Congratulations and well done of your successes this term

As you can read in this latest edition of Seaview, I am pleased to celebrate the many student successes school wide. From our Support students creating their very own ‘Andy Warhol-like’ self-portraits to our Year 12 students finetuning of knowledge in  preparing for their upcoming HSC trials.

I read many of our Academic Reports and it is evident to me the level of commitment to learning across all year groups. Congratulations to all students for an overall and impressive Semester 1 Report.

During the holidays take some time to set some new goals for the upcoming semester, reflect on your achievements and areas that you want to improve upon. Goal setting is a proven strategy when looking to reach your potential.

• Read a book for pleasure
• Improve in Math's & English by 2 marks
• Improve playing an instrument or a sport skill or something of your interest

I would like to personally highlight some of the  achievements of Semester 1, it is an honour to lead such a creative and dynamic school.

Our Year 8 Art Stream students participated in a workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Creative Learning Centre where they worked closely with Art Educators and Artists in a series of artmaking activities.

“Cabin Fever’ was the theme Year 9 Textiles Technology classes who created and designed wonderful mini quilts.

Mantle Clocks and timber trays tested the technical skills of Year 9 and 10 students, the results are stunning.

Winter Gala was a resounding success, congratulations!!

Lookout for the Festival of Lights in August.

Gothic Literature was the theme of creativity for Year 10 English students who studied Poe, Bronte and Hugo for inspiration to create Blackout poetry and their very own gothic composition.

Continuing the focus on the theme of creativity, Year 8 English students studied Science Fiction conventions resulting in the creation of their own intriguing outer of this world encounter in the form of a Vignette.

Year 7 students immersed themselves into Innovative Learning, creating over 40 multi-media stories which will be projected onto the walls of our buildings in August.

Congratulations to our students who completed the Big Science Competition. Well done for the incredible results achieved. Special mention goes to the following students who achieved High Distinction

• Sidney & Zoe (Yr 8)
• Dutch & Milla (Yr 9) 
• Joseph & Novak (Yr 10).

Several of our students who competed in the Bligh Zone Cross-Country became eligible to compete at the Sydney East Regional Cross-Country Carnival. I commend them on their great performance and for making us proud.

I would also like to congratulate William, one of our Yr 10 students, who will compete and represent the school at the State Championships after successful wins at both the Bligh Zone Cross Country and Sydney East Regional Cross-Country Carnivals.

Congratulations and best of luck William!!

Additionally, our Junior Boys and Girls Netball and Volleyball teams are playing extremely well, congratulations on your great performance.

At a recent assembly I highlighted the importance of our school values: Respect, Responsibility & Relationships. During the presentation we discussed what Respect looks like in our classroom, playground, wider community, catching public transport. What Responsibility and Relationships look like in our school community and globally. The importance of creating, protecting and actively living in a safe respectful school, where learning and care is our core business. The question was posed to the whole school ‘what sort of school do you want to belong to? It is important students of DHSVAD reflect on these values and incorporate them into their daily lives.

It is a busy and stressful time for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their trials and for those completing their major works, I would like to wish you all well, your teachers and whole school are behind you, ready to help. Just ask.

Finally, thank you to staff, students and our parent community, including our engaged and proactive P&C for a great Term 2. Rest, refresh and reflect in preparation for the next term of learning.