Principal's Report

Reconciliation Assembly 2019

On Monday, 3 June, all students in Years 7 to 9 participated in our reconciliation assembly.  The assembly was formally opened by Arbup Peters (Koori Education Coordinator) who not only presented a ‘Welcome to country’, but gave a very moving and detailed account of his personal school experience and entry into post-school life as a First Nations young man.  Other special guests included Alice Young (Koori Engagement Support Officer), Jim Poulter Local Author of Books on Aboriginal Culture and Child Protection, Hollie Barclay (representing Manningham Council) and the Honourable Kevin Andrews MP. In addition to Mr Peters’ address, there was a very moving musical tribute performed by Lauren C and Gabby M.

We also had the Honourable Kevin Andrews MP present student leaders with three new flags – the Australian Flag, The Indigenous Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag.  I have discussed with Mr Tim Sprigg (Grounds and Facilities Manager) the possible repositioning of our two flag poles and the purchase of a third flag pole so that all three flags are able to be flown side by side.  Thank you to Ms Lisa Chiuchiarelli for overseeing a team of staff and student volunteers who ensured the success of this event.  I am confident that all students who attended the assembly have a greater appreciation of our role within the greater community in contributing to true reconciliation.

Doncaster Secondary College Winter Concert 2019

On Tuesday 4th of June, I was fortunate to enjoy our music student performances in the Winter Concert.  The level of participation and the quality of the performances continue to improve each year.  We had record numbers of students attend our Music Camp in May and the value of the concentrated focus on skill and group development was definitely evident.  On behalf of the music students and parents, I would like to congratulate and thank Mr Nick Dean for his coordination of our music program and acknowledge the work of Ms Wendy Howes in the coordination of the camp as well as the commitment of our instrumental music staff to our program.  A very special thanks to the staff who volunteered their time to assist with Door and ticket sales as well as the staff who supported the Music Camp so that we were able to accommodate and supervise all the students who wished to attend.

75th Anniversary of D Day

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of D Day and the Normandy landings (6 June 2019).  Estimates suggest some 3000 Australians played a part in the D-Day landing in Normandy.  Whilst “Operation Overlord” and the subsequent fighting in Normandy involved mostly US, British, Canadian and French forces.  Soldiers, sailors and airmen from other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand were also involved on the allied side.

Australia's main contribution was in the air with somewhere between 2000 to 2500 Australian airmen serving in Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force Squadrons took part in operations associated with the invasion.  Fourteen Australians are known to have been killed on D-Day: two members of the Royal Australian Navy and 12 members of the Royal Australian Air Force.

We remember all the people who have died in wars - World War One, World War Two, the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Éva McMaster

Principal