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.

 

FURTHER STAFFING UPDATE

 

Please note that we have appointed a new Education Support Staff Member. Daniel Pettifer has been appointed to work at our school for the remainder of this year and will be looking to continue in this role in 2025. Daniel has experience working with students with learning difficulties through his recent work at Wedderburn College and is able to develop strong working relationships with students and staff. We welcome Daniel to our school and wish him well in his new role. 

 

We have also re-contracted Mr. Geoff Rigby as our Instrumental Music Teacher for 2025. Mr. Rigby has been an integral part of our school for a long time as a past teacher and school leader, and more recently as our Instrumental Music Teacher teaching many students the art of music on a variety of instruments and singing as part of the school band. Much of the fruits of Mr. Rigby’s work is on display each year in the annual Music Festival and Battle of the Bands that the students enjoy being a part of. Mr. Rigby also plays a key role in maintaining staff morale around the school with initiatives like the Monday soup days, Friday morning teas and the annual footy tipping competition staff can get involved in. Welcome back for another year Mr. Rigby!! 

 

SCHOOL TV

 

Please note that our school community now has access to a website called SchoolTV.

This website provides all members of our school community with a wide range of information and resources both in text and video form as well as asks people to complete surveys on a variety of topics on Mental Health and Wellbeing. It is a website that is used as a preventative measure to educate all people on the various topics and is a fantastic resource I recommend people access whether you are a parent, teacher or student.

 

The topics are conveniently arranged into a number of series. Topics feature interviews with leading youth wellbeing experts and researchers from around the world offering hours of relevant and practical information. Additionally, each topic includes a compilation of related resources from key organisations providing a comprehensive stream of content. Resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and other videos - all related to a single topic, in one place for easy access!!

The website is found at donaldhs.vic.schooltv.me

 

START OF YEAR 12 VCE EXAMS

 

The Year 12 VCE Exams started on the morning of Tuesday 29th October with the English exam. The students have been studying hard over the course of the last week or so and we wish all of them well for all their exams. As I mentioned at the Year 12 dinner, I encourage all our students to prepare well and give each exam their best effort!!

 

STAFF AND STUDENT FREE DAY

 

We have a Staff and student free day scheduled for Monday 4th November. This day is just prior to the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. The day is time off for staff in lieu of afterhours Parent-Teacher Interviews they have completed in Terms 2 & 3. It is also an opportunity for families to go away for a few days prior to the rush at the end of the year.

 

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 15 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 entire 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.