Principal's Report
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the half way mark of Term 4 for the majority of our students. With this in mind I would like to take the opportunity to remind all students and parents that every day counts. Our teachers are continuing to deliver a range of opportunities for students to learn, grow and engage with the curriculum across all areas of the school and it is essential that students maintain their attendance at school through until their final day of classes in 2022.
Our Year 12 students have already hit this mark and are now with us regularly for the completion of their VCAA VCE Exams. We have been seeing many nervous faces heading into the exams and are delighted to see the look of relief as students exit. We have no doubt that there will be some amazing achievements and milestones for our class of 2022 that we will celebrate with you all later in the year.
Our Year 10 and 11 students are encouraged to take every opportunity to engage with their teachers and their course work over the next few weeks before heading into their own exam periods.
Finally, our Year 7-9 students are encouraged to show us just what they are capable of during the next 6 weeks as we head into the end of the year. Demonstrate our College values of Respect, Resilience and Care as you go about your daily interactions with friends, fellow students and our staff team.
Parent Opinion Survey Results
The results for the recent Parent Opinion Survey have arrived at the College. I would like to thank the 55 families who responded. This is the highest number of families who have responded to the survey over the last five years and we appreciate the input of families, as this helps us shape our improvement agenda and ensure that the focus of our work is on the needs of our students and school community.
The table below is a brief summary of the key highlights of the survey:
Survey Domain | Positive | Neutral | Negative |
School Communication | 61% | 20% | 17% |
High expectations for success | 63% | 25% | 10% |
School Connectedness | 66% | 23% | 10% |
Respect for diversity | 59% | 24% | 16% |
Our Leadership Team and College Council will continue to unpack this feedback along with student and staff feedback as a part of our planning for 2023.
ESC Scholarships
Students in Year 7-12 in 2023 at Epping Secondary College are now welcome to apply for a range of Scholarships being offered for the year ahead. This is a great opportunity for students to be recognised for their effort, their learning growth and their achievements.
Scholarships are available for Primary School Dux students, in addition to scholarships in the areas of academic performance, the arts, sports and community citizenship. For further information about our scholarships and how to apply, please open the attached Scholarship document.
A reminder that applications should be submitted by Friday, 18th November, 2022.
Awards Night 2022 and the introduction of the Spirit of Epping Secondary College Award
Each year we take the opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements of our students. In 2022 we are delighted to be able to return to this being a school community event and public celebration of our students.
Our Awards Night will be held on Monday, 12th December, at the Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre.
Our staff are currently in the process of identifying award recipients and once determined parents will be notified. This will allow parents to book a seat for the event and join us to celebrate the amazing achievements that so many of our students make each year across all areas of the College.
In 2022, we are also introducing a Spirit of Epping Secondary College Award for a staff member at the College. All students, parents and carers are now welcome to nominate a staff member for this award and further details can be found in the attached document.
Nominations can be lodged by using the web link or QR code below:
https://forms.office.com/r/YyPdfesViq
Further information about our Awards Night will be provided to families over the weeks ahead, so please keep an eye on XUNO and our College Newsletter for more information.
We look forward to formally celebrating our students and staff with you on December 12th.
Marrung Education Scholarships
Applications are open for the Marrung Education Scholarships program, which provides financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete years 11 and 12.
This year, the program is offering 30 scholarships of $5,000 each, spread over 2 years. This is an additional 10 scholarships compared to 2021.
The scholarships can be used for a range of education-related items, such as school equipment.
Eligibility and selection
The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high level of potential to succeed in their chosen pathway. Students eligible for the scholarships are:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- completing Year 10 at a Victorian government school
- planning on completing years 11 and 12 at a Victorian government school.
A selection panel made up of representatives from the department and the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated will review the applications and select successful applicants using the following criteria:
- the student’s involvement in the Aboriginal community
- Year 10 academic results and school reports
- the student’s potential to succeed in a chosen pathway
- references from school and community representatives.
How to apply
To apply for a Marrung Education Scholarship, eligible students must complete the application form.
Once completed, submit the form to the Koorie Outcomes Division by email: marrung@education.vic.gov.au, including the subject line: Marrung Scholarships [student’s full name and school].
Applications close Friday,18th November, 2022.
Early Commencement Program – 2023
A reminder that the Year 11 into 12 Early Commencement program will begin on Friday, 18th November, for all of our current Year 11 students. This is a great way to start 2023 and the final year for students at the College. Where possible the Year 12 teacher for next year will take the class and when this is not possible a dedicated teacher with knowledge of the subject area will be taking delivering the classes over the two-week program.
Any queries regarding the Early Commencement Program can be directed to Ms. Melissa Foresio, Year 10-12 Sub School Leader.
Child Safe
Epping Secondary College is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe and child-friendly organisation, where children and young people are safe and feel safe. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students. College policies can be found on our website at https://www.eppingsc.vic.edu.au/about/child-safe-policy/
Brad Moyle
College Principal