Principal's Report

Celebrating Science and Human Endeavour

At Doncaster Secondary College, we added the role of a STEAM Learning Specialist to our leadership team to enhance our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths curriculum. The STEM-based curriculum incorporates real-life situations and hands-on activities to help students learn.

There is a lot of excitement in media around the recent 50th anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon mission.  It is interesting that our school shares its 50th anniversary with this momentous event where two astronauts – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin – became the first people to walk on the moon.  It is particularly relevant to all Australians as the first images of the walk on the moon as well as the famous words “that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” were first received and relayed around the globe from the old NASA tracking station outside Canberra at Honeysuckle Creek.

A Space Camp is in the planning for our students in 2020.  Ms Mary Luu has put a newsfeed on COMPASS regarding the dates and costs of the proposed Space Camp that includes a stay at the Advanced Space Academy for one week as a part of the two-week tour in the USA. The Advanced Space Academy program trainees participate in a rigorous program that teaches them about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts’ face and provides leadership training as well as learning the importance of teamwork. They will be able to focus on their own field of interest: Pilot, Mission Specialist and rotate roles in the Orbiter, Space Station and Mission Control. Computer and engineering skills are put to the test as the student designs and test a virtual reality Mars rover as well as 1/6 gravity simulations, a Multi-Axis Trainer and a Neutral Buoyancy Trainer. (An Underwater SCUBA Trainer, a smaller version of the Underwater Astronaut Trainer).

There will be an information night held at the College on the 28th of August, where you can find out more details regarding this fantastic opportunity.

To get you inspired to consider Space Camp, use the following link to find out more about the moon landing back on July 21 1969.

100 Year Anniversary of the Doncaster RSL sub-branch

This year marks the 100th year anniversary of Doncaster RSL sub-branch located in East Doncaster.  It was formed to ensure that “those who suffered serving the country would be cared for by the nation they served, to do what they could to prevent the need for conflict and to preserve the comradeship formed during serving the country.”  To mark this important anniversary, the Doncaster RSL are holding a special service on Sunday the 4th of August commencing at 3 pm.   All members of our community have been invited to attend the service and to visit the special exhibition on display.  There are local World War One veteran’s details and service histories on display as well as photographs and war records on display. 

Éva McMaster

Principal