Volume 28 No. 6
NEWSLETTER
COLLEGE CALENDAR
Monday,
2 May
Tuesday,
3 May
Wednesday,
4 May
Thursday,
5 May
Friday,
6 May
Languages Week
Senior AFL Round
Robin
FUTSAL U/15 Boys
FUTSAL U/19 Boys
State Schools
Spectacular Rehearsal
Year 7E,F,G Power
Walking
FUTSAL Boys U/14
MyAdvance School
visits
MyCity Excursion
Latitude Trampoline
Park
MyOutdoor Manningham
Trails Excursion
FUTSAL Girls U/13
FUTSAL Girls U/16
Year 11 Business
Management – Market
Day
Year 10 Visual
Communication Design
Site visit
Student Immunisations
Monday,
9 May
Tuesday,
10 May
Wednesday,
11 May
Thursday,
12 May
NAPLAN
Senior Round Robin
Year 7E,F,G Power
Walking
Year 8 EAL Excursion
NAPLAN
MyFitness Bubble
Soccer
MyAdvance school
visits
MyCity Excursion
Victorian Police
Museum Excursion
Morrisby Career
Guidence
NAPLAN
VCE Top Arts/Top
Designs Excursion
TERM DATES 2016
Term 2: 11 April to 24 June
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
29 April, 2016
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
26th Schools ANZAC Service
On Thursday, 21 April, I had the pleasure of accompanying four of
our student leaders: Tersia Gouws, Nicholas Souliotis, Samuel Chu,
Michaela Piritidis and Ms Belinda McGee (Acting Assistant Principal)
to the 26th Schools ANZAC Service that is run each year by the
Rotary Club of Templestowe.
The service featured the Australian Defence Force School of Signals
Catafalque Party and Whitefriars College and Marcellin College
Bands. There were a range of dignitaries present including Hon.
Kevin Andrews MP, Federal Member for Menzies and Councillor
Jennifer Yang, Mayor – City of Manningham as well as over 650
students representing Primary and Secondary Schools in the City of
Manningham.
The service was a moving tribute to all who had served in war and
especially to those who did not return. Below is the ANZAC Requiem
that was delivered as a part of the service:
ANZAC Requiem
On this day above all days we recall those who served in war
and did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation.
We remember those who still sleep where they were left – amid the
holly scrub in the valleys and the ridges of Gallipoli – on the rocky and
terraced hills of Palestine – and in the fields of Flanders and France.
We remember those who are asleep in ground beneath the
shimmering haze of the Libyan Desert – at Bardia, Derna, Tobruk
– and amid the mountain passes and olive groves of Greece and
Crete, and the rugged, snow-capped hills of Lebanon and Syria.
We remember those who lie buried in the rank jungle of Malaya and
Burma – in New Guinea – and in the Pacific.
We remember those who lie buried amid loving friends in our
Motherland and in our own far North.
We remember those who lie in unknown resting places in almost
every land, and those gallant men whose grave is the unending sea.
Especially do we remember those who died as prisoners of war,
remote from their homeland, and from the comforting presence of
their next of kin.
We think of those of our women’s services who gave their lives
in our own, foreign lands and at sea, and of those who proved to
be, in much more than name, the sisters of our fighting men.
We recall, too, the staunch friends who fought beside our men on the
first ANZAC Day – men of New Zealand who helped to create the
name ANZAC.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT cont….
We recall those who gave their lives in the Royal Navy, the
British Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Service and in
other British and Dominion Forces.
We think of those British men and women who tell, when, for the
second time in history, their nation and its kindred stood alone against
the overwhelming might of an oppressor.
We think of every man and woman who in those crucial hours
died so that the lights of freedom and humanity might continue
to shine.
We think of those gallant men and women who died in Korea,
Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and in
Peacekeeping Forces assisting to defend the Commonwealth and
other countries of the Free World, against a common enemy.
Mrs Éva McMaster - Principal
STUDENT ACHEIVEMENT
Congratulations Julia Hawkins Year 11
One of our Year 11 students has just been selected in
Australia’s Junior Swim Team for the 2016 Junior Pan
Pacific Swimming Championships. This event will
take place in Hawaii from 24-27 August. This is the
result of Julia’s results at the Australian National
Championships where she achieved two gold medals.
Julia will also be busy with a Grand Prix meet from June 30 – 3 July
and a National Youth Camp in Canberra from 3 – 9 July.
Mr Phil Reynolds - Year 11 Coordinator
On Tuesday, 19 April, Trent Matthews had the
opportunity to represent Doncaster Secondary College
in the SSV State Swimming Championships held at
MSAC. Trent performed fantastically, placing third in
the 15Y Men’s 50 Backstroke. Congratulations to Trent
on his performance.
