Principal's Report

Term 3 concludes

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 Traditional Owners of the land on which our school is situated, the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders past and present. We extend that same respect to people of all cultures and diverse communities.  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

Introducing a new school program in 2024

As the principal of Doncaster Secondary College, I am proud to announce a new and exciting school program that will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience of our students.

Commencing 2024, our College will implement a program that is purposefully designed to empower our students to reach their full potential. The curriculum programs have been developed to align with the mini-school vision for learning. 

• Junior School Program: “Our vision is to shape all our Junior School students to be healthy, positive and resilient learners who have the literacy, numeracy, personal and social capabilities required to be successful in the future.”
• Middle School Program: “Our vision is to empower learners to have a strong sense of self so that they have the capabilities to become active and engaged members of the community.”
• Senior School Program: “We relentlessly pursue academic and vocational excellence and meaningful pathways.”

Allow me to highlight a few key aspects of our program:

• The College day will shift from a 4 x 75-minute period timetable to a 5 x 60-minute period timetable.
• Increased instruction time for literacy and numeracy development in the Junior School, with the option of additional support or extension electives.
• The introduction of ‘Managing Me’ in the Junior School - a dedicated class that explores personal & social capabilities and career planning.
• A renewed Year 9 program characterized by real world application of STEM, design-thinking, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the building of community relations.
• Increased frequency and instruction time for senior school classes to achieve a deeper understanding of their subject areas.

The new school program is the result of extensive research, consultation with external stakeholders and collaboration with our school community. I thank everyone for their valuable input.

The embedded document describes how the new school program will operate within each sub school. More detailed information will be provided in the year-level handbooks, to be published in term 3 and term 4.

New Workforce Investment

In recent times, we've witnessed the challenges of ensuring a robust and effective school workforce. The immense dedication of our staff, combined with the ever-evolving needs of our students, has put a spotlight on the importance of attracting, retaining, and nurturing educators and support personnel of the highest calibre. It is with great optimism that we welcome the Victorian Government’s recent announcement following the School Update on Tuesday 29 August 2023. The government has committed to investing a substantial sum of $229.8 million to confront and address the present workforce challenges. This initiative not only reflects the state's commitment to the future of education but also embodies our shared belief in the immense value of equipping and empowering the next generation of educators. Scholarships will be made available for all students who enrol in a secondary teaching degree in 2024 and 2025 and are residents of Victoria. This invaluable support aims to foster the growth of dedicated educators who will shape our children's futures. 

Furthermore, the Career Start initiative, will be expanded to more Victorian government schools. To further support our schools, an additional $27 million has been earmarked for Targeted Financial Incentives, specifically aiding those hard-to-staff positions, ensuring that no student misses out on a quality education due to staffing constraints.

Come 2025, Victoria will pilot new employment-based degree programs for undergraduates. This transformative approach will allow individuals to achieve their teaching qualifications whilst also benefiting from paid employment within our school system. It's a commendable stride, opening doors for our existing education support staff and offering them an opportunity to ascend into teaching roles.

Each of these initiatives embodies the clear priority to grow, nurture, and enhance our schools' workforce. We will certainly be encouraging our students to consider a career in education. 

The Voice Referendum

In a historical announcement, the Prime Minister has shared that on Saturday 14 October 2023, Australians will be provided with the opportunity to partake in a significant event – a referendum. This referendum aims to bring forth an amendment to the Australian Constitution. The primary focus? Recognising our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, henceforth referred to as the Voice referendum.

The 2023 Referendum Question: "A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve?"

The Department of Education, recognising the magnitude and importance of this event, has issued directives for Victorian schools, stating:

1. The referendum is a very significant and important event.
2. Encourages and supports discussion and respectful sharing of views about the referendum in school communities.
3. Reminds us that school principals, teachers and staff should ensure that we do not persuade students to hold a particular view on the voice, in line with the Department’s values around impartiality and fairness.

Bringing the Conversation to Doncaster Secondary College: In keeping with the Department's directives, Doncaster Secondary College will provide a platform where our community of staff, students, and families can engage in open, unbiased, and constructive dialogue about our rich culture, complex history, and the forthcoming referendum.

A heartening initiative has been taken by our Galada Kirrip crew (DSC Koorie student group) in this direction. They have suggested we bring in a voice who has experienced the weight of a referendum, to shed light on its significance – local Elder, Aunty Irene. Aunty Irene bears memories of the 1967 referendum when 90.77% of Australians voted to amend the Constitution, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were counted as part of the Australian population, empowering the Commonwealth to legislate for them.

On 3rd October, along with student leaders, I will hold a conversation with Aunty Irene, where I will present questions from our community regarding the referendum. This conversation with Aunty Irene will be made accessible to the entire school community, giving everyone a chance to equip themselves with a clear understanding of the Voice referendum. Your questions are the bridges to our collective understanding. 

End of Term

As we navigate through the complexities of academics, the Voice referendum, and other significant events, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elements that make our community unique and robust. Among these pillars are our extraordinary Sport and Music programs and the fast-approaching final weeks for our Year 12 students. At Doncaster Secondary College, we have always recognized that education goes beyond the classroom walls. This belief is strongly reflected in our Sport and Music programs, which have been instrumental in enhancing the skills, well-being, and camaraderie among our students. These programs not only serve as a creative outlet but also build a sense of community, discipline, and teamwork. They offer a platform where students can develop leadership skills, connect across age groups, and share in the joy and challenges of collective achievement. It's more than just hitting a note or scoring a goal; it's about growing together as a community, and we couldn't be prouder of how our students have embraced these opportunities.

The Final Countdown for Year 12 Students: As the clock ticks down for our Year 12 students, the importance of these final weeks cannot be overstated. This is the period where consolidating knowledge, honing exam strategies, and focusing on mental well-being is crucial. Year 12 students are at the precipice of a significant transition, and we are committed to providing them with the tools they need to succeed. 

To further assist our Year 12 students, we are excited to announce the Holiday Practice Exam and Lecture Series program. These structured sessions will provide a platform for students to test their knowledge, gain insights from experienced educators, and fine-tune their strategies. We firmly believe that preparation is key, and with these dedicated sessions, our students will be primed for success.

As we draw this term to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm everyone has shown. It's been an eventful period, filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments that will surely be cherished.

The term break ahead is not just a time to rest and recharge, but also an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and set our intentions for the forthcoming term. I hope you all take this time to participate in activities that bring you joy, be it spending quality time with loved ones, doing something you enjoy,  or catching up on much-deserved rest.

Wishing everyone a wonderful term break and looking forward to seeing all of you, refreshed and ready for term 4. 

Stay safe, enjoy, and see you all soon!

Glenn Morris

Doncaster Secondary College Principal