Volume 28 No. 14
NEWSLETTER
2 September, 2016
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
COLLEGE CALENDAR
Term 3 is rapidly disappearing. It is more important than ever for our
students undertaking Year 12 units to fully recognise that they have only a
few weeks of school remaining prior to their short study break before the
exams. Every support is given to our students to help them achieve their
potential. Student attendance in the coming weeks is hugely important as
students finish the content of units, and at the same time, undertake
revision and practice for the exams.
Monday,
5 September
Literacy and Numeracy
week begins.
Tuesday,
6 September
MyAdvance Camp.
VCE Soiree.
Literacy Luncheon.
Bus Man Exam Lecture.
Wednesday,
7 September
Year 7 Round Robin.
Year 7 MAV Maths.
Maths –‘It all adds up’
MyAdvance Camp.
MyCity Sports Museum.
MyFitness Clip&Climb.
Literacy Luncheon.
Thursday,
8 September
State Schools Spectacular
Rehearsal.
Term 3 Homework Club
last session.
Friday,
9 September
Year 7 Indigenous Stories.
Year 9 Reach program.
State Schools Spectacular
Rehearsal.
Legal Studies Exam
Lecture.
Tuesday,
13 Sept.
Parent Student Teacher
Conferences – No
formal classes.
Further Maths Exam
Lecture.
Specialist Maths Exam
Lecture.
Wednesday,
14 Sept.
Myself Showcase.
MyCSI TV episode review.
Thursday,
15 Sept.
French Tour begins.
No Homework Club today.
Presentation Ball 2016
Friday,
16 Sept.
Year 12 English Trial
Exam.
Last Day Term 3.
Last week, eighteen Year 11 and 12 couples took part in the Doncaster
Secondary College Presentation Ball. There were over two hundred and
thirty people in attendance, including Sofia Georgiou, Doncaster
Secondary College Council President. The couples did an excellent job
with their dances and looked fabulous. The pride that parents felt for their
children was clearly evident and all in attendance were very impressed by
the presentations. The comments by security, the photographers, the
venue staff and their dance teacher all reflected how impressed they were
with the behaviour, attitude and approach of our students. Our team of
staff have put in a great deal of time to organise and support our students
so that they could have this terrific night. Thank you especially to Mr Paul
Annakis, Ms Sally Miller, Mr Phil Reynolds, Ms Amanda Fisher, Ms Cathy
Bedson for their commitment to ensuring the success of the evening and
Mr Glenn Morris and Ms Belinda McGee for being our MCs on the night.
TERM DATES 2016
Term 3: 11 July to 16 September
Term 4: 3 October to 20 December
24 hr Absentee hotline
Ph: 9856 1077
SECONDHAND UNIFORM SHOP
Thursday 8.30am – 9.15am
Cash Sales Only
Mrs Éva McMaster - Principal
STUDENT ACHEIVEMENT
Year 9 Romeo and Juliet Performance
On Thursday, 18 August, Year 9 students attended a live performance of
Romeo and Juliet and I was one of the four students asked to perform. I
played Gregory, a loyal servant of the Capulets. In the morning, all four
of us met Ms Tantanis and she escorted us in to meet the cast. We had
fifteen minutes to rehearse, then the audience came in to take their seats
and watch the performance.
When we walked out onto the stage it was really terrifying as I couldn’t
see the audience and I was worried that I would forget my lines. Luckily, I
didn’t! I was seeing the full fight scene for the first time whilst on stage! It
was a bit scary because I thought I was going to get hit.
Overall it was a really rewarding experience to give it a go and to see the
play from a different perspective.
After acting my scene, I took my seat as an audience member and
enjoyed the rest of the tragedy. Watching the drama helped give me a
visual to write about in my essay. Because there were only three cast
members, a lot of the scenes were cut out and lines edited and
shortened to highlight important themes and characters. The cast added
in some singing, fighting and their costumes were hilarious. I am glad I
was given the opportunity to perform and attend the performance.
