Principal Report

Hello Diamond Valley College,

As Term 1 draws to a close, I am filled with pride as I reflect on our collective achievements this term. It has been a remarkable start to the year—energised by the unwavering commitment of our students, staff, and families.

Our recent Open Evening and campus tours are proving to be successful, providing prospective families with a true taste of our fantastic learning environment.  It was wonderful to see so many prospective families engaging positively with our staff and, most notably, with our outstanding students. The student leaders and volunteers who represented our school did so with confidence, authenticity, and pride. The impressive student voice and genuine participation highlighted the strength of our college community and reinforced the importance we place on student leadership and active involvement in college life.

Additionally, the enthusiasm at our recent athletics and swimming carnivals was fantastic. It was great to see every competitor, supporter, and staff member contributing to such enjoyable events, showcasing our strong sense of teamwork and school spirit. Congratulations and well done to all involved!

Another key achievement has been the completion of NAPLAN testing. This year, we recorded our highest participation rate, a milestone of considerable significance. NAPLAN results provide valuable insights into student learning, helping our teachers to tailor instruction, identify strengths and areas for growth, and plan targeted interventions where needed. This comprehensive data ensures we continually improve the educational outcomes for every student at our school.

Looking forward, attendance will remain a priority in Term 2.  Regular school attendance is fundamental to students' academic success and overall wellbeing. We are committed to driving continued improvements in this area, and I am delighted that Rebecca Taylor will lead our efforts as Acting Assistant Principal, focusing on strategies and interventions to support families and students in achieving better attendance.  Stay tuned for regular updates!

Next term also sees the exciting rollout of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework.   SWPBS is an evidence-based approach designed to provide clear, consistent, and supportive behaviour expectations across the college.  Our implementation team, led by Reg Byrne and supported by Saf Strateas and Krystal Johnston, will be instrumental in embedding this framework into our school culture.  Throughout this process, your feedback and involvement will be greatly valued.  Look forward to regular updates, workshops, and information sessions aimed at maximising the impact of SWPBS at Diamond Valley College.

On another note, Term 1 concludes with farewells and welcomes within our staff team.  We express our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Jess Neely as she embarks on an exciting new chapter at her new school.  Simultaneously, we warmly welcome Karen White, who will join our teaching team next term, taking on several classes and additional responsibilities.  Karen brings valuable experience and energy, and we look forward to her contributions.

As we prepare for Term 2, I also encourage families to ensure students have access to a physical bank card.  The Department of Education maintains strict guidelines around mobile phone usage in schools, and from the start of Term 2, our canteen will no longer accept mobile phone payments.  We have been flexible up until now, but moving forward, we must and will adhere to this policy.  

As the holiday break approaches, I encourage all our students and families to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time together. Thank you for your continued support.  Enjoy a well-deserved break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone for an exciting term 2. 

Sam Luck

Executive Principal

Diamond Valley College