Principal's Report
From the Acting Principal Karen Boyle
With the end to semester one fast approaching, our students are also facing a peak time for assessment. Our Year 11 and Year 10 students are preparing for mid-year exams for each of their studies whilst our Year 9 students are facing their first examamination experience as they prepare for their English and Maths exams at the end of term. All students currently studying a Year 12 subject will sit for their first external assessment with the GAT being held on June 15.
This period of time may see some of our students feeling slightly anxious and apprehensive; some may feel overwhelmed. As parents you can assist your children, our students, to build their self-management skills by working with them on strategies to help organise their time effectively, to identify the ways they best organise and revise for tests and exams and by ensuring they have a study space at home which is free from distractions and interruptions. Continuing with sporting and other activities can assist in alleviating anxieties and contribute to maintaining a positive frame of mind during this period of time. Above all, this time should be viewed as a learning experience. The resilience developed during these busy weeks of a school term is a valuable tool to prepare our young people for the challenging rigours of VCE and Tertiary examinations and the multitude of tasks within the workforce in later years. We know that the preparatory years contribute to the confident way in which our Year 12 cohorts approach their final exams.
Please do not hesitate to contact your childrens’ subject teachers if you have any questions about their learning program or for further information on study techniques.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
Friday 26 May was National Sorry Day and this week we recognised National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which is held annually from 27 May to 3 June. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is ‘Be a voice for generations’. It encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997. The report detailed the history of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, often referred to as the Stolen Generations, under laws enacted by Australian governments. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
National Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for students and staff to learn about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ shared histories, cultures and achievements. As such, it was great to see work undertaken in the English Domain displayed in the John Landy Centre.
As a College, we still have a lot to learn about the journey and challenges of our First Nations peoples, both in the past and in the present. We look forward to and are committed to these learnings.
Year 9 City Experience
Our City Experience program was held last week for students in 9G-9L. Once again it was a resounding success with students being challenged to expand their knowledge of the City of Melbourne and the many interesting and important places it contains in a manner that helped to develop their independence and sense of self-responsibility. It was wonderful to see our students assembled bright and early on the Monday morning, full of energy and excitement for the week ahead. This group were fortunate to start their week with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri elder Perry Wandin. Uncle Perry helped our students gain further understanding about First Nations Peoples as he shared his family’s history and welcomed us to the Wurundjeri Land we would be exploring during the week in the city.
The week in the city began with all students participating in an Amazing Race. The competitive yet friendly nature of our students was on full display as we witnessed them race from one checkpoint to the next in their quest to be the winning team. Throughout the week students also visited the Sea Life display at the Melbourne Aquarium, the Old Magistrates Court, The Royal Botanic Gardens, The Shrine of Remembrance, The MCG, Old Melbourne Gaol, City Watch-House, the Koorie Heritage Tour and the Queen Victoria Market.
In between the tram trips around the city precinct, the walking trails along Bourke, William, Flinders and Collins Streets, the lunchtime stops at the food-courts, a little window shopping and the entertainment from the city buskers, our students had the opportunity to participate in an array of enjoyable and educational pursuits that certainly expand their horizons from the immediate sphere of our local community. For many of our students this experience sets a real benchmark in their independence and adds a level of confidence in their ability to successfully operate in what was for some an unfamiliar landscape. Indeed, this experience becomes pivotal in preparing our students for the challenges of our Work Experience Program in Year 10.
Our Year 9 students are congratulated for the manner in which they represented the College in the city both this week and earlier in Term 2. I would also like to thank our staff members who supervised the program and Year 9 Coordinators, Adam Robb and Anna Kissane, along with our Head of Middle School, Justin Bond and Middle School secretary Bree Murphy for their organisation and management of what I am sure we can all agree is a worthwhile program.
Winter Warmers Music Concert
A reminder that our Winter Warmers Music Concerts will be conducted next Tuesday (6 June). We are looking forward to celebrating the outstanding talents of our instrumental music students and ensembles.
