Driven by the school’s P&C, the ‘Towards 501’ initiative is a strategic campaign focused on increasing enrolment numbers, strengthening community connections, and enhancing pride and engagement within our region's only Year 7-12 high school.
The campaign title is based on the primary goal of building student numbers to 500 and beyond.
P&C president Vincent Kelly said by reaching at least 501 students, Deniliquin High School will unlock additional teachers, increased funding, and broader opportunities for students, staff, families, and the wider community.
“For a number of years our student enrolments have been in decline, so the number of students at the school is dropping off, and our primary goal is trying to address that trend,” Mr Kelly said.
“There’s an aim to grow our enrolment numbers back in excess of 500, and when we get to 500 we'll probably rename it Towards 601.
“If we can achieve an increased enrolment back above 500, what happens is we start to see additional funding and additional teacher resources being allocated into the school that we've lost over the last few years because of those declining numbers.”
Mr Kelly said one reason for declining numbers is the “healthy, growing number of students going out of town”.
“We're trying to address that and see if we can't start to keep a few more people back in town.
“High school, or any schooling, is not just a service. It's actually a foundation for your whole community moving forward.
“Our businesses and corporations are full of people who have been educated at high school - many at Deni High School.
“The school is just being seen as a service provider, and they're over there, and not recognised as a foundational pillar that I think it really is in the community.”
That connection is being used as the basis for the Towards 501 DHS Community Champions Program.
The program aims to build a network of businesses and organisations committed to supporting the growth and future of our school, which includes a financial contribution.
“As a community champion, you will play a meaningful role in shaping the future of local education while also benefiting,” Mr Kelly said.
“A contribution of $501+ is all it takes to become a community champion.
“Funds will directly support campaign marketing, community-building events and outreach activities for Deniliquin High School.
“Together, we can create a lasting impact, inspire future generations, and help our school and community continue to ‘Build, Bigger, Brighter’.”
To become a DHS Towards 501 Community Champion, go to https://bit.ly/DHS_CommunityChampions.
• Hear more from Vincent Kelly about the campaign and the P&C’s goals in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times’ first podcast episode. Listen here, or find it in under the ‘listen’ tab on the Deni PT App.
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