Principal's Report 

Alan Marr College Principal

As we conclude Term 3, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding motivation and commitment our students have shown throughout the term. Their effort, achievement and positive attitude towards learning have been remarkable. It is a privilege to see our students rise to challenges, achieve academically and embody our College values.

A special thank you to everyone involved in the rich array of extracurricular activities this term. These opportunities foster personal growth and reflect the strong sense of community at Dromana College. I am continually impressed by the pride and dedication with which our students represent the College.

Term 3 Highlights

Term 3 has once again been incredibly busy and rewarding, with students embracing opportunities to learn, perform, compete, lead and connect with our wider community.

Highlights have included:

• Visits to the Holocaust Museum
• State Cross Country
• National School Aerobics
• Hosting the Interschool Model United Nations
• Our whole-school assembly celebrating student achievement
• The College Musical Soiree and Performing Arts evenings
• Our VCE Vocational Major celebration

A particular highlight was the VCE VM Complex Community Project, The Journey That Shaped Us. It was a wonderful celebration of our students and their journey through school, made especially meaningful by the involvement of parents and families.

Our students spoke thoughtfully and confidently about their experiences, achievements and growth from their early years of schooling through to the end of Year 12. Congratulations to Kristen, our students and all staff involved in bringing together such a special evening. It was a terrific reflection of the strength of our VCE VM program and the relationships our staff have built with students and families.

Our Musical Soiree and Performing Arts evenings were another opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talent, commitment and creativity of our students. Congratulations to all students who performed and to the staff and families who supported them.

Year 12 Valedictory & External Assessments

This year’s Valedictory will again be held at Crown Palladium. With over 900 tickets expected, it promises to be a memorable evening celebrating our Class of 2026.

We wish our Year 12 students every success as they complete their final classes and prepare for their external assessments. Full exam timetables and revision session details will be shared via Compass.

Holiday Practice Exams are scheduled for the first week of the September term break. These sessions provide an important opportunity for students to identify their strengths and target areas for improvement ahead of their final examinations. Timetables and locations will be published on Compass, and attendance is strongly encouraged for all students completing Units 3 & 4.

Partnering with Parents & Carers

We know parents and carers are the most influential educators in a child’s life and that strong school–family partnerships create better life chances for young people. We are fortunate to have such an active and supportive community that adds tremendous value to our College.

Being involved can take many forms – helping with homework, showing an interest in what your child is learning, attending a performance or sporting event, or simply having a conversation about their aspirations for the future.

Thank you for the care, time and sacrifices you make. In busy lives, taking an interest in your child’s learning and future matters enormously.

Preparing for 2027 – School Review and 60 Years of Dromana College

College Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive review and update of College policies in preparation for our whole-school review in 2027. This work provides an important opportunity to reflect on our practices, ensure our policies continue to meet the needs of our students and community, and position the College strongly for its next chapter.

The timing is particularly significant, as 2027 will also mark the 60th anniversary of Dromana College.

Our story began in October 1966, when former Flinders Shire Councillor George Bishop called a meeting of parents of prospective students at Rosebud Memorial Hall. His determination to establish a technical school for young people on the southern Mornington Peninsula ultimately led to Dromana Technical School opening on 8 February 1967.

The College's beginnings were humble. On that first day, 109 students – 79 in Form 1 and 30 in Form 2 – commenced their education in what became affectionately known as the Old Tin Shed, a former Flinders Shire works building in Palmerston Avenue, together with several portable classrooms.

Under the leadership of first principal Noel Maher, plans soon progressed for a permanent school. A 28-acre site on Harrison's Road was subsequently purchased, establishing the home from which our College has continued to grow and evolve.

Sixty years later, Dromana College is a very different school, but our connection to the community and commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for young people remain central to who we are.

Throughout 2027, we look forward to recognising this important milestone, celebrating the generations of students and staff who have contributed to our College, and sharing more of Dromana's history with our community.

Bushfire Preparedness 2026

It may feel unusual to discuss bushfire readiness while the weather is still cool, but planning now keeps our community safe. The College's Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) has been lowered. As a result, we anticipate closures only on Code Red days in 2026.

Works have commenced to establish fire breaks in the bushland areas surrounding the College, adding an extra layer of protection for students, staff and visitors on high-risk days.

Curriculum Contributions

Thank you to families for your generous Curriculum Contributions in 2026. Your support directly enriches learning for all students, funding resources, programs and opportunities that help every learner thrive. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment to our College community.

As we head into the term break, I wish all students, families and staff a safe and restful holiday. Term 4 is always an important and exciting period, particularly for our graduating students, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a strong finish to 2026.