Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Middle School - B Good Fridays!!
In Middle School we have noticed a trend of poor behaviour at the end of the week, in particular, on Fridays. We understand students are tired and their emotional regulation is declining towards the end of the week, including their behaviour.
The focus for each Friday is to display college values such as:
- Resilience: Get through the last day of the week without an incident and start the weekend happy and with no angry parents to worry about.
- Respect: Demonstrating respect for each other in the school yard and of course in the classroom.
- Teamwork: Remind each other what day it is…”remember its B Good Friday, come on lets pay attention”.
- Fairness: Fairness for everyone involved, including coordinators who don’t want to point out and deal with poor behaviour, rather hero and celebrate excellent behaviour.
- Excellence: Getting the most out of the teaching and learning program.
- Care and Compassion: For each other and for staff/coordination teams.
- Curiosity: Always striving to learn more about the world around us everyday.
So…B Good Fridays is here to stay!! Coming to a Friday near you 😊
City Experience
Group 2 is set to explore the City’s CBD next week. Looking forward to a great week with lots of amazing experiences. See next week's Newsletter for all the fun and excitement for what promises to be another successful Middle School event. Thanks again to Breanne Murphy, Adam Robb and Anna Kissane for all their work in preparation for group 2 next week.
Reflections from Group 1
Kevin 9A
Exploring Melbourne City has been an enriching experience for our school community. Our visit to the historic Old Melbourne Gaol allowed us to delve into the city's captivating past, uncovering stories of convicts and their trials. The Old Court, with its grand architecture, provided a glimpse into the city's legal heritage, sparking curiosity and discussions about justice. The fascinating world beneath the waves came alive during our trip to Sea Life, where we marvelled at the vibrant marine life and gained a deeper appreciation for the ocean's wonders. Melbourne City has truly left an indelible mark on our students, igniting their passion for history, law, and the natural world.
Heidi 9D
Overall, my city experience with school was a transformative period of personal growth, cultural exploration, and educational development. I really enjoyed the activities that were organized as many of them allowed me to gain knowledge about different topics such as sea animals, the old gaol and the MCG. I think one of the best aspects of city experience would be the ability to travel with public transport confidently and safely.
Aryan 9C
I had never anticipated that waking up at 5 in the morning could be so painstakingly hard. But all of it paid off as soon as me and my group were together on the bus and heading off to the city. The City Experience started off with a blitz. The Amazing Race kick started our experience, and to say the least, it was truly amazing. Then each day after that, different classes moved to their locations. My favourite part of the experience was when groups were allowed to move around in the city to eat anywhere they wanted. I believe that each group enjoyed every bit of the city experience. I would also like to thank all the teachers for being there to watch over us as we embarked on a journey throughout the city!
Breaks during class time
A reminder to all students that to leave class, teachers will make a note in the planner/diary if a student requests to go to the bathroom or library (for printing) during class.
To the bathrooms - students must carry the signed planner with them, go to the nearest toilet (this is different for recess and lunch visits) and get back to class as quickly as possible. Students do not need to go with a friend and teachers will not send more than one student out at a time.
To the library/300 open - student must carry the signed planner and present this to the library staff as they arrive. The library staff suggest to make the printing process a bit quicker, students can send their job to print at "Library copier/Library copier colour" from their classroom before they head up to the Library, and simply release it with their student card when they get there.
There can be some time wasted opening the document, reformatting and selecting the printer when they arrive. Bringing their device with them is a good idea, just in case there is an issue.
Students should be respectful of classes in the 300 open space if collecting printing from there.
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2023 and Laptop Configuration Bookings
In 2023 we continue with our whole school 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students.
The purchase of these devices is crucial to the learning program as students will access eBooks rather than an extensive number of expensive textbooks.
Details of the 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students and important information regarding suitable devices are detailed in the attached policy.
**Please note that the JB Hi Fi Solutions portal is no longer open for the sale of devices. This service is not available for 2023 purchases.
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
John Roberts
Principal
Child Safety and Wellbeing at East Doncaster Secondary College: information for families and the school community
The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.
East Doncaster Secondary College has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school’s website, on a Compass News Feed, at the school’s Reception.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact the Principal, John Roberts or Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell.
https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/our_school/child-safety-standards
Student Medical Expenses
Parents/carers are reminded that they are liable for all medical expenses incurred as a result of a student’s injury or medical need, including transport costs such as ambulance costs (this may include an air ambulance should that be considered necessary).
Parents/carers are responsible for any medical expenses (including ambulance costs) incurred if their child is injured or requires medical treatment or an ambulance while at school or participating in a school activity.
Parents/carers may not be called if an ambulance is required, until after an ambulance is called, depending on the situation. The College staff will use their judgment as to what action to take in cases of a student’s accident or sudden illness.
We encourage parents/carers to have up-to-date ambulance cover and medical insurance.
Damage to Students’ Personal Items/Property
Parents/guardians are reminded that any personal item/property that is brought to school by a student is the responsibility of the student and is not the responsibility of the school and is not covered by school insurance. Refer to Personal Possessions Of Students Policy in the EDSC Policy handbook on the College website. Students are responsible for personal items/property they bring to school. Neither the Department nor the school is responsible if any student’s personal item/property is lost, stolen or damaged.
Privacy and Data at East Doncaster Secondary College
East Doncaster Secondary College uses several digital platforms to support your child’s education, such as Compass, Google Drive, Office 365, Edapt, Oliver Library Management System. The College has an Information Security Policy and complies with the Department of Education and Training Privacy Policy. The attached documents provide further information about these services, privacy and how data is managed.
Privacy information for these platforms can be viewed here:
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.
If a student loses their card, parents/guardians are able to re-order a replacement card via the Compass parent portal.
