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In our commitment to ensure our students are well-prepared for the future and in order to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, two significant curricular changes are being implemented for Danebank students in Years 9 and 10 (Stage 5).

The first is the addition of two extra courses (International Studies and iStem), and the second the opportunity for girls to choose up to four courses over the two years, doubling from the original two.

The result of comprehensive parent and student surveys and extensive discussions with our teachers, these changes are expected to have a significantly positive impact on the girls’ educational experience at our school.

The surveys also led to expanding our VET offerings for Years 11 and 12 (Stage 6).

Embracing Innovation

As innovators in education, Danebank understands the importance of preparing our students to become global citizens and critical thinkers. By introducing the elective International Studies and iStem courses, we aim to broaden their horizons and nurture their curiosity about the world:

• International Studies will expose our students to diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness.
• iStem will equip girls with the skills required to navigate the technology-driven industries of tomorrow, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-changing job market.

Fostering Flexibility

Recognising the uniqueness of each student, we are transitioning from two 200-hour courses to four 100-hour courses over Years 9 and 10.

This shift allows our girls to delve into more subjects that interest them, tailoring their learning experience to suit their individual strengths and passions.

In practice this means that students elect two 100-hour courses for study in Year 9 and then have the option to either choose the same subjects again for Year 10 (making this a 200-hour course) or select another two 100-hour elective courses.

Over the two years in Stage 5, students can now choose from Drama, Music, Photography and Digital Media, Visual Arts, Commerce, History Elective, International Studies, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Multimedia, iStem and Textiles Technology. The only exceptions are French and Japanese, the details of which are discussed with students when they choose a language.

This change will also allow students to be better equipped to make subject selections for Years 11 and 12.

Teach for the Future

These changes are rooted in Danebank’s commitment to teach for the future.

The curriculum review process has been comprehensive, ensuring that we maintain our school's strong educational foundation while embracing forward-thinking pedagogy. By providing our girls with the right tools and opportunities, we are empowering them to become adaptable, lifelong learners who can thrive in an ever-changing world.

Collaboration

We value the input of our entire school community, so these changes were made in collaboration with parents, students, and teachers.

The insights gained from surveys and discussions have been instrumental in shaping the decisions. We are grateful for the active involvement of our community, which reflects our shared commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.

In Pursuit of Educational Excellence

The journey to expand subject selections to include International Studies and iStem, along with the introduction of 100-hour courses for Years 9 and 10, marks a new chapter in Danebank’s pursuit of educational excellence.

These changes represent our dedication to fostering innovation, preparing students for the future, and providing them with the flexibility to thrive in their academic pursuits. Together, as a community of educators, parents and students, we are embracing the future and preparing our graduates to make a positive impact on the world.

Book a tour or contact our registrar enrolments@danebank.nsw.edu.au to find out more.

Congratulations to our Class of 2022! The results have been outstanding and we’re proud of every single member of the  graduating class.

We believe in the holistic development of each girl, inspiring her to flourish in every aspect of her life. The Higher School Certificate is a key marker of our students’ learning success. The examinations represent the culmination of their learning journey at Danebank. 

The Class of 2022 experienced lockdowns, online trial examinations in the lead up to Year 12, illness and other interruptions. Our magnificent girls have faced these challenges with a sense of courageous optimism, application to their studies and great tenacity. 

We thank our exceptional teachers and staff for supporting and guiding the girls to thrive. We likewise thank our supportive parents and community for their invaluable contribution towards each girl’s success.

Some Highlights

There were many examples of personal excellence this year. Two Danebank students scored an ATAR above 99, placing them in the top 1% nationally. With their permission, we share:

• Natalie Jordanov, 99.65
• Sabina Xie, 99.45
• Three students achieved All Rounders Awards, with a result in the highest band (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of courses.
• Danebank Placed 58th in NSW (SMH Ranking)
• Top non-selective school in St George and the Sutherland Shire
• 47 students are Distinguished Achievers (Band 6 in at least one subject)
• 15% achieved an ATAR above 95 (Top 5%)
• 44% achieved an ATAR above 90 (Top 10%)
• 68% achieved an ATAR of 80 or above (Top 20%)

Read the full report here.

