Don College is situated in natural bushland beside the Don River, near to the coast and the land hosts an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. We are very fortunate to have our school located in such an idyllic situation. In respect and recognition of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, I acknowledge the traditional owners of this magnificent land where we work and learn together today.

Inclusive education allows students to feel comfortable and valued and fully participate in learning. Inclusion is embedded in all aspects of school life, and is supported by culture, policy and every day practice. We are proud of our inclusive learning culture at Don College and believe that regardless of living arrangements, disability, LGBTIQ+, socioeconomic status, race and religion that all students can learn. Respect is a key value of our school. Learning individual differences and similarities helps us all to respect each other and work together to improve students achievement. If there are aspects of our school that you feel are barriers to inclusion or could be improved then I invite you, as a student, parent, carer, guardian, teacher or community  to make contact and open the conversation.

We congratulate our students from 2020 for their achievements at Don College. The snapshot included in this newsletter is a very small sample of our highest achievers. We would like to recognise and celebrate the individual achievements of all students who committed to their studies and created greater choice and opportunity for their futures. In respect to 2021, we are already impressed by the start most students have made. From week 1 we have seen students attending tutorials and using study lines to engage in their learning and complete tasks.

One factor that greatly improves student achievement is attendance. Every lesson matters and we expect all students to be present for all lessons. Their might be the odd occasion that a student is unwell or due to some unforeseen circumstances cannot attend a class. However, in basic terms, students who attend all lessons achieve better outcomes.

Don College is an exciting place to work and learn. I look forward to observing the growth in skills and knowledge of our students and celebrating their success.

John Thompson - Principal

John Thompson & Kaleb

Kaleb has talked with class groups about his experiences as a young Aboriginal person living between his family’s traditional culture and “city life.” His presentations have been fascinating and very moving. Kaleb has great pride in his traditional culture and has demonstrated great courage sharing his life story with his peers. I congratulate Kaleb for his passion and drive to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.