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Principal's Report - Thursday 28th November 2019

Exams and Step Up

Our Year 11s have now concluded their exams and are well underway with Step-Up classes for Year 12 in 2020. The Year 9s and 10s are mid-way through their examination period and that will conclude tomorrow. Year 11s finish school tomorrow.

Next week, all students in Years 7-10 will be commencing coursework for next year. Our Step-Up programs are designed to provide a head start and provide an overview of what each subject will entail in the coming year. It is expected that all students attend this program. Please see the Important Dates page later in the newsletter for the end of school dates for all year levels.

Year 12 Graduation – Friday November 22nd

What a wonderful celebration of 13 years schooling! Our Graduation Dinner was a great night of reflection and memories and all students looked resplendent in their chosen attire. Thank you to the many family members, friends and DMSC staff who attended, and to the many people who helped with the arrangements for the evening. Please see photos later in the Hilltop.

Awards Night – December 17

Our annual Awards Night will commence at 7.00pm on Tuesday December 17. All families are encouraged to attend and it is an expectation that all students be there in full school uniform. There is always much to acknowledge and celebrate and it is a great way to round out the school year.

End of an era – but exciting times ahead!

This year, will mark the last time a Menzies Centenary Prize will be awarded. Traditionally the award has gone to the Dux of the previous year – so the 2019 winner is Caitlyn Glover. Caitlyn will be presented with her Menzies medallion on the night and she has already received part of the cash component of the prize. We are disappointed that our long-standing connection with the Menzies Foundation will end, and we have been informed by CEO, Ms Liz Gillies, that the foundation is moving in different directions with their support of education and philanthropy. That said, as a school we are truly grateful for the years of generous support we received from the Menzies Foundation. Many DMSC students have received financial support to attend university and for some, it enabled them to do something that they would otherwise have not been able to afford. I know I speak on behalf of all the DMSC Menzies Alumni, when I say that the contribution from the Menzies Foundation was deeply appreciated.

BUT…

An exciting partnership is underway for the future whereby two significant cash prizes or scholarships, will be awarded to two Year 12 graduates. There will be an official launch of these awards early next year.

For this year’s class – who fall between the Menzies Prize and the new prizes – DMSC will award the VCE Dux $5000.

These funds will come from our Elizabeth Hall Trust and will be payable when the student commences their tertiary studies. (As happens with the current Menzies Prize.) The Year 12 VCAL student of the year will receive $1000 at the end of this year.

Mobile Phone Policy – Term One 2020

What can we all do to help support our students when the ban comes into place?

• Encourage your child to leave their phone at home – if no one has their phone – they will fit in! This is our preferred option.
• Support the school’s position by explaining to your child why the ban is appropriate (and we will be doing that too!)
• Use the general office to communicate important messages to your child.
• Model positive technology use at home. Limit screen time. It is worth noting that the average teenager admits to spending between five and six hours on their phone every school night! This is VERY concerning.

Remember that it will be difficult for all when the ban comes into place, but we need to persevere.

You can download the newsletter to read these profiles at this link.

Anne Gawith

Click here for this week's full newsletter.

Respectful Relationships DMSC would like to congratulate ex- DMSC student, Simone O’Brien on her tireless efforts as an ambassador for the White Ribbon & Family Violence prevention. This has increased the awareness of family violence within Dimboola, Nationally and globally. DMSC continues to promote respectful relationships and educate our students and community members regarding positive behaviour. Unfortunately, adversity may affect our community and we would like to support anyone experiencing any issues in relation to family violence. We have created a ‘Disclosure Pathways and Crisis contacts’ list for anyone in immediate need or those questioning who to seek help from in our area.
This is available here on our website under the 'Resources' tab above and at this link: Disclosure Pathways and Crisis Contacts

Bushfire At Risk Register

Our school is on the Bushfire At Risk Register (BARR).

Schools on the BARR must close on a determined Code Red day in their weather district. No staff will remain on site and all out-of-school care programs (including vacation, before and after school programs) will not operate on such days.

As a bus co-ordinating school all bus routes will be cancelled.

Click here for more information.

Click here for fire danger ratings on the CFA website.

Calendar

Click here to download
2019 End of Year Dates

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Koorie Connections

Read about our Koorie engagement projects by clicking here.

eSmart

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eSmart resources

Sun Smart

We are a Sun Smart school.

A reminder that all students must wear a DMSC wide-brimmed hat in Terms One and Four. Only DMSC hats are acceptable, no caps can be worn.

Hats can be purchased from the office.

UV Index