Principal's Report

As we reach the end of term 1, I would like to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the many achievements and moments that have brought our community together.

One of the most pleasing highlights has been the strong engagement of our students, reflected in our outstanding attendance rates and positive learning behaviours. Regular attendance is fundamental not only to academic success, but also to student wellbeing, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thank you to our students and families for prioritising attendance and supporting a positive learning culture across the college.

This term has also seen outstanding success and participation in our co-curricular programs. Congratulations to our Senior Girls Futsal team for winning their round robin competition, a fantastic achievement that reflects their skill, determination, and teamwork. Our instrumental music program continues to flourish with almost one in two year 7 students joining the program. There is also a growing sense of excitement as students and staff prepare for our upcoming college musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We look forward to sharing this production with our community. We also have 8 students who have been selected for the State Schools Spectacular which will be held on August 29.

A highlight of the term was our Open Night, which welcomed over 650 parents, carers, and prospective students. This event showcased the very best of our college. I would like to particularly acknowledge our student tour guides, whose confidence and pride in their school were evident throughout the evening, as well as our dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the night was such a success.

Over the past two weeks, we have seen wonderful examples of our vibrant and inclusive school culture. Our junior school students gathered outside W Block for a toasty breakfast and banner-making activity centred on “Many Cultures, One Community,” while at lunchtime we celebrated Nowruz (Persian New Year) in the C Block Quad, raising cultural awareness and sharing traditions. These events built on the spirit of Harmony Week, celebrating Australia’s rich cultural diversity.

At Doncaster Secondary College, we are proud to have students from 35 different cultural and language backgrounds. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths, underpinning a community grounded in respect, inclusion and belonging. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where racism is not tolerated. Racism harms students’ mental health, learning, and sense of belonging. We celebrate the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths of all our students, and it is the responsibility of us all to ensure our school remains a place where everyone feels respected and can learn in a safe and inclusive environment. Our Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools Policy can be accessed here:https://doncastersc.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PREVENTING-ADDRESSING-RACISM-IN-SCHOOLS-POLICY.pdf

This is especially meaningful at this time of year, when many in our community have recently observed or are observing important cultural and faith traditions, including but not limited to Ramadan, Easter, Orthodox Easter, and Passover. While diverse in practice, these occasions share common themes of reflection, renewal, and connection. We wish all members of our community a meaningful and peaceful time, in whatever way is significant to you and your family.

We also acknowledge that there are distressing events occurring in the world that may impact members of our community. During times like this, children may hear or see upsetting information through conversations, news coverage, or social media, and may need additional support to process what they are experiencing. As a school, we are here to support our students and families. Below are two helpful resources that offer guidance on how to talk with children about distressing news events in an age-appropriate and reassuring way:

• Royal Children’s Hospital – Discussing distressing news events with children https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Discussing_distressing_news_events_with_children/
• Black Dog Institute – Traumatic events in the media and your children https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/traumatic-events-in-the-media-and-your-children/

Please take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if your child needs additional support. If you believe your child would benefit from additional support, we strongly encourage you to contact the college.

Thank you to all students, staff, and families for contributing to such a positive and productive term. We look forward to continuing this momentum into the next term.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful break.

Glenn Morris

College Principal