Secondary
Mr Chris Graham
Assistant Principal (Secondary)
RU - AI0K?
Dear Students and Families
Welcome to the start of a new school year! I am so excited to have you all back in the building and to get to know each of you. This year is going to be different than any other year we have experienced. We are learning how to navigate the new normal and I’m confident that together we can make this a successful and enjoyable school year. I want to remind you that the safety of our students and their successes is our priority. I look forward to journeying this year with you all.
While I don’t disagree with anything written in the paragraph above, I didn’t write it. I used an AI to generate the text. I simply used the prompts ‘school newsletter’, ‘principal’, ‘first for the year’. I finds it interesting that it referred to the phrase ‘new normal’ without prompting. I think this speaks volumes into the opportunities and challenges AI will bring in schooling.
Firstly, the opportunities. When writing, AI can help with the mechanics of grammar and punctuation. Just like reading a good book, it does show us how to form a sentence, paragraph and express thoughts and ideas.
However, the challenges are that it ‘teaches’ us how to think. AI’s work on an algorithms that use common information on the internet. As we are all well aware, not all information on the internet is correct, much of the information is mere opinion; often biased. Thus the information generated by any AI will have a bias depending on the programmers.
When a student is learning to write an essay, they are learning the structure of text, they’re learning how to reference literature, they’re learning how to take in information, process it, form an opinion and express that opinion. However, when AI is used, the formation and expression of opinions is already done; there’s no thinking required.
As a parent and as a school, it’s important that we look at the opportunities that this technology will have in the future, however, it is crucial that families and schools teach students how to critically think; to take information, filter the dross and form an educated opinion.
But just like the AI said, ‘I look forward to journeying this year with you all.’ haha
Ms Melissa D'Amico
Deputy Head Secondary (Middle School Culture)
I hope you are all excited for the start of another academic year. As the new Deputy Head Secondary, I am thrilled to be joining the Aiken College community and cannot wait to meet and work with all of you.
For our new Year 7 students and any new faces to our College, I would like to extend a warm welcome. Starting high school can be a big change, but you have demonstrated that you have settled in quickly. Our dedicated staff and student support services are here to help and support you as you embark on this new chapter in your education journey. Welcome back to all our Year 8 and Year 9 students also!
This year, we have many exciting initiatives and programs planned, and I encourage you to take advantage of all that our College has to offer. Whether it's through participating in sports, joining clubs, or simply being a part of our vibrant student community, there is something for everyone.
As we start this new school year, I would like to remind all students of the importance of getting involved in the life of the College. This not only enhances your academic and personal growth, but it also helps to build a strong sense of community and belonging.
The Dunhelen Team
This year, Mr Jason Mackrell joins the team as Head of Year 7. Ms Sherry Daniel is the Head of Year 8 and Mr Daniel Schembri is the Head of Year 9. We work closely with our wonderful homeroom teachers across each year level and the Dunhelen Administration Assistant, Mrs Jacinta Perilli.
College Theme
This year we will focus on the College value of ‘Excellence’ in order to achieve our personal best. The pursuit of excellence is contingent upon many details. It is not only the big things that matter but also the little things that communicate high expectations and raise standards. Excellence involves putting our whole hearts into the work we do, the way we behave, our service to others, the community and the environment and knowing that what we do matters.
I am looking to what this year will bring and hope that it is a wonderful year for all!
A few words from Mr Mackrell
The Year 7 students had their first day of school on Wednesday 1 February. Very excited students and parents made their way to the VCE 2 building for the eager start to the year.
As the students ventured into their homerooms, the parents were invited to a morning tea and had the opportunity to liaise with the Principal, Deputy Principal, and the Deputy Head Secondary (Middle School Culture).
The students settled in well and appreciated the time allocated to unpack and set up their lockers. The students participated in a treasure hunt activity around the school. This was a great way for students to familiarise themselves with the different buildings.
After recess, the students were given the opportunity to sign up for house sports. The students seemed very keen and excited about all the sporting and other activities offered at Dunhelen.
Students then completed regular timetabled classes for periods 4 and 5. The students enjoyed the outdoor spaces during recess and lunch to catch up with friends.
Year 7 Photos - Day 1
Year 8 Photos - Day 1
Year 9 Photos - Day 1
Brookhill
Hello, My name is Victor Salloum and I hold the position of Deputy Head Secondary (Senior School Pathways). This position is newly created as part of the Aitken Leadership structure and one that I am very excited about.
This year, 2023, our College has a focus on excellence, and as part of my role I will focus on excellence in Brookhill. I will work with our staff and students to be excellent in all we do, we will aim to be the best version of ourselves in teaching and learning, in operation and in organisation.
My long-term goals for 2023 are to ensure all our students successfully complete the VCE and VCE VM certificates and are on the right path to work towards their future aspirations. I will work hard with the senior school students to be positive, influential leaders at school and in the wider community. I will also be working on some of our major events for the year including the Year 11 Presentation Ball and the Year 12 Valedictory evening.
I wish all our students the best of luck in 2023 and beyond and look forward to working with all parents as well.
Mr Victor Salloum
Deputy Head Secondary (Senior School Pathways)
Hello, My name is Dean Taylor and I am stepping into the newly created role of Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Culture).
It shapes up to be an exciting year, as we transition to a new leadership structure it is going to be a time of change, reflection and refinement across Brookhill. We aim to promote academic and individual excellence, self-discipline and respect across all our Senior School students.
To achieve some of our goals we are implemented a range of new initiatives. This includes updating and rebranding the Year 11/12 ‘Mentoring’ Program, implementing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Framework and creating a tailored study skills specifically for the Aitken College cohort.
My aim is to bring out the best in all students across Brookhill and encourage all members of the College to be the best version of themselves. I am looking forward to working with students, parents, and the wider school community to bring about meaningful change in 2023.
Mr Dean Taylor
Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Culture)