from the principal

Welcome

First term continues to be a great success, the tone around our school and the focus of our students on their learning is to be congratulated.  Similarly, the commitment and willingness of our students to participate in the many co-curricular activities on offer, including: sailing, swimming, The Production ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Cycling Club, Athletics, Technology and Dance Enhancement Programs to name a few, has been outstanding. I particularly want to draw your attention to the performing arts and sporting programs of the College We have had significant growth in student participation in these programs again in recent months, and the efforts of the cross section of staff involved as well as the participation of our students, should be applauded.

50th Birthday Celebrations

It is an honour to be Principal of Dromana College and in this the schools 50th year, it is particularly special. As a place of educational excellence, the school in its many guises has served the community of the Mornington Peninsula well. Some 10,000 students, their families and 500 staff have an affinity with the college.  On Sunday 12 March 2017, through the leadership of Theresa Stelling, Doug Smith and Tara Borthwick, the college community came together to celebrate of the school’s fifty years of service. This event was held in the College grounds and there was certainly an enormous amount of success, achievements and pride in our community to celebrate.

Accident Insurance Cover for Students 

Some school activities and physical education, particularly contact sports, carry inherent risks of injury. Parents are advised that the Department of Education and Training does not have Student Accident Insurance cover for students. Therefore, if your child is injured at school as a result of an accident or incident, all costs associated with the injury, including medical costs is the responsibility of the child, parent or caregiver. Some incidental medical costs may be covered from Medicare. If parents have private health insurance, some costs may also be covered through your private health insurance. Any other costs would be borne by the parents. Student Accident Insurance is an insurance policy that pays certain benefits should your child have an accident. It is a personal decision for parents which type and level of private insurance they purchase. An approved insurance broker should be contacted if you have any questions about insurance cover.

Personal Goods 

Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. The DE&T does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property

Open Night

The Dromana College Open Night for prospective Grade 6 families will be held on Thursday 27 April 2017 commencing at 7:00pm in the Basketball Stadium.  The night is being organised by our Transition Coordinator Mrs Brooke Mollenkopf, and all staff and some students will be involved. It is hoped that this evening will give parents an opportunity to seek answers regarding their child’s secondary education and the opportunities that we can provide. Personally I enjoy this evening and see it as an opportunity for the College to celebrate all the great things that the students, staff and families of the College achieve.

Swimming Carnival

The annual whole school swimming  carnival was held this term and I would like to congratulate Ms Emma Morrison on the organisation of this event.  All students and staff in attendance commented positively about the day, such occasions are invaluable to the enhancement of school spirit and it was fantastic to see such a significant attendance and participation from all students, particularly our senior students.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Tuesday 14 April 2017 was set aside for Parent Teacher Interviews between the times of 12:00noon – 8:00pm. This was a student free day and consequently students were not required to attend classes on this day but were strongly encouraged to attend interviews with their families. The purpose of these interviews is to support student academic progress, and it is an important opportunity for parents, students and teachers to discuss how the 2017 academic year is progressing for each student.

Easter Holidays

Students will be dismissed from school for the Term 1 and Easter break at 2:30pm on Friday 31 March 2017.  I wish all our families a safe holiday over the Easter period.  This time is a particularly dangerous time on our roads and I urge all travellers to be cautious and patient when driving. 

Alan Marr

PRINCIPAL