School News

Year 12 Student Leadership Canberra Trip

At Dandenong High School we value Student Leadership. In order to support and foster such an important aspect of our school, we have developed an extensive Student Leadership Program that involves many activities and experiences aimed at developing and supporting the Student Leaders in our school. The Year 12 Student Leadership Trip to Canberra is a highlight every year, and provides student with the opportunity to engage in a range of experiences that broaden their understanding of leadership. The group visited Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, the War Memorial, Australian Institute of Sport and National Portrait Gallery. The group also relived history at the Museum of Australian Democracy and National Archives to understand the impact that prominent Australians, in particular Indigenous people and women, played in enacting change for our country. The students demonstrated exemplary engagement in each of the sessions, asking insightful and thoughtful questions and reflecting on their learning after each activity. The school community should be incredibly proud of these amazing students.

Below are some reflections from the group. 

National Electoral Education Centre Reflection

We had the opportunity to visit the National Electoral Education Centre, where we were guided by AEC staff members, through a series of engaging and interactive activities. These activities deepened our understanding of the election process, its history, and how it has evolved over time to become more inclusive, particularly for women and First Nations peoples. We explored key developments such as women’s suffrage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voting rights, the introduction of the secret ballot, Federation, compulsory voting, and changes to the voting age. 

- Shreya and Chandarik

National Capital Authority

One moment that really stayed with me was at the National Capital Authority, where our guide explained how Canberra was chosen and designed after federation in 1901. It made me realise that leadership isn't random; it is built with intention and can affect people for a long time. Meeting Julian Hill had an even bigger impact on me. The way he spoke about being honest, staying true to yourself, and not letting others bring you down made leadership feel more real. It is not just something you say but something you live. 

- Emaan

National Portrait Gallery

we had the incredible opportunity of visiting the national portrait gallery. Our tour guide Sally provided us with historical insight regarding who Australia is made up of and obstacles they had to overcome in their journeys. These include the backstory behind Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, who paved the way for women to be better accepted in our political system by being the first female governor general since federation. As well as Cathy Freeman's victory in the 2000's Sydney Olympics that led to better support and representation of First Nations Peoples. 

- Adam and Elaha

High Court

One of the key insights I gained was the importance of clear communication and integrity in leadership because the judges must carefully consider different perspectives before making a fair and informed decision. It highlighted how leadership isn’t just about authority and deciding what's right for you but making choices that have a lasting impact on others. Overall, the experience was excellent and we encourage all students to get more involved with small steps. 

- Yalda & Faith

Australian Institute of Sport

One key leadership quality we discovered during the trip was relentlessness. This word was plastered over the walls in the gymnasiums. It is defined by an unwavering, continuous commitment to achieving a shared vision, goal, or level of excellence. This concept was strongly emphasised throughout the AIS, even more so than perseverance. While perseverance suggests overcoming obstacles, relentlessness reflects a constant drive to improve and push forward, regardless of the circumstances that people may face, a quality we should all strive to demonstrate. 

- Anisa and Daniel

Governor General’s House

During the Year 12 Leadership Camp in Canberra, we had the opportunity to visit the residence of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. During our visit, we learnt about the prestigious awards and honours Australians can receive, such as the Victoria Cross and the Companion of the Order of Australia, and the significance behind them. This experience deepened our understanding of leadership, particularly the importance of courage. Inspired by figures such as Her Excellency, we aim to embody these qualities in our own leadership and encourage others to recognise the potential within themselves. Overall, it was an insightful and memorable way to conclude our Year 12 Canberra Leadership Camp. 

- Daniel and Anisa

Museum of Australian Democracy 

We got to explore craftivism in the fabric banners that had many powerful and valuable messages woven into them. For example, one message said “biology is not my destiny” implying that they can't control their gender and they shouldn't be shamed or underappreciated because of being a woman. This experience had me thinking about the courage they possessed to be able to express their opinion in a male dominated and white majority in the government, this showed me how powerful taking a small step to action could lead to a huge build up and outcome. It's an act of courage to take on and help you and others in any situation like example Mary Lee showed bravery not just for herself but for all women despite all the backlash she could have faced. 

- Sahar and Lulzim

Mr Julian Hil MP

Meeting with Julian Hill was one of the most insightful parts of the trip to Canberra. During the discussion, there was an opportunity to ask questions and hear detailed responses about the realities of political life. A key takeaway was the explanation that decisions are rarely simple or clear cut, Instead, they involve balancing perspectives and considering long-term consequences. The responses also emphasised the responsibility that comes with leadership as each decision can affect a wide range of people. Overall, the experience highlighted the complexity of leadership and decision making. It reinforced the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness and recognising that leadership is not about always having the perfect answer, but about making informed and thoughtful choices. 

- Ethrath and Uarda

Parliament House

One key insight from the activity was understanding how much discussion, debate, and compromise is required before any decision is finalised, which showed that leadership is not just about power but about listening and working with others such as the house of representatives speaker addressing the passing of a new bill that we witnessed. As a group, we learned that effective leadership involves responsibility, clear communication, and representing the views of others fairly which make the parliament house open to everyone as we’re taught how diversity it’s important to raise voices of concerns. This diversity reflects our multicultural school where leaders can input perspectives enabling our community to learn and grow together no matter what their background is hence the reason why it’s needed in the Parliament House. It also highlighted that leaders must make difficult decisions that impact many people, and they need to balance different perspectives to achieve the best outcome for the community with courage and honesty. 

- Airin and Mojtaba

National Archives of Australia 

During our trip to the National Archives of Australia we were guided through the original records of the Australian Constitution, its key features and the history behind it. We explored through different stories that had archived documents. One story that stood out to us was one which included an individual’s visa and travel documents. Their journey showed great perseverance which is an important quality of leadership. We also hear stories about individuals from different backgrounds who had to complete a dictation test in order to migrate to Australia during the White Australian Policy. We experience this ourselves by attempting a dictation test at the same speed that was required to complete it during that time. After, a normal speed version of it which was much easier. This helped us all understand the resilience they needed to overcome the challenges they faced when coming to Australia. 

- Tahera and Adam 

Swimming Carnival Sneak Peek!

Make sure you keep an eye out for our Swimming Carnival article in the first newsletter for Term 2!