Camps, excursions and activities. 

Swan Hill Police Visit

Last week, we welcomed Leading Senior Constable Tanya Peters from Victoria Police in Swan Hill, along with Senior Constable Marcell and Constable Jason from Donald Police, to speak with our students.

The officers discussed safe online behaviour, the importance of protecting personal information, and being cautious about what is shared online. They also addressed the serious issue of sextortion and provided advice on what to do if students ever feel unsafe or pressured.

We thank the members of Victoria Police for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience with our students.

Year 7 Camp

Last week, nine students headed to Lake Boort for our Year 7 Transitions Camp. A huge thank you to Mr Aikman and Mr Tatchell for accompanying the students, and to Miss Cavanagh for coming on Friday to help with the pack-up and the trip home.

On Wednesday, students enjoyed an exciting time on the speedboats, learning to kneeboard and ride the biscuit. A couple even tried water skiing! A special thank you to Sam Goldsmith and Dion Hawkes for bringing a speedboat to Lake Boort and adding an extra thrill to the experience. They were both very patient with the students, especially those who had never been behind a boat before.

On Thursday morning, we were up early for breakfast and to pack our lunches for a fun-filled day in Bendigo. Our first stop was the ten-pin bowling centre, where students were divided into teams and played two games. From there, we headed to The Zone, where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before playing 18 holes of mini golf. Afterwards, we split into two teams for laser tag. The students had a blast chasing each other through the maze, but Mrs Battersby emerged as the champion of the day, winning both games convincingly!

The students then tested their skills at roller skating. From where the staff were sitting, it looked like great fun! After such a big day, we stopped at McDonald’s to refuel before heading back to camp.

After returning, the students enjoyed a swim while Mrs Battersby cooked a magnificent BBQ dinner for everyone.

Friday morning was relaxed. After packing up the tents and bags, Mr Tatchell took the students kayaking on the lake. They then enjoyed one final swim before it was time to return home to Donald.

Thank you again to the staff and parents who supported the camp, and to the students, who were extremely well behaved throughout the trip.

Jane Battersby 

Year 7 Coordinator

Quotes from the students about their favourite part of camp:

"The best part about camp was getting flung off the biscuit or being the last one out of bed each day." - Charlee

"Lazer tag, skiing, it was hot." - Ross

"Camp was really fun, but my favourite things about camp was going on the biscuit and getting slammed was not fun. The food was really good and going to Bendigo we got Maccas." Leesh

"I loved camp, there's only one thing I did not like... camping OUTSIDE!! It was reallly hot and noisy. But I really liked going behind the boat." - Kenzie

"This year on camp we all had so much fun! We all got to go behind my dad's boat. Also, some people were learning how to do things on the pole that we connect to the boat. It was awesome! When we went to Bendigo, I kept getting Mr Aikman in lazer tag, Also my first score in ten pin bowling was 67. After all of that we went roller blading and all the boys kept falling over, except Mr Tatchell. On the last day we went kayaking and Kenzie as well as Mr Tatchell were the fastest. After all that I reckon we had the best time." - Indi

"I liked kneeboarding and eating the food." - Judd

All That Is Alive - VCE Art

On Thursday 26th February Donald High School VCE Art Making students attended the Bendigo Art Gallery folio inspiration day. At the beginning of the session students heard from Bendigo-local exhibiting artists Kylie Banyard and Saskia Van Pagee Anderson. The artists currently have a collaborative installation comprised of hand plant-dyed soft fabrics and cushions within the la Trobe Art Institute. Students were invited to explore the space, relax in the ‘garden beds’ and then develop questions about the work for the artists to respond to. Artists discussed the processes involved in designing an exhibition, the time required to complete a large-scale collaborative work and their arts practice, which involves creating their own colourful plant-based dyes.

After a short break, past Year 12 students Yasmin Hardie and Geordie Williamson then spoke to students about their folios from 2025 and imparted words of wisdom, tips and tricks for a successful year. They emphasized the importance of working when inspiration strikes, time management and how to develop a folio that ensures you’ve met all VCE criteria and requirements.