17 Sep
DSC Newsletter 16th September 2024
Edition 114
Principal Team Report
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- Elizabeth Godwin
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- Marc Fleming
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- Natasha Glaister
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- Leokardia Lilikakis
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- Carlie Case
As we near the end of Term 3, it’s a good time to reflect on the many achievements of our students, who have consistently delivered pleasing results. Throughout this term, staff, students, and their families have remained dedicated to their studies and have worked hard to meet their goals.
During Term 3 and over the past weeks, we have welcomed several new staff to our college including:
- Skye Rees
- Megan Miller
- Laurienne Shepherd
- Pawan Kant
- Olivia Jean
- Shavini Don
- Jonah Serong
- Joanne Brauman
- Lachlan Plueckhahn
We also welcome the following new teachers in Term 4:
- Simon Baxter
- Julien Vignaud
- Shubinoy Kapoor
- Jake Talbot
We look forward to the contribution that they will bring to the college in the support of students’ learning and filling the vacancies that we have had during this year.
At the end of Term 3 we farewell LJ Dehavilland for a period of leave. Amy Forbes will lead the Year 7 area and team for the rest of 2024, in addition to her current role at Year 8. Whitney Churchill will be acting Year 10 Level Leader while Tyler Ryan is on leave until the end of November.
In the term break, VCE students studying a Unit 3 and 4 subjects will have access to the important September Holiday Exam and Revision Preparation Program, and I encourage all students to attend all revision opportunities and thank staff for their ongoing dedication to support students. As our Year 12 students approach the final stages of their secondary education, I wish them the very best for the exam period and for their chosen pathway beyond secondary school.
High Expectations for Learning
Looking ahead to Term 4, we will offer everyone in the college community a chance to reset and aim for the high standards that are integral to our college. Our High 5 approach, a longstanding method for maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment, focuses on shared expectations for student behaviour and aligns with our College Values and Culture, which emphasise Achievement, Respect, Commitment, and Community. Starting on Monday, October 7th, all members of the community will be expected to meet the standards outlined in the provided diagram. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their educational growth.
High expectations are also associated with positive outcomes, such as improvements in behaviour, self-esteem, motivation, attendance and academic achievement (Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation [CESE], 2020).
Each section of the HIGH 5 diagram has been divided to provide clear expectations for each area.
UNIFORM
The wearing of school uniform is required, with various options available to accommodate student preferences and needs. One addition to the uniform is the approval to wear a white short or long sleeve T-shirt under the school shirts. All students should also be prepared to change into the PE uniform for classes. PE uniform should not be worn at other times of the day. The girls’ pants if this is the chosen item should be navy blue and not black.
GET TO CLASS ON TIME
Punctuality to class is crucial because teachers will start each lesson with a specific entry routine that includes a daily review to reinforce key concepts from previous lessons. Students are encouraged to bring a drink bottle of water to class to avoid disruptions but should not bring food into the classroom; instead, they should use breaks for morning tea and lunch. Break cards will be limited to those with prior approval, and the emphasis will be on remaining in class for the full 60-minute lesson.
BE FULLY EQUIPPED FOR LEARNING
To support optimal learning, it’s essential that all students come to school fully equipped with their workbooks, textbooks, and necessary stationery, including pens and pencils. Proper use of individual computers is also crucial, so students should make sure their devices are charged overnight. While each LCC office will have charging stations available, we encourage students to stay organised and arrive at school prepared. Please check COMPASS each day to identify key elements of any class in the lesson plans added by subject teachers.
FOLLOW STAFF DIRECTIONS
To support all students and staff, it is expected that all students will follow the reasonable directions of staff. This provides an orderly and safe environment where students can actively engage in
classroom activities. The Victorian Government has also the requirement that students do not have mobile phones and
other electronic devices or headphones during the school day. These should be stored in the individual locker provided and be switched off during the day. If families need to contact students, the office is able to convey any messages received.
COMPLETE ALL LEARNING TASKS AND HOMEWORK
In each lesson, staff will assign a variety of tasks designed to help students practice and master the skills and knowledge essential to each subject. We encourage all students to complete these tasks with the support of their teachers and to finish any homework assignments given.
I encourage all students to engage with their learning and communicate any concerns with the College. Thank you to the families that have completed the parent opinion survey. This feedback is essential for the future planning of the college.