Autumn is a beautiful time for a fair and open day and this year the joy was certainly felt all across the Danebank grounds on Saturday 13 May, with everyone so excited to be attending our first Autumn Fair for three years. The school campus became a tapestry of laughter and friendship, and families and girls made memories to last.

The preparation that goes into an event of this magnitude is incredible and the school is so grateful to all staff, students and families for their involvement in making this day spectacular.

Children marvelled at the juggling display, had their faces painted, and enjoyed the open classrooms and exploring the grounds. The campus was filled with giggles and fun as everyone from Pre-K to Year 12 found something for themselves among the festivities, performances and stalls.

Soloists, bands, ensembles, choirs, dance groups and the bell ringers put on wonderful performances. Their excellent works filled the air, keeping the audience captivated. Of particular note was the Life Skills performance, which had the whole crowd cheering along.

Families worked tirelessly on the BBQ, churning out sausages and great food, while the cake stall had an array of baked goods and delicious treats to choose from.

Many girls volunteered on the day taking tours to show prospective parents Danebank through their eyes. Families commented on how wonderful their experience of tours were and how much they had learned from the girls.

The historic classroom proved to be a hit with our alumnae, many of whom signed up to the Old Girls Association, and current students. They enjoyed poring over the memorabilia and giggling at the old uniforms and hats on display. Many students sat at the old desks and tried writing on the slates, commenting that they are very glad that schools have changed.

Beyond the entertainment and delicious food, our autumn fair also serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of a community. The organisers, volunteers, and participants pour their hearts and souls into crafting an event that celebrates the beauty of our school. This year's fair will be hard to beat, but as the banners are taken down and the cleanup finishes, behind the scenes preparation begins for 2024!

It was a joy to celebrate the HSC results of the Class of 2022 at our High Achievers Assembly on Wednesday 15 February 2023. The Year 12 cohort included 47 Distinguished Achievers, and the assembly was a superb opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and passion of our students.

The guest speaker, Robyn Monro-Miller (Danebank graduate 1984), gave an inspiring address and offered her advice to the graduates as they began their study and careers outside Danebank.

The three student speakers, Alexandra Brown, Alisa Pontifix and Madeline Hargreaves, spoke of their strategies and tips for studying for the HSC, as well as acknowledging the challenges that inevitably come. They also reflected on the changing nature of their motivation and the permission they gave themselves to be flexible in their mindset.

With over 44% of the 2022 cohort achieving an ATAR above 90 (top 10% in the state), the vast majority have chosen to undertake university study.

The assembly is a noteworthy milestone for the students and families of the Senior School – it allows for an acknowledgment of exceptional student graduates but also offers the opportunity to appreciate the wonderful learning community we share.

As a Visible Wellbeing™ (VWB) partner school, we were honoured to have welcomed psychologist Professor Lea Waters, on campus in May 2022 as we continue to embed wellbeing into our community.

Professor Waters conducted a workshop with Danebank’s Junior and Senior School Leadership teams and presented on VWB to our families on navigating parenting in challenging times. We are excited to continue on our Visible Wellbeing journey together.

The key pathways to Visible Wellbeing are Strengths, Emotional Management, Attention and Awareness, Relationships, Coping, Habits and Goals: this is the SEARCH framework. Danebank’s teachers are using these pathways daily in their classrooms and interactions with students.

On Founder’s Day Tuesday 7 March, we launched a series of celebrations planned for this year, as we mark this significant anniversary. Our plan is to have one main event per term, as listed below, with details to follow in due course:

• Term 1   Tuesday 7 March: Founder’s Day Special Celebrations
• Term 2   Saturday 13 May: Autumn Fair 90th Anniversary theme
• Term 3   Festival Celebrating Danebank Women
• Term 4   Community Celebration Event

Attended by Years 5 to 12 students, our traditional Founder’s Day Chapel was followed by the Founder’s Day Celebration Assembly when we recognised members of our Danebank community who live our school’s motto of Ut Prosim, That I May Serve. 

The award recipients for 2023 are:

• Edith Roseby Ball Award for Compassion:
  Miss Stephanie Sekulovska (Class of 2018)
• Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Initiative and Philanthropy:
  Mrs Seema Hyne (Class of 1989)
• Old Girls Citizenship Award:
  Erika Cordova (Year 10)

It was an honour to continue this beautiful tradition as we welcomed our award recipients and their loved ones to our special event. 

