College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Term 2 2024 concludes 

 

All students are active participants in a learning culture that promotes academic excellence and personal development through a diversity of challenging experiences.  

 

VISION

“Working together, learning together” – Working together to enable all students to achieve their potential and become confident, effective learners who contribute productively to society.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Doncaster Secondary College Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land now known as Manningham. The land on which Doncaster Secondary College is situated. 

 

We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past and present and value the ongoing contribution to the cultural heritage of Manningham. 

 

We pay our respects to all cultures and members of our community. Our diversity in all its forms enriches our school and plays a significant role in preparing our students for life in the broader community.

Dear Doncaster Secondary College Community,

 

As we wrap up Term 2, we are excited to share this final newsletter, celebrating the many achievements and vibrant spirit of our school program and community. This term has been filled with many curriculum and co-curricular events, and significant milestones that reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and families. Join us in celebrating the collective efforts that make Doncaster Secondary College a thriving and supportive environment for all.

 

Central Australia Tour

Approximately 80 of our Year 10 and 11 students are currently participating in our Central Australia Tour. This tour is a unique educational adventure that offers invaluable skills and knowledge, fostering both personal and academic growth. Exploring Central Australia allows our students to immerse themselves in the rich Indigenous culture and history of the region. They gain firsthand knowledge of the traditions, stories, and art of the Aboriginal communities, fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for Australia's cultural heritage. This experience helps to broaden their perspectives and instil a sense of pride and connection to the diverse history of our nation. The tour provides our students with a practical understanding of Australia's unique geography and environment. This hands-on learning deepens their awareness of environmental conservation and the importance of sustainable practices.

 

 

Participating in such an extensive tour requires effective teamwork and leadership. Our students are faced with various situations where they must collaborate, make decisions, and support one another. These experiences enhance their ability to work cohesively in a group, develop leadership qualities, and build strong, supportive relationships with their peers. Traveling away from home and navigating new environments encourages our students to become more resilient and independent. They learn to adapt to different circumstances, manage their time, and take responsibility for their belongings and actions. This fosters self-confidence and prepares them for future challenges, both in their academic journeys and personal lives.

 

Visiting significant historical sites allows our students to delve into Australia’s past, understanding the events and stories that have shaped our nation. This context enriches their historical knowledge and provides them with a greater understanding of Australia’s development, challenges, and achievements over time. The Central Australia Tour is a transformative experience that contributes significantly to the holistic development of our students. It embodies our commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, promoting lifelong learning and growth. We look forward to hearing the stories and insights our students will bring back from this incredible journey, and we are confident that the skills and knowledge they gain will leave a lasting impact on their lives. 

 

Thank you to the following staff members for investing in this opportunity for our students: Mr Hollard, Mr Tennent, Mr Lucas, Ms Lattanzio, Ms Innes, Ms Nichol, Ms Elkington and Mr Johnston.

Senior School Exams

As we approach the end of semester one, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the positive way that our senior school students approached the exam period. Please know that this period is more than the outcome and grade on your exam. It is an important learning opportunity, a chance to celebrate how far you’ve come, and to reflect on your approach to learning and revision throughout the semester. Exams are a culmination of all the hard work you’ve put in, and they provide a unique opportunity for personal growth and reflection. 

 

Here are some prompting questions to help you reflect on your journey and make the most of this experience:

  1. Learning Process
    • What study techniques have worked best for you, and why?
    • How have you managed your time and priorities to balance study with other activities?
    • What subjects or topics have you enjoyed the most, and what do you think made them enjoyable?
  2. Challenges and Solutions
    • What challenges have you faced during your preparation, and how have you overcome them?
    • Can you identify any specific moments when you felt particularly proud of your understanding or progress?
  3. Mindset and Attitude
    • How have you maintained motivation and a positive attitude throughout the semester?
    • In what ways have you sought help or support from teachers, peers, or family when needed?
  4. Future Improvements
    • Based on your experiences this semester, what changes would you make to your study habits in the future?
    • How can you apply what you’ve learned about your own learning process to other areas of your life?

 

Remember, this is not just about achieving a particular grade but about understanding yourself better as a learner and celebrating your progress. Each step you take, every challenge you overcome, and all the knowledge you gain contribute to your growth and future success.