Ms Elly Stewart - Carnivals Coordinator
VICTORIAN YOUNG LEADERS TO CHINA DIARY
22 April Well, we are now down to our final week in China, however,
we continue to be engaged and look forward to the remaining time we
have. All are coping well and staying on top of the workload.
This week we have mainly focussed on our studies in class, as we
will be away for the weekend. We also visited the Westpac Bank
Branch in Shanghai this afternoon, where the students were
introduced to an Australian working in China. His story was quite
fascinating, and the students had many questions for him.
As mentioned, we will be staying out of Shanghai tomorrow night as
we visit Suzhou, which is a tourist town. Here we will be invited to
continue to develop our cultural understanding and the students will
be able to practice their language skills with the locals.
We will be flying out on Friday evening and arriving in Melbourne on
Saturday, 30 April
Mr Kirk Dunn - VYLC Leader
Mr Franc Brogno - VYLCP Liaison Teacher
ART NEWS
On Tuesday, 26 April
the College hosted
an Open Night for
prospective
students. The Art
staff displayed some
of
the
excellent
student work. It was
a very successful
evening.
Ms Georgia Doherty
Art/Technology
HOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
HOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
On Tuesday, 19 April, the House Athletics
Carnival was held at the Doncaster Athletics
track.
Congratulations to all students who attended
and embraced the spirit of the day.
Thank you to all the staff, student teachers and
House Captains for your contributions to a
successful day, especially in the warm
conditions. The team spirit and enthusiasm was
excellent. The novelty events were hugely
popular, and there was a never-ending line for
students to get their faces painted at the Art
Stall.
It was fantastic to see record numbers of
students enter events, with Year 7 and Year 8
students leading the way. While plenty of colour
and fun was had, the House Athletics Carnival
also showcased some incredible athletic talent.
Congratulations to the following students on
winning their age group champion medals:
Boys
13 Thomas Penkethman
14 Thomas Staples
15 Marcus Banitsiotis
16 Daniel Allen
17 Eros Valbonesi
20 Nicholas Fasanella
Girls
13 Madison
Horton-Wickham
14 Lara Hoskin
15 Abbey Caldwell
16 Anna Musker
17 Alexandra Waites
20 Sarah Peters
1st Murray 1250
2nd Kiewa 1206
3rd Ovens 1130
4th Yarra 908
WERRIBEE ZOO FIELD TRIP
Year 8 Fieldtrip to Werribee Open Range Zoo
Year 8 students recently travelled to the Werribee Zoo to investigate
Victorian Grassland Habitats. They were amazed to discover that less
than 0.1% of native grasslands still exist in Victoria and that while
indigenous cultures worked to preserve them, European settlement
has destroyed them through farming and the development of towns
and cities.
One beautiful little Australian animal, the Eastern Barred Bandicoot,
thought to be extinct, has recently been discovered and is now part of
a breeding program at the Werribee Zoo. These little animals are still
critically endangered and need our support to provide a safe place to
breed and live.
Our Year 8 students are collecting donations of 5 cent pieces to help
support the little bandicoot at the Werribee Zoo. So far we have raised
over $60.
The following are some comments from students about their day at the
zoo:
From this really interesting and fun bus trip, I mostly enjoyed the safari
tour because there were really interesting animals and I had so much
fun seeing them. It was great that we had our school friends around us
and we all had fun.
Makan
I enjoyed the safari bus the most on this fieldtrip because we drove
past lots of animals and we were so close to them. It was great.
Poya
I honestly enjoyed a lot from this zoo trip but my favorite part of the trip
was having lunch with my friends and taking part in the safari trip
because we learnt a lot information about animals (some I had never
even heard of).
Darshu
I enjoyed many things at the zoo, like seeing the Mongolian Wildhorse
and many other animals. I also enjoyed being on the bus with my
friends, classmates and teachers. It was a very fun and educational
day for me.
Niosha
Mrs Helen Endersbee
Humanities Teacher
YEAR 8D AND 8H GEOGRAPHY
Community
Engagement
Task
Interesting facts about
grasslands, habitats and
animals that live there.
YEAR 8D AND 8H
Student
Contributions
Amazing Facts on the World’s Grasslands
Grasslands are areas where the
vegetation is dominated by grasses.
Grasslands are called different names
in different parts of the world, ‘steppe’ in
Asia, ‘prairies’ in North America,
‘pampas’, llanos’ and ‘cerrados’ in
South America, ‘savannas’ and ‘velds’ in Africa, and ‘rangelands’ in
Australia.
Grasslands are being constantly threatened by the growing human
race. Global warming is a big problem among today’s society;
continued global warming could turn current marginal grasslands into
deserts as rainfall patterns change. Urban areas are also increasingly
cutting into grassland.
