From the Principal

As we near the end of Term 1 2022, as always, I am excited to share my reflections with you all.

One of the challenges of the Pandemic that I have felt most acutely as Principal of Dandenong High School, was the inability for staff, students and parents to meet regularly as a community in celebration of student achievement.

Although we did an amazing job as a school in keeping our students engaged in their learning through lockdowns, it was those whole school events and ceremonies, so important to a school’s identity, that were most missed.

That made the Badges Assembly held on the 1st April even more special for me. This presentation, where we acknowledge our high achieving students from the year before, award key learning scholarships and provide our newly appointed student leaders with their badge of office, is incredibly important, and in 2022, it provided the school with the opportunity to once again celebrate our students and their remarkable stories.

The assembly was well attended by families and special guests, and it was great to welcome teachers and leaders from local primary schools who came to congratulate their graduates and former students accepting leadership badges and awards. I was incredibly proud of our Year 12 Leadership Team who addressed the community for the first time. Their speeches were outstanding and they clearly communicated their passion and commitment to shaping the future of our school. 

There will be a number of such occasions throughout the year and I would encourage you to attend to support your students and our community. Key highlights next to come will be the return of Chorales and Athletics Carnival in Term 2 and the production The Hound of the Baskervilles ‘live and in person’ in Term 3.

Finally, I want to thank all of our families for their ongoing support of our COVID safe practices and our students for maintaining a high level of engagement in their learning during a very long term. Also, an acknowledgement to our extraordinary staff and leadership team for their dedication and commitment to our community.

As I make my way down to Phillip Island to join the Year 12 Student Leadership Camp, I wish you a safe and restful holiday and look forward to welcoming you back next term. 

As always I am proud to be the Principal of Dandenong High School.

Mrs Susan Ogden

Principal