At our school, we firmly believe in nurturing the leadership potential of every student, providing a plethora of opportunities for them to develop and showcase their leadership skills. One of the most prestigious roles is that of the school captains. School captains are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the student body, fostering school spirit, and serving as a bridge between students and staff. Their role involves organizing events, addressing the school during assemblies, and demonstrating our school values.
Similarly, the house captains play a crucial role in fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition within the school. These leaders are responsible for leading their respective houses in various inter-house competitions, encouraging teamwork, and creating a positive and spirited environment during events like sports days.
For students passionate about the arts, leadership opportunities abound in the realms of music and art. Music and art captains are tasked with leading their peers in creative endeavors, whether it be organizing musical performances, art exhibitions, or other cultural events that celebrate the artistic talents within the school community. Captains of the choir and marimba bands lead their fellow musicians in creating harmonious melodies that enrich the school's cultural landscape. They contribute to the vibrant artistic tapestry of the school, showcasing the importance of creativity and expression.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is another avenue for leadership. Elected by their peers, SRC members act as advocates for the student body, voicing concerns and ideas to the school leadership team. They play a crucial role in fostering communication and collaboration between students and staff.
In recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship, our school also offers leadership roles as environmental leaders. These students take on the responsibility of promoting eco-friendly practices within the school, organizing environmental awareness campaigns, and initiating projects to make the school more sustainable.
Lastly, the grade 6 peer mediators exemplify leadership through service. These students undergo training to mediate conflicts and offer support to their peers, fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. These leadership opportunities collectively empower students to develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and responsibility, preparing them for future challenges and successes beyond their academic journey.
A Word From Our Captains
Leadership Opportunities – Jasmine
Donvale Primary school has a big range of leadership opportunities. The leadership roles include School Captains, House Captains, Music and Art Captains, Environmental Captains and SRC.
At Donvale Primary School, if a student has an idea that might help our school, they are welcome to ask Mrs Vesdrevanis to share their idea. You don’t have to have a badge to show your leadership. Most of the roles include giving a speech to your class or writing a letter to the specialist teacher. For School & House Captains, students had to prepare a speech to present in front of teachers and students and most importantly, Mrs Vesdrevanis and Mrs Rassias. After everyone voted for their favourite speeches, there was voting, a short list and interviews before the leaders were announced.
Getting a leadership role is an awesome opportunity but even if you don’t get a role there are many other ways to be a leader.
Community/Friendships – Jonti
At Donvale Primary school is such a friendly community, filled with kind staff and students. Everyone is positive and welcoming towards new students. Being a new student can be hard and overwhelming, but the DPS students and staff will make sure you always have a friend by your side. We even have a buddy bench for when you are feeling particularly sad - you won't be lonely for long!
Donvale Primary school is an inclusive community. At the beginning of the year we have a welcome back BBQ and an open day. We always have so much fun together! Open day and night is a great chance for students to display their classroom and work to their parents and carers. We sing various songs in English and even in Mandarin.
During the school day, parents that are thinking of sending their kids to DPS can come and do a school tour. They get the chance to watch children love learning and participate in all kinds of fun activities! The school is given a chance to showcase all parts of the curriculum. Everyday students from Donvale Primary school walk in with a big smile on their faces, excited for their learning adventures.
Specialists – Jake
At Donvale Primary School there are so many great opportunities for all of the students to love school, but I my favourite thing is going to specialists. There are five different specialists subjects:
Mandarin: We learn about Chinese culture and languages. Mr Koh our teacher makes us all engage and have fun. There are a lot of topics that I have covered while I have been at Donvale and there were no topics that were not fun!
PE: We have a lot of fun and we do a wide range of sports. Mr Rodger and Mrs Wilkinson have teamed up this year to make PE the most enjoyable subject. Amazingly Mr Rodger has over 3 years of AFL Footy experience, so you know you are going to have the best time!
Visual Arts: In the art room we have a new teacher. Her name is Ms Maskell and she has a massive amount of experience as an art teacher at other schools. Ms Maskell has a huge passion for art!
STEM: Mrs Wallis is determined to make STEM the best specialist subject this year. In year 5/6 we are currently learning how to code Sphero Balls. Mrs Wallis definitely has a soft spot for STEM!
Performing Arts: We are learning all about cultural dances. Mrs Keep is a very talented musician and loves to share her knowledge to us. She plays the guitar at assembly and sometimes even plays the flute!
Production/Writers’ Festival – Elroy
Every year we have either a writer’s festival or production. These events are loads of fun for the whole school.
At the writer’s festival, each student gets to write their own piece on a topic chosen by the school. This helps students with writing skills and is an awesome day when all the work gets put up for everyone to see.
Production is so fun. Not just fun. Really, Really, Really, Fun. Every second year we work with Tam, practicing dances, scenes and having fun with our friends. It boosts confidence and is a great way to bring the school together.
