Senior School

Intriguing Day Out – A Step Back in Chinese History

Today along with my Year 10 Chinese students we were exposed to a cultural experience when we attended Australian Dunhuang Art Academy in Canterbury Road Box Hill.

We were first taught playing the traditional Chinese instrument called Gu Zheng (古(gǔ)筝(zhēng)). The students strummed the strings of various chords using their fingers to the tune of Little Star (小(xiǎo)星(xīng)星(xīng)) and Jasmine Flower（茉(mò)莉(lì)花(huā). A number of students did a recital of their practice and we then had the pleasure of listening to the professional instructor playing a different genre of classical music from feeling thunderstorm and rough weather down to the delicate sound of peaceful mountains and rivers. Her playing was a sight to be held. We were also introduced to a few other traditional Chinese instruments including Chinese harp (竖(shù)琴(qín))、Chinese flute (竹(zhú)笛(dí)) and Er Hu (二(èr)胡(hú)).

The second session was traditional Mongolian dancing under instruction of a professional Chinese ballet dancer. She was so elegant and engaging. The students fully enjoyed that forty minutes session. It was like watching fairies and elephants (hahaha…….)

The final segment involved calligraphy and fine art using traditional Chinese writing brush (毛(máo)笔(bǐ)) ，ink (墨(mò)) and the special rice paper（宣(xuān)纸(zhǐ)）to paint a panda and bamboo. Everyone has learnt that calligraphy and fine art requires delicate touch and it is difficult to accomplish. It requires a lot of practice to master. 

It was an enjoyable experience to be exposed to the cultural background of ancient China!

Ning Zhang

Chinese Teacher

Year 10 Mental Health Expo

On Wednesday 26th October the DSC Wellbeing Team hosted a Year 10 Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo. The aim of the day was to increase students' knowledge and skills in looking after their health and wellbeing and to develop an awareness of when to seek help and where to go for it. We welcomed on-site a guest speaker from Beyond Blue, and our own Mental Health Practitioner, Lachlan Merchant, who discussed signs that your mental health may not be great and how to seek help. Students were able to visit a number of stalls set up by local support services, such as Manningham Youth Services, Doncare and Headspace, a collect stamps.

Our Year 10 students are heading into their final senior years at DSC and we want to provide them with all the assistance and support they need to thrive in Year 11 and Year 12.  

VCE Art Expo

Preceding the Spring Music Concert, our VCE Art and Design students filled Tunnel Vision with their assignment work, which families were invited to view. For those that were unable to make it on the evening (the weather was somewhat wet!), you can see some of their work here:

In case you missed it on Facebook...

Year 12's Last Day 

October 18th was the last official day for our Class of 2022.

In DSC tradition, our students hosted a Teachers Thank You ceremony to recognise the dedication and extra care given over their most important year of learning. In response, our teachers formed a guard of honour to send our students on their way. Emotions were high as we wish our Year 12 students all the success they deserve over the upcoming exam period.

Year 12 Celebration Day

Today our Year 12 students dressed vibrantly and celebrated the conclusion of their high school years. After all their hard work, they deserved a little down time to enjoy the activities organised by our senior school teachers.

Now begins the study period... give it your best Year 12s!