Secondary Happenings
Have You Met Chris??
Name: Christopher Turner
Role: Secondary Sport Coordinator
What do you enjoy most about working at DCC?
I love the strong sense of community at Donvale. There is a genuine culture where students feel supported and encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and give things a go. There are a huge number of opportunities available, whether it’s in sport, arts, music or academics, and these allow students to explore their interests and grow in their talents. It’s an environment that gives all students a chance to shine with staff who are there to support them through their journeys.
What do you love most about your role, and why?
One of the things I love most about my role is the opportunity to work with students across all year levels. It’s incredibly rewarding to build relationships with students and then watch their growth as they develop in confidence, skill and character throughout their time here.
I also feel fortunate that my role allows me to be involved in sport, something I am passionate about. Coaching students in the afternoons is a real highlight for me. Movement and physical activity are lifelong habits, and I hope that every student can find something they enjoy and will continue with well beyond their school years.
How does your faith shape the way you approach your role?
Sport provides an amazing environment where faith can flourish. It’s a space where students can use the skills and talents that God has given them, while also learning the importance of teamwork, encouragement, and community.
Sport also creates many opportunities to model values such as encouragement, respect, perseverance, kindness, and joy - values that reflect God’s love in action. I also see sport as a bridge for connection, not only within the school but beyond. It can open doors to share faith in an authentic and relational way, particularly with those who may not otherwise be part of a Christian community.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Funnily enough, a lot of sport. I run a soccer club with some friends in the churches league. Not only do I love playing and coaching the teams, but we get to create a welcoming environment for people to join and feel known. I also love watching movies and spending time adventuring with my wife.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2026?
The second half of the year is the best time for sport. Whilst the academic side of school ramps up, I hope that sport can be a bit of an escape and a chance for our students to spend time in community with each other. The second half of the year is also full of opportunities to celebrate with family and friends and I’m looking forward to spending time with them.
Junior Science Olympiad
Debbie McKenzie, Head of Science
Students from DCC recently demonstrated their passion for science by taking part in the Junior Science Olympiad (JSO), a national enrichment program run by Australian Science Innovations for highly motivated students in Years 7–10. The program is designed to inspire and challenge young learners through engaging scientific experiences.
The first stage of the competition involves a rigorous two‑hour online exam, where students apply their knowledge across all areas of science. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to extend their thinking and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom. The JSO program continues with potential invitations to the Spring School (a residential camp at Australian National University) and ultimately, selection to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad.
On 12 June, over a dozen of our enthusiastic students participated in this initial stage, approaching the challenge with focus and determination. We are especially proud of our Year 7 and Year 8 students, who completed the Years 7–8 online exam, as well as a Year 10 student who took on the more advanced Years 9–10 exam.
We celebrate the way our students use their curiosity and God-given gifts to explore and better understand the world He has created. We congratulate all participants on their effort and commend their commitment to scientific learning.
Wellbeing Program - Term 2
Laura Green, Social Worker & Wellbeing Program Coordinator
As the winter season settles over our Donvale community, we are reminded of the wisdom found in the rhythms of life. Winter invites us into a season of rest, reflection and preparation. The days are shorter, growth is less visible, and much of the important work happens beneath the surface. In many ways, this mirrors the work of wellbeing in our secondary years.
Throughout this term, our wellbeing program has been in full swing across the Secondary School. Students have engaged thoughtfully and enthusiastically in a wide range of initiatives addressing mental health and emotional wellbeing, including understanding the inner critic, developing emotional regulation skills and navigating conflict in healthy ways. They have explored respectful relationships through conversations about consent, recognising green and red flags, and understanding equality and dignity within relationships. Students have also participated in learning around healthy friendships, being an upstander, online safety, as well as drug and alcohol education.
What has been most encouraging is the way our students have embraced these opportunities. Through workshops, discussions and follow-up lessons, they have demonstrated openness, curiosity and a genuine willingness to grow. Together, these experiences have fostered greater empathy, respect and connection within our community. Winter reminds us that not all growth is immediately seen. The seeds planted through these conversations and experiences may not bear fruit until months or even years from now. Yet we trust that, with God’s guidance, we are helping shape young people who are strong and courageous; kind and respectful; generous and self-controlled; emotionally intelligent and responsible.
Our mission remains to nurture the whole child - academically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and morally – and equipping young people to thrive and serve others. These wellbeing initiatives are a practical expression of our values of love, compassion, dignity, hope and holistic care.
