From the Principal

As always at this time of the year, students and staff are busy completing assessments ready for End of Semester reports and preparing for pathways interviews and subject selection choices, which will begin early next term. Last week Year 10 and 11 students participated in a formal Exam program and this week Year 9 students will attend a Subject Expo in their Learning Tutor class, facilitated by Domain Leaders and teachers. This will provide them with firsthand information and practical examples of what learning in Year 10 will look like, to guide them and their families in identifying their chosen pathway. 

In order to provide targeted feedback to Year 7 and 8 students and their parents on their learning this semester, Junior Progress interviews will take place on 23rd June. Classes will not take place for Year 7 and 8 students on that day as individuals will attend a progress interview with a member of their House Leadership Team together with their parents. The conversation is designed to foster collaboration between families, student and school and will focus on a student’s strengths and areas to improve. Information is currently being collected from teachers and students will also complete a self-reflection on their performance this semester in Learning Tutor prior to the interview. I would like to thank families in advance for their support in what is an important learning opportunity for their child.

I was incredibly honoured this term when I was invited to participate in the inaugural Dandenong High School Applied Leadership forum on the 4th of May. I along with fellow panel members, Inspector Benjamin Gordan (Local Area Commander Knox), Kimberly Rennie (North Melbourne AFLW 3-time Premiership player and CJ Kafrouni (Property Manager of Connect Property) were asked to share our leadership story and some of the highlights and challenges of our experience so far. The event was organised and attended by Year 12 VCE/VM students and Senior SRC leaders with the support of their teachers and Adam and Nhial in G12 were confident MCs. They certainly were not afraid to put the panel on the spot with difficult questions as well as expertly field comments from the audience. I was incredibly proud of all the students for their level of engagement throughout the session. There is no doubt the Forum was a great success.

Finally, on Wednesday 20th May, Dandenong High School hosted a Model United Nations event for 120 students from schools across SEVR, including Hampton Park Secondary College, Beaumaris Secondary College and Cranbourne East. This year’s topic for debate was “Enough is Enough: Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls” and Associate Professor Dr Maria O’Sullivan from Deakin University filled the role of Secretary General. It was incredible to watch all the students in action fiercely canvassing support and communicating their beliefs. The room was buzzing with energy, collaboration and connection. Dandenong High School certainly “did us proud” especially our Model UN President Elaha Rezaei, who led our team. Congratulations to Ms Zahirovic and all students who were involved.

As you can see there are always incredible things happening at Dandenong High School. I encourage you to read through the pages of this latest edition and find out for yourself…

Susan Ogden

Principal