​The Year 12 Outdoor Ed. class had their last camp together as a group, a 4 day adventure in the Margaret River region. After arriving at school on the Sunday, it was time to make the long journey down to the camp site. The first night was a quiet night around the campfire, playing some brain teaser games, before calling it a night ready for a day’s paddling the next day.
 
Day 2 saw a paddle along a beautiful stretch of river between Punch Road and Rocky Island. It was a relatively easy day, heading downstream with plenty of flowing water to push us on. The day 2 fire was a massive improvement on the first night and we had dinner before rain called a halt to our planned games and we headed to our tents and beds early that night.
 
Day 3 was where the adventure really got tough, with the challenge of some grade 1 and 2 rapids thrown into the days paddling. An early capsize by the staff canoe was a good laugh for the students and luckily lifesavers James Luc and Moustafa Ali were on hand to rescue the staff in the river. After a shorter day of paddling it was off to Contos campground for our last night on camp together. Everyone was exhausted so it was a relatively quiet last night with rain again preventing games being played around the campfire.
 
The last morning saw us pack up and head toward Jewel cave where we had a tour of the cave, followed by lunch in Margaret River. Then it was time for the long bus ride back to school which would have to go down as the funniest bus ride ever due to the students taking control of the microphone (mainly Rauf Khan and Joel Jamieson) and annoying everyone for the drive back to school.
 
A great last camp, well done!!!

Today is RUOK? Day and dance students are embodying positive mental health through African Fusion dance! The class had guest teacher Rita Nita ,from Elan Dance Est., who is passionate about multicultural dance and mental health through creating a safe space for young people to express themselves. Don’t forget to ask RUOK? today! ​

In English, our Year 9.2 and 9.3 students have been studying the text “Rabbit Proof Fence” by Doris Pilkington Garimara.

To give students not only a better understanding but also a unique perspective of the Stolen Generation, The English department organised a guest speaker. On Tuesday Week 9 students attended a discussion and talk hosted by Neil Coyne from NITV’s Noongar Dandjoo and Noongar Radio.  Neil spoke in detail about his childhood, in particular how he was taken from his family in Nangarup and made to live on a mission and then through foster care. He spoke about his experiences and the challenges he faced living away from his family and in care. He then spoke about his experiences about being reunited with his family and reconnecting with his heritage after he felt his cultural identity was stolen from him from the age of six.
 
This presentation was an excellent opportunity for students to gain a firsthand account of some of the challenges and hardship that Aboriginal people have experiences throughout time, whilst also extending their knowledge of Aboriginal history and culture. Neil also let students in on the secrets of the Wrestling Entertainment World, which many students found exciting and interesting!

Dianella Secondary College works with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre to ensure students’ futures’.

Dianella Secondary College has partnered with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre (MMRC) to launch the Youth Connections Program.  MMRC is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates settlement and participation for migrants, especially refugee and humanitarian entrants.

The Youth Connections Program is delivered through the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre and proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. 

The Program aims to increase knowledge of and access to post-school pathways for students from refugee/migrant backgrounds. 
The Program also aims to increase their families’ capacity to support their children’s schooling and post-schooling pathways.

This program aims to increase young people’s sense of belonging and provide hope for their futures. School retention followed by a successful transition from school into meaningful pathways to future employment and economic participation significantly enhances long-term inclusion and positive participation in society.


On Friday, 31 August 2018, Dianella Secondary College launched the Youth Connections Program at the school. 
The launch featured speeches from:
- Amanda Gillett, Manager Community and Organisational Development, Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre
- Wayne Austin, Principal, Dianella Secondary College
- Hon Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation and Federal Member for Stirling
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Dance Group, Bana Kin, also performed a traditional Congolese dance. This group is made up of Dianella Secondary College students and alumni. 

“We are very fortunate to have MMRC helping to ensure our students from multicultural backgrounds have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their post-school pathway options” – Wayne Austin, Principal, Dianella Secondary College

The 2018 Book Week Theme was "Find Your Treasure" and the Library and English Department took this on fully.  There was a treasure chest for Library book requests(organised by the Library staff), daily treasure hunts, pirates and even mermaids! Thanks to Ms Blake for organising the Perth Mermaids to visit. During the dress up day on Friday, the path from the English Office to the Library was also decorated, by Miss Blake and her helpers to look like Treasure Island. Well Done to everyone involved!

​Some snaps from the Interhouse Athletics Carnival on Wednesday! Champions, Runners Up, Interschool team and Champion House will be announced at our Week 9 Assembly. HINTS: 1 House absolutely BLITZED the others and 6 school records were broken across the day.

​Congratulations to the Arts Department for running another fantastic Arts Night. Over 100 students showcased their Semester Two work from their Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Photography and Visual Arts classes. Special mention to all the staff that helped out on the Night!