Principal's Report

Term 4

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 acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land now known as Manningham. We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past and present and value the ongoing contribution to the cultural heritage of Manningham. 

 

We at Doncaster Secondary College are inclusive of individuals from all backgrounds including the LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Year 12 Graduates

The Valedictory Assembly for Doncaster Secondary College's Class of 2023 serves as a vital milestone, symbolizing not only the conclusion of their current educational chapter but also the beginning of a promising new journey. This assembly is a powerful testament to the significant transformation our students undergo, from their initial steps in Year 7 to their final strides as confident, capable young adults. It's an occasion that deeply resonates with the values and spirit of our community, celebrating the unique paths and achievements of each student.

The journey of our students would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of their parents and caregivers, school staff, and community organisations. Their commitment has been a cornerstone in shaping the educational experience and personal development of each student. Parents and caregivers have provided an invaluable foundation of love, guidance, and encouragement, enabling students to pursue their dreams with confidence. Our school staff's tireless efforts and deep investment in each student's success have created an enriching and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the collaboration with community organisations has enriched our students' experiences, offering diverse opportunities and resources. Together, this network of support has played a crucial role in preparing our students for the challenges and triumphs of the future, and for this, we are immensely grateful.

Throughout their time at Doncaster Secondary College, our students have demonstrated remarkable growth, both intellectually and emotionally, nurtured by the collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff and the unwavering support of their families. The strong connections formed, the challenges overcome, and the successes celebrated have all been integral parts of their journey. As we look to their future, we are filled with optimism. Our graduates are not just leaving with academic knowledge but also with life skills, resilience, and a sense of purpose. We are confident that the foundation laid here at Doncaster Secondary College has prepared them to make meaningful contributions to the world and to continue striving towards their aspirations with determination and kindness. 

As they embark on their next adventures, our best wishes and support go with them, knowing they are well-equipped to navigate the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Embracing a Unified Entry Routine: A Leap Forward in Learning and Wellbeing

The recent initiative to standardise the classroom entry routine across our school has marked a significant stride in enhancing the educational experience for our students. The uniformity of this routine plays a pivotal role in reducing the cognitive load for students, fostering a structured and predictable environment that eases the transition into learning. This is especially crucial given the adjustments in the 2024 timetable, where maximising efficiency during class transitions has become more important than ever. Moreover, this practice stands as a high-impact wellbeing strategy, offering substantial support to all learners, particularly those with specific learning disorders. It's a testament to our commitment to creating a learning environment that is not only academically stimulating but also supportive and inclusive.

Our teachers have shown remarkable adaptability and dedication in implementing this routine, ensuring its effectiveness and consistency. Their outstanding response and commitment to this initiative have been instrumental in its success. Equally important has been the role of our students, whose feedback on the execution of this routine has provided invaluable insights. 

This collaborative effort between our teachers and students is a shining example of our school's ethos in action, aligning with our overarching goals. These include strengthening our instructional model, empowering students as independent learners, enhancing social and emotional learning, fostering a culture of inclusion and respect, and extending our multi-tiered approach to supporting student wellbeing and mental health. 

We are immensely grateful to our school community for embracing this change with such enthusiasm and commitment, paving the way for a more dynamic and supportive educational experience.

Celebrating the Sports Awards and Arts, Media & Technology Showcase

At the recent Doncaster Secondary College Sports Awards Night, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students in the DSC Sports Program. This program, essential to our school's ethos, fosters strong social ties, community cohesion, and supports student learning, health, wellbeing, and engagement. The awards night was a vibrant testament to how sports can enhance not only physical fitness but also vital life skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

Special acknowledgment goes to Mr. Pring and Mr. Edgcumbe for their unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership in steering the program. Their dedication has been instrumental in shaping an inclusive and supportive sporting environment. Awards such as the MVP and Encouragement Awards highlighted individual talent and the embodiment of our school’s values, while the 2023 DSC Sport Champions were celebrated for their significant contributions to the program. This event underscored the importance of sports in our students' holistic development and the success of our sports program in enriching the educational experience at Doncaster Secondary College.

Last week, Doncaster Secondary College proudly showcased the exceptional talents of our senior arts, media, and technology students through a captivating VCE Art & Media exhibition. This event was not just a display of student work but a reflection of our strategic commitment to fostering learning partnerships, aligning with our key improvement strategy of welcoming parents and carers as integral partners in their child's learning journey. The involvement of families in this event demonstrated the successful implementation of our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), highlighting the collaborative efforts between teachers, students, and their families. 

For our media students, the exhibition was particularly significant as it offered an authentic form of presentation, an essential part of their School Assessed Task (SAT). This experience provided them with a real-world context to plan and present their work, a critical skill in media studies. Similarly, for our art students, the exhibition was a vital learning opportunity, allowing them to apply their knowledge in planning and displaying artworks in exhibition spaces. 

The success of this event is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our students and the dedication of our staff, who have shown immense care and compassion in guiding and supporting these young talents. This exhibition not only celebrated the artistic achievements of our students but also strengthened the learning partnership between our school, students, and their families, creating a positive and supportive educational environment.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Robinson, Mr. Li, Mr. Siassios, Mr. Glaubitz, and Mr. Tay for their invaluable contribution and outstanding leadership in orchestrating the successful senior arts, media, and technology exhibition.

Glenn Morris

Doncaster Secondary College Principal