Secondary Happenings

Year 10 Social - A Night Under the Stars

Kylie Thorpe, Head of House - Cooper

Last Friday evening, our Year 10 students gathered on the rooftop terrace of the senior building for a memorable night filled with glamorous dresses, sharp suits, delicious food and great company.

The students chose the theme for the evening - A Night Under the Stars - and it truly came to life thanks to the creative efforts of the Friends of Donvale team and some wonderfully helpful parents. Drawing inspiration from the students’ Canva portfolios, they transformed the space with draped fabrics, glowing candles, and twinkling fairy lights, creating a stunning backdrop for the night.

The dance floor was alive with energy, featuring a mix of the latest hits and a few praise and worship songs. A new Donvale tradition continued as the night ended with a joyful mob dance to “Praise the Lord, Oh My Soul” by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, and Chandler Moore - an uplifting finale that didn’t disappoint.

For those wanting a break from dancing, the chill-out zones offered plenty of fun: card games, a photo booth to capture special moments, and areas for table tennis and Spikeball.

The Greek-inspired cuisine was well worth the wait, and the evening was topped off with a frozen yoghurt bar complete with a tempting array of toppings.

More than just a party, the social was a chance to reconnect with friends, share laughs, and build new connections. It was clear that this event gave Year 10 students a much-needed moment to relax before heading into the final stretch of the school year.

A huge thank you to the parents (led by TJ Spence and Mel Gruber), teachers, maintenance crew, and student volunteers who made the night possible. Your hard work and dedication made the social a resounding success!

As we approach the final weeks of Year 10, this special night will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the year.

It was a great night filled with laughter, fun and good food! – Kirrily, Maddy and Tyra

It was a fun time where everyone got together as a community – Mary and Elijah

It was a great time to dress up, build community and dance the night away - Harry, Will & Isaac

VCE VM Mock Interviews

Nicky Joiner, VCE VM Coordinator

Last week, our VCE VM students took part in mock interviews, where they presented their career portfolios to a panel as part of their Work-Related Skills studies. This was a great opportunity to put into practice everything they’ve been working on - from resumes and cover letters to work samples and letters of recommendation. 

In the lead-up, students also practiced answering common interview questions and picked up some helpful tips for tackling those tricky “Tell me about a time when…” behavioural questions. It was an invaluable experience for students who are new to job interviews and gave them a safe space to build confidence in a formal setting. 

We were lucky to have a fantastic group of interviewers join us, including people from both within and beyond our school community. Each brought real-world industry experience, giving the interviews a genuine professional feel. 

A big thank you to the following people for donating their time and expertise — and for helping our students take one big step closer to the world of work! 

Christian Arsenis – interviewed Zeke for a Mortgage Broker role 

Chris Horn – interviewed Markus for a Park Ranger role 

Peter Jones – interviewed Cody for an Animal Attendant role 

Tanya Roberts – interviewed Ceri and Jerome for Beauty Therapist and Retail Management roles, respectively 

Kellie Westcott – interviewed Savannah for an Early Childhood Educator role 

David Conn – interviewed Liam for an Apprentice Electrician role 

Emily Gosbell – interviewed Ben for a Retail Assistant role 

Ace Johns – interviewed Sam for an IT Technician role 

Year 8 Hanging Rock Excursion

Amy Ng, Year 8 Student

Year 8 students recently went on an exciting excursion to both Hanging Rock and Organ Pipes National Parks to deepen our understanding of what we’ve been learning in Humanities and Science. The trip was a great opportunity to see the fascinating geological features of different landscapes we have studied in class, as well as the formation process of rocks - such as weathering and erosion. 

At Organ Pipes, we witnessed and learned about the incredible basalt columns formed through volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. We explored the striking and beautiful natural structures like the ‘organ pipes’, the tessellated pavement, and the rosette rock, all of which are amazing examples of the beauty of nature and God’s incredible creation. 

At the Hanging Rock site, we hiked to the top, explored the scenic rock formations, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and discussing how different types of weathering shaped the rock formations over time. 

This excursion helped us to connect classroom learning to real-world examples and appreciate the importance of protecting and managing these natural environments. Everyone had a fantastic day exploring, learning, and enjoying God’s wonderful creation. Special thanks to the teachers and staff who organized and guided the trip, making it such a memorable and fun experience for the Year 8 community. 

Summer String Night - A Celebration of Music and Talent

Janine Power, Music Administrator

Our Summer Strings Night was an unforgettable evening filled with beautiful music and an enthusiastic audience. The hall was alive with energy as families, friends, and music lovers gathered to enjoy the incredible performances from our talented students across all levels. 

This year’s event was extra special as it marked the graduation of the Strings Instrumental Program. After just one short year of learning, every student was excited to showcase their progress and celebrate their achievements on stage. 

The program opened with the Foundation Strings, who charmed the audience with lively pieces including Get Down, Goblin’s Feast, and the classic Frere Jacques. Their confidence and joy set the tone for the night. Junior Chimes, led by Annabelle Young, followed with a graceful rendition of Lone Star Waltz, before Junior Strings, conducted by Emma Neyland with Josh Dobson and Margarita Iourgaeva, delighted us with French Folk Song, Bohemian Stomp, and Sword Dance. 

The Intermediate Bellringers, under May Gavin’s guidance, brought warmth with All Things Bright and Beautiful, while Intermediate Strings, led by Josh Dobson, impressed with Japanese Folk Fantasy, Chasing Shadows, and the playful Can-Can Basses. 

Our Senior Bellringers added depth with A Vision for Tomorrow, Canto d’Esperanza, and I Got Peace Like a River, before the evening concluded with the Senior Strings, conducted by May Gavin, performing Papageno Aria, In the Company of Angels, and the spirited American Reel. 

The evening was a true celebration of dedication and artistry. Congratulations to all graduates and thank you to our teachers and families for making this event such a success!