From the Principal
Dandenong High School
It has been a busy but rewarding end to the term, as students and teachers across the school engage in the completion of assessments and learning tasks.
In Week 9, all Year 10 students also had the opportunity to participate in the Future XP program, an immersive experience designed to provoke thinking and prepare them for upcoming pathways counselling sessions early in Semester 2, where they will select their senior subjects. Students participated in two immersive, “hands on” workshops of their choice, from an extensive list of options and delivered by external presenters. These included Federation, Victoria & Swinburne Universities, Miracle Paws Animal Therapy, Tristar Aviation Apprenticeships Group Australia, Handbrake Turn, Chisholm TAFE and our own Mr Mullen. The day was incredibly successful and feedback from the presenters and school staff running the sessions described groups as “focused, engaged and enthusiastic”. Thank you to Melinda Redfern and the Careers team who organised the event.
The school battled a “wintry blast” on Friday of Week 9, as we held the House Swimming Carnival at Noble Park Aquatic Centre. Students and teachers represented their House with pride across a range of swimming events, with the “aqua egg and spoon” race a clear crowd favourite. Congratulations to Callistemon who are Swimming House Champions in 2026.
Finally, I recently had the privilege of accompanying Mark Dewar, Jason Beattie, Kim Harrison and our 20 Year 12 student leaders on the annual trip to Canberra. It was a “whirlwind” four days, as we visited Parliament House and observed question time, toured the Museum of Australian Democracy, the War Memorial, the High Court, the Electoral Commission and Government House. I was incredibly proud of our students for their insightful questions, maturity and the innate responsibility with which they approached each learning opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing the improvements they will enact on their return.
It has been an incredibly successful start to the year. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday break and I look forward to welcoming you back at the start of Term 2.
Susan Ogden
Principal