Secondary Happenings
VCE VM City Excursion
Nicky Joiner, VCE Vocational Major Coordinator
The Year 11 VCE VM group recently enjoyed a fantastic day in the city. It was a wonderful opportunity to step outside the classroom and immerse ourselves in literacy and work-related skills learning in real-world settings.
Our first stop was the Immigration Museum, where we listened to powerful stories of Australians who found a sense of belonging after moving from other countries. Students explored the thought-provoking Identity exhibition through self-paced activities, and enjoyed the vibrant and uplifting Joy exhibition, filled with colour and creativity. This connected well with our literacy unit, which explores how our experiences and identities shape the unique way we view the world.
After a lunch break, we visited the historic Victorian Trades Hall Council. Here, we discovered Melbourne’s fascinating history of workers’ rights and union movements while exploring the heritage-listed building. A facilitator from the Young Workers Centre led a session about workplace rights, building on a unit we had studied earlier in Work Related Skills.
While much of this was revision, it gave students valuable context and a deeper understanding of the broader issues facing young workers. Importantly, it reminded us that we all have the right to speak up when something isn’t right in the workplace, even if it feels challenging.
Overall, it was a rewarding day of learning and community building for our Year 11 VCE VM group. A big thank you to Mrs Pablo for joining us and supporting the experience!
Year 9: Rock Climbing at Mt Arapiles
Adam Mack, Outdoor Ed Coordinator
Our Year 9 Outdoor Education students recently set out on a five-day rock-climbing camp at the world-famous Mt Arapiles. With stunning weather all week, students were treated to the perfect conditions for adventure, challenge and learning.
Each day, students tackled a variety of climbs and abseils, building both technical skills and confidence on the rock. They learned to belay, manage ropes, and make safe climbing decisions – all while supporting their peers and developing teamwork in a genuine outdoor setting. The evenings brought a new highlight: night bouldering, where headlamps and laughter lit up the rock faces, adding an extra sense of excitement and discovery.
The camp wasn’t just about climbing. Rock journeys that included long abseils and high exposure at Arapiles and Mitre Rock allowed students to explore the landscape more deeply, connecting with the natural environment and developing an appreciation for the unique setting.
Challenges were ever-present – whether it was overcoming a fear of heights, pushing through physical fatigue, or trusting equipment and teammates. Yet these challenges quickly turned into opportunities for growth. Students demonstrated resilience, courage, and persistence, qualities that will extend well beyond the cliffs of Arapiles.
Most importantly, the camp was full of fun and engagement. The sense of achievement at the top of a climb, the encouragement shared between friends, and the quiet moments spent in the beautiful surroundings made this camp a highlight of our Outdoor Education program so far this year.
By the end of the five days, students returned not only with new outdoor and climbing skills but also with stronger friendships and a greater sense of confidence.
Nationals Cross Country
Emily Townend, Head of Health & PE
On Saturday 23August Annabel Messer (Year 7), Sawyer Onley (Year 7), Brie Coffey (Year 8) and Alfie Onley (Year 10) represented Team Vic at the Australian Cross Country Championships.
We are so proud of our students’ achievements, and the way in which they compete and honour their God-given talents.
Results:
- Annabel Messer U14 Girls: 14th
- Sawyer Onley U14 Boys: 37th
- Brie Coffey: 55th, 11th in Relays
- Alfie Onley U18 Boys: 25th, 3rd in Relays
Well done to these students for their fantastic achievements!
Year 10: Six Days in the Back Country Ski Camp
Adam Mack, Outdoor Ed Coordinator
Earlier this term, a group of adventurous students took part in the Year 10 Outdoor Education Back Country Ski Camp, spending five unforgettable days exploring the snow-covered mountains beyond Falls Creek resort - on their final day showing off their newly learnt skills in the downhill resort. The camp provided the perfect blend of learning, fun and challenge, with every day bringing new experiences.
Students developed a wide range of practical skills, from snow safety and navigation to setting up tents in alpine conditions and cooking nourishing meals in the cold and in their vestibules. These experiences weren’t just about survival – they fostered independence, problem-solving and teamwork, with students learning to support one another when the conditions became tough.
Of course, it wasn’t all hard work. There was plenty of time for fun and adventure, as students skied through untouched snowfields, built snow shelters, and enjoyed the stunning views of the high country. Evening reflections in their snow kitchen and the warmth of the group tents gave everyone the chance to laugh, share stories, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip was the challenge. The weather didn’t always cooperate, and skiing up and down through deep snow tested everyone’s endurance. Pushing through these moments together, students discovered a new sense of resilience and confidence in their abilities.
By the end of the six days, each participant had not only improved their skiing and outdoor skills but also gained lasting memories and stronger friendships. The Back Country Ski Camp is more than just a school trip – it’s an experience that shapes character and builds lifelong lessons.
EISM and Kingswood Chess Tournament
Callum Healey, Secondary Teacher & Chess Coordinator
The DCC chess team has had a successful 2025. It was Donvale’s turn to host Waverley Christian College for our annual exhibition match this year, as eight students played in their first chess tournament.
With 14 students playing from both schools, the event helps to build friendships through chess, introduce Year 7s to playing with time controls, and provide our stronger players a chance to practice new openings and strategies.
For the first time ever, Donvale hosted the EISM Chess Gala in the Community Hub. With their largest number of entries to date, more than 200 players battled it out for checkmate over the board - our 40 DCC students represented the college very well. Huntingtower are still a powerful force, winning the Chess Victoria state titles in 2024, though the gap is closing.
Our Junior team scored 20/28 and Evan Ng scored 6/7 to win 3rd place - our highest team and individual scores to date.
A big thank you to Mr Chris Turner for organising the event! After a dominant display at Kingswood College in 2024, our chess team faced much tougher competition this year - it was a valuable learning experience for many of our junior players.
A big congratulations to Jeremy Eng, Leo Milic, Evan Ng, and Matthew Guo who all qualified for the Northern Star state titles in Term 4. The goal is to continue to build a vibrant Chess Club culture at Donvale and we look forward to seeing the fruit of that in the years to come.
Victorian Schools Parliamentary Program
Natalie Peel, Justice and Citizenship Teacher
DCC recently hosted the Victorian Schools Parliamentary Program which brought together students from a range of schools in the eastern suburbs to debate the topic ‘Should Freedom of the Press be Constitutionally Enshrined?’
This was a fantastic opportunity for the Year 10 - 12 students completing studies in civics and citizenship-based subjects to hear from local members of parliament and to learn about how laws are changed and made in Australia.
Gabriel Ng, the Federal Member for Menzies, gave the keynote speech on this important topic and shared how his own interest and engagement with Politics began at a young age.
The State Member for Warrandyte, Nicole Werner, shared her pathway into working in Politics through her experience in the not-for-profit sector. She also engaged students in a ‘mock parliament’ experience as students discussed and debated the topic with one another.
Through this ‘mock parliament’ experience, and the casting of their votes, students were able to participate in an engaging and exciting way, as they learned about how Australia’s political system functions to change and make laws.
