From the Principal

It has been wonderful this term to see our students shine in so many amazing whole school events. A highlight for me was this year’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” in August. I was fortunate to be a member of the audience on the Saturday evening and was thoroughly entertained by the fast paced, dynamic and humorous show. The minimalistic but clever staging allowed the students to be the stars of the show and it was incredible the way the ensemble cast brought the history of science to life, with a little artistic licence of course. Congratulations to all the staff and students involved. 

Another highlight was facilitating a session at our Year 11 Leadership conference in the City in Week 7. Fifty students were selected to attend the three-day intensive immersion program, which included a range of activities including an “Amazing Race” team challenge around Melbourne. I attended on the final morning with Olympic gold medallist Drew Ginn and I was incredibly impressed by the high level of engagement, commitment and courage to move outside their comfort zone, from our potential young leaders. Our Year 12 student  leaders are currently developing plans for our Multi-Cultural Celebration week that will end the term and recognise the unique and diverse Dandenong Community. I think we should all be proud of the level of agency and impact student leadership has at our school.

This year the school is changing our approach to VCE practice exams after wide consultation with all stakeholders, including Senior students. While English and Maths will take place at the start of week 10, other subject exams will be held in the first week of the holidays to maximise teaching time. If a student is “specialising up” for an ATAR, they will need to attend the applicable subject examination. I wish all our students completing their senior certificate well at this busy time. 

Finally, a group of 17 of our students and 3 staff left this morning to visit Japan for our school exchange programme. This is the first time since the pandemic we have been able to visit our sister school in Osaka and I hope they have an amazing time. I too will be travelling to Japan at the end of this week,  as I am taking long service leave to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary and Mark Dewar will be in the role of Acting Principal until the end of term. 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday when it finally arrives, and I  am looking forward to welcoming you all back in Term 4.

Best wishes

Susan Ogden