Principal's Report
As we come to the end of Semester One, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on a successful and rewarding term. It has been another busy semester filled with learning, achievement and opportunities, and I have been continually impressed by the way our students have embraced challenges, supported one another and represented Epping Secondary College with pride.
Over the past fortnight, our students have completed the mid-year examination program with maturity, organisation and a positive attitude. These assessments are an important opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and celebrate the progress they have made throughout the semester. I would also like to acknowledge our Year 12 students who completed the General Achievement Test (GAT), an important milestone in their final year. Thank you also to our teaching and education support staff for their significant work in preparing, supervising and marking examinations.
This week, our Year 10 students have been undertaking work experience placements across a wide range of industries. These authentic learning experiences provide valuable insights into future career pathways while helping students develop confidence, workplace skills and independence. We sincerely thank the many local businesses and employers who have generously supported our students and provided such meaningful opportunities.
Our students have continued to excel beyond the classroom, particularly in sport. This year, Epping Secondary College proudly fielded three teams at the Len Masons Cup for the first time, with our Under 14 Boys, under 16 Girls and under 18 Boys all demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination and sportsmanship. Congratulations to our Under 18 Boys, who progressed to the NRL State Finals for the second consecutive year and represented our school with great pride and a big thank you to our Youth Worker, Shaff who has been their committed coach.
We are also excited that, over the holiday break, 18 classrooms across our S, M and J buildings will receive new tables and chairs, creating modern, flexible learning spaces that will benefit students for many years to come. Just as importantly, our existing classroom furniture will be donated through Pacific Assist to schools throughout the Pacific, supporting students in countries including Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Kiribati. It is wonderful to know that furniture which has served our students well will continue to make a positive difference to the education of young people in overseas communities.
As we conclude the term today, our school community is also coming together to celebrate the Socceroos as they compete on the world stage. Students and staff have embraced the occasion by wearing green and gold accessories with their school uniforms and enjoying the opportunity to watch the match together. It is a wonderful way to finish the semester.
I would like to sincerely thank our students for their enthusiasm, resilience and commitment to learning throughout Semester One. My thanks also extend to our dedicated staff, whose care and professionalism create the opportunities our students enjoy every day, and to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and partnership with the school.
As part of Epping Secondary College’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communication and engagement across our school community, we are reviewing how we share information with staff, students, families, and community members.
Effective communication is essential in ensuring everyone is informed, connected and involved in school life. As communication preferences continue to evolve, we want to better understand how our community accesses information, what communication methods are most effective, and where improvements can be made.
Your feedback will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our current newsletter and other communication channels, ensuring we provide timely, relevant and accessible information in ways that best meet the needs of our community.
We appreciate your input and thank you for helping us shape the future of how we communicate at Epping Secondary College.
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I hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday break.
We look forward to welcoming students back for another exciting semester of learning, growth and success in Term 3.
Warm regards,
Neil Baillie
College Principal