From the Principal

I am incredibly excited to welcome everyone back to the start of a new school year, especially after such a successful end to 2025. A special Dandenong High School welcome to our newly enrolled students and their families who are joining our community for the first time.

Term 1 has started positively with students and teachers quickly returning to the learning routines established in our Term 4 Smart Start program. We have been deliberate in building on the strong foundations we laid last year and the successes we achieved in learning and attendance.  In 2026, we will continue to focus on improving learning for every student in every classroom, especially in the junior school and work to increase student responsibility for their success. 

In Year level assemblies in week one, I introduced students to the Science of Learning, so that they could better understand what happens when they are learning, what conditions are best to ensure learning occurs and what decisions they can make to support the learning process. During each presentation, student engagement was excellent and many seemed genuinely interested in why learning routines and classroom expectations are important and surprised that learning is more than just completing tasks and following the teacher’s instructions.

At our welcome afternoon on 25th February, Year 7 parents will also be introduced to what learning looks like at Dandenong High School and how they can support the school and their child, in maximising their success and ensuring a smooth transition from Primary school. I look forward to meeting many of you at this important event.

I must say that a highlight of my year so far, has been getting to know our new Year 7 students and their families and I have been energised by the enthusiastic way they have settled into life at Dandenong High School. 

I wish everyone a successful 2026 and urge all students to “bring their best” each day. I encourage you to read through latest edition of our Newsletter and find out more about the amazing things that are happening at Dandenong High School.

Susan Ogden

Principal