Principal's Report

Celebrating the Class of 2025 – VCE Results

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students following the release of the 2025 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) results. These outcomes reflect not only academic success, but also the resilience, perseverance, and growth our students have demonstrated throughout their learning journey at Doncaster Secondary College.

Our results are a testament to the collective effort of students, supported by the expertise and dedication of our teachers and support staff, and the ongoing encouragement of families and caregivers. Together, this partnership has played a vital role in each student’s success.

Key highlights from the 2025 VCE results include:

A median study score of 32, consistent with our strong 2024 outcomes and placing the College among the highest-performing Victorian government schools
17.5% of students achieved an ATAR above 90
63% achieving an ATAR above 70

We congratulate Amin Soleyman, our 2025 College Dux, with an outstanding ATAR of 99.65. Bryan Lam also achieved an ATAR score in the 99s, with a score of 99.1, and Meyly Te was our International Student Dux with a score of 97.9.

Strong subject performances were evident across the cohort, including:

English – Median Study Score 34
Biology – Median Study Score 35
Art – Median Study Score 35
EAL – Median Study Score 33

We are especially proud that 100% of our VCE Vocational Major students successfully attained their VCE-VM or VCE certificate. Our graduates now move into a wide range of pathways, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment, well prepared for life beyond school.

We congratulate the Class of 2025 on their achievements and thank our staff and families for their continued support. We look forward to celebrating these successes with our community.

Over the past fortnight, Doncaster Secondary College has had the privilege of celebrating student achievement across our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, culminating in the Valedictory Presentation Ceremonies. Each event reflected the unique stage of learning our students are in, while also highlighting the shared values and aspirations that unite us as a college. Across all four ceremonies, our students exemplified our motto, “Working Together, Learning Together,” demonstrating growth in learning, personal development, leadership, sport, and the performing arts. It was an opportunity to recognise personal excellence and the embodiment of our College Values: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Teamwork.

At the Junior School Presentation Evening, we celebrated students who are building the essential foundations for academic and lifelong success. The Middle School Presentation Ceremony acknowledged those strengthening their learning behaviours and personal capabilities as they transition into the senior years, while the Senior School Presentation Evening elevated our students who are striving for academic and vocational excellence. Finally, our Valedictory Assembly honoured our graduating class as they step confidently into the next chapter of their lives. Across all events, what stood out most was the pride our community felt, not only in what our students have achieved, but in who they are becoming. We thank our families, staff, and wider community for their partnership and support, and congratulate every award recipient for their commitment and success.

This year has also brought important developments in digital wellbeing. The Federal Government and the eSafety Commissioner have introduced new age restrictions for social media, limiting access to children under 16. These changes are a timely reminder that setting and enforcing safe digital boundaries is, first and foremost, the responsibility of parents and carers. While schools play an important role in education and support, we cannot monitor or manage students’ online environments outside of school hours, this must be led at home. The risks of unregulated social media and heavy device use are well established. Young people can experience disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety, reduced concentration, and diminished academic engagement. They may also be exposed to inappropriate or harmful content, cyberbullying, unrealistic social comparisons, and social pressures they are not yet emotionally equipped to navigate. These risks are real, and they have been shown to significantly impact wellbeing and learning. This is why it is essential that families take an active role in supervising online activity. Our children thrive when the adults around them provide clear expectations, consistent routines, and opportunities for rest, connection, and play. When parents, carers and schools work together to establish strong digital boundaries, young people feel safer, more supported, and better able to focus on what truly matters. To help families navigate these national changes, the eSafety Commissioner has developed practical guides, FAQs and conversation starters to support the creation of healthy digital habits at home. We encourage you to explore these resources at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/faqs

As we conclude our four-year School Strategic Plan cycle, we acknowledge the collective effort that has shaped the strong foundation we stand on today. Together, our staff, students and families have refined our teaching practices, strengthened wellbeing supports, and built a learning culture grounded in high expectations and inclusion. We also extend sincere thanks to our School Council, whose leadership, guidance, and advocacy have been vital in supporting our improvement journey and strengthening the partnership between the school and its community. Looking ahead, we are energised by the next phase of improvement, guided by our new strategic goals: Maximising student learning growth and Developing respectful, resilient and responsible learners. These priorities build on our successes and set a clear direction for continued growth.

As we reach the end of another fulfilling school year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire Doncaster Secondary College community. This year has been marked by continued growth, hard work, and a strong sense of shared purpose. Our students have shown respect, responsibility, resilience, and teamwork; our staff have demonstrated unwavering dedication to high-quality teaching and wellbeing; and our families have generously supported our shared vision for student success. Whether through academic progress, contributions to the arts, sporting achievements, leadership initiatives or acts of service, our students continue to show what is possible when they are supported to reach their potential.

As we prepare for a well-deserved break, we look forward with optimism to the year ahead, one that promises new learning, fresh challenges, and many moments to celebrate. I wish all families a restful, safe, and enjoyable holiday period. If you are celebrating Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you once again for your support throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready for another successful year of learning.

Warm regards,

Glenn Morris

College Principal