East Doncaster Secondary College Newsletter

Respectful Relationships News

Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in our education settings.

 

Respectful Relationships is about embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, from our classrooms to staffrooms, sporting fields, fetes and social events. This approach leads to positive impacts on students' academic outcomes, their mental health, classroom behaviour, and relationships between teachers and students.

 

Together, we can lead the way in saying yes to respect and equality, and creating genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.​

The EDSC Respectful Relationships Pledge:

"All members of our school community have a responsibility to stand up against family violence and the misuse of gender power and control. We foster relationships that are respectful, caring and fair."

 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence the following services are available

 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the police. 

For non-urgent help, please contact:

More resources/agencies can be found on our Wellbeing, Engagement and Positive Futures page of the East Doncaster Secondary College website

 

https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/wellbeing-engagement-positive-futures

Respectful Relationships Week 

Monday 7 August – Friday 11 August

Last week we held our annual EDSC Respectful Relationships Week. This year our student leaders were pivotal in organising and running the events that were centred around the theme of Community and Connection.

 

On Monday and Tuesday, we ran an art activity creating positive pebbles that students were able to keep or give to a friend. You will also see some of them in various places around the school. 

 

Wednesday and Thursday we had a down ball competition – students had the option to sign up in pairs OR be paired with another student in the school to compete for a prize of Westfield vouchers and to have their name engraved on our trophy. With over 70 students involved it was the centrepiece of our week and was a lot of students to coordinate. It was amazing to see so many students interacting positively and respectfully throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our winners – Leo and Len Hu.

 

Also, on Wednesday we had our student buddy competition. Students in the Middle School were sent an email from Cameron Campbell with a name of another student that was their ‘buddy’. Both students had to present at our prize table at lunchtime to receive their prize. These prizes will be given to the students over the next week. 

 

Congratulations to our first pair to arrive:

Lisa 8I and Ziyang 7D

 

On Friday we ran a student Dodgeball tournament. Students had a great time and what a lovely way to end the week. 

Thank you to all our student leaders who assisted with the activities, particularly Jayden, Mia and Rhylan who took on lead roles and responsibilities to make the week very successful.

Diversity and RRRR Calendar dates

Term 3 

July 3 – 10th NAIDOC Week 

July 14th – International Non-Binary People’s Day 

August 18th – National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence August 26th – Wear it Purple Day 

September 7th – Indigenous Literacy Day 

September 8th – RUOK? Day

LGBTQIA+ Resources/Events

Minus18 

https://www.minus18.org.au/

Virtual Chill Out event

Minus18's Virtual Chill Out events are chill, cosy, very queer digital spaces to help you de-stress, and spend some time with other LGBTQIA+ young people in a safe, calm environment.

 

Join us on Zoom to chill out together, apart – winter warm up edition! We’ll bring the lo-fi tunes and vibes; you bring your fave relaxing activity. Or join in the drawing challenges, creative activities, writing prompts, and the low-key chats with your Minus18youth community in the Zoom hangout.

 

This event is for people aged 12 to 19 only!

Key info

  • Friday 30 September
  • 2pm to 4pm (AEST)
  • On Zoom NOTE: You'll receive the Zoom link to join us just before the event, via email.
  • For people aged 12 to 19 only
  • Featuring activities hosted by our Minus18 Young Leaders

What we'll be doing

Low stakes fun vibes and the chance to chat with other LGBTQIA+ young people!

 

Activities:

We’ll reveal all the fun and creative activities and competitions we have planned VERY soon – until then, keep an eye on our Instagram!

The Minus18 Young Leaders will host activities, there'll be creative prompts, and maybe even live music! Get involved, or just put the event on in the background and do your own thing.

Other things to do during Virtual Chill Out:

  • Mindful stretching
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Applying makeup (if that’s your thing)
  • Bring your Switch or any other gaming moment!

What to expect:

This is not a support or discussion group – you can chat with others using the chat box, but this is mostly a chance for you to take some time and space to chill while hanging with your LGBTQIA+ youth community.

 

As always, this is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event and is moderated by a Youth Worker.

This event is for connecting with each other in a chill, low-stakes, low-octane setting. If you'd like something a little more upbeat (with DJs, drag and performances), we have a few other digital and in-person dance parties up our sleeves in the coming months!

Accessibility

  • Captioned
  • Youth Workers will be moderating the event.
  • Alcohol, drug and vape free.
  • The digital environment of this event is low-sensory.

