Assistant Principals' Reports 

Simon Jones (Senior 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 lead the way for junior year levels to follow in all aspects of school life. The way that they participated the whole-school athletics carnival was exemplary and has set a very high bench mark for future cohorts to live up to. The Year 12 social has been another highlight of 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 in to the mid-year exam program. The VCAA GAT is a part of this on the 16th 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) 

The Year 7 cohort has made a fantastic start to the year and it has been wonderful to see how well students have transitioned from primary school into the routines and expectations of secondary school. Many students have been particularly excited about some of the “big high school” milestones - especially having their own lockers and learning how to use their laptops as an educational tool to support their learning.

We are also very fortunate to have a range of fantastic lunchtime programs already up and running. Year 7 students have been enthusiastically participating in sport training such as cricket, volleyball and frisbee. A highlight has been the 3 v 3 basketball competition, which saw an incredible turnout from the cohort! Alongside this, our wellbeing programs on Mondays and Tuesdays have been well attended, and it has been great to see so many students getting involved in all the different afterschool enhancement activities that Dromana offers.

Our recent swimming carnival was another highlight of the term. It was fantastic to see so many Year 7 students getting involved, cheering each other on and showing their personal best in the pool. The giant water slide was certainly a crowd favourite!

The Year 7 Camp at Phillip Island was a fantastic opportunity for students to build new friendships, step outside their comfort zones, and finish their first term of secondary school with a bang. What a wonderful experience it was for everyone involved.

With 245 students, 28 staff, and perfect weather, it was definitely one of the best Year 7 camps to date. Our brilliant surf team of teachers ensured that all students had the chance to catch some waves—along with a few wipeouts along the way!

Highlights such as the penguins, the Amazing Things experience, camp activities and our in-house movie sessions provided students with a range of exciting and memorable activities. With so much happening, we were incredibly fortunate to have our new nurse, Jessie Horner, join the team. She worked tirelessly to ensure all students received the care and treatment they needed.

A special thank you to our outstanding Year 7 Coordinators for delivering such a memorable camp experience.

YEAR 8

What a fantastic start to the year it has been for our Year 8 students! Term 1 has been filled with energy, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of community as everyone has settled so positively into our new space. It has been terrific to see students embracing every opportunity, from making new friendships to confidently navigating new routines. A real highlight of the term has been our Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnival, where house spirit was on full display and students cheered one another on with pride. We’ve also had strong participation in Interschool Sport, with our teams demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, teamwork and determination.

 Beyond the sporting field, our pastoral sessions have been a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and each other. We’ve explored preferred learning styles and personality strengths, investigated different aspects of our school, and enjoyed a range of fun activities and games designed to build connections. An informative visit from the police also provided valuable insights into navigating the challenges of today’s world in a safe and responsible way. Overall, it has been a vibrant and rewarding term, and we are so proud of the way our Year 8 cohort has embraced every experience with positivity and enthusiasm.

YEAR 9

Our Year 9 students have made a positive start to the year, settling well into their chosen electives and embracing new challenges. It’s been great to see them engaging in subjects that interest them while building confidence as learners.

In Pastoral, the focus has been on developing independence and self-management—following instructions, making good choices, being prepared, and giving things a go. These habits are setting students up for success.

Students should be proud of the commitment and focus they demonstrated during NAPLAN, showing a mature and responsible approach.

We have also completed the Morrisby Profile, helping students identify their strengths and interests, and guiding future subject choices for Year 10.

Congratulations to Coey Dowsett, Victoria’s Junior Lifesaver of the Year, and to Billy Raymond, Kaitlyn Blank, Dannii-Lyn Smithhurst, Georgia Hollow, Gemma Read, Jack Looker, Isaac Bushell, Gussy Leenen, and Max Lodding for representing the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League in Tasmania. 

A strong start built on effort, independence, and a willingness to grow.

Wishing you all a fantastic Easter Break

Drew King and Junior Coordinating Teams

Matthew McLaren (Assistant Principal - Strategic Planning Delivery)

 It has been a strong start to the year at Dromana College, grounded in a clear focus on student growth, engagement, and belonging. At the centre of our work is a simple belief: students succeed when they feel connected, challenged, and have a reason to come to school each day.

In the junior school, this has meant ensuring that students take on challenges and make the most of the opportunities in front of them. When students are engaged and part of the learning, the school becomes somewhere they want to be. In the senior school, the focus has been clarity, with students supported to understand why they have chosen their subjects and what they are working towards. Clear purpose drives consistent effort.

This same focus sits behind our wellbeing and engagement work. Every student needs to feel known, supported, and connected. This has been particularly important for our Year 7 students as they settle into secondary school and begin to find their place. We are also seeing more students choosing to engage beyond the classroom through enhancement programs, sport, music, and other activities, which is a strong sign of connection to the school.

Across the college, our teaching staff are working in Professional Learning Communities to strengthen classroom practice and ensure a consistent learning experience for all students. As always, our teachers and students are supported by our education support staff, whose work is essential to the success of our school.

Our Year 7 and Year 9 students approached NAPLAN with focus and resilience, despite system disruptions, and handled the experience well, demonstrating one of our school values, personal best.

Attendance remains an important focus because it underpins everything else. When students are consistently at school, they build learning, relationships, and confidence. When they are not, it becomes harder to stay connected and keep up. We will continue to build a school that students want to attend, and we ask for your support in reinforcing strong attendance habits.

As we move into Term 2, our focus remains clear: strong relationships, purposeful learning, and high expectations for every student.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We wish all students and families a safe and restful break.