I am delighted with what we have accomplished this year at our college and the way our staff and students have supported each other. We look forward to a very successful Term Four.
Liz Godwin, Principal
30 Year Anniversary
DSC’s Blackwood Bratauloong Program is holding it’s 30 Year Celebration and Open Day on Friday 11th October 2024. Past, present and prospective members of the school community invited to join us to celebrate 30 years of education at our Hallora campus.
School Saving Bonus
In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus.
The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.
The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.
ACTIONS FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:
- Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School.
- Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information by contacting us directly.
We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:
- in October, to verify your email address
- in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus and access to an online system.
Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.
To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.
From the General Office
Please take note of the following details for payment of current accounts and other office procedures.
Compass Parent Contributions
We would like to invite families to check their Compass accounts and finalise payments unless you have arranged a payment plan. Please see the Compass article, School Fees & Contributions Parent Guide.
2024 Building Fund
If you wish to make a contribution to our Building Fund you will find a contribution amount on your Compass account. The amount of $60 is only a suggestion and any amount would be appreciated. Thankyou to those families who have already contributed. These contributions go towards upkeep of buildings eg painting, new security fencing, signage and other items that are not funded by the state government funding.
Enrolment Detail Check
Last term, the College emailed families a copy of their child’s enrolment details. We need to complete this audit to ensure we have correct details, including correct up to date contact details.
Please make sure you follow up this email and provide us with any change of details.
Does your Child need to Leave the School Early During the Day?
A reminder that if your child needs to leave during class time or any other time during the school day, they are required to bring a signed note which is to be presented at their LCC office. When it is time to leave, students must sign out at their LCC office before meeting their parent or carer at the Front Office.
For students in Years 7 and 8:
In accordance with Department of Education guidelines, no student can leave school during the day unless a parent/carer presents to the Front Office. Students will need to wait at their LCC until a parent/carer has arrived. This means students cannot be given permission to walk home during the school day or meet parents in the bus loop or carpark.
For students in Years 9 to 12:
With the written knowledge and permission of a parent/guardian, a student in Years 9 – 12 is permitted to leave the school grounds with a valid reason.
To give your student in Years 9-12 permission to leave before the end of the school day, the following information must be provided in writing via note or email:
- Student Name
- Time permitted to leave
- Reason for leaving
- Destination (e.g home)
- Method of travel
For all students:
Please also note that we require parent permission for students to be collected by someone other than their parents/carers, as listed on our records. Persons listed as emergency contacts also require permission from parents/carers to collect students.
Please call ahead if you have an unscheduled appointment in plenty of time, this enables staff to locate the child and make sure they are ready when you come to collect them.
If a student feels unwell, they need to go to their LCC / Sickbay where they can be cared for. Please remind your child of this process. The College will call you if they need to be collected.
Early Finish on Last Day of Term
Students will be dismissed at the earlier time of 2.30pm on the last day of Term 3, Friday 20th September. See Compass for adjusted bell times.
The Drouin Bus Network will also depart 1 hour earlier from 2.30pm.
We wish everyone a safe and restful school holidays and look forward to seeing you on Monday 7th October for the start of Term 4.
Wear It Purple Day
Wear It Purple Day is celebrated at Drouin Secondary College to acknowledge the diversity of our school community to show support, respect and allyship. We want to create an inclusive community and future for our young people. This year Wear It Purple Day was organised by the college’s Wellbeing Team and SAGA (sexuality and gender alliance) group. Students were able to access information from Headspace who were onsite during lunchtime, grab a purple milkshake and have their nails or faces painted while listening to the incredible DSC bands playing in the bus loop. Each year money raised from the event is donated to the Wear It Purple Day foundation and Minus 18 who both work with and advocate for LGBTQIA+ young people in Australia. Wear It Purple was originally founded by students in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment.
HIGH 5: Be in Full School Uniform
Below is information from our college school uniform policy.
Uniform should be worn when….
Our policy states that students must be in uniform while travelling to and from school, during a school day, immediately after Phys Ed or any session where students are wearing alternative clothes. This applies at the end of the school day for travelling home.
Clarification on PE Uniform
PE/Sports uniform is to only be worn in during PE classes or sports days. Students are to get changed before and after their PE class.
Extra Clothes For Warmth
A water-resistant College jacket, puffer jacket or fleecy bomber jacket can be worn with the College jumper. Non-uniform jackets are not permitted to be worn. Students are advised that tracksuit pants and hoodies are not part of our uniform and shouldn’t be worn to school.