Ainsley Year 9
Bendigo Bank Junior Observer Program
East Doncaster and Templestowe Village branches.
This year, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to be able
to call myself a Bendigo Bank Junior Observer. What does this entail,
you might ask? Well, Miranda Papanastasiou and I have been very lucky
to be able to sit on an actual board of directors.
We sit in on the monthly meeting where the directors present financial
reports, marketing reports and other relevant information. In addition
Bendigo Bank also hold monthly education sessions in order to ensure
we understand all the content covered in the meetings. We also had a sit
down dinner induction, as well as a trip to the Bendigo Bank’s main office
in Bendigo (the only 6 star rated building in Victoria) which were both
amazing experiences.
Although I am only eight months into the program and have a few
meetings left, I can already say that this entire program has given me a
favorable edge both in and outside the classroom. I have witnessed
firsthand the practical applications of what we study in commerce
subjects, allowing me to better familiarize myself with the content whilst
simultaneously being able to relate to and understand what is being
taught. I’m sure this will open up additional opportunities in the future as
not many people can say they have been on a board of directors at age
sixteen.
All in all, this has truly been a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am
lucky enough to be a part of thanks to, not only Bendigo Bank, but
Doncaster Secondary College as well. It is definitely something I would
strongly recommend to all students who have an interest in commerce or
are just interested in achieving great things.
Isaac Fakhri and Miranda Papanastasiou
STUDENT ACHEIVEMENT
On Monday, 15 August, over eighty Doncaster Secondary College
students competed in the Boroondara Divisional Athletics Carnival held
at Tom Kelly Athletics Track in Doncaster. In what was a beautiful and
sunny day, the students performed extremely well and supported each
other outstandingly. There was a great team spirit amongst the students,
and we achieved some excellent results. We all have over 25 students
competing in the next stage of EMR Athletics which will be held early in
Term 4.
A special congratulations goes to the students below for their
achievements:
New Records Set:




Brandon Taing (Male 15Yr Long Jump)
Gerasimos Loukeris (Male 13Yr 200m)
Steph Ratcliffe (Female 16Yr Discus and 16Yr Shot put)
Ziara Freeny (Female 14Yr 90m Hurdles)
Age Group Champions:



Brandon Taing – 15Yr Male Champion
Steph Ratcliffe – 16Yr Female Champion
Cristian Christopoulos – 20Yr Male Champion
Over the weekend of Friday, 19 to Monday, 22 August, Abbey Caldwell
travelled to Canberra to represent Victoria in the 2016 Australian Cross
Country Championships.
Abbey raced the 4km track in freezing conditions, and finished a very
impressive 12th ranking out of over 75 girls from across the country.
A huge congratulations to Abbey on this achievement.
Ms Elly Stewart
Sport Carnivals Coordinator
FRENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Working Together, Learning Together
During the last week of the Term 2 holidays and the first three weeks of
Term 3, I had the opportunity to host Elsa, a student from Bordeaux,
France.
The four weeks I spent with her and the other French students were truly
amazing and unforgettable. I developed so many close friendships over
the time and many bonds were made. Taking Elsa sightseeing in
Sovereign Hill Ballarat was one of my many highlights of the times I
spent with her. We ran around gold mines and explored the whole town
together.
We took a trip to Melbourne Zoo, where I discovered Elsa had a fear of
butterflies but still insisted we go into the Butterfly House twice. We also
met up with the whole group (host students and French students) to
spend a day exploring the city.
Although things did not necessarily go to plan during the four weeks, we
all managed to find a way to make things work out.
Many fun memories were made during their stay in Melbourne including
the boys dancing in rollerblades, jumping around ‘till our legs felt like jelly
at Latitude, experimenting with the different flavours of jelly beans with
‘Bean Boozled’ and many, many more.
This experience was truly extraordinary. The photos from the time we
had together don’t do justice to the remarkable times we spent together.