Winter Concert 1- 6:30-7:30pm
Showcased in the College Performing Arts Centre featuring the Da Capo Strings, Concert Band, Senior Vocal Group, Stage Band and String group.
Winter Concert 2 - 8:00-9:15pm
Showcased in the College Performing Arts Centre featuring the premiere of the 2023 Beginner Band, as well as the Chamber Strings, Euphonix Vocal Group and Combined vocals, Sempre Strings and Symphonic Band.
Please note that EDSC Parents and Friends Association will be selling refreshments between the two concerts.
Big Freeze at EDSC Special Event
A further reminder that the East Doncaster Secondary College community is once again involved in raising funds for the FightMND campaign this year. A team of students and staff continue to promote and raise funds for this great cause.
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is an incurable and unpreventable neurodegenerative disease that causes difficulty in functioning. EDSC has a longstanding relationship with FightMND and is dedicated to raising money to support the search for a cure.
The top 10 fundraisers will be invited to participate in the "Ice Bucket Challenge" on our Big Freeze Day, Tuesday June 13, at lunchtime in the Middle Courtyard in front of the library. These lucky participants will also get the chance to meet Isaac Quaynor from the Collingwood Football Club, a previous EDSC student, who is also a big supporter of this important cause.
Students and families are able donate via our specialised link https://hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-9/edsc (click join team) or donate by clicking 'give now'. Remember no amount is too big or small to fund vital research to help find a cure for MND. Please see below for an excerpt from the MND website:
“MND is a Beast. It is an insidious disease without any effective treatment or a cure. But over the past seven years, FightMND has been able to make real change. With your support, we have invested over $69.3M in research that is beginning to show real promise.
We don’t know when the big breakthrough will come, but when it does, every single person who buys a beanie or donates to FightMND can know that they played a part in making it happen. We need you all in, and to keep fighting alongside us as we take on the ‘Beast’”
Reporting and Assessment Day – Friday 24 June
A reminder to students and parents that Friday 23 June will be a pupil-free day as our teachers are given the opportunity of completing learning task and examination corrections and commencing their Cycle 3 reports.
It is firmly acknowledged that pupil-free days in either the last or first week of terms are not viewed as an ideal fit. Our planning for events in this term is however impacted due to the term only being nine weeks in length instead of the usual ten-week block that is usually available. We appreciate the school community’s support of this day for teachers to finalise student feedback for the semester. It is not envisaged that we continue with this practice and timeline in future years.
Recognition of Outstanding Long-Service
Each year the Department recognised long-service milestones this year. Of the 304 recipients, 172 were recognised for 40 years of service; 78 for 45 years; 45 for 50 years, and 9 for 55 years. DET hold a Recognition of Service ceremony each year to recognise and celebrate dedication, loyalty and longevity of service to our department. This year’s ceremony was on Sunday 21 May at the Pullman, East Melbourne. Recipients received a personalised Certificate of Recognition and commemorative booklet.
We would like to highlight the 50 years of service Lesley Simmonds has given to the Department in her Educational Support roles. Her contribution to the wider education system is outstanding and with almost 48 years of this service being at East Doncaster Secondary College we would like to commend her and thank her for all she has done for our school.
Visitors to the School – a Reminder of our College Policies
East Doncaster Secondary College seeks to provide the community with an open and friendly learning environment. At the same time, one of our highest priorities is to ensure the safety of our students, staff and resources. We thank you for your cooperation in adhering to the following visitation policies and procedures:
- All visitors must report to the General Office upon arrival.
- If you are a parent or guardian who needs to contact your child, the reception staff will provide assistance.
- Only people attending on official school business will be permitted to enter the school grounds.
- Visitors are not permitted to enter the school grounds unless supervised by a member of staff.
- As our teaching staff have timetabled commitments, it is important prior appointments are made.
