Senior School News

Year 12 Valedictory Assembly

On Friday 19th November, the Valedictory Assembly was held in the Stadium at DSC and was live-streamed to all families.  Students arrived onsite at 10:30am to 'frock up' in black valedictory gowns and prep for the big event. There was an enormous sense of achievement in the air.  This cohort of Year 12 students will be forever known as the 'pandemic class', but as Ms Stewart stated, "we know you as the united class, the class that had the entire world behind you as you persevered in your journey to graduate."

The Assembly started promptly at 12pm as students made their entrance along the red carpet to find their seats in the stalls. 

The Senior Stage Band provided a lively atmosphere and supported the Assembly procession.  Well done to Mr Dean and Ms Howes for orchestrating such a fine performance! Click on the image below to see a snippet from one of the presentations.

The Principal and teaching staff were incredibly proud to witness their students receiving their certificates.  Well done Year 12s - you did it!

Congratulations to all award recipients!

Caltex Best All-Rounder Award

For academic excellence and embodying the attributes our College strives to instill in all students.

Doug Smith Memorial Award

For high academic results and active involvement in College co-curricular programs 

Donvale Lions Club Citizenship Award

For high educational standards and exhibiting a strong community spirit

Menzies Shield of Excellence Award

For high moral standards in attitude, contribution to the wider community and general achievement 

ADF Long Tan Youth, Leadership & Teamwork Award

For leadership, communication, co-operation, community involvement, teamwork and resourcefulness

Rotary Youth Leadership Award

For leadership potential. Acceptance to a leadership camp in January 2022

Melbourne University Principal's Scholarship Award

Awarded a scholarship in recognition of academic achievement and contribution to their school and wider community

Merit Awards

An award winner that embodies our College's educational philosophy of academic excellence and contribution to wider school activities 

A huge thank you to the work that Tim Sprigg and his team did to get the Stadium and livestream ready for this occassion.

School Captain Profile

In our second instalment of our 2021 School Captain interviews, we chat with school leaders: Dylan Cantone & Emma McQueeney. 

DYLAN CANTONE

1. What do you credit your good results to?

Having a great balance between studying and relaxing, which has been so important for keeping me motivated throughout the whole year. When I study, I try to be effective by limiting distractions so I can get it done with plenty of time to spend in other areas of my life.

2. What did you do for down time (hobbies, work, social)?

When I’m not studying or working a shift at Coles, I spend quite a lot of time outside playing basketball and catching up with friends, or when I’m feeling a little more lethargic, I might binge a season or two of a Netflix show.

3. What are your goals for the future?

I have no idea what I want to pursue or where I want to be in the future, which is completely fine because my goal is to be in a position that allows me to grow as a person and pushes me to better in all aspects. To put it more simply, to never stop learning.

4. What's the biggest thing you've taken out of this year?

That some things are just out of your control, so as long as you put in the work and try your best, you should be proud of yourself and that’s all anyone could ask of you.

EMMA MCQUEENEY

1. What do you credit your good results to?

I believe all my achievements are a result of hard work, dedication, resilience, and a bit of good luck. I'm fortunate to have a supportive family, who encourage me to pursue my goals and every opportunity I’m presented with.

2. What did you do for down time (hobbies, work, social)

During my down time I like to keep active, as a member of my local Netball club, and calisthenics club. Throughout lockdown I kept active with daily walks or runs. My favourite hobby is reading. I often read fiction books before bed to clear my mind and relax.

3. What are your goals for the future?

In the future I'm hoping to further my education at university. I'm currently hoping to pursue a career in the health sector, and I’m looking forward to learning more about possible career opportunities.

4. What's the biggest lesson you've taken out of this year?

The last 2 years have taught me that it's important to take every opportunity your presented with as you never know what can happen in the future. Everyone is faced with challenges, so it is important to be adaptable, and not dwell on the things that you can’t change. It is so important to treasure the little things in life and enjoy every moment of it.

Headstart 

Get ready for 2022

We have been running the Senior School Headstart Program since 2008. Its purpose is to prepare students for the next academic year by introducing key content and skills, and introduce the learning and assessment program. Students will be given tasks that will require them to do some learning at home during the Headstart week, and for Unit 3 and 4 students, an activity to complete over the holiday break in readiness for 2022.

During the Headstart week (November 29 to December 3), students are scheduled to attend three lessons of each subject. Attendance is compulsory.

Subject resources and associated learning tasks will be available via the Compass Portal. There will be a Year Level Assembly during Period 1 on Monday 29 November to discuss the program with the students.

Gary Rule

Assistant Principal

Colourful Celebrations

The official Year 12 exam period concluded on Wednesday 17th November so students let their hair down on the following day as part of the annual Year 12 Celebration Day.  

The day started at 8am in the Wellbeing Garden where teachers cooked up a delicious BBQ Breakfast for the Year 12s.

Some of our students didn't miss the chance to get dressed up in their muck up day costumes. It's a fantastic way to let off some steam and have some post-exam fun.

What started as a casual, little squirt from a water gun quickly escalated into a Year 12 deluge! Students AND teachers weren't afraid to let loose with water drenchings, with Mr Gardiner having his sights squarely set on Ms Stewart!  Click on the image below.

At 9.30am, students headed over to the Performance Centre for the Teacher Awards ceremony.

Let the party begin! A big thank you to Ms Stewart and her team for organising a giant inflatable slide and Colour Run event to keep the Year 12 festivities going. Enjoy the photos!