What's Happening In Secondary

Casual Clothes Day – Friday 17 April

Students are invited to wear casual clothes, and bring a donation, on the final day of term, Friday 17th April. 

Funds raised will support MPFG Australia (Mission Possible for Future Generations), an organisation dedicated to empowering communities in the Philippines through access to education, sustainable development initiatives, and compassionate support for families in need. MPFG Australia believes every child has the potential to succeed, and that by investing in their growth today, we can help break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for individuals and communities.

In May, during the first two weeks of Term 2, a group of our Year 10 DCS students will step beyond the familiar rhythms of Devonport and into an experience that will stretch their hearts, deepen their faith, and awaken their understanding of God’s global family. This is more than a trip, it is a calling. A calling to serve, to see, and to love wholeheartedly.

Twenty-two students and six DCS staff will be travelling to Bacolod City on the island of Negros in the Philippines, where they will serve alongside MPFG, Mission Possible for Future Generations.

We invite our wider school community to partner with us in two ways:

• Prayer, as the team finalises preparations and undertakes this journey

• Financial support, through a donation on Casual Clothes Day

Donations may be a gold coin, or if you feel led, a larger amount. Funds raised will go towards providing educational resources for students in the Philippines and helping meet any gaps in child sponsorship support.

Please join us in prayer for the team, specifically:

• Open hearts, that students would be deeply shaped by what they see and experience

• Humility and unity, as they serve alongside others

• Protection and health throughout all travels

• Bold faith, that students would clearly see God at work and respond

• Lasting impact, both in the lives of those they serve and within their own hearts

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support.

Secondary Pathways - Work Experience

Many Year 10 students are preparing to undertake work experience placements in the coming weeks, with many more students across Years 9 and 10 expressing strong interest in gaining valuable experience in preferred industries and possible vocations over the course of this year. Students are exploring opportunities across a range of industries including health, administration, trades, hospitality, automotive, retail and construction. 

Work experience provides valuable insight into the world of work while helping students develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and responsibility. We are encouraged by the continued support and willingness of DCS families and community members to provide opportunities for our students to step out of the classroom and into real‑world learning experiences. These experiences support informed decisions about subject choices, training pathways, and future careers.

Term 1 Secondary Visual Art

This term in High School Art, students developed their skills across both drawing and sculpture, with a strong focus on foundational techniques and creative exploration.

In Years 7–9 drawing, students built core skills using observational methods, learning to “draw what they see, not what they think.” They explored line, shape, proportion, and tone through structured exercises such as contour drawing and shading. These skills were applied in two major pieces: a detailed graphite coat of arms, where students used symbolism to represent identity, and a castle drawing, focusing on structure, perspective, and tonal depth.

In Years 9–10 drawing, students extended their skills through two focused units. The pen and ink unit developed confidence in line work, mark-making, and contrast, creating projects such as a transformed photograph and a pen and ink animal.  The coloured pencil unit emphasised layering, blending, and control of colour to create depth and realism with drawing from life (fruit) and a surrealist transformed morph of two objects.

In sculpture, Years 7–8 students explored a range of hand-building techniques. They created a pinch pot owl, a slab-built trinket tray, and a coil-built container. Alongside construction skills, students were introduced to under glazing techniques, learning how to apply colour and decorative detail to their ceramic pieces.

Years 9–10 sculpture students created imaginative double pinch pot creatures, with designs ranging from vegetables and fish to birds, animals, and dinosaurs. They also completed a slab-built tea light candle holder and pen pot, as well as a coil-decorated dish. These projects strengthened their understanding of form, joining techniques, and surface refinement.

It has been fantastic to see students grow in confidence, creativity, and technical skill throughout the term.

Year 11 & 12 Pathways at Leighland Christian School

DCS is actively partnering with our colleagues at Leighland Christian School to provide information and experiences that will support our Year 10 students as they consider continuing their education in Years 11 and 12 at Leighland.

Over the course of this year Leighland team members will be visiting DCS to connect with our senior students. And our DCS students will be invited to Leighland activities and events to enhance these connections.

Families exploring Year 11 and 12 options for 2027 are strongly encouraged to book a tour at Leighland Christian School for further information.

To enquire or arrange a visit:

• Online Enquiry Form: https://www.leighland.tas.edu.au/enquiries

• Contact: Registrar, Lindy Mott

• Email: m.mott@leighland.tas.edu.au

• Phone: 6425 0999

   

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