Classroom Activities

Year 7 Art Colour Study

We are starting with the Chameleon created by Riley and Max. In the first image you can see Riley’s visual diary showing his chameleon design in ideation/thumbnail sketch form.  This preferred design option then turned into the basis of a group task. The second image shows the group and the involvement and investment of others.  Please see (Bottom left) Toby Lydom, Laikyn Holland, Riley Jones, Harley Roberts, Max Reilly and Harvey Niero.  Their awesome team efforts can be seen on display in the College foyer at Reception.

Aylexii-Jade (Lexii), Paul  and Victor created an explosion of red in this mural.  While they were working, the students were overheard talking about the use of yellow, pink, purple and brown in amongst their work and how these affected the primary colour.  Texture and up-close details show a large ladybird, living in a daisy patch surrounded by, and sometimes engulfed by, red-back spiders; in keeping with the primary red colour theme and adding interest to their composition.  This work is on display on the floor of the College Reception so beware of treading on ladybug and the spiders!

Karleisha and Erin the principal designers of the Blue Whale.  The layering of acrylic paint, white (tint) with many shades of blue, created the first layer in this large-scale piece in their recent colour study lessons in Art.  After the first spotted layer, students were inspired by the aquatic theme you see above.  Karleisha designed the whale and enlarged this design sketching it over the spots.  Paint and dry pastels formed the body of the whale, taking advantage of the textures that were created by the big spots of blue underneath.  Tiny pencil fish, squid, snails and other small drawings filled the background to add dimension and depth, with a final layer of white pastel that locked the whole image in a 3D multi-layered effect, which the students found really intricate and interesting.  

Madeline and Josie enjoying using acrylic paint on cartridge paper.

Art in the future

This image is an important reminder of what a future in the design and manufacturing industries can look like.  This Year 8 student was introduced to the Fusion 360 CAD design program in Year 7 in TED in 2024.  Currently on prototype number 10, he has created a resistor holder that has a hinged lid and securely closes for the safe transport of these small electronic components in his pencil case.   The product was printed with a 3D printer.  Through problem solving and designing for purpose, students at Donald High School can create solutions that affect their everyday lives in positive ways.  Well done!

Year 7 News

Year 7 Transitions Camp

Last week, 14 students headed to Lake Boort for our Year 7 Transitions Camp. A huge thank you to Mr. Aikman and Miss Cavanagh for accompanying the students, and to Mr. Tatchell for coming on Friday to help with the pack-up and bringing us home.

NAPLAN Testing

NAPLAN testing will begin on March 12th, 2025. The Year 7 group will complete four tests over a two-week period. These tests provide valuable information on each student’s progress and highlight areas where they may benefit from additional support.

Communication

All parents and students have access to the Xuno platform, which allows you to stay in regular contact with the school and access relevant information. The welcome email for Xuno was sent on January 28th.

Diaries

Students’ diaries will be checked and signed each Friday. However, there are several students who do not have their diaries with them. I encourage all students to bring their diary to every class to record important information.

Homework

A significant number of students have not been completing and submitting their homework tasks. For Maths, I have added homework assignments to the Xuno platform. This allows you to view tasks, print extra sheets if needed, check whether tasks have been submitted, and review any results or teacher feedback.

Jane Battersby

Year 7 Coordinator

Email: jane.battersby@education.vic.gov.au