Our Vision and Values statement states that all students are active participants in a learning culture which promotes academic excellence and personal development through a diversity of challenging experiences.

We have certainly had a diversity of challenging experiences. Although we could have done without the events of this year, I am a big believer that significant growth and learning comes from the most challenging times. We have drawn upon our College values: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork, and shown our capacity to respond to an ever-changing landscape. Our ability to do this could not have been possible without everyone pulling together.

Our teachers and education support staff faced their own challenges and still continued to bring their best for our students. Not only did they bring their best to each lesson, they learnt and applied new ways of working, and in doing so demonstrated significant professional growth.

To our parents, carers and families, I thank you for partnering with the school to keep your child engaged from home. Juggling family life, working from home and trying to find space for everyone posed significant difficulties. Having families work from home shone a light on the importance of negotiation and establishing boundaries and shared expectations for working together. The importance of self-management and mental health and wellbeing was highlighted, and I believe that this focus and new learning will benefit our community as we move forward. I thank you again for partnering with us. This year has given us a renewed appreciation of the importance of our relationship.

To our students who spent approximately half of the school year learning remotely. You have been adaptable and resilient, proving your capabilities spread far beyond the classroom. I am incredibly proud of your ability to not just get through the year, but to excel. I am so proud of you and I am looking forward to working with you in 2021.

Presentation and Awards Ceremonies

Over the last two weeks, we have had the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students from across the College. The Middle School and Senior School awards ceremonies recognised students who have achieved excellence across their academic studies, sport, visual arts, music, demonstration of College values, and service. Although our families were not able to join us on-site to celebrate these awards, a live stream was provided to the Senior School awards ceremony and Valedictory. A recording of the Middle School awards ceremony was taken and a link provided to families of the students involved.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate the end of the year with the Graduating class of 2020. The setting for the celebration was our new building, with staff and students enjoying a wonderful evening. The care, mutual respect and appreciation for each other was evident. To our Class of 2020, you have come so far. You are capable young adults equipped to tackle and further your life-long education. It has been an honour and a privilege to play a part in your journey throughout your time at DSC. The rest of your life awaits you and I have no doubt that you are well prepared to make it a meaningful and successful one.

Orientation Day 2020

On Tuesday, 8 December we welcomed our 2021 Year 7 students to our College for a fun-filled day. The Middle Sub School Team, led by Ms Kelly Spiteri, along with the Year 7 coordinator Ms Anna Ditchburn, and Transition coordinators Mr Paul Annakis and Mr Jack Trewella were keen to welcome the ten home groups of new students to our school. Our new Year 7 students were great ambassadors for their families and their primary schools. The positive manner in which students conducted themselves was a delight to see. I am certain that in no time these students will be happy and confident in their new environment.

I would personally like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Year 7 students; particularly to our new families and look forward to working with you over the upcoming six years.

A new initiative will see the College extend an invitation to our incoming Year 7 students to come on-site on Friday, 22 January. On this day they will have the opportunity to connect their devices to the network, and access Compass, Microsoft Teams, email etc. We believe that this extra opportunity will help students to familiarise themselves with the environment, and feel prepared for their first day at school. A Trybooking link will be sent via Compass and will allow families to book a time to meet with a technician. If you are unable to attend on this day, we will support your child when they return for the beginning of the school year.

Please see the attachment below for more information about you can support your young person transition from primary to secondary school.

Staff Farewells

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge Ms Maria Zannis and Ms Dianne Haytonwho are retiring in 2020. Ms Hayton was a Math and Science teacher at the College for 14 years and contributed a great deal as a Leading Teacher. Ms Maria Zannis has taught at the College for 35 years and has led many teams during this time. Her contribution to the community has been immense and she will be missed by staff and students alike. I wish you both all the best in your retirement.

We also have a number of our staff who after reflecting on the difficult year have made decisions for varying reasons to move on from DSC. It is with sadness that I farewell the following staff who have made such a great contribution to our College. They include Ms Rohrlach, Mr Hore, Mr Harvey, Mr Fryar, Ms Barnes, Ms Purches, and Ms Patterson.

Whilst it is with sadness that we farewell these staff, we are excited to welcome new staff to our College.

End of Year Message

As this is the last newsletter for the year, I would like to take this opportunity, firstly, to thank all our staff for their professionalism and effort throughout the year in providing for your children and secondly, to thank you, the parents/carers and families, for your commitment to our college and to your child’s education. The positive partnership between home and school is an important one for students to see and this, coupled with a message from home that education is important, is what can make a real difference to the future lives of our children. I wish you all a safe and happy Festive Season and look forward to working with you again in 2021.

Glenn Morris

Acting Principal

Dates to Remember

Please note that dates are subject to change. Please check Compass regularly for updates.

2020:

2021: