from the assistant principals
Simon Jones
Assistant Principal
Years 10 - 12
All senior students have now selected their senior programs for 2018, following a thorough course counselling program which included information evenings, individual course counselling sessions and support in pastoral/MIPs lessons. We will now collate this information to construct our timetable which will begin during Jumpstart towards the end of November.
I was very impressed with the seriousness with which students applied themselves to this important decision-making process and in general students were very well prepared for their counselling sessions. This really improved the efficiency of what is by its nature a very exhaustive process and I would like to congratulate all students for their enthusiastic participation.
It is important to acknowledge that all selections for 2018 are conditional upon successful completion of the current year of schooling and that promotion to the next year level is not automatic. To this end a reminder that recent progress reports can be accessed on the parent portal and will highlight any concerns that need to be addressed. I would urge parents to contact teachers if further clarification or support is required, in relation to student progress.
Along with a number of colleagues, I recently had the pleasure of attending the Year 10 formal at the Cape Schanck Resort. A great night was had by all who attended and the students certainly impressed in their formal attire. The evening showed once again that our students can enjoy themselves in a sensible and enjoyable manner. Well done!
Andrew Wynne Assistant Principal
Years 7-9.
It has been another exciting term for the junior school at Dromana College, with rarely a week going by where there is not something happening at Year 7, 8 and 9.
The term started with another highly successful Year 9 Urban camp where students embark upon a series of urban adventures, based at a wonderful facility in the heart of the city. The students get a taste of city life including the Victoria Market, the MCG, the Melbourne Aquarium, the Rialto tower and other significant Melbourne landmarks. The students need to display some initiative and independence on this camp and it is always a highlight for both students and teachers who attend. Our students were again exemplary in both their behaviour and the way in which they approached the activities.
At Year 7, a particular highlight this term was the Oral presentation evening. It is often daunting for young students to present on a topic to their peers and parents, but with the encouragement of their English and pastoral teachers they came through with flying colours! I enjoyed the vast array of topics that were discussed, and the enthusiasm of all participants. It was a huge turnout of parents, once again demonstrating the commitment of Dromana College parents to their child’s education. Well done to all!
All year levels have continued to work hard and demonstrate the Dromana College values. This is not always easy when the days are short and the weather cold, but our students continue to demonstrate their commitment to their college, their education and to embracing the opportunities offered at Dromana College.
Chad Ambrose
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
After undertaking a review of the needs of Dromana College and the use of DayMap throughout Term 2, it was recommended that the school investigate the use of other online platforms that might better meet the needs of students, staff and parents.
As a result of this investigation School Council recently endorsed the decision to move to a new online platform in 2018. The new online platform, ‘Compass,’ is used widely across the state of Victoria in both Primary and Secondary schools. Compass will be partially implemented for Jumpstart, before moving to full implementation for the start of the 2018 school year.
The Compass platform will perform all of the same functions that DayMap currently does in terms of Assessment and Reporting, and it will enable us to implement new features such as online payment systems, more efficient and easier to navigate permission and payment interfaces and an interface that is easier to navigate and more reliable.
On another note, Dromana College is currently preparing our Enhancement offerings for 2018. The Enhancement Program has proven to be a huge success in recent years growing from a handful of students when first introduced to in excess of 150 students in 2017. Please keep an eye on the website for information relating to 2018 offerings in the areas of: Aerobics, Athletics, Basketball, Dance, Interior Design, STEAM and Swimming.