Dear Parent/Guardian

We now have only 3 weeks of Term 1 remaining. It is wonderful to see such a range of activities across the college and students engaged with their learning. Students are now beginning assessment tasks that will count towards their overall results at the end of the year in both TASC and VET courses. Every lesson counts.

There are plenty of opportunities for students to engage in college life outside of class time for much needed rest, socialising, and further learning. Students can opt into many activities such as our Readers’ Group, Leadership Group, Don-a-Thon on Fridays, Chess Club, as well as events organised by our Student Leadership Group. It is wonderful to see such a variety of social groups forming such a vibrant patchwork in our college culture. Students can find details about these groups in the daily memo which are shared in class.

 Interim Progress Reports have now been emailed to students, parents and carers. We encourage caregivers to engage in conversation about these assessments. We encourage parents and carers  to book in and attend our Meet and Greet evening next Thursday, 27^th March. It is always encouraging to see parents and teachers working with students to achieve the best learning outcomes and engagement as early as possible.

Yours sincerely,

John Thompson

55 Musical Production and Drama students were inspired by the Encore Theatre Company production of, Billy Elliott the Musical at the Princess Theatre.

Don College graduate, Billy Hawkins, who played Shrek in the 2017 Don College production of Shrek,  plays Billy Elliott’s protective big brother. We are very proud of him.

Local student, Zeb Peters plays one of the dual cast Billy Elliott’s.

We thank Encore for their incredible generosity with heavily discounted tickets and a full Q&A and stage tour following the show.

It was a late night but  well worth it. This experience exposes our students to the wonders of musical theatre and will inspire them for their own performances in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other productions.

The New ‘New’ Shelves.

The library is undergoing an exciting transformation, designed to make it a more engaging space for all. Frank has worked tirelessly to create two new ‘New’ shelves for the most recent additions of our collection to be displayed. These eye-catching stands are mobile for an adaptable space. Thank you, Frank, for all your hard work.

Students, watch this space for exciting displays and the latest reads.

Don Readers’ Club

On the 28th of February, the Don Library hosted its first Readers’ Club meeting, where like-minded individuals meet on the last Friday of each month to discuss what they’ve read recently. From books on Celtic folklore to poetry on bushfires, ‘Romantasy’ (Romantic Fantasy), graphic novels, and classics, the Don Library Readers’ Club invites all readers who want to partake of tea and biscuits, meet some new friends, and share their thoughts on what they’ve read. It was a cosy and friendly atmosphere, with attendance from students and faculty.

The next Readers’ Club meeting will be held on the 28th of March at lunchtime.

We want to remind our school community about the important requirements for volunteering at our school.  

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, it is mandatory for all volunteers to have their RWVP (Registration for Working with Vulnerable People) and to have completed the Our Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video before engaging with children and young people in a volunteer capacity at our school. Certificates for the training video are valid for 12 months from the date of completion. These steps are essential in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for our children.  

To apply for a Registration for Working with Vulnerable people, please visit: Apply for registration to work with vulnerable people | Service Tasmania

To complete the Our Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video please visit: Compulsory Safeguarding Training for workers - Department for Education, Children and Young People

Volunteers are a vital part of our school community, and we are excited to collaborate with you in the year ahead!

Our school has appointed Dayna Dennison and Sharrelle Preston as our Safeguarding Leads. Safeguarding Leads are appointed in every DECYP school and CFLC in Tasmania to help ensure children and young people are known, safe, well and learning.  

As Safeguarding Leads, Dayna and Sharrelle will enhance our efforts in promoting and nurturing a culture of safeguarding at our school. This will enable us to better support the wellbeing of all our students and reinforce the understanding that keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility. By improving our safeguarding culture, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dayna and Sharrelle in their roles. For further information on Safeguarding in Schools and CFLCs, please click here.  

Are you looking for a few extra points to make up your 120 TCE points?

Did you know that qualifications you undertake outside of school can also earn you credit points towards your TCE?

Examples are barista courses, RSA, first aid, surf club quals +++. See the list below.

What do you need to do? Talk to your CLP teacher or bring your certificates to Dayna Dennison to scan and send to TASC on your behalf.

Our college TASC Liaison Officer, Dayna Dennison coordinates all Reasonable Adjustments for Externally Assessed Exams.

Please read the following information and contact Dayna asap if you wish to apply.

Who can apply for Reasonable Adjustments?

Any student with a permanent or temporary disability, medical condition, impairment, or specific circumstances that have a significant, functional impact on their ability to sit exams for Level 3 and 4 courses under standard conditions. Students with a diagnosed learning disability, condition or impairment (eg. physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health conditions) are encouraged to speak to Dayna or their teacher asap.

What types of adjustments can be requested?

Adjustments to the exam conditions are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include, but are not limited to:

• Extra time
• Rest breaks
• Use of assistive technology
• Alternative format exam papers (e.g., large print)

What if the application isn’t submitted by the deadline?

Late applications may not be accepted unless exceptional circumstances apply. Deadline for submissions is strictly the end of Term 2, 2025.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the College office for more information.