From Our Vice Captains

The traffic was congested, but the energy flowed as DCC students made their way back to school for the beginning of another year. A successful Pre-start day for Year 7s marked the beginning of their high school journey, as lockers and classes were found. Our 2024 peer mentors returned a day early, to support the students as they learn what it means to be a part of the DCC Secondary school.  

The rest of the College returned on Wednesday, with the 7-12s commencing the day with a Secondary assembly. It was full of energy and buzzing excitement as the students reconnected with one another. The assembly saw the introduction of several new staff while, as always, the new Student Leadership team stole the show with a much-loved and much-anticipated College News video. The Year 9s were sent off to the Hall Road campus, with a small gift prepared by the Student Council in hand.

With the move to a House based pastoral care model, the senior students began the year with a rotation of student-led activities in House groups, followed by a BBQ lunch. The aim was to build community within the Houses and kick off the year in an enjoyable way.

The day consisted of a wet, but thrilling giant slip and slide, house banner painting, an exciting twist on ‘capture the flag’ and a scavenger hunt for hidden leaders. These activities allowed the students to enjoy a smooth and positive entry to the year ahead and introduced the new vertical house systems within the senior Secondary.  

Students were back in classes on Thursday and the year kicked off to a great start. Production rehearsals are back in action, as students enthusiastically prepare for the upcoming show. Music ensembles, peer mentors, and year-level sport have all commenced this week as day-to-day life for the students becomes more familiar.   

Both the students and teachers are excited to announce many new beginnings to accompany the new year. The vertical house program has begun positively for the senior students as homerooms become a space of inter-year-level connections, and the opportunity for self-directed learning in activities of the students’ choices. The drama club has been introduced to students across the secondary school, providing a space for them to learn, grow and develop their creativity once a week. 

The Student Council has met once in the new year, busily planning, and discussing many exciting events to provide a culture of community and encouraged faith within the students in 2024.  

There are opportunities around the college for everyone this year, and we are super excited to be part of, and encourage, learning, faith and friendships in 2024.