Like our Facebook page to stay up to date!

We post regular news from the school as well as notices and reminders on our Facebook page.

'Like' to stay up to date - www.facebook.com/DimboolaMemorialSecondaryCollege

Principal's Report - Thursday 19th September 2019

Parent Survey Results

Wow! I was absolutely delighted this week to open the preliminary report from our 2019 Parent Opinion Survey. This year, we had 47 respondents – definitely a record by DMSC standards and a testament to Kaye’s perseverance for encouraging so many of you to respond! There has been some slight movement up and down across the domains, but once again, our data is very strong and when benchmarked against the State, will be fantastic. There is always room for improvement, but also lots of things to celebrate.

Of particular note, the General Satisfaction result from our 47 parents for 2019 is… 91% positive 9% neutral and ZERO negative! This is such an incredible endorsement of the work we do here at DMSC – and I would like to thank every member of our whole-school community for the ongoing support that they continue to show our school. (That said, of course our aim will always be to have 100% positive endorsement for general satisfaction with our school!) I will publish further results early in Term Four when the full report is available.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to the many parents and carers who attended the interviews last night. It was pleasing to see a good turn out and I heard many positive conversations occurring throughout the evening. If you were unable to attend, please contact the college and a time can be made for you to meet with, or speak over the phone, with the requested teachers.

Hands on Learning - Roast Lunch!

On Wednesday, our Hands on Learning team prepared a magnificent roast lunch. Their special guest was Mrs Jan John, representing the Dimboola Lions Club and Assistant Principal, Sally Klinge and HOL Coordinator, Luke Werner joined me and the HOL team for a wonderful feast. Under the watchful eye of HOL Leader, Donna Baldock, the boys prepared two roast meats and 10 different vegetables! They also made a delicious apple crumble which was enjoyed with a scoop or two of ice-cream. The group took Jan for a tour around the school and showcased some of the projects that they have been working on throughout the year. Congratulations to the whole HOL team – they should be very proud of their efforts.

Year 10 Work Experience

This week, the majority of our Year 10s have been participating in a work experience program. The students have been engaged in work in a wide range of industries, ranging from: agriculture, hair dressing, nursery work, aged care, primary school, legal services, horse training and many others. In past years, we have had students secure part time work after their work experience, and some have gone on to gain full time training and employment with the organisation they undertook work experience with in Year 10. On behalf of our students, I would like to sincerely thank the many businesses and organisations who have provided this valuable opportunity.

Excursions

Thank you to the staff who have accompanied our students on a wide range of excursions in this last week of term.

The Year 12s went to an Elevate session in Warracknabeal, we sent a team of competitors to the athletics in Ballarat, the Year 7s went to the Halls Gap Zoo, a group of students went to the opening of the new Dimboola Netball changerooms and the VCAL students will be in Horsham tomorrow! None of these things would happen without our staff being prepared to accompany them. All of the staff at DMSC give very generously of their time and I thank them all for their efforts in enabling our students to participate in a wide range of activities throughout the year.

Trivia with a Twist

Please support our Cambodia fundraising event and book a table for Trivia with a Twist on Friday October 11. This event was a roaring success early last year, with many in attendance asking for a repeat event! So – that opportunity is here – don’t miss out and ring Kaye or Gaynor now to reserve your place. Please see the flyer later in the newsletter.

2020 School Review

In Term Four, we will formally commence our work for our School Review. Every aspect of our operations will be examined, with particular focus on whether we achieved our strategic targets, set in 2016. However, this analysis only forms part of what we will do. Together with the staff, our students and our families, we will examine the teaching and learning practices at DMSC, our student wellbeing framework, our community connections and a range of other focus areas. Commencing in Term Four and continuing in Term One next year, there will be opportunities for all members of our school community to participate formally and informally in the review process. Please continue to watch this space in our newsletter, as I will endeavour to provide regular updates on the progress of the review and how you can contribute to the process.

Cambodia Information Evening

A parent information session will be held in the Health and Fitness Centre on Wednesday October 16 at 7.00pm. This session is designed to provide families with some more information about what the trip entails, however it is not a firm commitment that your son or daughter will participate. Even if you have not returned the expression of interest slip, you are still welcome to attend to learn more about this exciting opportunity for our students.

Avenue of Honour – Lest we forget

All members of the DMSC school community are invited to attend the re-dedication of our Avenue of Honour and the unveiling of an interpretive sign on Sunday October 13 commencing at 2.00pm. People are encouraged to arrive from 1.30pm in readiness for a 2pm start. The service will take approximately 45 minutes and all will be invited to share some afternoon tea in the school Hall. This day is the culmination of the tireless work of local war historian, Mr Charles Rees. Charles has worked studiously to research the history of our local service men and women and he donates countless hours of volunteer labour to the upkeep of the Honour Rolls and the Avenue of Honour.

Year 12 Graduation Dinner

This year, the formal end of year event will be on Friday November 22. All Year 12 students will be able to bring a maximum of four guests. Invitations will be sent home with the students in the first week of next term and tickets will be available for purchase from the general office at a cost of $25 per head.

Well Done Dimboola Girls!

Congratulations to the U17 Dimboola Netball girls. All the best for Saturday’s game against Ararat, playing at the City Oval in Horsham.

Staff Profiles

This week, we are featuring staff member, Jonas Witthoeft and Year 7 students, Simone Rayes and Jaidyn Scott. I hope you are enjoying reading about some of our DMSC family each week.

Have a Restful Break

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the end of term with a free BBQ for all students – run by the SRC – and after lunch, the German department will be hosting a range of activities. School will conclude at 2.30pm with all students and staff looking forward to a two week break from school.

However, for our students in Year 12 VCE and VCAL, these holidays signal the start of an intensive revision period – with all working to prepare themselves for the imminent exams, or to complete any outstanding outcomes for their course. Thank you in advance to the majority of our Year 12 teachers who are running revision classes at school, or accompanying their students to other revision lectures. Our students are fortunate to be supported by such dedicated staff – their role is to repay that dedication with hard work.

I would like to thank all members of the DMSC team for their ongoing commitment to what is an exceptional school. When we return from the break, we will be edging closer to moving back into our refurbished buildings – with the majority of the new external cladding already attached.

After a wet and cold winter, here’s looking forward to a warm return to school in Term Four. And students, don’t forget your school hats!

Have a wonderful Spring break.

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

Facebook Page

Like our Facebook page to stay up to date!

Koorie Connections

Read about our Koorie engagement projects by clicking here.

eSmart

Click here for
eSmart resources