Assistant Principals' Reports

Focus on Instrumental Music.

We are excited to welcome a new member to our team of Instrumental teachers in the music department for Term 2.  We welcome Rod McLeod, who will be joining us to offer drum lessons.  Rod is an experienced Drum teacher who is also experienced in world percussion, African drums, and the Kora.  I am sure our drum students will benefit from Rod’s wealth of knowledge in their future lessons.

We still have a few spaces for instrumental 

lessons in:

• Guitar
• Bass
• Piano
• Keyboard
• Brass
• Woodwind
• Singing

If we have sufficient interest, we may be able to also offer lessons in:

• Banjo
• Ukulele
• Kora
• World percussion

Please send your enquiries through to the school email address:

Emerald.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Choir and ensembles starting soon.

In Term 2, we will be starting our choir, ensemble, and bands for interested students to join. This is a great way to meet and interact with different students, build confidence and skills in a student’s area of instrumental preference, and also foster confidence and team building skills. 

Groups will run during lunch time or before school, depending on the group.  They will be supported by both senior students and also instrumental teachers. Students should keep an eye on the Compass newsfeed for groups to join.

Janine McMahon - Assistant Principal

A Well Earned Break

Term 1 has now drawn to a close. The holidays are a fantastic opportunity for students, teachers and parents/carers to refresh and recharge from what has been a very busy start to the year. Whilst a break is definitely on the cards this is also a time to reflect on what we have achieved so far and how we can improve our learning outcomes. I encourage all parents/carers to talk openly with their children about classwork and assessment items and to reflect on the comments from our Student Learning Conferences as this will help guide them through Term 2 and beyond.

Congratulations Year 7

Year 7 students have successfully navigated their first term of secondary education. There have been many triumphs and it is pleasing to walk into their classes and see them engaged in their learning. Thank you for the positive approach you have shown to your learning.

New Office Location

The new Resource Centre will be completed before we return for Term 2. The next stage of the building program will focus on the main administration building. As such, the location of the main office will temporarily be in B1. This space is also at the front of the school where the library had been housed during the first stage of the renovation. We are looking forward to sharing the new spaces with our school community, a refresh of the facilities is very welcome and timely.

Uniform

Having a two week break provides everyone with a chance to take stock of where they are at in the school year. It is also a great opportunity to get required uniform items. Unfortunately, we are still having to follow up students who continue to wear the wrong uniform. Students will be followed up on return to school who are not following the uniform policy. A reminder that shoes need to be black, hoodies are not permitted, facial piercing must be clear and tracksuit pants are not to be worn. These issues are easily controlled by students and we appreciate your support in this area.

Respectful Parent/Teacher interactions at ESC

Students at Emerald Secondary College are very lucky to have committed staff to support them in their developmental growth throughout their secondary schooling, both academically, socially and in a welfare paradigm. We see the journey as everyone working as a team – school leaders, teachers, students and of course, you, our parents/carers. Thus, as a school community we all need to work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for all. To that end, all staff, especially Co-ordinators are available to answer any query you might have that relates to the learning or welfare of your son/daughter. These conversations must always be respectful, timely and cover off on three aspects – decision, action and accountability. To expand on this idea, decision pertains to an outcome, action reflects putting structures and agreements into place and accountability points to all parties keeping up their end of any negotiated action. The importance of being solution focussed must be at the forefront of every interaction, in a positive environment.

Buildings Grounds and OHS

The holidays give us a great opportunity to complete some much needed works around the College grounds. 

• Building works will Continue
• New Careers space will be furnished
• Lockers will be moved
• Asphalt repairs will be completed
• Split system units will be cleaned
• Steam cleaning of carpets

Jonathon Rogers - Assistant Principal