Welcome to Middle School!

Welcome to all the new students and staff who join our community in 2020 and a welcome back to all returning families.

It has been wonderful to see all students preparing for a big year of learning, personal development and friendships. On Wednesday, 29 January all students were allocated new lockers and given planners. From my perspective it has been a very smooth start to the year and I hope that everyone feels the same. Thank you to all students and staff who have contributed to a successful start to the year.

The Mobile Phone Student Use Policy has been implemented and students are doing a fantastic job being disconnected from their phones while on school grounds. It is fantastic to see students talking, playing sport, drawing and enjoying interactive games with their peers. Thank you to the Wellbeing team at the College who are consistently out socialising with the students during break times.

So far our new Year 7 students have settled into their classes, met their teachers, explored the school values, met their peer leaders, developed shared class expectations and were recognised for joining our school community.

The College community are looking forward to welcoming Year 7 families at the Year 7 Social BBQ on Tuesday, 11 February. The Year 7 orientation camp is approaching quickly and I hope all students are looking forward to creating lifelong memories.

Carly Sayer

First Nations Program

On Monday, 17 December, our Year 7 and 8 students engaged in a special program, expanding their understanding of Indigenous issues in Australia.

Year 8 students prepared questions for a panel of members of our Indigenous community around issues associated with Australia Day, the environment and cultural awareness. The students were excellent in their engagement and participation.

Later in the day, the Year 7 students participated in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Students had a wonderful, firsthand experience of Indigenous culture and showed great respect and maturity throughout the day.

We would like to thank our panel members, Alice and Vanessa, for giving up their time to come to DSC and engage with students and teachers in such a genuine and positive way and Chris Hume who was wonderful with our Year 7 students and conducted the Smoking Ceremony.

Thank you to our KESO Officer, Alice Young, for facilitating this day, and also to Asli Dulger and Belinda McGee for their organisational work.

Kristin Skennar

Literacy Leader

English and Literature Teacher

USA Basketball Tour -

Student Reflection

The USA basketball tour last December was a great success and the students had an incredible time. The tour runs every second year and is an option to all students in years 9 and 10. Last year's tour took students to Boston, New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles for basketball games, sightseeing and homestays with host families.

Reflection from Ramy E-H (11D):

On 30 November we departed Melbourne airport at 10:30 am. After a long 14-hour flight we landed at LAX airport. After waiting a couple of hours, we departed LAX for a three-hour flight to Denver. After a long stop at Denver airport we then departed for Boston.

After all this traveling we had an early morning where we had a training session at Mystic Valley High. There was plenty of snow and we enjoyed seeing places such as Fenway Park, Harvard University and attending a Boston College basketball game. We then headed towards our next destination, New York City.

During our time in New York we explored many famous attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Centre, 911 Memorial and many more. We stayed at a famous hotel, Heritage Hotel, and experienced a home stay. We also got to watch two NBA games which was an amazing experience, and we toured Madison Square Garden.

After a four-hour drive, we made our way to Washington DC, exploring the different tourist attractions including the White House, Abraham Lincoln memorial and played against different basketball teams. We also did a one-night home stay.

We then had a five-hour flight to LAX airport where we spent the last couple days of the trip. We went to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Californian Land Adventure Park, Disneyland, Hollywood Boulevard and finished the trip by playing basketball on Venice Beach!

PS: Our DSC team received coverage in the The Zebra community newspaper, published in Washington DC! It's an entertaining read and includes a Q & A with coach Jack Trewella and Year 12 Coordinator Elly Stewart. Read the article below:

Thunder from Down Under: Titans Battle Australia (The Zebra, 5 January 2020)

Year 7 Transition Program - Welcome!

It’s been wonderful to welcome our fabulous new Year 7 students to Doncaster Secondary College. Week 1 saw our Year 7s undertake a three-day transition program. They learned new lock combinations, got connected to the internet, learned how to use their timetables and got organised! Just as importantly, they began to make connections with their peers and got to know their 2020 teachers. A celebration assembly at the end of the week officially welcomed them to the College as we took our ‘old school’ class photos.

Week 2 has seen our Year 7s settle into the college and attend regular classes. It’s been fantastic to see our new students embrace high school life and rise to the challenge of a new environment. When faced with difficulties such as finding their classes, making new friends, bringing correct equipment and remembering to wear PE uniform on PE days our students have displayed all the College values of resilience, team work, respect and responsibility. It’s been great to see how many students are willing to ask questions if they’re unsure and to lend a helping hand if someone else is in need.

Important Year 7 information/dates:

Year 7 Social BBQ Night

As part of the transition program for our Year 7 students, the Middle School team invites Year 7 families to a sausage sizzle to meet with other parents and your child’s Discovery teacher.

When: Tuesday, 11 February from 6pm - 8pm

Where: ‘C’ block quadrangle

The evening will be divided into two parts. We will begin with a casual BBQ where you will able to be able to chat with other parents, your child’s classmates and teachers. Here you will also be able to meet the parent representative for your child's class. The second session will be held in the Presentation and Performance Centre where I will explain some of the day-to-day procedures of the College.

Parent rep shout out

We currently have parent representatives for most forms. If you have a child in 7B, 7D or 7G, we are still seeking a parent representative. Please contact me on 9856 1034 or at ditchburn.anna.a@edumail.vic.gov.au

Camp

Camp Weekaway is only weeks away! 7B, 7D, 7E, 7G AND 7H will be attending the first half (Monday 17th Feb – Wednesday 19th Feb) and 7A, 7C, 7F, 7I, 7J AND 7K will be attending the second half (Wednesday 19th – Friday 21st). Information on what to bring can be found on the Compass event and students will have an assembly next week to go over expectations and preparation.

Parents are also reminded to check that medical forms are returned as this is requirement in order to attend camp.

Immunisation forms

Please ensure that your child’s immunisation form has been returned to the College.

Anna Ditchburn

English, History & Psychology Teacher

Year 7 Co-ordinator

College Newsletter

Working Together, Learning Together

Issue 41 · 07 Feb 2020

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