College Information
CDSC empowers our community to build a successful future based on Respect, Personal Growth and Social Inclusiveness.
Carrum Downs Secondary College is a vibrant community of approximately 900 students across Years 7-12. We strive to empower our students to create their future, respect each other and grow academically and socially. By actively teaching and promoting the College values of Respect, Integrity and Effort, we maintain a positive, caring and safe environment where every student is given an opportunity to demonstrate success.
We have a vertical House system, which sees students allocated into one of the four Houses when they enter the school, and remain under the guidance of the same House throughout their journey at secondary school. This promotes connectedness to the school and builds strong relationships between students, their family and the College staff.
Our passionate teachers follow a consistent lesson schema to maintain focus on academic success, as well as fostering positive relationships with students that support the emotional development of young people.
Students are presented with a vast range of learning opportunities that cater for their diverse needs and interests. These include performing arts and the College production, sporting teams, leadership programs and various education camps.
We look forward to sharing the Carrum Downs Secondary College experience with you and your family, and invite you to book a tour.
A Message from the Principal
Welcome to Carrum Downs Secondary College,
I have been involved with the Carrum Downs community for over seven years now and in this time, I have seen our college grow with a core focus on student learning and supporting our students to mature into young adults.
At Carrum Downs Secondary College we recognise that every student has individual learning needs. Our staff work in professional learning communities to identify the entry point for every student so they can engage in learning and are challenged at the appropriate level.
Our differentiated teaching program in Years 7-9 ensures we are targeting and supporting every student in our college and all students are being extended to maximise their potential.
Our core values of Respect, Integrity and Effort are lived out every day in the work that we do to empower our students. I am particularly proud of the work we are undertaking around student leadership and School Wide Positive Behaviours and the recognition and awards we have received for the safe and inclusive environment we have created.
Our college offers a wide range of opportunities in curricular and extra-curricular programs, which cater for the diverse needs of our students.
We are currently in the process of building a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) centre, which will further assist our students with critical and creative thinking. We have already introduced STEAM subjects into our curriculum which have been very popular with our students.
I am constantly receiving feedback from parents regarding the support and care that our students receive from our highly professional and committed staff. I think this is a true indication of the type of school that we are and the inclusive environment that we have created.
I am proud to lead our college and support our community.
Our Principals
MARK GOW
PRINCIPAL
Mark has worked in a variety of leadership positions over his 30 year education career. He has had a great deal of experience in leadership, particularly in leading and fostering school change. Mark is passionate about ensuring that every student in our college achieves their personal best.
MICHAEL MELFI
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Michael is a long standing member of the leadership team at CDSC, with his most recent portfolio leading the Professional Learning Communities to improve student outcomes, as well as driving the whole school data improvement. Michael enjoys working closely with the Student Leadership team and watch the students excel in their leadership growth.
JANETTE KALATZIS
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Janette has moved across into leading Teaching and Learning across the College and is excited for a new challenge. She has a strong belief that all students can achieve success both academically, socially and emotionally. Janette is passionate about forming positive connections with students and families and creating lifelong learners.
VANESSA COCO
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Vanessa has led the House system at CDSC for a number of years and has driven the implementation of the SWPBS (School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support) framework and strategies for improving school attendance at the College. Vanessa is passionate about empowering students, families and staff to foster positive outcomes in connectedness, engagement and wellbeing.