge of my seat hoping for a draw but the game completely changed when I picked up the last 2 pawns which could have changed the game. Once I managed to get the game down to a Definite draw I kept shuffling the game around to not let him force a draw on his accord and by the end of the final minute, I managed to take his bishop which was his final piece and delivers a checkmate sealing the game and earning a victory after an exciting match I was impressed by his efforts and he congratulated me for my perseverance and confidence which I kept throughout the entire game. 

- Karuvezlian P, H11

Ms Leemann and Miss Z

Around the World in 80 Days

This year saw our students present "Around the World in 80 Days" for our school production. The talented and dedicated students who were involved in the show, thrilled the audience across two shows,  supported by an amazing group of staff. It is a great pleasure to be able to share with the community the recording of the performance. 

Well done to our students and staff for their outstanding efforts in putting on the show, and thank you to our community for attending and supporting the production. I look forward to next year's production, I encourage students to look out for rehearsal times in Term 1, 2025. 

Mr Dewar

Associate Princi

Why School Attendance Matters 

Regular school attendance is crucial for students' academic success and overall development. Consistent attendance not only ensures that students are up-to-date with their studies but also fosters social skills, discipline, and a sense of responsibility.  

Benefits of High Attendance 

Academic Achievement: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well academically. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between attendance and academic performance. For instance, students with high attendance are more likely to achieve better results and exam scores 

Career Success: Employers value reliability and responsibility. Students who develop a habit of regular attendance are more likely to carry this trait into their professional lives, increasing their ability to gain and maintain employment 

Year 12 completion: High attendance rates are associated with greater likelihood of successfully completing Year 12. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to be up to date with their learning and meet the requirements of Year 12 studies 

Social Development: Regular attendance helps students build strong relationships with their peers and teachers. It enhances their social skills, which are essential for personal and professional success later in life 

Research on Attendance Benefits 

Academic Performance: Students who attend school 95% or more of the time are more likely to perform at or above their grade level 

Graduation Rates: Research highlights that students who attend school regularly in the early years of high school (Year 5-9) are 50% more likely to finish Year 12 

Employment Prospects: A study by the University of Chicago found that chronic absenteeism in high school is a strong predictor of poor attendance in the workplace later in life 

How can Parents help? 

Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes a set bedtime and wake-up time to ensure your child gets adequate sleep and is ready for school 

Communicate the Importance: Discuss the importance of attendance with your child, emphasising how it impacts their learning and future success 

Monitor Attendance: Keep track of your child’s attendance and promptly address any patterns of absenteeism, by contacting the House Leadership Team to discuss how we can work together 

Stay Engaged: Maintain regular communication with your child’s teachers and school staff to stay informed about their progress and any potential issues 

How students can help themselves 

Plan Ahead: Prepare for school the night before by organising your backpack, get out your uniform, and ensuring you have all necessary learning materials 

Set Goals: Set personal attendance goals and track your progress. Reward yourself for meeting these goals to stay motivated 

Stay Healthy: Maintain good health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to reduce the chances of illness 

Seek Help When Needed: If you are struggling with schoolwork or facing personal challenges, reach out to teachers, House Leadership Team, Wellbeing Team or family members for support 

Why School Attendance Matters 

School attendance is a vital component of educational success and personal development. By understanding its importance and taking proactive steps to improve attendance, parents and students can work together to ensure a brighter future. Let’s make every minute and every school day count! 

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