Assistant Principals' Reports 

Simon Jones

Senior School Assistant Principal

We are all ready for a break after a big and eventful first term. I have been greatly impressed by the approach of students across the senior school, who have applied themselves diligently to their studies and are generally doing the best that they can. Our year 12’s have led the way for junior year levels to follow in all aspects of school life. The way that they participated in both the whole-school swimming and athletics carnivals was exemplary and has set a very high benchmark for future cohorts to live up to. The Year 12 formal has another highlight of the first term and was also enjoyed in great spirit by the year 12’s. In conducting weekly primary school tours for prospective students and families, our senior students receive regular compliments for their respectfulness and application. 

Looking ahead, term 2 is another busy one as we complete the first half of the year with mid-year assessments and then move into the mid-year exam program. The VCAA GAT is a part of this on the 17th of June and all year 12 students, as well year 11’s doing a year 12 subject, are required to sit for this important exam. Students will be given preparation in the lead-up next term. 

In cases where the latest progress reports show that work is required, it is vital that students address this over the holidays so that they return for term 2 up to date with their studies. There are only 5 weeks of classes in term 2 before we move into exams and mid-year final assessments, and so remedial action needs to be taken now if required, before it is too late. 

But first things first, I encourage everyone to have a rest and enjoy the Easter break. Have a great Easter, stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone again for the start of second term.

DREW KING 

Junior School Assistant Principal

Year 7

Our Year 7 students have had a fantastic start to the year, quickly adjusting to life in secondary school, including new teachers, subjects, and routines. It has been wonderful to see so many students forming new friendships across different schools and engaging in their learning with enthusiasm.

In Pastoral classes, students have been exploring how to build and maintain positive, respectful friendships—skills they are excited to put into practice at Year 7 Camp at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort in the final week of term.

Beyond the classroom, Year 7s have been actively participating in the many lunchtime sports teams offered, while the Year 7 leaders have been running lunchtime activities such as Trivia Club and Art Club. The students also embraced the fun and competition of School Swimming and House Athletics, proudly representing their houses in both participation and spirit. We are excited to announce an upgrade to the Year 7 soccer pitch area, which will provide more space for students to use during their Health & P.E. classes and during recess and lunch.

It has been fantastic to see Year 7s settling in so well, wearing their uniforms with pride, and making the most of every opportunity. We look forward to an exciting end to the term!

Year 8

We’ve had a great start to 2025 in the Year 8 area. This term, our Year 8 students participated in a range of interschool sports, including baseball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, cricket, and volleyball. Our girls’ ultimate frisbee team secured 1st place, as did both the girls’ and boys’ cricket teams. Both cricket teams will progress to the next round in Term 2—good luck to them!

Recently, our Indonesian students enjoyed a food night at school with their parents, and our Japanese students are looking forward to their turn in Term 2.

As part of our Pastoral sessions, students have set academic goals, completed personality and learning style quizzes, and participated in a visit from the police about online safety. Additionally, they have been actively engaged in improving their Literacy and Numeracy skills through Smart Lab tutorials.

Our Year 8 Leaders have been working behind the scenes to implement positive changes and support their peers. They have been running weekly lunchtime activities—Hot Day Lunch Club has been a huge success!—and are now responsible for leading our weekly assemblies.

We congratulate our Year 8 students on a fantastic start to the year!

Year 9

Year 9 students at Dromana College have embraced new opportunities and challenges with enthusiasm. They have settled into their new sub-school with confidence, forging strong connections with both peers and staff. Their energy and school spirit were on full display during the swimming and athletics carnivals, where participation and teamwork stood out.

Impressively, this cohort achieved the highest Year 9 NAPLAN participation rate in recent years, demonstrating their commitment to learning and personal growth. They have also dived into an exciting range of new electives, exploring their interests while beginning to consider future pathways.

Well done, Year 9 students—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Easter break!

Matthew McLaren

Assistant Principal - Strategic Delivery

It has been a positive and productive start to the school year, with all students now well settled into their learning routines and engaging deeply with their studies. As always, our focus at Dromana College is on delivering a rich and rigorous curriculum that supports every student to grow, challenge themselves, and thrive.

Throughout Term 1, students have participated in a broad range of curriculum offerings supported by passionate and skilled educators. Our teaching teams have worked collaboratively to deliver high-quality learning experiences that reflect the needs and interests of our students, and we’ve been pleased to see strong levels of engagement across all year levels.

A particular highlight this term has been the significant increase in participation in our enhancement classes, which run outside regular school hours and are designed to extend and enrich student learning. This term saw our highest-ever turnout, with students from a range of year levels committing additional time to pursue excellence and deepen their understanding across various disciplines. This speaks volumes about the commitment of our students and families and the culture of high expectations across the college.

In March, our Year 7 and Year 9 students completed NAPLAN Online, and we’re pleased to report a smooth and successful testing period with high participation rates. We commend our students on the way they approached the assessments—demonstrating personal best, focus and resilience. VCE students have made a settled and purposeful start to the academic year, demonstrating focus and a strong commitment to their learning across their final years.

Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to represent Dromana College with pride in a range of interschool sporting events, with a number of teams achieving fantastic success. Whether through individual efforts or team achievements, we are proud of the way our students show character, determination, fairness and school spirit.

We also warmly welcome the new teachers and support staff who joined Dromana College this year. They have already begun building strong connections with students and colleagues, and we are excited about the knowledge, energy and experience they bring to our community.

As we reflect on Term 1, we thank our teaching staff, support teams and families for the positive partnerships that underpin student learning and wellbeing. We are proud of what has been achieved already in 2025 and look forward to a strong and successful Term 2.

Wishing all students and families a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday break.