Despite being thousands of kilometres apart, we have not lost touch with
our new found friends.
Kelly Year 10
MYCITY EXCURSION
On Wednesday, 24 August, the Year 9 My
City class went to Melbourne Star
Observation Wheel. This was another
student-planned and organised excursion
for the MyCity class. The weather was
sunny and clear, and we got to see the
beautiful Melbourne landscape from
above. The day was well organised and
we had a great time.
Cindy Tian
Languages and MYSELF teacher
Sam receiving a gift of appreciation from Melbourne Star
staff for his leadership organising such a successful
excursion.
YEAR 11 MEDIA STUDIES EXCURSION
Last week, our Year 11 Media Studies class went on an excursion to
Channel 10 Studios to be a part of the audience of The Project.
We were given the opportunity to talk to the hosts of the show, Carrie
Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar, alongside with co-host, Allan the
Chattyman. During the set we saw singer, songwriter and musician,
Passenger, who talked about his singing career and the upcoming
release of his new album.
We learned about the different roles each employee is responsible for,
including Liam, whose job was to entertain us throughout the entire time
we were there.
The excursion to The Project was a fantastic experience. Thank you to
Mr Hemsley, Ms Stewart, Ms Ebert, Ms Pickens and Ms Annavarapu for
taking us on such an exciting excursion!
Mr Andrew Hemsley
Year 12 Coordinator
YEAR 10 HISTORY
50th Anniversary of the Battle of
Long Tan
Year 10 History students visited the
War Memorial to commemorate the
50th Anniversary of the Battle of
Long Tan. Here are some student
reflections of the day:
“On Thursday, 18 August, Year 10
History class attended the Battle of
Long Tan’s 50th anniversary
Memorial Service at the Shrine of
Remembrance.
It
was
very
elaborately set out. There were a lot
more attendees than I thought there
would have been. Upon arrival, we
were directed to the seating area
where we waited for the ceremony
to start. Two [empty] cannons firing
signalled the beginning of the
ceremony. The first part of the
ceremony
involved
watching,
clapping
and
honouring
the
veterans from various battalions
across Victoria and Vietnam. We stood watching as they marched with a
smile and a proud chin up. The rest of the ceremony involved honouring
more veterans, the laying of the wreaths, prayers, and speeches from
important people, and songs from the Victorian Choir.
It was a hot day, but being a part of the ceremony was an eye opener.It
was an honour to be invited to such an event.” – Julie Year 10
“The sound of cannon and the smell of guns places the 2000 citizens into
the perspective of a solider fighting in the 3 hour Battle of Long Tan,
exactly 50 years ago today.
The Year 10 History students attended the Long Tan Memorial
ceremony, held at the Shrine of Remembrance, in commemoration for
those who fought gallantly in the Vietnam War. Bands marched and
choirs sang, and thank you’s were heard and sorry’s were felt. Wreaths
were laid down to remember the 18 who passed away in the Battle of
Long Tan and the many who sacrificed their life in the Vietnam War.
As a privileged and well-informed student, I feel honoured to have had
the opportunity to attend and take part in such a significant event.
Susie Year 10
YEAR 8 MEDIEVAL DAY
Year 8 Medieval Day
On Monday, 22 August, 8B, 8D, 8F,
8H and 8J were part of a day-long
incursion for Medieval Day.
Presenters came to the school
taught classes on crime
punishment, medieval weaponry
clothing, archery and games
tournament.
and
and
and
and
Students were able to feel how heavy chain meal was, map out the
evolution of clothing in medieval times, have a go in the stocks and even
try fighting a real knight! By holding shields and looking at weapons
students learnt how knights came to prominence during the Middle Ages
and were able to track how the stability they provided led to an economic
boom in Europe.
It was great to see student’s interacting with artefacts and replicas. The
archery section was definitely a highlight!
