Donald High School Newsletter

From the Principal

Mr. Paul Aikman

Donald High School Doings

 

SCHOOL VALUES

 

Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Learning. 

Staff, students and parents are encouraged to ensure we all operate and conduct our business at school according to these core values that were established by various members of our school community for the school community throughout the school review process in 2019.

 

Key focus areas for Donald High School in 2025

 

As part of our new Annual Implementation Plan for 2025, and as part of the findings from our school review at the end of 2023, our school has identified a number of key priorities we will be focussing on this year in 2025. These include:

  1. Striving for improvements in Literacy and Numeracy with a particular focus on Writing.

  2. Continuing to get our teaching staff to teach according to our Donald High School Instructional Model, focussing on explicit teaching and learning, and re-focussing classroom behavioural and learning expectations.

  3. Using data to inform our teaching and learning for improved student outcomes with a focus on teaching students to their point of need.

  4. Using student voice as a source of feedback inside and outside the classroom with a view to improving student engagement and connectedness throughout the school; and

  5. Striving for improvements in student mental health and wellbeing, and engagement and connectedness at school through specialist programs and support.

There is also an expectation of all students to ensure they continue to grow and develop as learners, and for staff to continue to strive for improvement in themselves and the students.

 

SCHOOL TV

 

Please note that our school community now has access to a website called SchoolTV.

This website provides all members of our school community with a wide range of information and resources both in text and video form as well as asks people to complete surveys on a variety of topics on Mental Health and Wellbeing. It is a website that is used as a preventative measure to educate all people on the diverse topics and is a fantastic resource I recommend people access whether you are a parent, teacher or student.

The topics are conveniently arranged into a number of series. Topics feature interviews with leading youth wellbeing experts and researchers from around the world offering hours of relevant and practical information. Additionally, each topic includes a compilation of related resources from key organisations providing a comprehensive stream of content. Resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and other videos - all related to a single topic, in one place for easy access!!

The website is found at donaldhs.vic.schooltv.me

 

Some of the most recent special reports on the SchoolTV website include: Eating Anxiety, Healthy Study Habits, The Cost of Living Crisis, Navigating AI Relationships, Confidence & Motivation, The Wellbeing Barometer, Social Media & Comparison Culture, Shaping Healthy Masculinity (new) and Gender Diversity (new).

 

SPECIAL REPORT: CELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK

 

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

 

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://donaldhs.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week

 

YEAR 8 CAMP TO DUNKELD

 

Our Year 8 students attended their adventure camp at the southern end of the Grampians in Dunkeld between Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th June. The students experienced a variety of adventure activities including canoeing, ropes courses, a giant swing and a flying fox, but unfortunately, they were unable to do any rock climbing or abseiling due to camp staffing constraints, which was disappointing for everyone. Despite this, most of the students enjoyed the experience. Thanks to Mr. Tatchell and Mrs. Medlyn for their organisation, coordination and supervision of our Year 8 students on this camp. 

 

YEAR 10 PRE-DRIVER EDUCATION

 

Our Year 10 students participated in Pre-driver Education and Training from Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th June at the Chartsec Driving School in Charlton. The students were exposed to road safety and rules training, the use of various car accessories as well as doing some practical experiences in a car with an instructor during the day and at night. Thanks to Mrs. Griffiths and Miss. Francis for their organisation, coordination and supervision of our students for this essential experience for our students.

 

YEAR 9 VET TASTER DAY

 

Our Year 9 students all had an opportunity to experience a VET course at their VET Taster Day on Thursday 12th June. Students selected courses of particular interest that they could experience on this day including Automotive, Building and Construction, Sport and Recreation, Hair and Beauty, Community Services and Agriculture to name a few.

 

DIGITAL MEDIA LITERACY SAFETY WEBINAR

 

Due to our school’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth wellbeing through its partnership with SchoolTV, we invited parents, carers, grandparents, educators and school leaders to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)DATE: Wednesday, 18 June 2025TIME: 7:30 pm

This exclusive session was with two of Australia's leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. They shared invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Topics in this webinar included:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Misinformation & Algorithms
  • Sexting and Sextortion
  • Online Grooming

From the SchoolTV Team.

 

 

YEAR 11 EXAMS

 

All our Year 11 VCE students participated in their end of semester exams during the week of Monday 16th June -> Friday 20th June. All the students worked their way through all their respective subject exams and gave their best effort.

 

GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (G.A.T.)

 

Our Year 12 students and Year 11 VCE students studying a Unit 3 VCE subject were all involved in sitting the GAT last Tuesday 17th June. This test is important for all VCE students to complete as the results of it can be used to assist in determining a derived exam score should a student not be able to sit their end of year exams for some reason.