Students wearing non-uniform jackets are deemed out of uniform. Students cannot have a note for non-uniform jackets.
A plain white T-shirt (short sleeved or long sleeved) may also be worn underneath uniform.
ONLY DSC beanies or scarves are permitted. Bandannas and sweatbands are not permitted.
Footwear
Shoes 100% black lace up. Leather shoes are recommended for foot health and value, but not compulsory. Laces must be also be 100% black.
NOTE:
- Fashion shoes with a raised heel or platform sole must not be worn.
- Slip on or shoes with straps and / or buckles are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Boots that cover the ankle are not uniform.
- Boots are not shoes.
If families need support with uniform please contact your child’s Learning Group Leader (Year 7) or Year Level Assistant (Years 8 -12).
The Belgravia (Buxwear) Uniform Shop is open on Thursdays 1pm to 6pm and the first Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm.
Sustainable School Shop
The Sustainable School Shop is available for parents to source second hand uniform and books. This subscription is funded by DSC and is available via this link https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/
Languages Learnings
Mochitsuki (Rice Cake Pounding)
Year 12 Japanese students participated in a ‘Mochitsuki’ event with Diane, our exchange student from France, where they engaged in the traditional practice of pounding mochi as part of their course unit on Japanese traditions and customs.
In Japan, rice cultivation is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, and rice has long been revered as a sacred crop that enhances life force. The power of rice is believed to be concentrated in mochi, the rice cake made from pounded rice. It is a longstanding belief that eating mochi imparts strength, which is why mochi is traditionally made for celebrations and special occasions such as New Year’s Day.
Mochitsuki is a communal activity that requires the cooperation of more than one person to pound the rice cakes, symbolising the importance of solidarity and shared joy. This event was organised with the hope that our Year 12 students will ‘persevere like mochi’—continuing to give their best effort through their final exams while enjoying the remainder of their high school life with their peers!
Welcoming Our French Exchange Students: A Cultural and Educational Enrichment
In Term 2, our school had the pleasure of hosting Diane, a French exchange student who made a significant impact on our community, particularly among students in the French program. Diane’s presence provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage with a native French speaker, enhancing their language skills and deepening their understanding of French culture.
VCE French students especially benefited from Diane’s stay, as they practiced their speaking skills with her, resulting in noticeable improvements in fluency and confidence. Beyond language learning, Diane shared insights into French customs and everyday life, broadening our students’ cultural horizons.
Now, in Term 3, we are excited to welcome another exchange student from France, Timothee. He will be with us for the entire term, and we anticipate that his presence will continue to positively influence our French students. Timothee’s stay will offer even more opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange, further enriching the learning experience.
We look forward to the lasting impact these exchange students bring to our school, helping to create a vibrant, culturally aware community that embraces global perspectives!
School Student Broadband Initiative
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WITH FREE INTERNET AT HOME UNTIL DECEMBER 2025
The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is a Federal Government initiative offering free home internet to 30,000 unconnected households with school-aged students. Households have until Tuesday 31 December 2024 to apply. Free services will continue until 31 December 2025.
The initiative seeks to boost educational opportunities and narrow the digital divide.
To be eligible, households must:
- have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep)
- not have an active NBN Co. network internet service at home (excludes mobile internet services)
- live in a premises that can access the NBN Co. network via a standard connection
- not have had an active NBN Co. connection during the previous 14 days.
To be assessed, please contact the NBN National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet to request a call back. Please note:
- NBN will check your nominated home address for an active NBN connection.
- You do not need to provide financial information.
- Translation and interpretation services are available.
Some families might also be contacted via their school with information about how to apply. The Victorian Department of Education has been working with the NBN to review Victorian school student home addresses. Only home addresses have been provided to NBN to check. No other personal information has been shared with NBN. NBN handles this data in accordance with privacy law.
Find out more
- Department of Education SSBI webpage for parents and carers: School Student Broadband Initiative: information for parents and carers
- For more information on the SSBI, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Battle of the Bands
Congratulations to Kyle, Harry, Lewis and Chris for winning Best Senior Band in the South Eastern Victoria Battle of the Bands. DSC had three bands (Balmoral, Royal Oak and Beau & the Arrows) venture to Patterson River Secondary College to compete against 25 other bands. Congratulations to you all on your hard work and outstanding performances. Balmoral performed two original songs and took out the win!
