To me, effective leadership fosters a positive school culture and a clear vision that promotes student success and staff development. Our core values of honesty, respect, kindness, integrity, and trust are my bedrock foundation to work collaboratively and efficiently to help our school continually improve and thrive.
What are the reasons why you enjoy working at DSM and with the DSM team?
The amazing team and our unique setting create a wonderful atmosphere of open feedback, curiosity, and compassion for good education. I’m excited to come to school every day and I am grateful to be part of our journey together.
Introducing Business Manager Karin Power
Business Manager Karin Power
Karin, what does effective leadership mean to you?
Effective leadership for me means listening, collaborating, and acknowledging that everyone brings unique skills and knowledge to DSM which are all equally valuable. It means creating an environment where every team member feels safe and encouraged to share ideas, give feedback, think outside the box, and where we all work together to effectively achieve our shared objectives in line with DSM’s mission and vision.
What are the reasons why you enjoy working at DSM and with the DSM team?
The team at DSM is passionate about the bilingual and unique community. Each student’s individual learning journey and social-emotional wellbeing is at the core of what we do – not only in the classrooms but also in every area of the school’s administration. The DSM community is warm, caring, and welcoming, and it is exciting being able to contribute to its future.
Introducing Assistant Principal Christina Remshardt
Assistant Principal Christina Remshardt
Christina, what does effective leadership mean to you?
Effective leadership for me means working with students, parents, my colleagues and the board closely together to establish the best German- English bilingual school we can be. It means collaborating with all stakeholders and guiding and listening to people so that everyone feels empowered and can be the best version of themselves.
What are the reasons why you enjoy working at DSM and with the DSM team?
I have been at DSM for almost 12 years now and I've loved watching it grow from only about 60 students at that time to 180 students now. Even though it has changed enormously in terms of student numbers and size, it has kept the same welcoming feeling when you enter the school. Its students, parents and staff create a buzzing kind bilingual community which is hard to find elsewhere. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. It’s amazing to see the students grow at our school in their bilingual capabilities and their overall development.
Introducing Assistant Principal Alanna King
Assistant Principal Alanna King
Alanna, what does effective leadership mean to you?
Good leadership is about understanding the needs and aspirations of our students, our families and our staff, then facilitating an environment that encourages, supports and empowers them to achieve their goals.
What are the reasons why you enjoy working at DSM and with the DSM team?
What I love about our school is that each and every staff member here is a living example of successful bilingualism. Our staff walk the walk and talk the talk…literally! It brings an invaluable level of authenticity to our program where students see the value of what they are doing and know that they will be supported on their language learning journey, regardless of where it starts.
Interview with Principal Jörg Dopfer
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am originally from Freiburg in Germany’s southwest, the state of Baden-Württemberg. I am 51 years old, married and have two daughters aged 15 and 17. I have been enjoying rock climbing for the last 30 years and have been a book club member for the past 15 years.
In Freiburg, I worked as Head of the Languages, Arts and PE Department at the Kepler Gymnasium and was in charge of the school’s bilingual program. I also spent two years as Interim Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School at the Izmir Branch of the German Embassy School in Turkey. With a master’s degree in teaching and as an IB (International Baccalaureate) certified teacher of English, I bring more than 20 years of teaching and several years of leadership experience to my role as DSM Principal.
What drew you to DSM?
Deutsche Schule Melbourne’s unique program combines many of my professional and personal passions and experiences. I have a true passion for bilingual education. I love working and living in an international and intercultural environment. I am excited and feel very fortunate to be a part of the journey to develop DSM into an even better school. Right from the moment I submitted my application, I was impressed by the positive tone and trustful communication with the DSM Board.
What does success mean to you?
Smiling children. Be at your best. As a teacher, to help and guide children and teenagers to become the best versions of themselves and to find joy and fulfilment.
How important is it to involve parents?
Crucial! Parents and the school are equally responsible for the students’ social-emotional well-being and academic success. To do so, we encourage our parents to participate actively in our school community. It is essential for us to communicate well with our individual DSM families. For example, through our weekly newsletter, parent-teacher interviews and individual meetings.
What impact does the broader community have on DSM?
DSM is an inclusive and not an exclusive school. Therefore, we strive to represent all parts of our broader, globally thinking, peaceful community.
It is important for our school to be an active member of the local Fitzroy/Melbourne community as well as the German-speaking community. We host a variety of cultural activities that families, teachers and neighbours equally enjoy. Our students participate in regular excursions, which provide a chance for them to interact with their community – for example, our youngest students visit the local Fitzroy library. We also strive to participate in interschool sports activities to connect students to the broader community and promote teamwork and good sportsmanship.