There are two major threats to the grasslands. One threat is global
warming and the other is conversion to farming. When some global
temperatures rise, some grasslands will become deserts as the rainfall
patterns change. This will cause many animals to become extinct and
they will eventually not have a place to live.
Humans are destroying grasslands for urbanization. People are cutting
down grasslands to create houses and other buildings destroying
habitats of animals.
We need to protect and conserve the grasslands and it’s animals.
Illegal hunting is a problem across many areas of the world. Protecting
Australia’s environment means creating healthier, more resilient
ecosystems that can benefit both people and wildlife.
There are two disturbances to grasslands, natural disturbances and
human disturbances. Natural disturbances are things like annual
flooding, fire after a lightning storm, wind storms and flash floods.
Human disturbances are things like people making roads, buildings
and places for hospitals. Therefore, now there isn’t much room for big
grasslands.
Poor agriculture practises can ruin soil and turn grasslands into lifeless
barren spaces. Global warming, development of crops, urban areas
and crops are threats to grasslands.
A threat to grasslands is the development of town areas which are
cutting into a large amount of grassland habitats.
Continued global warming could turn current marginal grasslands into
deserts as rainfall patterns change.
One of the main threats to grasslands is the development of urban
districts. Areas where only one crop is grown pests and diseases can
spread easily, therefore needing potentially toxic pesticides.
The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is an endangered species. These
marsupials usually live across the grasslands and grassy woodlands.
They were once widespread across VIC/TAS and WA, however, now
considered extinct due to the predators by introducing foxes and cats.
These animals became the no.1 enemies for the Eastern Barred
Bandicoot. They attacked and killed the bandicoot.
Ms Cathy Gucciardo
Humanities Teacher
GEOGRAPHY CAKE COMPETITION
GEOGRAPHY CAKE COMPETITION
Geography Cake Competition
Studying Geography enables students to gain an
understanding and an appreciation of the world in which
they live. As part of their study, students were given the
opportunity to present an area of Geography in a visual
way – using cake as the main source of material!
Cakes included volcanoes, endangered species,
environmental disasters and maps. The cakes and
models were displayed during the College’s Open Night
and it was rewarding to see the interest and hear the
positive comments about the way students presented a
geographic theme using a cake.
Certificates were awarded for a number of categories.
Congratulations to all students who participated. You
should all be proud of your efforts.
Mrs Jenny Stella
Humanities Teacher
ICAS COMPETITIONS
ICAS English and Writing Competitions
Responsibility
The
International
Competitions and
Assessment
for
Schools
in
an
independent, skillsbased assessment
program
which
recognises
and
rewards
student
achievement.
They provide a wonderful opportunity for your child to apply their skills
under exam conditions and develop understanding of their
achievement across a range of English skills.
Respect
The ICAS English Competition assesses reading for meaning in literary
and factual texts, syntax and vocabulary, while the ICAS Writing
Competition assesses text purpose and structure, language choices,
and fluency in conventions. Students who participate will receive an
individual diagnostic report outlining their strengths and areas for
improvement as well as a UNSW certificate acknowledging their level
of achievement.
Parents can now provide consent and payment for their child to enter
the 2016 ICAS English and Writing competitions via Compass.
Consent and payment for both competitions is due by Monday, 9 May.
Ms Elisha Sadikay
Literacy Leader
LANGUAGE NEWS
Teamwork
French Homework Club
This is an invitation to all students studying French to come and attend
the French Homework Club on Wednesday at Lunchtime in ‘L’ 7.
The club has been up and running for several weeks already. So,
come along if you need any extra help from one of the French
teachers.
Ms Sylvie Berthie
French Coordinator
MACBETH INCURSION
Resilience
Year 10 Macbeth incursion
To support their study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Year ten students
are being given the opportunity to watch a live performance of the play
by a theatre company on Friday, 27 May. The incursion will occur in
the Performance Centre and will cost $10. Consent and payment can
be made via Compass and is due by Friday, 20 May. Please ensure
consent and payment are provided promptly so that your child doesn’t
miss out on this rich learning and cultural experience.
Ms Elisha Sadikay
Literacy Leader
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
The Library Internet room (HIR) is now open on a trial basis for
Lunchtime private study.
The room is simply a place for students to study, silently by themselves
or finish that troublesome assignment and get homework done quickly
and easily during school hours!
Normal library rules apply
All year levels welcome
Library Staff
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.
From 13 April 2015, smoking
will be 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
applying to the entrances and
grounds of Victorian childcare
centres and kindergartens will
be introduced at the same
time.
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.
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.
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 school 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
[email protected].
Mrs Sofia Georgio - College Council President