We are so proud of our students performing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I congratulate our cast and crew and our extra staff and students, for a truly wonderful exhibition of their skills and talents. The production unites our community in the pursuit of excellence, creating a musical production. The product was amazing and greatly appreciated by our audiences who all left sporting huge smiles. The show surpassed expectations, exercised our imaginations and launched us into the chocolate fantasy land of Willy Wonka.

Consistent with our Don College values, Charlie radiates kindness, humility, and respect. Charlie is a generous character, strongly connected to family and stays true to their own values. Charlie’s a great role model, always showing gratitude and appreciation of the non-material world. We can all learn from Charlie. Congratulations to all involved.

Our very successful Don College Chess Team is another part of our community that has achieved excellence. The culture the students have created is one of caring and sharing. The students are happy to learn from and with each other. Chess is competitive game but even when a student loses a game, I see the two players collaborating on the choices they made and coaching each other through options. This has resulted in tremendous growth and a very strong team.

Mid-Year Assessments have a been a focus of our Term 2 learning program. Mid-Year’s provide a "point in time" assessment and teachers will provide feedback that will direct next steps in student learning. This feedback is invaluable, and all students need a reminder that there will be future opportunity for re-assessment. Just like the chess players, use the Mid-Year outcomes as a point for reflection and use these tips to improve.

We wish our staff and students and broader community members a safe and happy time over the term break.

John Thompson

After many months of preparation, rehearsals, set and costume creations, and performing, the school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is over. 

Congratulations and a HUGE thank you to all the staff and students who contributed to making this such a wonderous, magical adventure for our community. The performances were all sold out! 

A special thanks to production core staff, Darren Close, Dayna Dennison, Daniel James, and Zalee who worked tirelessly to ensure the performance was a success. 

Don College almuni teaching staff member, and theatre enthusaist, Sid Sidebottom wrote a review full of praise for the show and said this of the performance: 

"Congratulations Dayna, Danielle, Darren, Zalee and everyone involved in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Your audience could see from the opening to the very last scene how much this show means to you and left feeling elated, happy, and entertained – the very essence of successful musical theatre."

Well done to everyone who participated to make the show such a fantastic event for our community. Enjoy the holidays and the well-earned break! 

The Term 2 Interschool Chess Tournament went well for the team again, with our 5^th consecutive win at one of these tournaments, qualifying for the State finals again. Every player in the team has improved significantly, seen by the scores of each player, as our team placed from 1^st to 8^th place in the individual standings. We ended up on a total team score of 26/28, over 8 points ahead of the 2^nd place team. We're all feeling great for next interschool tournament and the upcoming State finals in Term 3.

Thomas Hartwell – Chess Leader

A group of Latrobe High students come to visit our Salon Assistant class to learn all about hair and makeup.

The session was a huge success for all involved. The experience was a delightful way to boost confidence, skills and brighten everyone’s day.  

Earlier in the term Pamper the College was hosted by the Salon Assistant students, offering nails, makeup and hair straightening or curls. The catering class offered nibbles and mocktails. It ws a fantastic way to bring students together. 

Latrobe High School's support class came and had hair washes, nails and makeup. It was lovely to see the younger students impressed with their new looks. 

Term 3 will bring hair colour clients into the salon space with a new set of skills for our students to gain. 

Ahead of NAIDOC Week, which are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Don College held activities and a Taypani Liminilaturi (gathering) on the North Lawns. 

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Access Free Health Services for Young People – No Referral Needed!

We’d like to remind families and students that our Nurse Practitioner (NP) service is available two days a week, offering both in-person and telehealth appointments for young people aged 12 to 25 years.

This service is bulk billed, so there’s no cost with a valid Medicare card.

Our experienced Nurse Practitioner can assist with:

• STI screening and treatment
• Contraception advice and prescriptions
• Implanon prescription and insertion
• Full health checks and assessments
• Blood test orders, results, and treatment planning
• X-rays and scans if needed
• New and repeat prescriptions
• Treatment for infections, wounds, and soft tissue injuries
• A private, safe, and confidential space for all consultations

No referral is required – young people can self-refer at any time.
Appointments are usually available within 2–3 days.

For more information or to book, please get in touch.

Thank you!