If you're a parent or carer:

We know it can be daunting attending an LGBTQIA+ youth event, and your young person might need some encouragement to get there. To comply with child safety standards, we can’t allow parents or adults to be actively engaged in our events.

 

In saying this, you’re more than welcome to support your child by setting up the technology with them and helping them access the event. From there, you can just hangout nearby and check in on them if you need. Allowing them to engage in the event by themselves will help them build confidence and feel more connected to their youth community.

Rest assured, our Youth Workers, volunteers and Minus18 staff will be there to make sure your child has the sparkliest and safest experience possible.

 

If you would like to get in touch to discuss this more please reach out at platforms@minus18.org.au

 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/minus18-virtual-chill-out-winter-warm-up-tickets-643610023907

Wear it Purple Pride Party

It's a celebration for LGBTQIA+ youth!

It wouldn't be Wear it Purple® Day without a Minus18 youth party, and we have a HUGE night of drag, live music, queer pride and competitions planned for you.

 

This event is going to be one to remember – we'll be both in-person at the Victorian Pride Centre AND online, with an interactive digital event. 

 

Why? So, the whole Minus18 youth community can attend and celebrate this important occasion.

 

So yes, we'll be broadcasting live from the Victorian Pride Centre so no matter where you are, you'll be able to celebrate Wear it Purple® Day and make new friends.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Date: Saturday 26 August 2023 – the day after Wear it Purple® Day!
  • Ages 12 to 19 ONLY
  • Time: 7pm to 9:30pm AEST
  • Where: Victorian Pride Centre (in-person) and on Zoom (online) - a link will be sent to you on the day of the event
  • Theme: Purple! 💜
  • Cost: Definitely free!

Who's performing at the Wear It Purple® Pride Party?

A STACKED lineup of queer youth excellence that we'll announce closer to the event!

Attending In-Person (Melbourne pals only!)

What should I expect at the in-person event?

  • Live performances!
  • Friend-making activities.
  • Hang Out space
  • Quiet space

Attending Online

What should I expect at the online event?

  • A HUGE live broadcast from the Victorian Pride Centre, filled with Pride, purple and surprises!
  • Competitions – so prepare to strut your stuff!
  • Purple vibes! 💜 This is a Wear it Purple Day celebration, so wear a splash of purple 💜
  • The chance to connect with your Minus18 youth community! Join in the chat on Zoom and feel loads of Pride, no matter your location.

How do I tune in?

 

Via Zoom link, which will be sent to all registered attendees on the day of the event.

Tune in via computer or phone, with or without the Zoom app. That said, we highly recommend using a computer so you can watch the performances while joining in the chat.

 

Either way? Wear a little purple to celebrate Wear it Purple® Day!

💜

Accessibility

  • Auslan Interpreters
  • Youth Workers online and in-person
  • Alcohol, drug, vape and smoke free youth event.
  • Venue is wheelchair accessible.
  • All gender bathrooms at the venue

Have a specific access requirement? Let us know when registering a ticket, or reach out to Minus18 Youth Events Coordinator, Rose, at rose@minus18.org.au

 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/minus18s-wear-it-purple-pride-party-tickets-645824447307

 

For more events, please visit 

https://www.minus18.org.au/events

Manningham Council Events

Did you know, in Manningham we have active and accessible men's community groups? There's Manningham Men's Shed, Tough Guy Book Club, The Men's Table and the Men's Group Meeting. These groups create a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie, even for men who already have a group of mates. They meet at different times during the month and are free to join, so reach out to them for details!

 

Calling all photographers!

 

The Manningham Photo Competition is back for 2023, and we're looking for your best photos of our beautiful city.

 

The top 12 photos will be featured in our 2024 Community Calendar, and there's $2,400 in Westfield Gift Cards up for grabs.

There are two categories: under 18s and over 18s. Anyone can enter, as long as your photo was taken in Manningham in the past 12 months.

 

The competition is open now and entries close Monday 4 September.

 

So what are you waiting for? Get snapping and enter today!

 

https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/manningham-photo-competition

RR Book of the Week 

What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?

 

Frances has been a study machine with one goal. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. Then Frances meets Aled, and for the first time she's unafraid to be herself.

 

So when the fragile trust between them is broken, Frances is caught between who she was and who she longs to be. Now Frances knows that she has to confront her past. To confess why Carys disappeared…Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.Engaging with themes of identity, diversity and the freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.

 

Rebecca James

Respectful Relationships Coordinator