A special thanks goes to the Year 8 History teachers who were
invaluable on the day and to the wonderful presenters from Multisensory
Education. Thank you, also goes to the students for their enthusiasm and
engagement. Medieval Day is a highlight of the History calendar.
Anna Ditchburn
History, English and Psychology Teacher
THE GREAT BOOK SWAP
The Great Book Swap 2016- Friday, 9 September
As part of Doncaster Secondary College’s celebration of Literacy and
Numeracy Week, Year 7 students will have the opportunity to support the
Indigenous Literacy Foundation and participate in The Great Book Swap,
a nation-wide event supporting Indigenous literacy.
Between Monday, 5 and Friday, 9 September, all Year 7 students are
invited to bring a pre-loved book that they are comfortable giving away to
the ‘C’-Block staffroom. In return, they will receive a ticket and along with
a gold coin donation, on Friday, 9 September, students can select an
alternate book from the collection brought in by other Year 7 students.
The funds raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Fund, who
will use it to support indigenous literacy in various ways, including
sending quality and culturally appropriate books to carefully selected
schools and community groups. Since 2009, ILF’s Book Supply program
has delivered more than 150,000 new books to over 250 communities
nationally. But they need our help to continue these efforts.
More
information
can
be
found
at
their
website:
http://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au
Ms Elisha Sadikay
Literacy Leader
YOUNG LEADERS TO CHINA
Since their return from their exciting six week trip, our Young Leaders to
China students have been taking every opportunity to practice their
language skills and help with the integration of the International students
into the College. An example of this has been YLtC students inviting our
international students to come with them on their Wednesday, MYSELF
excursions.
This Tuesday, nine of the Young Leaders to China participants visited
the Intensive English Language class to share a lesson on language
learning.
As the Intensive English class are currently studying the topic, 'Hobbies
and Interests', the YLtC, who are all local students, came into class and
participated in some small group interviews. This gave our International
students the opportunity to practice their speaking and listening skills in
English. Our local students then took their turn at the front of the class
speaking about their own hobbies and each took a question from the
class, all in Chinese.
It was a very valuable activity, with local and International students
forming closer bonds and sharing the often uncomfortable and nervewracking experience that is language learning.
Miss Cecilia. Fairlie
EAL teacher
College Production
Presentation Ball
Presentation Ball
Art Show
Students and Staff
Art Show
Students and Staff
PARENT / STUDENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent – Student – Teacher Conferences Tuesday, 13 September, 2016
We encourage parents/guardians to take this opportunity to meet with our
teachers to discuss their child’s progress. It is expected that students
accompany their parents to the interviews and participate in the discussion
of their progress and areas for improvement. Students will only be required
at school for their Parent/Student/Teacher conference and at no other time.
We are offering three interview sessions on this day:
12.00pm – 2.40pm;
3.00pm – 5.20pm; and
6.00pm - 8.00pm.
Parents can access the online booking system via the parent portal using
your Username and Password. Bookings will be for 10 minutes duration.
Bookings will open on: Monday, 5 September at 9.00am and close on
Monday, 12 at 9.00am.
For further information regarding
making a Parent/Student/Teacher
conference booking, please see the
instructions printed towards the
back of this Newsletter. These
instructions provide you with step
by step guide to online booking
Please be aware that bookings fill quickly and you may not get the
opportunity to see all teachers during these sessions. However, you are
able to readily contact teachers via the compass system if you have any
concerns or questions.
Progress Reports
Progress reports have been available for parents to access on Compass
since Friday, 2 September. Progress reports provide parents and guardians
with a brief snapshot of how their child is progressing during this early part
of the year. Progress reports cover the areas of Effort, Behaviour,
Completion of Work and Standard of Work.
Please take this opportunity to discuss the report with your child talking
about how they have performed and discuss any concerns that they may
have. This shared conversation can then be used to prepare for each
interview.
Suggestions to help you make the most of this report cycle:
 Bring your child with his/her report with you to the interview and include
them in the discussion.
