Principal's Report

Principal’s Report 30 May 2025

National Reconciliation Week

This week marks National Reconciliation Week. The theme this year, ‘Bridging now to next’, reflects ongoing connection between past, present and future, and encourages us to move forward together, guided by past lessons to build a more united and respectful nation. The start and end of National Reconciliation Week recognises two significant milestones: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.

Each year, National Reconciliation Week prompts all Australians to reflect on our shared history and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It serves as a reminder to us that we each have a role to play in building respectful relationships and fostering an environment that is culturally safe for First Nations peoples. As a school community, we encourage everyone to engage in conversations, learn more about First Nations cultures and histories, and consider how we can contribute to reconciliation in our daily lives.

In Positive Futures this week our students had the opportunity to learn about National Reconciliation Week and acknowledge and celebrate the Wurundjeri people and culture. Groups engaged in a range of activities including creating Indigenous inspired Art that represented their own lives, exploration of Woiwurrung words, exploring Indigenous History and even personalising their own Acknowledgement of Country statements.

I certainly think that National Reconciliation Week provides us with another opportunity to focus on our commitment to creating an environment where our College value of Care and Compassion is paramount and whereby a safe and inclusive environment for all is emphasised. 

City Experience

Our City Experience program was held last week for students in 9I-9P. Once again it was a resounding success with students being challenged to expand their knowledge of the City of Melbourne and the many interesting and important sites that it has to offer. 

Like the Year 9 group in week 2 of term,   9I-9P were fortunate to start their week with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri elder Perry Wandin who helped our students gain further understanding about First Nations Peoples as he shared his family’s history and welcomed us to the Wurundjeri Land we would be exploring during the week in the city.

Day 1 began with clear blue skies with hot air balloons visible in the sky; there was, however, a definite winter bite in the air! The Amazing Race was once again a highlight of the five day program. The competitive yet friendly nature of our students was on full display as we witnessed them race from one checkpoint to the next in their quest to be the winning team. Throughout the week students also visited the Sea Life display at the Melbourne Aquarium, the Old Magistrates Court, The Royal Botanic Gardens, The Shrine of Remembrance, The MCG, Old Melbourne Gaol, City Watch-House, the Koorie Heritage Tour and the Queen Victoria Market.

After spending the week navigating unfamiliar bus and tram routes and walking unfamiliar streets, the students developed greater confidence in their ability to successfully operate in the wider community. Indeed, this experience helps to foster independence in our students, something that will place them in great stead for Work Experience in Year 10.

I wish to congratulate our Year 9 students for the manner in which they represented the College in the city both last week and in week 2 for Group 1. I would also like to thank our staff members who supervised the program and Year 9 Coordinators, Daniel Lincoln and Bec Morris, along with our Middle School secretary Bree Murphy, for their organisation and management of what I am sure we can all agree is a worthwhile program.

Big Freeze at EDSC Special Event 

I am very pleased to announce that the East Doncaster Secondary College community is once again involved in raising funds for the Fight MND campaign this year. A team of students and staff are working behind the scenes to raise funds for this great cause. As has become a College tradition, the top fundraisers and some special guests on the day will be invited to complete the ‘Ice-Bucket Challenge’ on our Big Freeze Day – Tuesday 24 June Motor Neuron Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes difficulty functioning. There is no prevention and currently no cure. Our College has a long standing relationship with Fight MND and is committed to raising funds to help find a cure. Join our team at: 

(click 'Join Us' if you would like to be part of the Ice Bucket Challenge) or donate by clicking 'Donate')

All donations are greatly appreciated and go straight to a very worthy cause. You can also contribute to the fight through the purchase of a Fight MND Beanie available for purchase at Coles Supermarkets around Victoria for $25. We look forward to another ‘freezing’ event!

Student Achievements

Performing Arts Success - I would like to congratulate Chloe in Year 8 for once again being chosen to perform in this year’s State School’s Spectacular. Chloe has been selected after statewide auditions to play violin in the core orchestra. We wish her all the best and look forward to seeing her light up the stage at John Cain Arena on Saturday 13 September.

Exceptional Tennis Achievements - I would also like to recognise Christopher in Year 8 who is currently in Darwin competing in the qualifying rounds of the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Darwin. Christopher will be not long home before he heads off again to Queensland, where he has been selected as one of three boys representing Victoria in the 13-year-old category at the Australian National Teams Championships. His team will compete against teams from other Australian states, and teams from New Zealand and Pacific Oceania. In July he then travels to Germany under the guidance of Tennis Australia coaches to participate in three tournaments in the 14-year-old category. Despite his very busy schedule, Christopher works incredibly hard to balance tennis commitments with school. We wish him every success in these upcoming events. 

Exam Period

A final reminder that the Semester 1 Exam period will commence next week, beginning on Thursday 5 June. Exam timetables have been published for all students in Years 10 and 11 on COMPASS.

Year 11 Exams will be conducted from June 5 - 20 

Year 10 Exams will be conducted from June 13-20

Year 9 Maths and English exams will be conducted on Tuesday June 17

As communicated in the last newsletter, the GAT (General Achievement Test), will this year be conducted on Tuesday 17 June for all students completing a Unit 3/4 VCE subject and for senior Vocational Major students.

I encourage all students to carefully consider the management of their study habits over this period. Stress and anxiety that some students feel can be alleviated with a healthy approach. Utilising the advice and support from teachers can help students focus on the rights things in preparation for upcoming exams. Taking breaks, spending time with family and continuing with sporting and social activities are all important to maintaining a healthy schedule during this time.

I wish all students undertaking exams well.

Education Support Staff

It was Educational Support Staff Day on Friday 16 May.

To mark this day and as a tribute to all our Education Support staff, we celebrated with a morning tea in our Library on Friday 23 May.

This occasion was a great opportunity to thank the staff who quietly, efficiently and collaboratively ensure that the College functions smoothly and provide support to staff and students alike. 

Our Education Support staff, in varied and valued roles, play a vital part in the collective work we undertake to improve student outcomes and take enormous pride in and reward from their work. 

Thanks to our Education Support staff!

Parent Payments reminder 2025

The ongoing financial support of our College by the school community allows us to continue to offer an educational experience that includes a broad range of programs and enhanced curriculum experiences. It is these programs and experiences that contribute to the excellent outcomes achieved by our students. 

If you have not yet contributed, we kindly encourage you to do so. Every contribution assists us in providing high quality learning programs and resources for our students. 

We invite you to download and read the relevant Parent Payments arrangements for 2025. Contributions can be made via Compass; information will be found on your home page under “Payment Centre”. Please do not hesitate to contact the College is you require any assistance

Making a tax-deductible donation to our Building and Library Funds before June 30 is a great way to boost your tax return while making a lasting impact on our school. 

Any voluntary donation over $2 is Tax Deductable. Tax Receipts for all donations over $2.00 will be available after 1 July.  

We thank you for your support of the College and look forward to continuing an enjoyable and rewarding relationship with your child and your family.  

Karen Boyle

Principal