College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Welcome to 2025 at Doncaster Secondary College

As we embark on another exciting year at Doncaster Secondary College, I extend a warm welcome to all our students, families, and staff. 2024 was a year of remarkable growth, achievement, and community spirit, and we are ready to build on these successes in 2025.

 

A Thriving Community

At Doncaster Secondary College, we believe that a strong sense of belonging is the foundation for positive wellbeing and successful learning. Our extensive transition programs, co-curricular activities, and student engagement initiatives ensure that every student feels connected and supported.

 

Our Year 6-7 Transition Program has been instrumental in creating a seamless transition for our newest students. Through transition interviews, the Year 7 BBQ, Camp Weekaway, and Peer Leader activities, students and families have shared warm and positive feedback, reaffirming the importance of these events in setting up a successful start to secondary school.

 

Beyond the classroom, our Interschool Sport Days, Instrumental Music Program, the School Promotions Team, and a diverse range of Clubs and Activities have fostered a strong sense of community and school pride. These opportunities allow students to develop friendships, build confidence, and discover their passions, further strengthening our inclusive and dynamic school culture.

 

Strengthening the Learning Partnership Between Families and School

At Doncaster Secondary College, we recognise that a strong partnership between families and the school is essential to student success. Whether it’s through our junior school transition events, Middle and Senior School Information Evenings, or ongoing communication with families, we are committed to fostering meaningful connections that enhance student learning and engagement. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where students explore their interests, develop their skills, and see the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom.

 

One of the ways we are strengthening these partnerships is through our "Partner with Us: Share Your Expertise with Our Students" initiative. We are inviting parents and community members to provide valuable real-world learning experiences for our Year 9 students. There are two key ways to get involved:

  • Career Immersion Days (Cluster Days) – Share your career journey with small groups of students on select Wednesdays throughout the year. Even an hour or two of your time can make a lasting impact, and sessions can be delivered in person or via Zoom.
  • Industry Partnerships for Design Thinking Projects – If your workplace has a challenge that could benefit from fresh ideas, we invite you to collaborate with our students through our MYSELF program. Students will use design thinking to develop innovative solutions that improve quality, efficiency, or sustainability. Your role would be to provide insight into the challenge and offer feedback as students refine their ideas.

We greatly appreciate the support of our families and community in helping our students make meaningful connections between their learning and the real world. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to kaihong.leung@education.vic.gov.au to explore how we can work together.

 

Student Voice and Agency

At Doncaster Secondary College, we empower our students to take an active role in shaping their learning environment. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) and Student Leadership Teams (SLT) have identified key focus, including:

  • Student Learning Excellence
  • SRC Connections and Partnerships
  • School Culture and Systems

Additionally, our student leaders have played a vital role in the School Improvement Teams, unpacking, and reaffirming our mini-school visions for learning, and clarity on the actions required from all key stakeholders in enacting the vision. Their insights help guide our collective efforts in creating an engaging and enriching educational experience.

 

Celebrating Learning and Academic Excellence

We are incredibly proud of our students' academic achievements in 2024. Their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence have translated into outstanding results.

 

NAPLAN Highlights:

  • 79% of Year 9 students achieved ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding’ in Numeracy, surpassing our target of 78%.
  • 37% of Year 9 students demonstrated high growth in Reading (compared to similar schools at 27%).
  • 38% of Year 9 students showed high growth in Numeracy (compared to similar schools at 26%). 

VCE Highlights:

  • The median VCE study score increased from 30 (2023) to 32 (2024), continuing our upward trajectory.
  • 24% of students attained an ATAR above 90, with our College Dux achieving an exceptional 99.85.

These achievements are a testament to our students’ dedication and the unwavering support of our teachers and families.

 

Looking Ahead: 2025 AIP Goals

Our commitment to academic excellence continues in 2025 through our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). Key improvement strategies include:

  • Curriculum Planning & Assessment: Strengthening assessment practices to measure growth and inform teaching.
  • High-Impact Teaching Strategies: Embedding Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to enhance collaboration and evidence-based teaching.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Fostering an inclusive culture with multi-tiered support systems and respectful relationships.

Through these initiatives, we aim to consolidate our successes and ensure that every student continues to thrive.

 

A Year of Opportunity and Growth

As we begin 2025, I encourage all students to embrace the opportunities available at Doncaster Secondary College. Whether through academic challenges, leadership roles, creative pursuits, or sporting endeavours, there is something for everyone to excel and grow.

 

Together, as a strong and connected school community, we will make 2025 another year of outstanding achievements and shared success.

 

Warm regards,

Glenn Morris

College Principal