Principal's Report

Term 2

All students are active participants in a learning culture that promotes academic excellence and personal development through a diversity of challenging experiences.  

VISION

“Working together, learning together” – Working together to enable all students to achieve their potential and become confident, effective learners who contribute productively to society.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Doncaster Secondary College acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which our school is situated, the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to elder's past, present and emerging and extend that respect to any and all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. We value the ongoing contribution to the cultural heritage that the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people provide to our school as well as the city of Manningham. We recognise that this land was never ceded and there is no treaty, and we commit to efforts towards reconciliation as a school community. We at Doncaster Secondary College are inclusive of individuals from all backgrounds including the LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

On Friday 26 May, our community and the nation commemorated National Sorry Day. On this day we were reminded of the significant role that we, as a community, play in fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation among all Australians.

National Sorry Day is a poignant moment in our nation's history that invites us all to reflect on the suffering inflicted on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, who were forcibly removed from their families and communities due to government policies from the late 1800s until the 1970s. These historical events, while deeply painful, are crucial to acknowledge as they have shaped and continue to impact the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

In 2008, the Australian government issued a formal apology to the Stolen Generations, expressing remorse for the profound grief, suffering, and loss inflicted on these children and their families. This apology, delivered by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, marked a significant turning point, a watershed moment of acknowledging past wrongs, and a commitment to righting these injustices. It holds immense power, signifying a shift towards mutual respect, understanding, and healing. 

At Doncaster Secondary College, we are committed to nurturing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We recognize our responsibility to address the harms of the past, and our crucial role in ensuring that these mistakes are not repeated. Education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of ignorance, misunderstanding, and prejudice.I am immensely proud of the progress our Doncaster Secondary College community is making towards reconciliation, a journey of understanding, unity, and respect. Our Galada Kirrip ('River of Friends' in Woi Wurrung language) group, in partnership with DET Koorie Education Support Officer, Seth Nolan, and the North East Victoria Region, is significantly contributing to this journey. This group not only fosters a connection with Aboriginal culture but also offers invaluable perspective, a vital link to school leadership, and instills pride in their cultural heritage. We are also committed to implementing educational strategies and resources that are culturally responsive and respectful. We believe in empowering our students with knowledge, promoting respect and appreciation for our nation's rich Indigenous heritage. This includes understanding the truth of our shared history and working to ensure that our school community fosters mutual understanding and respect. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum, we not only provide a more comprehensive and accurate account of Australian history but also help our students develop a greater appreciation and respect for Indigenous cultures and contributions.

Galada Kirrip Networking Event:

The DSC Galada Kirrip (River of Friends in Woi Wurrung language) group helped to develop a day of activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students in the local area. The group was successful in receiving some funding to run the event and were supported by the KESO (Koorie Engagement Support Officer) Team to plan and run it. 

Today’s (Friday 2nd June) activities involved traditional games of Jumping Pin and Boogalah faclitated by Wanyarra; opportunities to connect and learn about history and culture as well as creating plumes from emu feathers. Students from three other schools attended and there are plans to hold a termly gathering event. 

On Friday 2nd June, we concluded Reconciliation Week with an indigenous-inspired Breakfast Club. Students appreciated snacking on yellow and red(ish) pancakes around the fire pit.

As part of our dedication towards reconciliation and improved outcomes for Aboriginal Australians, we encouraged all members of our community to participate actively in reconciliation initiatives. 

This week was/is Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Week activities in the community and at the College deepen our community’s connection with and respect for Indigenous cultures. One of our activities during Reconciliation Week, included the engaging speakers from 'Clothing the Gaps' coming to speak to our Year 9 students during DiSCovery. 

While we should take a moment to acknowledge the significant strides we are taking, it is equally important to remember that our journey towards reconciliation is ongoing. As a community, we still have much to learn, to unlearn, and to accomplish. But, with continued effort, empathy, and education, we remain resolutely committed to fostering an environment of respect and understanding that truly honours and celebrates the richness of our Indigenous heritage. Together, we will continue to make progress towards the reconciliation we deeply aspire to achieve.

As you read this article and reflect on the significance of National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, please remember that every day offers opportunities to foster reconciliation and respect in our actions and attitudes. Let us walk together towards a future where all Australians, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds, feel respected, included, and celebrated.

Thank you for your commitment to fostering a culture of reconciliation and mutual respect within our school community.

Together, we can make a difference.

Supporting the Push-Up Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that our staff and students are participating in the Push-Up Challenge, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. The Push-Up Challenge is an initiative that emphasises the significance of fitness and mental well-being. Participants pledge to do a certain number of push-ups each day for 21 days, aiming for a total of 3,144 push-ups, the number symbolizing an alarming statistic related to men's mental health. 

For this year's challenge, the funds raised will support three remarkable charities, ‘Lifeline’, 'The Movember Foundation', and ‘Push for Better Foundation’. These are all organisations that have been at the forefront of advocating for mental health and wellbeing.

