The ‘school on the hill’

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College is a small school that, to use a cliché, punches above its weight.

That’s how college principal Anne Gawith sums up the Wimmera school.

“On many occasions, prospective families ask us to identify what makes our school great, and often we find it hard to single out any one element that stands out,” she said.

“At the heart of all we do, is put student outcomes first.

“Whether it be implementing a new initiative, purchasing new equipment, hiring new staff, or choosing what extra-curricular activities we will pursue, the overarching consideration is, will this make a positive difference to our students?”

Mrs Gawith said 160 students drawn from a wide area had enrolled at the college this year.

“Each student brings their own unique learning style, set of interests and of course, varied ability,” she said.

“Education has become a far more complex operation than it once was, and our college prides itself on being able to navigate these complexities in a way which prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that will arise when they leave school.

“We offer a wide range of subjects and special programs and we are fortunate to be situated on what has often been described as one of the most beautiful school grounds in the state.”

Mrs Gawith said ‘the school on the hill’, as the college had affectionately been known for many years, was also the town’s war memorial.

“Commemorating both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day is important to our school family and all students play a role in our school service each year,” she said.

“The emphasis we place on these commemorations clearly shows that while we strive to be a progressive and dynamic educational environment, we also value the past and wish to instil in our students an understanding of what has gone before.

“Our staff, students and families are proud of our school – and we genuinely believe that, every week is education week at DMSC.”