As the term comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for the support you have shown to the school during what has been a difficult time.

I would also like to acknowledge the respectful and resilient way in which our students have continued to engage with their learning and for their enduring commitment to upholding our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Relationships.

It has been an uplifting delight to celebrate events such as Wear It Purple and R U Okay day with the school community and the school has certainly been abuzz with Gala Days, excursions, teacher vs student sporting matches and of course, the much loved Dully Archies Exhibition where our very talented Year 7 students had their first opportunity to showcase their artworks on a large scale in an event that is one of our most cherished in the school calendar. It was such a lovely evening, with our Seaview Gallery filled with parents, teachers, community members and young artists- all of whom were beaming with well-deserved pride. Such incredible work from our Year 7 cohort and their teachers!

Term 3 is always a bittersweet one that ends with the Graduation of our Year 12 cohort. I would like to publicly acknowledge our Year 12, 2024 cohort for the brilliance that they have habitually demonstrated and embodied since commencing their schooling with us 6 years ago. It has been a privilege to work with them on their various initiatives and ventures, and I am extremely proud of the remarkable young people they have become.

They have proven themselves to be most impressive scholars, individuals of the highest calibre- always showing a respect for others, conducting themselves with dignity and always striving for excellence. The resilience they have shown during a challenging year is most commendable, and on behalf of my colleagues I wish each and every one of them all the very best as they continue on their journey through life- I know that we are going to hear great things about you! I would also like to thank the Year 12 Year Advisor, Mr Mark Cucciniello for the authentic and meticulous way in which he has fulfilled this most rewarding, but challenging role- the guidance, support and care he has shown this wonderful group of people has been extraordinary.

On the first Sunday of the school holidays, 29 September, the Dulwich Hill Festival will occur for the second year since its COVID hiatus. Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design is going to be well represented and I hope to see many of you there. Koori Club students will be performing on the Community Stage with our friends from Dhinawan Yarn and will also have their beautiful artworks which we made as a part of our NAIDOC celebrations on display in the new performance space.

The community will also have the opportunity to purchase tote bags featuring the students’ artworks or even buy an Artist’s Edition of their stunning artworks from the P&C stall. The P&C stall will also be selling work created by our students in their various Visual Arts and Design courses. I would like to thank the P&C for their dedication and commitment to promoting our school and fostering student talent in this way. All proceeds from the P&C stall go directly to the young artists, which requires a lot of work and administration, and I am always very grateful for the support that this incredible group of people do to support our school and public education.

The Seaview Gallery will also be open for the public to engage with our talented students from all year groups and our performing arts ensembles will be showcased throughout the day in the performance space. Information regarding the Dulwich Hill Festival can be found here:  

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/dulwich-hill-festival

As announced via Enews on Thursday, we will be welcoming our new substantive Principal Mr Raskall to DHSVAD in Week 1, Term 4.

I hope that all students and families have a safe, restful and lovely two week break and I look forward to another successful term at school when we return on Monday 14 October.