Principal Report

Hello DVC Community,

I’m pleased to share that our 2025 NAPLAN results tell a strong story about both our progress and our potential.  In Year 9 Writing, the percentage of students in the “developing” category has dropped significantly, from 38% to 27% .  This places us above both the Victorian and Australian averages.  Even better, our participation rate was the highest we’ve ever achieved, showing that more of our students are engaged and willing to give their best effort.  I’d like to thank you all for supporting our testing regime this year.

The results also give us a clear roadmap for improvement.  Our English and Maths teams are analysing the data in detail to pinpoint exactly where students are excelling and where they need targeted support.  We’ll be running peer observations so teachers can learn from classrooms with the strongest results, and we’ll continue to use NAPLAN and PAT data to monitor progress and adapt our teaching in real time.  This isn’t about a quick win, it’s about building a sustained culture of improvement.

Of course, academic growth depends on something very simple.  One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years as a principal is this: you can’t teach an empty chair!  Attendance isn’t just about meeting a target, it’s about giving our young people the best possible chance to learn, grow, and belong.  Every day in the classroom is a chance to build skills, deepen friendships, and open new doors.  When students are here, we can challenge them, celebrate them, and guide them forward. When they’re not, those opportunities are harder to catch up on.

This term, we are placing a strong spotlight on attendance. Whether it’s smoothing out the morning routine, supporting a student who’s feeling unsure, or removing barriers that keep students away, we’re working together to lift attendance across the school.  Parents and carers, your encouragement and conversations at home are vital. Every day counts, and your partnership with us makes a real difference.

Finally, I’m excited to share that we have now officially launched our new and refreshed college values. These values are more than just words. They’re the foundation for the school culture we are building together. Over the coming months, you’ll see these values reflected in our classrooms, our programs, our events, and the way we treat each other.  

Diamond Valley College’s Vision is:

A community that achieves growth and greatness together.

Our community includes everyone involved in Diamond Valley College.  Our students, their families and carers, everyone who works at the school and our partner schools and businesses.

We all grow every day. We know that growth can sometimes be full of enthusiasm and that it can sometimes be uncomfortable. We turn up and try to be our best and help each other succeed, on both the sunny and the cloudy days.

We pursue greatness by believing in our unique potential. We each define success for ourselves. We nurture each other's academic, community, sporting, creative and work interests and passions. I am encouraged to define and achieve greatness in my life and to support everyone to do the same in their lives.

Diamond Valley College’s Values are:

Our community is committed to being Confident, Curious, Collaborative and Caring.

We are Confident: We show up. We make sure everyone feels confident to be themselves by believing in ourselves and each other, even when it’s tough. We are capable, centred and ready for our future.

We are Curious: We encourage each other to be life-long learners. We reflect and learn from our mistakes.

We are Collaborative: We all show up to be part of a rich school life. Our strong relationships help us work as a team so every student can succeed.

We are Caring: We are the Diamond Valley College Community; We look out for one and another. We make everyone feel welcome and create opportunities for all of us to be our best.

With thanks,

Sam Luck

Executive Principal