Acting Principal's Report 

Our vision for DSC: 2020 and Beyond

Dear parents/carers and students, 

2020 has certainly not been the year any of us expected. Our way of life has changed dramatically, and our College teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to continue delivering the best possible learning program for your child.

Whilst 2020 has tested our mettle, students have demonstrated how resilient they are. They have developed critical skills that will help them face and overcome future challenges with confidence. Self-discipline and the ability to ask for help does not come easily to all. As a Principal Team, we are continually impressed by the way students have built relationships with their teachers and asked for support to help them meet their emotional and academic needs.

I understand that fatigue is setting in. Students are emotional and stressed, missing their friends and their old routines. It’s not easy, and life will continue to be a challenge as we face life during a COVID-19 environment.

This is why I’d like to remind you of who we are at Doncaster.

Knowing our identity as a community and having a clear picture of our purpose will help us to stay focused on achieving our goals, whilst looking after our wellbeing. We encourage students to be actively involved in their academic and personal development, in a culture where we work together as teachers, staff, students and parents/carers. Our goal is that once students complete their journey at DSC, they head into the world as confident and effective learners who contribute productively to our society.

Regardless of how life around us changes, the principles by which we encourage our students to be their best will continue to be their guiding light.  

Inspiration for Year 12s

I’d like to share some words of inspiration from a presentation by Chris Wardlaw, former Olympian, teacher and current Chair of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Chris recalled a conversation with Cathy Freeman in the lead-up to her 400m final at the Sydney Olympics. I hope these words can provide renewed focus for our amazing Year 12s as they prepare for their final assessments.

Cathy said, “I don’t think about winning, I don’t think about losing. I think about what I have to do. I don’t think about my chances, I just know that I have to do my best.”

Further words of wisdom shared by Chris were from another elite athlete who said they “acknowledge the noise, block it out, and then focus on what they can control”. This is an important perspective that can benefit us all, including parents/carers.

Senior Secondary Support and Advice 2020

I’d like to remind our senior students to please view this page of resources that could offer some helpful wellbeing and study support.   

Announcement: Acting Assistant Principal

I am pleased to announce that leading teacher Ms Elisha Sadikay has been appointed to the role of Acting Assistant Principal at Doncaster Secondary College. Ms Sadikay has extensive experience in educational leadership and her contribution to the College as both a leading teacher and learning specialist has been outstanding. We are excited and fortunate to be able to work with her in this capacity and we congratulate Ms Sadikay on her promotion. 

Managing the Coronacoaster: Building resilient families

Please take the opportunity to register for a free webinar on 25 August for parents/carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus (COVID-19).

If there’s any way we can offer further support to your family or child, then please reach out. We continue to work together as a community to bring out the best in our students, build resilience and lead you child with confidence.

Glenn Morris

Acting Principal