From the Principal

SCHOOL VALUES

Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Learning. 

Staff, students and parents are encouraged to ensure we all operate and conduct our business at school according to these core values that were established by various members of our school community for the school community throughout the school review process in 2019.

Key focus areas for Donald High School in 2024

As part of our Annual Implementation Plan, and as part of the findings from our school review this year, our school has identified a number of key priorities we will be focussing on in 2024. These include:

1. Striving for improvements in Literacy and Numeracy with a particular focus on Reading and Writing.
2. Re-focussing our teaching staff to teach according to our Donald High School Instructional Model and re-focussing classroom behavioural and learning expectations.
3. Using data to inform our teaching and learning for improved student outcomes with a focus on teaching students to their point of need.
4. Using student voice as a source of feedback inside and outside the classroom with a view to improving student engagement and connectedness; and
5. Striving for improvements in student mental health and wellbeing, and engagement and connectedness at school through specialist programs and support.

There is also an expectation of all students to ensure they continue to grow and develop as learners, and for staff to continue to strive for improvement in themselves and the students.

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to all students, parents and staff for Term 4. I hope you all had an enjoyable time over the recent holiday period. This term is expected to be busy with a number of extra-curricular activities and end of year events occurring throughout the term. I encourage you all to involve yourself in these activities and events as we work our way through the remainder of the year.

REFLECTIVE WRITING JOURNALS ON READING

All students in Years 7 – 10 have been reflecting on their reading, through completing a reflective writing task on the reading they have completed so far this term at the start of period 6 each day in reading time. These students complete 5 reading sessions and then 1 writing reflection every 6 sessions in reading time to ensure students are understanding and accountable for their reading. This new process has already assisted students to better understand and comprehend some of the words within and the overall books they are reading and will ultimately lead to better learning outcomes for our students.

SCHOOL GROUNDS UPDATE

Most people will have noticed by now that we have a new front fence to the school. Thanks to Tony Cashin for his organisation of this and to John McConville and his Donald Steel workers for installing this. The fence looks fantastic and is the start of a few grounds projects and upgrades that are starting to take shape. In addition to the front fence, preliminary works have commenced on improving the surface on the Hockey field. Thanks again to Tony for his organisation of this and to Corey Donnellon and Lachie Jones for their work and input into this project. Other projects that will occur in the future include upgrades to the outdoor Netball / Basketball Court surfaces and the resurfacing of the East end car park at the school.

STAFFING UPDATE

Please note that we have appointed a new Physical Education Teacher for the next 2 years. Anthony Tatchell has been appointed to work at our school from the start of next year. Anthony spent part of his childhood and adult life in Charlton before moving to Ballarat for University and gaining a teaching position at Beaufort Secondary College. We welcome Anthony to our school from later this year where he will attend our school for an induction process. 

We are also currently advertising for a new Science teacher as Mrs. Samantha Beckham has been appointed to a new position in South Australia. Mrs. Beckham has been at our school for about 12 years and has been a great mentor and role model for our students. We will wish her well and send her to her new school later this year. Ms. Devon Bennett has also been appointed to teach at Wycheproof P-12 College later this year and into next year, so we have advertised for another education support staff member to work with us from about Week 4 of this Term. We also wish Ms. Bennett well and thank her for her work over the years with our students.

SCHOOL TV

Please note that our school community now has access to a website called SchoolTV.

This website provides all members of our school community with a wide range of information and resources both in text and video form as well as asks people to complete surveys on a variety of topics on Mental Health and Wellbeing. It is a website that is used as a preventative measure to educate all people on the various topics and is a fantastic resource I recommend people access whether you are a parent, teacher or student.

The topics are conveniently arranged into a number of series. Topics feature interviews with leading youth wellbeing experts and researchers from around the world offering hours of relevant and practical information. Additionally, each topic includes a compilation of related resources from key organisations providing a comprehensive stream of content. Resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and other videos - all related to a single topic, in one place for easy access!!

The website is found at donaldhs.vic.schooltv.me

END OF STRUCTURED CLASSES FOR THE YEAR FOR YEAR 12 VOCATIONAL MAJOR AND VCE STUDENTS

At various times later this week (Week 2) both groups of Year 12 students will finish their structured classes for the year. For our Vocational Major students, this will end their 13 years of formal schooling. We wish them all well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives whether that be in further education and training, employment or travel. All our Year 12 VCE students will be completing their exams from late this month into November. We wish them well for their upcoming study period and all their exams. Prepare well and give your best effort!! Friday 18th October will be an evening of celebration for all our Year 12 students and their families and staff, at the Year 12 Dinner. Thanks to Mrs. Beckham and some other staff and students that will be organising and coordinating the arrangements for this celebratory dinner.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL 

Can parents and students please take note of the graphic below. Last year we had too many of our students missing over 15 days of school (some students over 20 days). Some students this year have already had over 15 unexplained absences (half or full days). Everyone should be prioritising education and learning for all our students. The more time students spend at school, the greater the outcomes for their learning. All Year 7 – 12 students are expected to be at school for the whole day on a ‘normal’ school day. The only exceptions are for illness, medical appointments, or a family bereavement. Parents are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines for their child’s attendance.

I am available to talk to people at the school to assist you with any enquiries if required and can be contacted to make an appointment or have a discussion on Ph. (03) 5497 1205.

Paul Aikman.