Networks 

Secondary Happenings

National Alpaca Show

Rachel Burnett, Assistant Farm Manager

Over a recent weekend, three Donvale students travelled to Bendigo to compete in the National Alpaca Show – Paraders Competition against 14 other competitors, most from interstate. Grace Bezemer, Eva Hodges, and Genevieve Loo put their hard work and knowledge to the test on a national stage – and they all achieved outstanding results.

 

Results:

  • Eva Hodges (Yr 10) – 2nd Open Showmanship, 3rd Open Stockmanship
  • Grace Bezemer (Yr 10) – U18 Open Champion
  • Genevieve Loo (Yr 7) – Supreme Open Champion (the highest award possible)

 

Genevieve also competed in the Young Judges competition, earning Reserve Champion.

 

This was only Eva’s second show – and her first time competing in the Open division (the more experienced group) – paired with an alpaca making his debut. Grace and Genevieve are no strangers to the paraders ring, but this was their first show for this year.

 

The competition was tight, and their achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Congratulations girls on your amazing efforts!

Victorian Schools Music Festival

Mel Searle, Head of Choral Studies

On Monday 4 August, our Junior, Intermediate, and Advanced vocal ensembles took to the stage at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. The festival provides a valuable opportunity for choirs to showcase their talents. This annual gathering is not a competition in the traditional sense, but a celebration of music-making, where choirs are recognised for the quality and artistry of their chosen repertoire.

 

Each of our ensembles performed with skill, passion, and musicality, leaving a lasting impression through their beautiful singing. Our choristers also represented our school with pride, demonstrating respect, enthusiasm, and courtesy throughout the day.

 

We are delighted to share their outstanding results: our Junior Ensemble received a Silver Award, our Intermediate Ensemble earned Gold, and our Advanced Ensemble achieved the festival’s highest honour — Platinum.

 

We now look ahead to our Annual Celebration of Song showcase event which will be happening next Wednesday 27 August. This much-anticipated concert will bring together all our primary and secondary vocal ensembles alongside our amazing worship bands. It promises to be a true celebration of talent, music, and the power of song. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with our school community.

Junior Public Speaking Program

Meg Davies, Head of English

Recently, some of our best speakers in Year 7 travelled to Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak to participate in the Junior Public Speaking competition of the Debaters Association of Victoria. All our speakers did well, and garnered favourable comments from the adjudicators. 

 

Thanks to the following students for representing us so capably and faithfully: 

Oscar Smith, Chelsea Leung, Emma Samuel, Eternity Saunders, Enoch Kalangie and Mika Hodge. 

 

These students prepared a persuasive speech to deliver and then went through two rounds of impromptu speaking. With their God-given abilities and willingness to give it a go, all our students rallied through and came away with learning for the future. 

 

Special congratulations to Enoch Kalangie for placing first on the day - DCC's first win in this competition!