Careers Experience

As our Year 10 students complete their career experience placements, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the crucial role that our Career Experience Program plays in supporting our students to understand themselves and the world of work. This program is not just about gaining practical experience; it’s about fostering personal growth and aligning with our school values of respect, responsibility, resilience, and teamwork.

  • Respect is a cornerstone of any successful workplace. Through their work experience, our students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the importance of professional conduct. They interact with colleagues and customers, developing interpersonal skills that emphasise the value of treating everyone with dignity and courtesy. This respect for others helps to build a positive and collaborative work environment, essential for any career path they choose to follow.
  • Responsibility is another key value that is emphasized during work experience. Our students take on real-world tasks, understanding the importance of accountability and the impact of their actions. They learn to manage their time, meet deadlines, and take initiative, which are all critical skills for success in the workplace. This sense of responsibility nurtures their ability to be reliable and dependable, qualities highly valued by employers.
  • Resilience is developed as students face new challenges and step out of their comfort zones. The workplace often presents unexpected situations, and our students learn to adapt and persevere through these experiences. Building resilience helps them to cope with setbacks and continue striving towards their goals, an invaluable trait in both their professional and personal lives.
  • Teamwork is integral to the success of any organization. During their work experience, students collaborate with others, learning the importance of communication, cooperation, and support. They see firsthand how teamwork can lead to more efficient and effective outcomes. This experience teaches them that collective effort often surpasses individual work, reinforcing the importance of working harmoniously with others.

 

Our Career Experience Program not only provides practical insights into the world of work but also reinforces the Doncaster Secondary College values. It prepares our students to be respectful, responsible, resilient, and effective team players, equipping them with the skills and attitudes necessary for their future careers. We are proud of our Year 10 students for embracing this opportunity and look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape their personal and professional journeys. Thank you to the senior school and careers team for your relentless approach to ensuring that all our year 10 students participated in this valuable experience.

Staff Farewells

As term 2 ends, we bid farewell to three valued staff members: Mr. Dennis, Mr. Shirley, and Ms. Budge. Their contributions have greatly enriched our school community.

 

For 7 1/2 years, Mr. Dennis has been a dynamic English and Media teacher and the Year 8 Positive Climate for Learning and Community Engagement Leader. Known for his innovative teaching and rapping talent, he has made learning engaging and fun. 

 

We wish him all the best in his transition to Whitefriars College. 

 

Also, with us for 7 1/2 years, Mr. Shirley has been a caring Senior School Excellence in Teaching and Learning Leader and teacher of Health and Human Development and Humanities. His warm nature and dedication to students and families will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to him as he moves to the Indie School. 

 

After 17 years in the General Office Accounts role, Ms. Budge is retiring. Her professionalism, collaboration, and delightful contributions to office morning teas have been invaluable. We wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement.

 

We are grateful for the lasting impact Mr. Dennis, Mr. Shirley, and Ms. Budge have had on our school. Their legacy of excellence, care, and commitment is appreciated.

Whole school outcomes

We are proud to share the impressive attendance outcomes of our school for the year-to-date 2024. Our data shows that Doncaster Secondary College is significantly outperforming similar schools and the state when it comes to student engagement as measured by attendance. Our school's consistent performance over the past four years underscores our commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. 

 

Maintaining such high attendance rates is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and families. It reflects the importance placed on education within our community and the collective efforts to ensure that students are present and engaged in their learning. We thank all members of our school community for their ongoing support and commitment to maintaining these excellent attendance outcomes. 

 

Let’s continue to work together to uphold these standards and support our students’ educational journeys. We are also pleased to observe that we have demonstrated improvement in the key strategic focus areas of our Attitudes to School Survey:

  • Differentiated learning challenge
  • Stimulated learning environment
  • Years 10–12 Advocate at school
  • Years 10–12 Perceptions of LGBTIQ-phobic discrimination
  • Emotional awareness and regulation

 

At the beginning of term 3, the leadership team will engage staff and students in unpacking these outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.

 

As we approach the end of Term 2, we wish all members of our community a safe and relaxing holiday. Enjoy this well-deserved break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new term on Monday, 15th July.

 

 

Glenn Morris

Principal