PRINCIPAL REPORT 

Term 1, 2026

Mount Eliza Secondary College

2026 is certainly flying by—it’s hard to believe we are already halfway through Term 1! As I write this, our Year 7 students are excitedly preparing to head off to camp. I look forward to hearing all about their experiences, the friendships strengthened, and the fun and adventure that always comes with camp week.

Across the college, it has been a busy and productive start to the year. Our students continue to shine in a range of areas, including sport. Congratulations to all students who represented MESC in recent interschool events—particularly our swimming team, who achieved an impressive third place at the Inter-School Swimming Carnival. We are incredibly proud of their effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Progress Reports

Students have now received their first round of Progress Reports. These reports provide valuable insight into how students are tracking academically, their engagement in personal learning, and their social contribution in the classroom.

I encourage families to take the time to discuss these reports with their young person. If your student has received a Needs Improvement or Concern rating, please feel free to contact the classroom teacher directly. Working together ensures we can support every student to move forward successfully.

Some year levels are also completing, or have already completed, their first summative assessments. These can be viewed via students’ Compass Learning Tasks.

Mobile and Personal Device Policy

Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in students carrying their mobile phones and using personal devices such as headphones throughout the school day. While many students refrain from using them, the temptation can be strong, and the impact on learning and wellbeing is significant.

Following a consultation process with our College Council, we have endorsed amendments to our Mobile and Personal Device Policy:🔗Full policy: MOBILE-AND-PERSONAL-DEVICE-POLICY-2025-Review-August-2028.pdf

Key changes include:

• Phones must be locked securely in student lockers. Students found carrying a phone will be asked to hand it to the staff member. It will then be stored securely and collected from the front office at the beginning of the next school day.
• Second confiscation: Parents/carers will be notified.

• Third incident: Parents/carers will be required to collect the device or the student will hand it in to Student Services each morning for five school days.

   

Failure to follow these directions will result in consequences in line with the MESC Engagement Policy, including possible suspension.

It is important to note that this policy is not simply a school rule—it is based on a Department of Education Ministerial Order. Families can read more here:🔗 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/students-using-mobile-phones/policy

If you would like to provide feedback regarding the policy, please email: info@mesc.vic.edu.au

Ready to Learn

Our ongoing focus on students being Ready to Learn continues to strengthen classroom environments across the college. I want to acknowledge and thank our students and families for the visible effort being made to support teachers and ES staff in meeting expectations.

If your student is finding any aspect of being Ready to Learn challenging, I encourage you to reach out to your Year Level Coordinator. We are here to help, and early support always makes a difference.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing partnership. I look forward to the remainder of Term 1 and the many exciting learning opportunities still to come.

Warm regards,

Danielle Vaughan

Principal

Mount Eliza Secondary College