Secondary

Mr Chris Graham

Assistant Principal (Secondary)

Dodgy Renos

When I bought my first house, we’d looked for a long time and ended up buying a house that was half finished. This meant that it was cheaper than other houses in the area. I thought I was a little handy, so thought that I’d be ok to fix it up. I’m sure many of you can predict how this story is going to pan out. Well, I started renovating with gusto. But many years later…its still not fully completed. One of the things I’ve found out is that if the foundations aren’t strong/correct/straight, then the rest of the house suffers. 

However, short cuts can occur in many places, not just in the foundation. One of the strangest ‘dodgy renos’ I discovered on my half-finished house was the wall in our dining room. Two years ago, we decided to put in a reverse cycle heater/cooler. In our dining room, we’d always felt as though there wasn’t much insulation. As the tradie was drilling through the wall, he hit something a little odd- it was glass. The previous owners had decided to cover up a doorway, but rather than filling it out properly, they simply put plaster over the glass door. This explained why we felt as if there wasn’t really much insulation- because there wasn’t! So, I’d love to say that I ripped out the wall, and built it again properly….but I didn’t. We simply got the tradie to drill through the glass and attach the reverse cycle on the wall. We figured if it wasn’t well insulated, that was now ok, as there was a reverse cycle on it. Dodgy, I know. Building practices are very similar to education.

When learning something, we must break it down, then over the years build upon it. Reading doesn’t simply start by reading 'The Hobbit', rather, children first learn letters, then sounds, then sound combinations, then words, then sentences. What we find in the later years of secondary school is that some students have done a ‘dodgy reno’ when it comes to their learning. They’ve taken short cuts which mean that they’ve got gaps in their learning. It's confronting, but often the best solution is to pull it down and rebuild (metaphorically speaking). However, many students prefer the ‘cover up/dodgy reno’ version as rebuilding costs time and pride. 

As it is exam time for our Brookhill students, these dodgy renos really start to show. If students are to address any ‘dodgy renos’ in their education, they need to make use of some kind of diagnostic tool in order to identify them, then spend time learning (possibly re-learning) in their areas of weaknesses and/or gaps. The exams in and of themselves don’t teach the content; rather, they diagnose/asses it, showing the areas that are lacking. It’s then up to the student to take on this knowledge and spend time addressing any areas lacking. 

As we are coming to the holidays, I want to wish all of you a very restful and refreshing time. We’re looking forward to seeing you all back after three long weeks away.

Ms Melissa D'Amico

Deputy Head Secondary (Middle School Culture)

As we approach the end of Term 2, it's time to reflect on our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and prepare ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in Semester Two. 

First and foremost, congratulations on completing another successful term! Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have contributed to your growth and development as students. Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments, big or small, as they are all stepping stones towards reaching your goals.

Now is an opportune time to reflect on your progress and identify areas where you can make improvements. Review your end of semester report, which provides valuable feedback from your teachers. Pay attention to both your strengths and weaknesses. Celebrate your strengths and recognise the effort you have put into excelling in certain subjects or skills. Acknowledge your weaknesses as areas for growth and consider how you can overcome them in the coming semester.

Remember, improvement is a continuous process. Reflecting on your achievements and areas for growth allows you to set realistic goals and develop strategies to enhance your learning experience. Set goals for Semester Two. Whether it's improving your time management, seeking clarification when you don't understand a concept, or actively participating in class discussions, these small steps can make a big difference in your academic journey. Imagine yourself achieving your goals, overcoming challenges, and embracing new opportunities. Harness the power of positive thinking and envision success!

As we approach the school holidays, I encourage you to take some time to recharge and rejuvenate. Use this break to pursue your passions, spend quality time with loved ones, engage in physical activities, or explore new hobbies. Remember, balance is essential for overall well-being, and a well-rested mind is better equipped to face challenges.

A big thank you to all of the wonderful teachers who have worked with the students of Dunhelen during Semester One, especially the homeroom teachers across Year 7 to 9 for all of the work they do in supporting our students.

On behalf of Mr Jason Mackrell, Ms Sherry Daniel and Mr Dan Schembri, I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday. Return in Semester Two with renewed enthusiasm, a growth mindset, and a commitment to unlocking your full potential as we strive for excellence in all that we do. 

Mr Victor Salloum 

Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Pathways)

Year 10 & 11 Examinations

With the completion of the Year 10 and 11 exams, a sense of accomplishment and relief fills the air. Students can now take a well-deserved break and reflect on their efforts during the Semester One examination period. It is an opportune time for them to recharge and rejuvenate, knowing that they have given their best in their exams. The teachers and school leadership are also proud of the students' commitment and perseverance throughout the assessment period. They will use this time to carefully review and evaluate the examination results, identifying areas of improvement and planning for the upcoming semester.

Looking forward to Semester Two, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation among the students. They understand that the next semester holds new opportunities for growth and learning. With a refreshed mindset and renewed energy, they are eager to embark on new subjects and explore additional areas of interest. The teachers are preparing engaging lesson plans and interactive activities to ensure a stimulating and productive learning environment. The school leadership is focused on providing necessary support and resources to facilitate a smooth transition into the second semester. As the students embark on this new chapter, there is an overall sense of optimism and determination to make the most out of their academic journey.

Mrs Jenny Lilley

Head of Faculty - Vocational Major

Involvement in projects is all part of the course work in Personal Development Skills. The study design’s key knowledge and skills involve looking at the concept of community at a local, national and global level. Students look at ways to connect with the community, defining the terms of active citizenship, study different leadership styles, empathise and connect to culture as well as supporting activities and community engagement.

The students have been involved in finding, collecting, creating and making the props for the college musical ‘Shrek.’  These items which are needed on the stage include story books, flowers, a fireplace, spoon, swords, chairs and the Faarquad mascot head.

The student also helped to construct a chicken coop for use up at the barn precinct.