 Make a list of the questions you wish to ask.
 If you wish to discuss a specific issue that you know will involve extended
time, contact the appropriate Year Level Coordinator to make an
appointment with the teacher or the Co-ordinator.
 If family or medical circumstances may be having an impact on your
child’s progress, inform the teachers. This will help them to better meet your
child’s needs.
 Focus on discussing your child’s progress.
Questions that will help discuss your child’s progress:
 How can my child improve the standard of his/her work?
 How can the family assist the student to attain his/her goals?
 What strategies does the teacher suggest to improve student outcomes?
 Is my child taking responsibility for homework, completion of classwork
and participation in group work?
 Is my child a responsible student in class?
After the interview:
 It is important to acknowledge and focus on the positive outcomes of the
interview, then work on manageable areas that need improving.
 Follow through and reinforce suggestions made by the teachers.
 Keep in contact with teachers if necessary. A note in the Student Planner
is a good way to make contact.
 If you are concerned about your child’s progress during the course of the
semester, contact the relevant co-ordinator.
Ms Belinda McGee
Assistant Principal
STUDY SKILLS
A MESSAGE TO YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Working Together, Learning Together
These last few months of Year 12 can be overwhelming as the focus
just seems to be on marks, marks, marks.
So here are some important things to remember:
Yes this year is important. And yes you want to get the best marks you
can. BUT.
A very big but.
You as a person are not defined by a number alone.
There are always alternate paths to get to where you want to go in life.
The marks might make it quicker or easier but if you really want to get
somewhere, if you are passionate about what you want to do, you will
find a way to make it happen. Many people don’t get their first
preference at university, so start off in one course then transfer after a
year to the one they really wanted.
Lots of students leave school and find out that they actually have some
incredible skills, they just weren’t academic! They discover that they are
really good at lots and lots of stuff and that in the end, the marks did not
make that much difference to their final career.
Really what you want after the next few months is to walk away with no
regret, to be able to walk away saying no matter what, I really did the
best I could – rather than I threw away twelve years of school just
because I couldn’t be bothered pushing hard in the last few months.
Doing your best is all anyone should expect of you, teachers, parents
and even yourself.
These can be challenging months and you will be so over study by the
end of it. Remember everyone has to go through it and the good news
is it is never like this again! Just keep saying to yourself each day, this is
one day less and I will never ever have to study like this again. The
hardest part of Year 12 is finding the self-discipline to make yourself do
the study when you don’t feel like doing it! So hang in there, persist, just
take it day by day and make use of the support structures around you
through the school, family and friends.
Dr Prue Salter
While Year 12 is busy studying, the rest of the school can learn more
about how to achieve their personal academic best at school at
www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
Mrs Jenny Stella and Mrs Merri Chiappa
Discovery Program Coordinators
ROAD SAFETY
Stop, Look, Listen, Think
Respect
Follow the safe road crossing procedure:
STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK.
 STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the
road if there is no footpath.
 LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
 LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
 THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when
the road is clear or all traffic has stopped.
When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING
and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
Responsibility
Rules for pedestrians
Resilience
Pedestrians are not allowed to:
 cross the road if they are facing an amber or red traffic or
pedestrian light
 cross the road within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing they must use the crossing
 get out of a moving vehicle
 cross a railway level crossing when it is not allowed
 cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver
 walk along, or fail to give way when crossing, a path
which is for bicycles and wheeled devices (a path
showing a 'Bicycle lane' sign).
Mr Jeff Pavlou
Assistant Principal
MANNINGHAM CITY COUNCIL YOUTH TREK
Teamwork
Youth Trek
Saturday, 10 September 1.00pm-4.00pm
Presented by Manningham City Council
Have a break from homework and join other passionate,
environmentally conscious young people on a captivating trek
through the heart of Manningham. On this guided tour each new
step will weave together the seemingly unconnected environment
and wildlife into an intricately connected and beautiful ecosystem.
