Since arrival, Year 7 has shown a natural aptitude for the organisation, routines, and culture at Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design (DHSVAD). It is an honour to be their year advisor and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with the students’ individualities.

On the first day of orientation, students were presented with diaries containing a yearly calendar, bell times, a school map, DHSVAD values, and a number of practical self-betterment strategies to explore during their first year of schooling. Students were supplied with rigorous assessment booklets that note the due date for each assessment, the nature of the task and its weighting. Accompanying both these items, were their timetables that identify the organisation of the 4-period day, the class, the subject, their teacher, and the room for that period. This is all provided to structure the students’ day-to-day, term-to-term and yearly self-management. The Year 7’s took to this system promptly and with ease continuing to do so will ensure success.

Students have also spent time in Peer Support and Information and Technology (IT) sessions that were ran by Ms. Mora, Mr. Al Tobi, and Ms. Taylor. The Peer Support Program was facilitated by a selected team of Year 10 leaders who together with the leadership of Ms. Mora devoted time to developing the practical skills to positively navigate school life and relationships. IT sessions familiarised students with the landscape of the department’s intranet and they practised how to access their personal email and digital timetables. Any Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) questions can be troubleshooted following this link: http://techhubdhsvad.squarespace.com/.

Students participated in a Digital Thumbprint Cyber Bullying Workshop that afforded students the tools they need for positive, responsible, and authentic online experiences. The topics covered included cyber security, cyberbullying, digital discernment, technology balance, and online identity. Useful resources on this topic can be found here: https://www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/parent-resources/.

On Tuesday 7 February, there was a whole school assembly held by the school principal Ms. Dracopoulos. As per Dulwich tradition the whole school claps in Year 7 as they take their seat at the assembly – the atmosphere was one of great excitement.

A big thank you to the families, students, and teachers who attended the welcome to DHSVAD Parent and Citizens’ Association Barbeque. It was great to communicate with parents face-to-face and hear the fantastic sounds from the DHSVAD rock band.

Congratulations to Year 7 on their spirit and performance at the swimming carnival and well done to Harrison Bettram (1st place 50 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke), Pola Bachfischer (1st place 50 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke, and 50 m breaststroke), Milo Tierney (1st place 50 m backstroke and 100 m freestyle), Roko, McNeil-Willey (1st place 50 m butterfly) and Hanako Creber (1st place 50 m butterfly).

Lastly, a friendly reminder that the Year 7 school camp is occurring from the 22 - 24 May and will be held at the Broken Bay Recreational Centre. Permission notes will be distributed soon and payments can be made in three installments. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to foster relationships with their peers and friends.

There has also been exceptional work from those who are enrolled in art enrichment classes, music ensembles, drama clubs, dance initiatives and sports activities outside the curriculum;  outstanding form and a great start to the year.

Mr. Johnson

Year 7 Advisor