Whilst the push-up challenge engages all genders, the nature of the event and the alignment with Men’s Health Week (12-18 June), means that we have been able to engage more male members of our community in conversations about men’s mental health. The reality is that men's mental health often goes undiscussed due to societal norms and expectations. Unfortunately, this has led to an increasing number of men suffering in silence, afraid to reach out due to the stigma surrounding mental health. We need to work together to change this, to create a community where every person feels safe and supported to share their struggles. Supporting our students and staff in the Push-Up Challenge is an excellent way for us all to contribute to this necessary change. Not only does it raise funds for these vital charities, but it also sparks crucial conversations about men's mental health in our school and broader community.

We wholeheartedly encourage each one of you to get behind our participants. You can support them by pledging a donation, cheering them on as they progress through the challenge, or simply by sharing their efforts and the importance of this cause with your friends and family.

Let's stand together to boost awareness and eradicate the stigma surrounding men's mental health. After all, it's when we lift each other up that we truly make a difference.

Thank you to our Mental Health Practitioner, Lachlan Merchant, for organising and encouraging our community to support this important cause. 

Please follow the link if you would like to make a donation The Push-Up Challenge - Doncaster Secondary College (thepushupchallenge.com.au)

The Value of Our School Uniform and Holding High Expectations

The wearing of our school uniform is an integral part of the expectations of being a member of our school community. Our school uniform is more than just clothing. It is a symbol of our shared identity, of our unity, and of the high standards we maintain. It instills pride and fosters a sense of belonging. It tells a story of our commitment to excellence, not only in appearance but also in academic performance and behaviour. Wearing our uniform correctly is not just about the present, but it also readies students for future responsibilities and roles. It prepares them for future life situations where appropriate presentation is key, and where they are required to meet an organisations expectations and values. 

We understand that staying warm during the cooler winter months is essential, and we want to ensure you can do so while still adhering to our school's uniform standards. The DSC uniform has been designed with consideration for our varied climate, including the chillier winter season. We encourage students to make use of the official school winter wear, including our long-sleeved shirts, jumpers, and jackets. Adding layers which fit comfortably under the standard uniform and aren't visible is also a good way of staying warm. 

For students who might have difficulties with the DSC uniform, we have spare uniforms available for students who need them, ensuring everyone can comfortably meet the school's uniform guidelines. We also partner with State School’s Relief who are a not-for-profit organisation that supports disadvantaged Victorian students and their families purchase uniforms. As always, if there are any difficulties in obtaining the appropriate uniform items, please reach out to the school office for support. We're committed to ensuring all students can comfortably and proudly wear our school uniform throughout the year.

For the once-off issues, students should report to the relevant mini-school office before school with a note from home, to obtain a uniform pass. 

Your support with this fosters a culture of respect for our community's values and standards. 

Victorian Global Learning Awards: Student Leadership Award Nominee – Berry E. (Year 12 student and School Captain)

We are thrilled to announce that our School Captain, Berry E., has been nominated as a finalist in the Student Leadership Award category at the prestigious Victorian Global Learning Awards. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Berry's dedication, hard work, and exceptional leadership skills. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 8 June, at Metropolis Events, where Berry will be recognized for her outstanding contributions to our school community and beyond. We are incredibly proud of Berry and wish her every success in this well-deserved recognition.

Berry's nomination reflects her remarkable commitment to fostering positive change within our school and the wider community. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and ability to inspire others have made a lasting impact on those around her. Berry's leadership has been instrumental in various initiatives, including promoting inclusivity, cultural understanding, and driving community engagement. She has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring people together, empowering them to make a difference. 

We are confident that Berry's remarkable leadership qualities will continue to shine, and we eagerly await the announcement of the award results. Let us come together as a community to celebrate Berry's achievements and wish her the very best in the Victorian Global Learning Awards.

Alpine School for Leadership: Community Leadership Project - DSC Trivia Night

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Alpine School for Leadership team of students for their remarkable efforts in organizing and hosting the highly successful Trivia Night on Tuesday, 30th May. This event was the culmination of their Community Leadership Program, which aimed to reconnect our school community after the challenges and disconnection caused by prolonged lockdowns. We are immensely grateful for their dedication and hard work in creating a memorable evening that brought us all together once again. 

The Trivia Night was a resounding success, featuring a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, friendly competition, and an incredible display of talent from our very own DSC Bands, who provided exceptional live music performances. It was a delightful opportunity for students, families, and staff to gather, enjoy a BYO dinner, and engage in some friendly trivia challenges. 

We sincerely thank the Alpine School for Leadership team for their vision, creativity, and tireless efforts in organizing this event and making it such a memorable occasion. We would also like to express our gratitude to the families of the Alpine School for Leadership team, whose support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the planning and execution of the Trivia Night. Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the dedicated staff members who lent their assistance and guidance, contributing to the overall success of the event. It is through collaborative efforts like these that we can foster a strong and connected school community. 

Thank you once again to the Alpine School for Leadership team, their families, and our dedicated staff members for their outstanding commitment to reconnecting our Doncaster Secondary College community. Your hard work and dedication have made a significant impact, and we look forward to more opportunities to come together. 

Glenn Morris

Principal