From the Principal

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the Dandenong High School community, especially the families who are joining us for the very first time. 

Term 1 began extremely positively, and students returned full of enthusiasm and eager for the year ahead. Within the first 3 weeks, I have spoken to all Year levels at assemblies where I shared our focus for the year ahead, “All learners thrive in 2025”, and explored with them the importance of bringing your best to school every day. House Leadership Teams and all teachers have clearly communicated expectations for behaviour, interactions with others and for learning and we are impressed with the way students are enacting responsibility across the school. 

It has been a pleasure observing the transition of our Year 7 students and how they have quickly immersed themselves in the life and learning in their House. Student feedback identified that meeting teachers and new people, building relationships with their peer support leaders and their afternoon celebration at Lysterfield Lake were definitely highlights of their first week. The photo below captures an interaction I had with some of our newest members of Fern House and their House Leader Jeremy Penhale last week. All Year 7 parents are invited to our welcome picnic on Wednesday 26th February commencing at 4:30pm which is a fantastic opportunity to meet teachers, leaders and other parents and I encourage all of you to attend.

Senior students have also started the year strongly. Students in Year 11 and 12 are using their time in the study centre productively, attendance is generally high, and teachers report the majority of Year 11 and 12 students are on track so far. Parents can monitor their students’ progress by checking the Senior School Update for Week 4 on Compass. Those in their final year are currently meeting with a member of the Careers Team to begin to explore possible pathways destinations and if you have any questions about this or how we can support your child, please contact your House Leadership Team.   

Tuesday the 25th of February is the Dandenong High School Badges Assembly. This is where we recognise our newly elected student leaders, present them with their badge of office and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025. This includes Keely Xia who was recently awarded the prestigious Hansen Scholarship at Melbourne University, one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships in Australia and we are incredibly proud of her.  The event will be a fantastic occasion, and parents are invited to attend.

I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year and encourage you to engage with us so that together we can support your child’s success.

Susan Ogden

Principal