At the end of 2022, Danebank hosted internationally renowned cognitive scientist Professor Guy Claxton at a day-long workshop attended by around 150 representatives from more than 30 schools.

Professor Claxton’s research into ways to enhance people’s capacity to learn has led to the development of his Learning Power Approach (LPA). LPA is a research-based, teacher-friendly way to systematically strengthen students’ confidence and skill at tackling learning challenges across all phases and subjects of education.

Research shows that girls are increasingly affected by anxieties about their academic and social world - and that these anxieties can impact on their ability to meet their full potential at school and beyond. Being acutely aware of the range of complex challenges facing our students, and deeply committed to preparing them for an unknown future, the school is addressing these challenges in a two-pronged manner.

Danebank identified that student wellbeing lies at the core of educational wellbeing, and therefore, in 2021, implemented and now continues to integrate Dr Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing™ framework into all aspects of school life.

The second part of this approach draws on Professor Claxton’s research on how students can learn how to learn. This has provided part of the academic basis for the development of the Danebank Approach to Learning - a bespoke model of teaching and learning the school launched earlier this year.

“We want Danebank graduates to be confident, resilient, creative, resourceful and reflective learners - full of hope about the future,” says Dr Emma Burgess, Danebank Principal.

“The Danebank Approach to Learning is a comprehensive response to contemporary concerns about student learning and wellbeing, combining evidence from both the learning sciences (Professor Guy Claxton’s Learning Power) and positive psychology (Professor Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing framework).

“The resulting model recognises the central role that wellbeing plays in learning for girls and the possibilities that positive wellbeing for learning creates for our students to thrive in all domains of their lives. Importantly, it also recognises that our students’ ability to learn is never fixed - every single person has the ability to be a better, and more powerful learner by focussing on the skills and capacities that make up powerful learning.”

One example of the impact of Professor Claxton’s research at Danebank has been the way in which students engage in collaboration in the classroom. Working with others is a cornerstone of our society and part of almost every workplace.

The Danebank Approach to Learning recognises that knowing how to collaborate and work well with others is a discreet, learnable skill - one that we all have the capacity to improve in.

“Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 spend time thinking about what it means to collaborate well. Our students have themselves identified that doing this involves demonstrating perseverance, valuing the contributions of others and being productive in resolving differences.

“When our students know what it means to collaborate, they can do this better, and the result is more powerful and impactful learning,” Dr Burgess concludes.

It was a delight to have been back at Sydney Town Hall for Speech Night 2022, a magnificent culmination to a wondrous year for all. View the commemorative video of the 89th Speech Night as well as our traditional year-in-review video.

Through regular Open Mornings, families are invited to discover Danebank for their daughters. More information and to book, please click here.

You’ll recall that in 2022, we experienced delays from the heavy rains and 57 unexpected piles being found under the demolished Langdon building, which needed to be removed. 

Despite this, with the excellent work from Rohrig and our team, construction gradually got back on track, with concrete poured to the basement in December, and the ground floor last month. In the next few weeks, the following is scheduled to happen:

• Installation of stairs from basement to ground floor
• Construction of AFS walls from the basement to Level 1
• Form work for Level 1, followed by concrete poured for Level 1

Based on the current program, and despite the delays in 2022, we still hope to occupy the building from the start of Term 1 next year, subject to the construction of a new electrical substation. 

You’ll recall that the Stage 2 project is one that revitalises Danebank’s learning areas across Park Road. 

The Stage 2 building hosts: 

• Contemporary Junior School classrooms with flexible learning areas 
• A new library and research centre for all students (P-12) 
• An expanded canteen with outdoor seating 
• Specialised art and music rooms 
• A staff area that will also provide expansive community space for gatherings

In addition, you’ll notice that the modular classrooms on 78 Park Road have been installed. Internal works, such as air conditioning units and carpets have commenced. Over the coming weeks, the footpath from the main campus, landscaping, AV connection and the delivery of furniture are among the items to be finalised. We expect to be able to move into these classrooms next term.