Secondary
Mr Chris Graham
Assistant Principal (Secondary)
National School Reform Agreement
Earlier this term, I was privileged to be asked to represent Independent Schools Australia in Hobart for a discussion led by the Federal Education Minister around that National School Reform Agreement. Ben Carroll, the member for Niddrie (which covers suburbs such as Keilor, Essendon, Niddrie, Gladstone Park, Airport West and Gowanbrae), was also present. Ben is the newly appointed Education Minister and Deputy Premier for Victoria.
I was asked to take a student representative. Anthony A, our newly selected 2024 College Captain, was an obvious choice. The meeting took place on Friday (6/10) and the announcement of the 2024 College Leaders occurred on Monday (9/10), meaning that I needed to keep my mouth closed as Anthony did not yet know he was selected as the College Captain.
The school community should be incredibly proud of Anthony; he was wise, warm and welcoming in his approach when speaking in front of a room full of approximately 100 ‘experts’.
The discussion focused on ensuring that all students have opportunities to achieve their best, specifically focusing on wellbeing and teacher recruitment. We were privileged to share Aitken’s voice on a national level, specifically speaking to matters that concern our future - our students.
Ms Melissa D'Amico
Deputy Head Secondary (Middle School Culture)
A Splashing Start to Term 4: Dunhelen Swimming Carnival at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre!
Welcome back to another exciting term at Dunhelen! It has been a whirlwind start to Term 4, with many activities and events already setting the tone for a productive and engaging final term of the year.
Last week, the term kicked off with a splash as we hosted the Dunhelen Swimming Carnival at the impressive Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. The venue change brought new energy and excitement to the event; our students rose to the occasion with their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Cameron House emerged as the winners of this year's Swimming Carnival and we congratulate all the students who participated and gave their best in the pool. It was an amazing display of teamwork, determination and skill.
School Sports Days: Why Attendance Matters
I want to take this opportunity to remind all parents and students that events like the Swimming Carnival are compulsory for a reason. While some may see them as just another school activity, there are significant benefits to attending sports days:
1. Physical Fitness
Sports events encourage students to be active and engage in physical exercise. Regular participation in such activities helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. Teamwork and Social Skills
Sports days provide a unique opportunity for students to work together as a team, building camaraderie and developing valuable social skills.
3. Confidence and Self-Esteem
Participating in sports fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and self-confidence as students achieve their goals and receive recognition for their efforts.
4. School Spirit
Participating in school events like the Swimming Carnival instils a sense of pride and belonging, fostering a strong school spirit that students carry throughout their lives.
5. Fun and Memories
Let's remember that school events are a lot of fun! They create lasting memories for students and contribute to a positive school experience.
Hume World Mental Health Expo
On Monday 9 October, some of our Dunhelen students had the privilege of attending the Hume World Mental Health Expo at the Broadmeadows Town Hall. This initiative, organised by the Sebastian Foundation in collaboration with Hume City Council, aimed to raise awareness about youth mental health and wellbeing. Students actively engaged in many enriching activities while forging connections with numerous local organisations dedicated to empowering youth mental health.
The highlight of the expo was the keynote speaker, none other than Guy Sebastian, a well-known figure in the music industry. His inspiring words on mental health and resilience left a lasting impact on our students, encouraging them to prioritise their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
We believe that promoting mental health awareness is just as important as physical health, and we are grateful for opportunities like this that enrich our students' understanding of this crucial aspect of their lives.
As we continue through Term 4, we look forward to more exciting events, activities and educational opportunities that will help our students grow and thrive. Thank you for your ongoing support. Here's to a fantastic term ahead!
Mr Victor Salloum & Mr Dean Taylor
Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Pathways)
Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Culture)
Successful Completion of Year 12 Trial Exams
In the first week of term 4, our Year 12 students have been working on completing trial exams. These trial exams serve as a vital preparation step for the final year of high school, allowing students to assess their knowledge and skills, identify areas of improvement, and refine their study strategies. The successful completion of these trials not only signifies the dedication and hard work put into one's studies but also instils a sense of confidence and readiness for the challenges of the upcoming final exams. After the trial exams, we strongly emphasise feedback and self-reflection. Each student receives personalised feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas that require attention. This feedback becomes a valuable tool for growth, enabling students to set goals and refine their study strategies.
Upcoming VCAA Exams
The upcoming VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) exams are a pivotal moment in the educational journey of students at Aitken College. Preparing for the VCAA exams is a rigorous process that demands a profound understanding of the curriculum, disciplined study habits and excellent time management. Success in the VCAA exams opens doors to higher education opportunities and is a key factor in determining a student's future academic and professional prospects. This is also important for the students in Year 11 completing units 3 and 4. Year 11 students completing Unit 3 and 4 exams are not required at school and only need to attend the time of their exam.
Upcoming Year 10 and 11 Exams
Year 10 and 11 exams are vital checkpoints in a student's education, setting the foundation for the final year of high school and beyond. These exams are often seen as stepping stones towards more specialised studies and career choices. Success in Year 10 and 11 exams can enable students to select their desired subjects and pathways for Year 12 and post-secondary education. Preparing for these exams requires a commitment to building a strong academic foundation, mastering fundamental concepts and honing study skills that will be invaluable in the future. Students who work to the best of their own personal ability in these exams are better equipped to face the increasing academic challenges of their educational journey.
Term 4
Although this is the start of a new term, Year 12 students are rapidly approaching the end of their time at Aitken College. The group of students have been a pleasure to work with and will be missed. However, time marches on and it will be the legacy of comradery that the group leaves behind which will live on in the Aitken College culture. For Year 10 and 11 students, Term 4 serves as a critical phase of preparation and decision-making for students as they embark on their VCE journey. It's a time to set the stage for success by making informed subject choices, planning for effective study habits and managing the challenges that come with senior years of high school. We implore all Year 10 and 11 students to use this time wisely, so they can begin preparing for the step up in 2024.
Celebration Day
Aitken College's Year 12 Celebration Day is a much-anticipated event on the school's calendar, marking the culmination of the student's high school journey. With an emphasis on promoting a safe and enjoyable experience, the school administration has entrusted the senior class with the responsibility of planning and executing this memorable day. The student body has eagerly embraced this task, demonstrating their maturity and commitment to creating a fun-filled day of celebration. The guiding principle behind this initiative is to ensure that all activities and events are not only enjoyable, but also safe and respectful.
As the day unfolds, students at Aitken College have taken to heart the mission of avoiding any activities that could be deemed dangerous or offensive. The students have their final assembly to attend at 9.30, followed by an early lunch from the food trucks in attendance. Students will be offsite by 1:30 p.m. and preparing for their evening at the Valedictory Dinner.
Mrs Jenny Lilley
Head of Faculty - Vocational Major
Numeracy students have been involved in a ‘High School Conservation Adventure.’ This coursework is a two-week conservation project designed for high school-level students to explore and engage with their local environment. The project aims to foster a sense of environmental stewardship, awareness and responsibility among students through hands-on, interactive activities. Over the course of ten school days, students will delve into various aspects of conservation, sustainability and local ecology, all while having fun and making a positive impact on their community. The first assessment task was to visit the Melbourne Zoo where they researched and made observations about the various conservation projects incorporated at the Zoo. There are three aspects of conservation that zoos deal with – practice, advocacy and research. Students learnt about the conservation practice which entails captive breeding, species reintroduction programs, species survival plans and the use of zoo revenue for conservation programs in the wild. Later on in the day, the students were able to share a bonding time together when they attended an Escape Room activity in the city.