Immunology in Action
Unit 3/4 Biology Excursion to GTAC
On a crisp Wednesday morning, our Unit 3/4 Biology students traded their classroom for the cutting-edge laboratories of the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in Melbourne. Little did they know they were about to embark on a thrilling journey into the microscopic battlefield of the human immune system!
Students worked collaboratively to construct models representing the humoral immune response. These models served as practical tools to explore secondary immune responses and the vaccination process, bringing textbook concepts to life.
The students then got to step into the shoes of real biomedical researchers, wielding pipettes and running ELISA tests on calf serum samples. It wasn’t just about following instructions – they had to analyse their results alongside volunteer scientists, piecing together the puzzle of vaccination schedules for the sample calves.
Our students actively participated in discussions with visiting scientists from renowned institutions such as WEHI and the University of Melbourne. They asked thoughtful questions, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the subject matter.
This excursion offered an excellent opportunity to see practical applications of the immune system theory studied in class over the past months. It provided a tangible connection between classroom learning and real-world scientific practices.
The day was both educational and inspiring, potentially sparking interest in future careers in immunology and biomedical research. Our students represented the school admirably with their engagement and conduct throughout the excursion.
Ms Welfare & Mr Walsh
Dates to Remember
Term 3
| Week 10 | |
| Thursday, 19 September 2024 | Whole School Assembly The Big Sing |
| Friday, 20 September 2024 | Year 12 Practice English Exam Year 8 Celebration Day Last Day Term 3 – Students Finish at 2:30pm Buses depart 1 hour earlier from 2.30pm |
School Holidays
| Tuesday, 24 September 2024 | VCE Japanese Exam Preparation Day |
| Monday, 30 September 2024 | Unit 3 & 4 Practice Exams Commence |
| Thursday, 3 October 2024 | Unit 3 & 4 Practice Exams Finish |
Term 4
| Week 1 | |
| Monday, 7 October 2024 | First Day Term 4 |
| Wednesday, 9 October 2024 | 10AVP Engineering Ahead Program |
| Thursday, 10 October 2024 | 10OES Navigation & Orienteering |
| Friday, 11 October 2024 | Blackwood 30th Anniversary Celebrations |
| Week 2 | |
| Monday, 14 October 2024 | VCE French Oral Exam 2025 Presentation Ball Parent Info Night 6.00pm |
| Tuesday, 15 October 2024 | 7APP Potential to Performance Workshop |
| Wednesday, 16 October 2024 | Unit 3/4 Food Studies Exam Revision 6.00-8.30pm 2024 Arts Showcase Senior 5.30-7.00pm |
| Thursday, 17 October 2024 | SSV Gippsland Region Year 7 & 8 Hockey |
| Friday, 18 October 2024 | Year 12 Celebration Day VCE Music Performance Evening 6.30-8.30pm |
| Week 3 | |
| Monday, 21 October 2024 | VCE Year 12 Study Week commences VCE Japanese Oral Exam SSV State Athletics |
| Tuesday, 22 October 2024 | SRC Meeting – 1:40pm KELiS Koorie Emerging Leaders SSV Gippsland Year 8 Boys Basketball |
| Wednesday, 23 October 2024 | Inspiring Young People Program Monologue Exam School Council Meeting 6.30pm |
| Thursday, 24 October 2024 | 11OES Caving & River Sledding Camp Year 9 Okonomiyaki Workshop |
| Friday, 25 October 2024 | 11OES Caving & River Sledding Camp RACE Victoria Ag Dairy Excursion |
| Week 4 | |
| Monday, 28 October 2024 | Year 7 Tabloid Sports 10OES Inverloch Surfing |
| Tuesday, 29 October 2024 | Year 12 Exams begin Aged Care Music Tour |
| Week 5 | |
| Monday, 4 November 2024 | Modified Timetable Day |
| Tuesday, 5 November 2024 | Melbourne Cup Public Holiday |
| Friday, 8 November 2024 | Year 7 to 11 Exams Commence |
SAVE THE DATE
- Friday 15th November – Staff Professional Development Day – Student Free Day
- Monday 18th November – Step Up begins – students commence 2025 classes
- Thursday 21st November – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
- Thursday 5th December – Presentation Night
- Tuesday 10th December – Statewide Transition Day for Year 6 into 7 2025
