Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Middle School
Due to the recent extension of the lockdown, the Middle School Values Assembly from Week 1 needs to be distributed via the Newsletter and Compass News Feed.
Please read through as if you were being spoken to by myself as Head of Middle School.
Students who received ‘Values awards’ will have them distributed once we are back to onsite learning. Congratulation to those who received awards. Remember staff are looking to award Values Awards again this term, mostly in response to displaying the school values during remote learning activities.
Year 8 Camp
Planning will continue in preparation for this camp, should it be allowed to run on the proposed dates (6th – 8th September). Students and parents should closely monitor their Compass Newsfeed for updates. The College will notify families with a final decision about the camp next week. Should it not continue as planned, refunds will be sorted out for everyone who has paid.
Teaching and Learning
Well done to all Middle School students for their seamless transition back to remote learning and dealing with the unfortunate news that this lockdown has been extended. Please remember that:
Firstly, the number one priority for the College is to provide you with support. We understand that remote learning is difficult for many, so our teachers and education support staff are there to help. Staff will do this through checking in with you via MS TEAMS or through email communication and they will inform year level coordinators if they have any concerns. Your teachers like to see you (camera) or hear from you, so please indulge them if you can via TEAMS.
Secondly, a lesson outline and curriculum material will be posted on the Compass lesson plan for each class. This provides you with a description of the work that needs to be completed either that day or across the week, depending on the subject. Teachers are setting less work than they normally would do (remote learning takes longer!!) and there should not be “homework” set in addition to what is outlined on the Compass lesson plan. If you find that you seem to be working way too late in the day, please touch base with your level coordinator and let them know.
Marking the roll- teachers will start a TEAMS meeting at the beginning of the lesson to check attendance. This will mean that you need to engage in the lesson (the teacher will explain how) to be marked “present” for class. If you are unwell or unable to complete a class, your parent will need to pop an attendance/absence note in Compass (as they would for any absence). We understand that there may be times throughout the week that you may be unavailable for class but you parent/carer needs to be across this and place the approval on Compass.
Wellbeing support- the College Wellbeing Team are also set up to support you. They are happy to reach out to you or your parents if you need help. They can chat with you over the phone or TEAMS. A flyer with the contact details of the team is attached below. In addition, our College Wellbeing Team has put up some resources on our College website that may be of use.
If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out via email to your year level coordinator (below)
Year level coordinators:
- Year 7- Mr Rickard and Mr Schwarz
- Year 8- Miss Trist and Mr Novak
- Year 9- Mrs Catalano, Miss Morris and Mr Robb
- Head of Middle School - Mr Bond
To all of you out there in the East Doncaster Secondary College community, please stay safe and well during these times and take time out from your screens to participate in physical activity and other activities to promote your overall health and wellbeing.
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
College Charges 2021
East Doncaster Secondary College Council would like to thank you for your support of the College as we endeavour to provide the best possible education for your child.
In order to provide quality programs and a comfortable and efficient learning environment for our students, the College relies on strong support from the College community. The College Charges are designed to supplement the Government’s allocation to schools to provide materials and services. These charges enable us to enrich and extend the learning experiences of our students in each subject. Please find attached the explanatory Parent Payments Parent Letter and Parent Payment Policy. 2021 College Charges are now available for parents to pay on Compass.
Please note that there is no additional charge incurred if paying online via Compass.
For further information regarding our Parent Payments Policy, please refer to the attached documents.
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2021
In 2021 we will continue with our whole school 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students.
Our Year 7 and 10 students will be required to purchase a laptop, Year 8, 9, 11 and 12 students will continue with their laptop from 2020. 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.
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.