- Upon arrival, all official visitors and contractors must log their presence by signing in at the touch screen kiosk located in the General Office.
- Visitors must also sign out using their visitor pass on departure.
Karen Boyle
Acting Principal
Donations to Building/Library Fund
Making a tax-deductible donation to our Building and Library Funds before June 30 is a great way to boost your tax return while making a lasting impact on our school.
We are moving ahead with plans to improve some of our older buildings and also build covered walkways between portables so students and staff don’t get wet on rainy days getting to class. We also need to regularly replenish our stock in the library and feed the wide and varied appetite for reading that so many of our students have.
If you would like to contribute, you can complete a payment envelope or pay via EFTPOS at the General Office.
Tax Receipts for all donations over $2.00 will be issued after 1 July via email. Feel free to contact the office if you have any queries.
Curriculum Contributions Year 10-12 Subjects
Curriculum Contributions for Year 10-12 subjects are on Compass and we invite parents to support our extensive electives program which provides options and opportunities for those in our Senior School.
East Doncaster Secondary College provides classroom consumables, materials and equipment for items and activities that students use, or participate in, to access the curriculum and we invite you to make a contribution for the elective subjects that your child is studying.
Please refer to the attached document for instructions on how to do this:-
Your financial assistance enables us to enrich and extend the learning experiences of our students.
We thank you for your generous support.
Parent Payment arrangements for 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please find attached the Parent Payment arrangements for 2023. They are available for payment via Compass on your home page under “Course Confirmation/Payments”.
Alternatively, payments can be made directly to the College via credit card or cash using the College Payment Envelope. Please ensure you download the attached form for the appropriate 2023 year level. Payment envelopes can be dropped off at the College in the locked drop box at Reception.
Your ongoing support of the College allows us to continue to offer a broad range of programs and enhanced curriculum experiences.
Please refer to the attached Parent Payments Policy and further links to information via https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-payment/policy
Advertise in our College Newsletter
Do you have a business or are you part of a community organisation?
Do you want to reach over 1,000 families in the area every fortnight?
Our fortnightly e-newsletter has space available at either A5 or full page and can include direct links to your website (no social media sites).
Pricing:
$25 - A5 size per edition
$50 - A4 full page per edition
$10 – for community groups A5 size per edition
$200 - per term
$700 - per year
Email the attached form to
east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au or contact us on 9842-2244 for more information.
College Philosophy
At East Doncaster Secondary College we have a strong tradition of academic excellence and we aim to promote and sustain a reflective learning culture. We want students to experience a sense of achievement and growth in their academic, personal, social and emotional development. We have high expectations of our students’ commitment to being mutually supportive and striving for success as learners. We are proudly multicultural with a student population from 43 nationalities including a number of International Students. 68% of our students speak a language other than English at home.
A student’s life at school is full of opportunities, being rich and varied with a range of co-curricular activities in music, sport, productions, debating, clubs as well as camps and international experiences for the educational and personal development of students. Our students are vibrant, energetic, and talented young people. There are many student leadership opportunities and we aim to continue to increase student access to decision-making and self-determination as learners.
We endeavour to create a "Culture of Curiosity" with goals of ensuring learning improvement for every student – every student, every period, every day.
Our school’s purpose is to develop passionate learners who are critical thinkers with the confidence and capability to engage in the global community.
Care and Compassion, Curiosity, Excellence, Fairness, Resilience, Respect and Teamwork are the core values that underpin the culture of our school as we embrace the challenges of 21st Century learning.
We aim to sustain a learning culture that provides every student with a sense of achievement and of being their best in their academic, personal, social and emotional development.
Privacy and Data at East Doncaster Secondary College - Reminder
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.
Please take time to read our school’s collection notice, found on our website on the Policy Documents page. We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use platforms such as Compass, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:
* Amharic
* Arabic
* Dari
* Gujarati
* Mandarin
* Somali
* Sudanese
* Turkish
* Urdu
* Vietnamese