College Newsletter

Principal's Report

End of Term Message – Celebrating Culture, Community and Connection

As Term 1 draws to a close, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all members of the Doncaster Secondary College community for your support, enthusiasm, and shared commitment to our students. It has been a rich and rewarding start to the year—one filled with focused learning, meaningful connections, and a deepening sense of community.

This time of year, provides a valuable opportunity to rest, reflect, and reconnect with the people and activities that sustain us. For many, it is also a time of significant cultural and religious celebration—Eid Mubarak, Passover, Easter, and Nowruz among them. These moments remind us of the strength we draw from tradition and togetherness, and they highlight the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our school community. At DSC, we are proud to celebrate the 35+ language backgrounds represented by our students and families. This term, our commitment to inclusion and cultural understanding was brought to life through Harmony Week, where students and staff embraced the theme, Everyone Belongs. From Norouz music and dance performances to thoughtful reflections on National Close the Gap Day, and creative activities like banner-making and friendship bracelet crafting, these events encouraged students to celebrate identity, show respect, and foster belonging. As we head into the holidays, I encourage families to continue sharing your cultural traditions with us. These stories enrich our community and help us grow in understanding and respect. 

 

In the spirit of community, we were thrilled to welcome over 600 visitors to our recent Open Night. The evening was a true showcase of our school's culture and learning, and we are deeply grateful to the students, staff and families who brought it to life. The positive feedback we received—about our welcoming atmosphere, engaged staff, and confident student leaders—reflects the pride we all share in Doncaster Secondary College.

Looking ahead, we are also preparing for our School Review in Term 2, 2025—a key milestone that will shape our next four-year Strategic Plan. This process will involve reflection, collaboration, and contribution from across our community. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise our achievements, identify areas for growth, and ensure that our shared goals continue to align with the evolving needs of our students.

One of our key priorities this year has been embedding Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0. 

 

This work is already making a visible impact, with teachers collaboratively exploring strategies to improve student focus, attention, and regulation. These practices are helping to shape a more engaged and supportive learning environment, where students can thrive both academically and personally.

 

We are also proud to be strengthening the learning partnership with families. From our junior school transition events to our Middle and Senior School Information Evenings, and Student Led Conferences, the sense of connection and shared purpose has been evident throughout Term 1. Thank you once again for your ongoing support and the trust you place in our school.

 

Ensuring a Child Safe Environment

Doncaster Secondary College is committed to ensuring a child safe environment for all students. To build upon our existing practices, we have recently reviewed and updated the following policies and procedures available on the school website:

  • Child Safety Policy
  • Child Safety Reporting and Responding Obligations Procedure
  • Child Safety Code of Conduct
  • Complaints Policy
  • Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
  • Bullying Prevention Policy
  • Volunteers Policy
  • Visitors Policy
  • Digital Learning Policy

We have also recently reviewed a number of our school’s child safety practices and have adopted and planned the following additional practices:

  • All staff continue to receive child safety training at the beginning of each year and any new staff member (including Casual Relief Teachers or former students supporting sporting events and working as academic advisors) receive this training as part of their induction when they start with us at the school.
  • Updated communication protocols as part of the recently reviewed Child Safety Code of Conduct to make it clear that the Code applies to all physical and online environments during or outside of school hours as well as developing a Communication with School Staff Policy available on  the school’s website.
  • Implemented a Private Vehicle Use protocol (please refer to our Private Vehicle Use Policy available on the school’s website) to cater for any circumstances where students are may need to be transported by members of staff as part of their official duties
  • By the end of Term 2 we will be holding focus groups with small groups of students to:
    • seek feedback on their classroom experiences from both a learning and wellbeing perspective
    • unpack Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) results
    • discuss any areas of the school or activities that make them feel less safe, and their ideas on how to improve.
  • Strengthening our delivery of the Respectful Relationships programme across all year levels.
  • Acceptable Use Agreements have been developed and will be shared with students and families once finalised.

We welcome any feedback or queries in relation to any child safety related matters, policies, and procedures. Please contact the office on 03 9848 4677 or doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au if you wish to discuss any of this further.

 

Wishing you all a safe and restful term break. I look forward to reconnecting in Term 2 and continuing this journey of learning and growth together.

 

Glenn Morris

College Principal