Principal’s Report 13 June 2025

A continued focus on School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports

On Wednesday evening I shared with our School Council members the work that we have been doing at the College around School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports; a framework used by schools to foster positive, safe and supportive learning environments for all students. In line with our commitment to work in partnership with our families, I believe it is crucial that these insights are shared with all members of our community.

Early last year I communicated to our families our focus on ensuring that we provide an environment and community where all can thrive. I shared with you our focus on ensuring that our school is a space that is ‘safe, calm and dignified’. We continue to build on this commitment through our work on School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS). Central to this initiative is a focus on teaching and modelling the behaviours we expect to see—not just from students, but from all members of our school community.

Research very clearly shows that without an emphasis on positive behaviours learning doesn’t happen, safety is compromised, and respect is absent. Positive behaviour is fundamental to knowledge acquisition, creativity and critical thinking, vocational opportunity, character development and positive mental health. As a school community I am confident that we would all agree that these elements are fundamental to our young people having successful futures.

We are very transparent in our expectations of students and how we expect them to behave inside and outside of the classroom. Our high expectations play a vital role in creating a supportive learning environment and creates a positive atmosphere where every student and staff member feels valued and respected. This work goes beyond setting expectations. It’s about creating a shared understanding of what respectful, responsible, inclusive and safe behaviour looks like. It is through explicit instruction, modelling, and reinforcement that we empower students to make responsible choices and navigate social interactions effectively. This not only places them in the best position for effective learning, it also prepares them for the world outside of school.

Our focus on SWPBS is underpinned by our College Values which our students and families are very familiar with. What makes our journey especially meaningful is the active involvement of our students. Their voices have played a significant role in shaping how we define and promote positive behaviour across our school. Through student focus groups and work in our Positive Futures Program, our students have been sharing their understanding of our College Values and in turn explicitly articulating the behaviours that we would see if these values were truly present in our behaviours and interactions every day. We started with behaviours that should be seen at all times and then also looked at the different ‘settings’ that our students navigate through every day; the classroom, the yard, the community and online. It was only after working with our students that we turned to our teachers for input. What was pleasing to see was that the views of students and teachers were in alignment. This work also means that the understanding of our values is no longer being assumed or left open to interpretation.

The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Matrix that has been developed as a result of this extensive work can be viewed here.

We will continue workshopping each of the areas with our students in a range of settings. Over time, we believe this will all naturally become a part of who we are as an EDSC community.

It is important to note that these expected behaviours are not just for our students but for all in our community. By modelling these expectations ourselves—as educators, staff, families and community members—we are demonstrating to students what positive behaviour looks like in action. We know that the success of SWPBS depends on strong partnerships between school and home. As shared in previous communications, we believe that working together with families is essential. This unified approach helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and promote a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. I am confident that our families are willing partners in this work.

I will end by saying that our school is ‘safe, calm and dignified’. Our classrooms are focussed. Our yard whilst bustling with 2200 students, is calm. For this to remain the case, and to ensure that our values are more than just words on a page- it is important to maintain this focus. Behaviours are learnt- we maintain a commitment to teach and reinforce those behaviours that foster respect and safety for all. Together, we are helping all members of our school community to grow, learn, and thrive.

Semester 1 Exams

Our examination period is well underway with our Year 11 students undertaking exams over the past week. They are to be commended for the manner in which they have approached their exams. They have arrived early and adhered closely to exam protocols and procedures. Our Year 10 students started their examination period today with their English exam, and like the Year 11 cohort, have started this important stage in their learning admirably. Both year levels have set a positive example for our Year 9 students who will undertake their first exams at the College on 17 June.

A reminder too that all students undertaking a Year 12 subject will be completing the GAT on Tuesday 17 June.

I wish all of our students well over this period of time and encourage them to maintain a healthy balance between study and maintaining other important activities such as sport, part time jobs and social events.

Outstanding Student Achievement

Congratulations to Taylor in Year 11 on her recent appointment to the Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) for 2025. Taylor is a wonderful ambassador for the young people of Manningham and I know she will make an outstanding contribution to the committee.

Winter Warmers Music Concert

A reminder that our Winter Warmers Music Concerts will be conducted next Thursday 26 June. We welcome our Instrumental music students and ensembles to the stage of our Performing Arts Centre.

Winter Concert 1- 6:00-7:20pm

Showcased in the College Performing Arts Centre featuring the Concert Band, Etude Band, Euphonix Vocal Group and Sempre Strings

Winter Concert 2- 8:00-9:30pm

Showcased in the College Performing Arts Centre featuring the Da Capo Strings, Recital Choir, Stage Band, String Group and Vivo Band

Please note that our wonderful EDSC Parents and Friends Association will be selling refreshments between the two concerts.

We look forward to celebrating the incredible talents of our students.

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

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