 

YEAR 9 BROADER HORIZONS PROGRAM

 

In conjunction with the NCLLEN and local businesses, our Year 9 students will be involved in the Broader Horizons Program where they are exposed to a number of different careers and occupations in a variety of businesses in the area. On Thursday 19th June, the boys did some on the job training and Donald Metaland and the girls attended the East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) in Donald. Both groups learnt about the various tasks and roles different people play within each organisation and the different careers you can pursue within each of these businesses. The program will continue for the last 2 weeks of this Term at different businesses in the area.

 

REPORT WRITING

 

All teachers have been busy finalising end of semester assessments and writing end of semester reports over the course of the last week. Once finalised, these reports will be uploaded onto Xuno on the last day of Term 2 (Friday 4th July) for students and parents to view.

 

SCHOOL PRODUCTION / PLAY - WIZARD OF OZ-STRALIA

 

A number of our students from Years 7 – 12 participated in the School Production / Play on the night of Tuesday 24th June. Students were involved as actors, stage hands, support crew, lighting crew and narrators for the play called “Wizard of Oz-stralia.” All the students put in a lot of time and hard work, both prior to and on the night to produce a great performance, and all students played their role for the production that was enjoyed by a large audience on the night. A big thank you to Miss. McKay for her guidance and organisation of the students for the play and to Mrs. Medlyn who did a lot of work on the props and costumes for the play. A job well done!!

 

END OF TERM 2

 

As this will be the last newsletter before the end of Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and students for their application to their work / studies throughout the first semester and Term 2. Please take some time over the break from Friday 4th July (end of next week) to catch up with family and friends over these holidays, as well as resting and recuperating from a tough term. I look forward to continuing to work with you all again from Monday 21st July for the start of Term 3.

 

NEW EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER STARTING AT DONALD HIGH SCHOOL

 

Please note that we will we have a new Education Support Staff member starting with us from Monday 21st July (start of Term 3). Tammie Pearse will start on the first day back next term, working 5 days a week with some of our funded students and students with learning difficulties in classes. We welcome Tammie to our school and look forward to working with her throughout the rest of the year. 

 

MENTAL HEALTH ROADSHOW IN HORSHAM IN LATE JULY

 

Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg is the special guest speaker at two sessions of a Mental Health Roadshow in Horsham later this year.

There is a session for Educators in Horsham on Wednesday 30th July 2025 (Week 2, Term 3) between 4.30pm – 5.30pm and another session for parents to attend on the same night between 7.00pm – 8.00pm. All parents, students and staff were sent an email about this last week with a QR Code on the flyer attached to the email to register your attendance if interested. 

 

REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

 

At Donald High School, we are excited to welcome your child into the classroom................

Being at school is critical for your child’s learning and their mental health, physical and social wellbeing.

Everyday counts.

You and your child / children are an important part of our school community, and we look forward to welcoming you back to school.

We want to support your child / children to have a positive start to this term. We will do this by working with you to help create positive school attendance routines from day 1.

We will also work with you to support your child’s / children's learning and wellbeing and offer help when required.

We can provide a wide range of support for students................

We understand that the reasons for not attending school can be complex. Schools have access to a range of specialist staff and programs that can provide additional support for your child / children, depending on their needs. For example:

  • Tutor Learning Initiative – we have tutors at the school to provide targeted small group learning support for children identified as performing below their expected standard in literacy and numeracy for their age.
  • School Breakfast Club – our school breakfast club provides students with a free, healthy breakfast to positively impact on their learning and attendance, and access to a nutritious lunch if needed.
  • Specialist mental health and wellbeing teams can provide direct support to students or connect you with relevant external services for additional support.
  • Your child / children may need an Individual Education Plan which can help everyone involved to understand and implement the goals and strategies to help them with their learning.
  • Where intensive support is needed to improve your child’s / children's attendance, we can put in place a Student Support Group to work with you and assist with understanding their needs and developing a comprehensive support plan.
  • We can connect with the department’s Student Support Services who can respond to a range of student health and wellbeing needs; and
  • We can also help connect you to a range of services outside of school that can assist you and your child / children.

MORE INFORMATION ON ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL 

 

Can parents and students please take note of the graphic below. Last year we had too many of our students missing over 15 days of school (some students over 20 days - half or full days). Everyone should be prioritising education and learning for all our students. The more time students spend at school, the greater the outcomes for their learning. All Year 7 – 12 students are expected to be at school for the entire day on a ‘normal’ school day. The only exceptions are for illness, medical appointments, or a family bereavement. Parents are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines for their child’s attendance.

 

I am available to talk to people at the school to assist you with any enquiries if required and can be contacted to make an appointment or have a discussion on Ph. (03) 5497 1205.

 

Paul Aikman.