Senior Sub School 

Senior Sub School Report

The Senior Sub-School year is off to a busy and exciting start, with students diving into a range of activities and opportunities. From camp experiences that build teamwork and resilience to insightful guest speakers who inspire and challenge perspectives, there’s already been plenty to engage with. Assessments are underway, and new programs and courses are providing fresh learning experiences. Amidst all this, careful planning ensures that students are set up for success in the months ahead.

DVC Study Hall Kicks Off with a Strong Start

On Monday, 17th March, 25 Year 12 students and five dedicated VCE teachers came together for the very first DVC Study Hall—a supportive space designed to encourage collaboration and academic success.

Students worked in small groups, engaging in meaningful discussions while helping each other navigate their studies in a positive and focused environment. With teachers on hand to provide guidance, the session allowed students to consolidate their learning and prepare for upcoming assessments.

Of course, no study session is complete without a few well-earned treats! The group enjoyed a selection of snacks, including biscuits, chips, Minties, Skittles, and Zooper Doopers, to keep their energy levels up throughout the evening.

A huge thank you to all the students and teachers who participated and helped make the first Study Hall such a success. We are excited to see even more students take advantage of this valuable opportunity and resource.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we will be expanding Study Hall to include Year 11 students. Keep an eye out for more details at the start of the term!

Diamond Valley Secondary College Students Make a Difference in the Kitchen

On Monday, 17th March, students from the VCE VM program rolled up their sleeves and made a meaningful contribution to the community by participating in the Schools in the Kitchen program at FareShare in Abbottsford. Their hard work and dedication helped provide much-needed nourishment to those in need, showcasing the power of teamwork and generosity.

During their time in the kitchen, the students:

• Assembled 780 Osso Buco with lentils and rice meals
• Trayed up 142 chickens
• Prepared broccoli for approximately 800 meals
• Decanted rice for approximately 800 meals
• Affixed 120 stickers and folded bags for family meals
• Cleaned and reset the kitchen 

Their efforts directly benefited many individuals and families, ensuring that nutritious meals reached those who need them most.

Effective Notetaking for Senior Students at Diamond Valley College

Write Your Own Notes

Writing your own notes helps you truly understand and remember the content. This will make it easier to explain key terms and concepts in SACs and exams.

Use Clear Titles

Always title your notes with the unit, area of study, and topic name. For example: "Unit 1, AOS1: Principles of Justice." Clear headings make it much easier to find information later, especially when revising for exams.

Include the Study Design

Print out the relevant study design dot points at the start of each topic. This keeps you focused on what VCAA expects you to learn. Highlight key terms and use the dot points as a checklist to track your progress.

Use Dot Points

Keep your notes concise. Dot points help you avoid unnecessary detail and make revision easier. You can also use sub-points to break down complex ideas. This approach helps with memorisation and makes study sessions more manageable.

Highlight Key Information

Be selective when highlighting. Focus on essential terms, definitions, and dates. Using different colors can help – for example, one colour for key terms, another for definitions, and another for study design language.

Use Tables, Images, and Diagrams

Mix up your note-taking style to keep things engaging. Some topics are easier to understand with diagrams, tables, or mind maps. Adding visuals can help you remember information more effectively.

Create a Glossary

Keep a glossary at the back of your notes for new terms. Include a short definition and note where the term appears in the study design. For example: "Central Nervous System – A network of neurons that control body functions. Unit 3, AOS1."

By using these strategies, your notes will be more useful, organised, and easy to revise when it matters most.

Farwell to our International Exchange Student - Capucine

DVC was honoured to host Capucine over the past year as part of an international exchange program. We sincerely thank the Bidwell family for their generosity and for warmly welcoming her into their home. During her time at DVC, Capucine built many lasting friendships and will be deeply missed.

We wish her all the best for the future—thank you for being part of our community, Capucine!

Message from Capucine…

As my time here comes to an end, I want to thank you all for being so welcoming, my experience in Australia has been unforgettable. Over the past nine months, I’ve learned so much about the Australian culture, met amazing people, and made memories I will cherish forever. I’m grateful for everything this journey has taught me.

I will miss you all

Capi