Middle School News
Middle School News
WELCOME BACK is the theme for students after navigating an unprecedented flexible and remote teaching and learning program. Although they won’t admit it, students are happy to be back at school…who would ever have thought! I think one positive from the pandemic and the quarantine/lock down was that it made everyone grateful for the little things in life we used to take for granted. Normalities such as attending school and work and interacting with our peers, freedom of movement, the ability to use recreational facilities, seeing friends and family, being able to shake hands with each other and of course unlimited toilet paper supplies were all greatly missed.
However, we are now back where we belong and as we slowly move back to a normal routine, some of the behaviour changes we have made along the way, we still need to be practicing. Social distance where possible, wash your hands regularly, sanitise your hands when entering or exiting classrooms and bringing a water bottle instead of using taps to name a few. These rules are in place to protect us and make us feel as safe as possible. So far the students and teachers are following most of these rules and as a result we have had an uninterrupted beginning to our face to face learning program, where we have seen other schools have not been so lucky.
Another positive to emerge from this period of remote learning was the resilience and ability for students and parents to adapt to the change and make the most of the opportunities they had been presented with, instead of lamenting the ones they had lost. I know everyone’s situation is different and it was more difficult for some than others, but on the whole I would like to congratulate the entire school community on displaying the schools values throughout the remote and now face to face learning. I believe that resilience, respect, curiosity and teamwork were all on show and this in turn should lead us to excellence in the future.
I’d like to finish with a quote “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” — Booker T. Washington. I think this is a valid point given what we have experienced so far in 2020. It started with horrific fires, then we encounter a pandemic followed by a worldwide human rights movement. It definitely has not been the easiest of years on record but that doesn’t mean we need to let it go to waste. We have all learned so much about ourselves over this time, that the lessons would be wasted if we were not to harness them and drive us towards greatness in the future. Be kind to each other and support one another and if we do these simple things and be grateful for what we have and the opportunities that exist for us in this world then nothing can stop you…except maybe another pandemic. Have a great break.
Values Awards
Values assembly ran this Thursday 25 June during period one. This was administered via a Microsoft Teams meeting with an aim to say farewell to students for the term break and congratulate/celebrate their navigation of unprecedented circumstances. Please see an attached list for all the award recipients.
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
Year 7 News - Water Cycle Model
During online learning, Year 7 Humanities students had a Learning Task to complete, which involved them choosing from a variety of options (map, mind-map, poster, paragraph etc.) whilst researching the topic of Water in our World. I would like to draw attention to Ava McNamara’s model of the water cycle, which incorporated 3d elements, a cut-scene of the Earth’s core, paint, and a number of materials. Amazing work Ava!
Klint White
Humanities Teacher
Year 8 Art in Isolation
During remote learning our Year 8 students found their creative streak and produced some very eye catching and dynamic artworks.
Their Zentangle Still Life drawings were researched and developed during the whole time students were participating in remote learning and I wish to commend our Yr 8 students on their perseverance and ability to adapt and continue to work in such challenging circumstances.
Students rose to the challenge and produced their artworks with materials they could access at home.
They focused on using the art elements of Line, Shape, Tone and Colour to create their Still Life and Zentangle patterns.
Here are a few samples of student artwork produced during remote learning – enjoy the viewing!
Stephanie Wheeler
Visual Arts Teacher
Year 9 - Careers News
The Year 9 Morrisby consultations will hopefully happen Term 3. Watch out for updates and to the students who have not completed yet, there will be an email shortly with details.
Craig Browne
Student Pathways, Work Experience
& VET Coordinator
Student Compass ID/Library/PTV Cards
Please remind all students that they must carry their Student Compass ID/Library/PTV Cards with them at all times.
ALL students must sign in/out with their card at the General Office when they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason. A reminder that Year 12 students are required to sign in/out at The John Landy Centre Compass Kiosk.
The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library/PTV is also the student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) cards. They are required to carry this card as student identification while travelling on public transport.
Students who are yet to collect their 2020 card are asked to please go to the Library. If a student loses their card, parents/guardians are able to re-order a replacement card via the Compass parent portal.
*POSTPONED* Clubs at EDSC
Please refer to the attached information if you are interested in joining one of the fabulous clubs we run here at EDSC.
2020 College Charges
John Roberts
Principal - Executive Officer
East Doncaster Secondary College Council
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2020
In 2020 we will continue with our whole school 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students.
Our Year 7 students will be required to purchase a laptop, Year 8 students will continue with their laptop from 2019 and Year 9 students will use their iPad for the final year .
The purchase of these devices is crucial to the learning program as students will access eBooks rather than an extensive number of expensive textbooks. Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students require a laptop.
Details of the 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students and important information regarding suitable devices are detailed in the attached policy.
*POSTPONED*
Middle School Study Sessions - Years 7-9
Students from Year 7 to 9 are invited to join the 'Study Sessions' on Wednesday nights from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the 400 block.
Please fill in and return the attached Permission Slip if you want your child to attend.
If you have any questions about these sessions please speak to Justin Bond.
*POSTPONED* Breakfast Club
Every Wednesday morning at 8:00am in The John Landy Centre.
Hot drinks and food provided, games played and an opportunity to meet students from other year levels.
