Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Welcome back to a new school term. What a strong start all Middle School students made, settling into their teaching and learning programs quickly and back to learning promptly. A few headline acts to start the term included the ANZAC Assemblies and of course this week’s (week 2) first round of City Experience for Year 9 A – F.
ANZAC Day is a very important day for many Australians as we remember the sacrifices of our service men and women, who fought and died, protecting the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. To commemorate this event, students gathered in multiple assemblies and observed a minute silence after the Last Post was played which was followed by The Reveille and Advance Australia Fair. Students were also read a poem called ‘In Flanders Fields’, written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. Students were respectful throughout the assemblies, demonstrating great empathy for the brave men and women for whom we mourned and those who are currently on active service.
City Experience Group 1 started with some mixed Melbourne Autumn weather. We met every morning at St Augustine’s Parish on Bourke Street. Students were prompt and on time which allowed us to let them start and finish their days in a timely manner. All students should be applauded for making this happen, and we hope that a similar pattern is observed when back at the College next week. The week kicked off with a bit of City Experience history from College Principal John Roberts, who gave students their Amazing Race folders and saw them off for the opening challenge (The Amazing Race). Throughout the week teachers have been buying the winning students gifts, symbolic of the activities they participated in throughout the week. Students participated in a range of activities from Koori Heritages tours, exploring Queen Victoria Market, MCG tour, visiting and role playing at the Old Magistrates Court, City Watch House and Old Melbourne Gaol to Sealife Aquarium and observance of historical significance at The Shrine.
During these events I am pleased to say that EDSC students demonstrated great respect for staff, guides and each other and curiosity in asking valuable and probing questions in a range of contexts.
Students were also given a Cultural Cuisine Challenge to undertake as well, which provided many interesting conversations between staff and students about what their lunch would be for that day. I am again pleased to say students really digested these instructions and didn’t make a meal out of our challenge. Students were seen enjoying meals together and provided pictures of sushi, pho, spicy noodle Soups, Mexican burritos, curry laksa, wood fired pizzas, boureks, gozleme, vegetarian curries, ramen and much more than I can list. I thank the students for really tucking into this part of the experience.
Friday came and the experience came to an end with a presentation/graduation ceremony at the parish. Students were given a City Experience certificate and we announced the winners of the Amazing Race.
The winners of the Amazing Race were: -
1st Place
9C Group 4 - Kaia, Tiarna, Bonnie, Harris, Xavier, Isabel & Kelly 9C
Equal 2nd Place -
9B Group 3 - Cathy, Grace, Margherita, Ayesha, Daniella & Sienna
AND
9C Group 3 - Menna, Rudra, Allen, Hannah, Hansel & Chermaine
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff who attended this week’s experience and congratulate all the students on a fun week learning in the city. A very special mention to the Year 9 Team (Adam Robb and Anna Kissane) for all their hard work and organisation and Breanne Murphy (Middle School Admin) for the hours of organisation, bookings (and re bookings) and printing; the event wouldn’t run without her.
We now look forward to doing it all again with 9G – L in week 5.
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.
