Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

I would like to welcome you back to Term 2. Term 2 is my favourite term of the year, it is full of learning and recognition of student growth. We see classes that are settled and students that are focused on their learning. Where students are making the significant contributions that will support their strong academic achievement in the months ahead.

Like every teacher I love seeing students learn, develop and understand new concepts. This happens when students are connected to and understand the College’s learning behaviour expectations. Our successful students have pride in their learning, growth and achievement. It is wonderful to watch students present their learning and be proud of their accomplishments across all areas of the College and curriculum. All of our students are developing an understanding, awareness and appreciation of the important role that they play in ensuring the success of each other.

Elisabeth Murdoch College - THRIVE Behaviours

Our entire community has invested heavily over the past few years in developing high expectations for learning and student growth. In particular we developed THRIVE behaviours which focus on the preconditions for every student to succeed.

We know that when students attend class with a growth mindset and they are willing to respect themselves and their journey, that they will be successful in learning the key concepts and skills that will support their future success. The THRIVE behaviours reinforces the positive actions that each and every student can take to support their own and others learning.

I hope that you can take some time to reinforce with your student(s) the importance of having a sound learning behaviours, engaging in learning and education and above all supporting others to excel in their learning.

iCAN Challenge

At the end of last term the EMC community once again led the THRIVE Network, including all four schools in Langwarrin, in raising much needed funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

This year the iCAN Challenge was held at Cruden Farm and saw Primary and Secondary School students come together to walk either 25km or 50km.

I am incredibly proud of the work of the entire Langwarrin Community in raising $102,151.

This event is designed to teach participants the value of preparation, handwork and determination. It is not an easy feat to walk 50km and participating and completing this walk shows students what they can do when the going gets tough, building resilience and self-belief along the way. I would like to congratulate Jessica Wade for her leadership of the 2021 iCAN Challenge, and all students that raised money and completed the iCAN Challenge. Well done everyone.

Shape EMC 2030

In the last week of Term 1, the College launched SHAPE EMC2030 – this is the College’s first large scale consultation effort and aims to develop a 10 year strategic plan.

The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to:

Create an environment where students are at the centre, inspired to dream big, aspire to further education and are supported to transition into their chosen pathway
Identify and develop a set long-terms goals for the College that go beyond compliance and legislative requirements
Connect and align the whole school community (students, teachers, parents, community networks) to work together to achieve it

This Plan will go beyond what we are ‘required’ to do as government education provider, and set out what further we can do to inspire and support our students to prepare and transition to fulfilling educational and employment pathways. It will be ambitious – and require the commitment of our whole school community – because that’s what our current and future students deserve.

At Elisabeth Murdoch College, we want to create an environment where students are healthy, capable and confident – and feel empowered and supported in their future aspirations. So, it is critical for students (current and future), parents, staff and the broader community to get involved, be heard and influence the direction of the Strategic Plan. Our aim is to bring together all voices to identify the goals and actions we can all contribute to support our students to thrive in their personal lives, and in our local community.

What has happened so far?

A Working Group comprising students, parents, community members and staff has been established.

A consultation program has been developed to provide an opportunity for all those within and around the school community to have their say. There will be an online survey, staff workshops, Principal’s round table with stakeholders, activities for EMC students and primary school students and more.

How to participate and have your say now:

Keep an eye out for regular updates on Compass, the EMC Facebook page, emails and our College website and also the EMC Community connection e-newsletter.

Have your say now – the online survey is open:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SHAPE-EMC2030

Term 2 is going to be an incredibly exciting term, full of opportunities and key learning moments not only for our students but also the parents, staff and the College. We look forward to your engagement and participation to ensure that we not only build a college for the future of Langwarrin but one that all community members are proud of.

Kind regards,

Dean King-Principal

THRIVE

"Your life is as good as your mindset"