Unite with other passionate young people and dare to have an
adventure. Snacks provided but you will be required to bring a
water bottle.
Cost: Free
Where: Meeting place will be confirmed upon booking
Bookings: Young people aged 14-21 only. 9840 9132,
Rebecca.cherubin@manningham.vic.gov.au
LIBRARY NEWS
STUDENT CONTACT DETAILS
Doncaster Secondary College
uses the contact details
Parent/Guardians have
provided, including email
addresses, to enable us to
send out important
information. Please take the
time to email or phone the
College to advise us of any
changes to your contact
details.
Ph: 9848 4677
www.doncaster.sc@edumail
.vic.gov.au
STUDENT ABSENCES
When students are unwell or
not attending school for any
reason, parents are requested
to phone the College.
Please phone the
24 hr Absentee Hotline
Ph: 9856 1077
ACCESSING THE COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
The College Newsletter is
emailed to parents via the
Parent Portal
The Newsletter is available
fortnightly on Friday
afternoon.
It can also be viewed on the
College website:
www.doncastersc.vic.edu.au
SECONDHAND UNIFORM
SHOP
Secondhand items are
available for purchase from
the Performance Centre on:
THURSDAYS 8.30am - 9.15am.
CASH PAYMENTS ONLY
STUDENT PAYMENT OFFICE
Open Times:
8.30-9.00am
11.30-11.55am
Payments can also be
deposited in the drop box.
Smoking is banned within
four metres of an entrance to
all primary and secondary
schools in Victoria, and within
the school grounds, under an
amendment to the Tobacco
Act 1987. A similar ban
applies to the entrances and
grounds of Victorian childcare
centres and kindergartens.
The Department of Education does
not endorse the products or services
of any private advertiser.
No
responsibility is accepted by the
Department
of
Education
for
accuracy or information contained in
advertisements or claims made by
them.
The Library Internet room (HIR) is now open for Lunchtime
private study.
The room is simply a place for students to study, silently alone.
Finish that troublesome assignment and get homework done
quickly and easily during school hours!
Library Staff
ART CLUB
Art Club is held at Lunchtime on Mondays every
week.
All students are welcome to come along to ‘B’2.
Ms Gemma Patterson - Art/Technology Domain Leader
HOMEWORK CLUB
The Homework Club is a very popular
program.
It is designed to assist students with any
aspect of their studies.
It takes place in ‘C’ Block after school from 3.30 to 4.30 pm
each Thursday. An attendance role is taken.
Homework club will not run on Thursday, 15 September. It
will begin again in Term 4.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any further
enquiries.
Ms Jacinta Griffiths - Student Support Homework Program
ALUMNI
Doncaster Secondary College Alumni
Do you know that in 2019 our College will be turning 50? In
honour of this very special event, we have decided to form an
Alumni to be up and running in time to celebrate such a
momentous occasion. We have created a Facebook page and
would love you all to spread the word to past teachers,
students and admin staff associated with the College. Our
Facebook group is called Doncaster SC Alumni. Email your
name, telephone number and final year associated with the
College to be kept updated on our first event which will take
place in 2016 to doncasterscalumni@gmail.com.
Mrs Sofia Georgiou - College Council President
Instructions for Booking Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
Click on the Parent Portal located at www.doncastersc.vic.edu.au
Log on using your Username and Password
Click on ACTONS FOR “STUDENT NAME”
Select Book Parent Teacher Interviews
Under available events,
click on March 22 2016, Parent Teacher Student Conferences
At the bottom of this list are your child’s class teachers and their subjects.
Selected staff members are also available for specialised bookings
To book an appointment time:
1. Click on a time
2. Select a teacher using the drop down arrow
3. Click “update”
To cancel a booking:
1. Click on the time
2. Ensure “no booking” is in the message box
3. Click “update”
To view and print your bookings schedule use the links on the
Top Right Hand side of the screen