Secondary Happenings
Have You Met Emily??
Name: Emily Gosbell
Role: Head of Career Pathways/Business Teacher
What do you enjoy most about working at DCC?
I am in my dream role, and each day is different, with a mix of teaching, planning, career counselling, and running future‑ready events and assemblies—all within a loving, grace‑filled environment. Most importantly, I feel empowered to innovate, dream, and develop initiatives that help prepare our students for the world.
What do you love most about your role, and why?
Encouraging young people as they prepare for life beyond school is a privilege. I want them to understand who God created them to be and how they can use their giftings in the future. I love planning opportunities that give time and space for students to dream about their future, equip them with skills, and support them as they investigate their options.
How does your faith shape the way you approach your role in administration?
1 Corinthians 12:12–27 really sums this up for me. Just as there are different parts of a body, there are different parts of a school. All parts are needed and necessary. I like to think that the area I work in not only serves our students, families, and teaching staff but also honours God. Sometimes our part is fun and exciting, and other times we need to lock in and get things done.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love family life, playing sport, reading, and being in nature!
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2026?
The conversations I get to have with students and journeying with them as they make decisions.
Year 12 Beach Night
Nat Ayton, Head of House - Cuthbert
Our Year 12’s started their last year of school with a trip down to Dromana beach. It’s a great way to enjoy some sunshine, catch up with friends (as kids don’t drive, it’s pretty rare that they get to hang out at the beach with all of their friends) and sit on the edge of what will be a pretty intense, but rewarding year.
We arrived to perfectly blue skies and calm water as the students enjoyed swimming, beach cricket or just relaxing on the sand. Next on the agenda was the culinary delights of the local shops. From delicious Thai food, to kebabs loaded with garlic sauce, or the old tried and true fish and chips, the food tasted just that bit better on the beach surrounded by friends as the sun was setting.
Our final treat for the night was gifted to us by some past students (Ellie and Grace Gardiner) who taught us fire twirling. This was certainly a spectacle for us as we learnt some new skills, got some great action shots and as the sun glistened off the water a few of the students thought “Year 12’s not that bad after all”.
In the busyness of study, assessment tasks and homework, it’s really important for the Year 12’s to be reminded that they are still God’s kids who were made to live in community. This is the reason we put on these types of social nights – to enable deeper relationships, enjoyable experiences and fond memories that will last probably for the rest of their lives.
Next up is our outdoor cinema in March!
Year 7 Scienceworks
John Southwell, Secondary Teacher
The Year 7 cohort participated in an engaging and educational excursion to Scienceworks. The purpose of the visit was to support learning in science by providing students with hands on experiences and exposure to real world scientific concepts. Throughout the day, students attended three structured sessions: a Planetarium presentation, a Lightning Show, and time exploring the interactive exhibitions.
Planetarium Session
The excursion commenced with a visit to the Melbourne Planetarium. Students were immersed in a dome theatre experience that explored astronomy, space science, and celestial phenomena. The presentation deepened students’ understanding of topics such as:
• The movement of celestial bodies
• A lunar eclipse
• Stars, galaxies, and the scale of the universe
The visual and auditory experience provided a memorable context for concepts covered in the classroom.
Lightning Show
Students attended the popular Lightning Room demonstration. This highly engaging show combined scientific explanation with practical demonstration, centred around:
• Electricity generation types
• Static electricity and electrical charge
• Tesla coils
A highlight for students was witnessing the Tesla coil generate high voltage lightning bolts, accompanied by clear and entertaining explanations from Scienceworks staff.
Exhibitions
Students explored the wide range of interactive exhibitions on display. These exhibits allowed students to investigate scientific ideas at their own pace, including:
• Forces and motion
• Human biology and anatomy
• Simple machines
• Engineering and design challenges
The hands-on nature of the exhibitions encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving as students moved through the galleries.
The Scienceworks excursion provided an enriching learning opportunity for all Year 7 students and helped foster enthusiasm for science.
The Electricity Generation / Lightning Session.
Land Sailing and Sport displays within the Scienceworks Exhibition.