Middle School News

Over the last month, it has been wonderful to see our Middle School students adjusting to new routines and settings, whether that be in the classroom or yard, during school events, in the student leadership program or in their participation of extracurricular opportunities. Teachers have been focused on building relationships with their students as well as developing strong foundations in their subject areas. The first weeks of the term have certainly been both productive and enjoyable.

Our Year 7, 8, and 9 students made a splash at this term’s House Swimming Carnival on Friday 7 February, demonstrating a great sense of sportsmanship. With each house competing in a range of individual and relay events, the competition was healthy, and a sense of camaraderie and teamwork was evident in and around the pool. 

Congratulations to Dunlop who took out the top spot on the day and well done to all participants for their effort and enthusiasm – we look forward to seeing how the House points shape up as we head into the next exciting event!

Year 7 Instrumental Music and Parent Social Evening

The Year 7 Parent Social Evening on Monday 10 February was a chance for new families to meet and enjoy the sausage sizzle kindly put on by the Rotary Club of Manningham. Rotary were kindly supported by student members from our Interact Club, and we thank them for their assistance. The Middle Court yard was a hive of activity with students joining the evening, playing pickleball and enjoying each other’s company as the sun set over EDSC. This social event was complimented with the Instrumental Music Information Presentation in the Performing Arts Centre. The evening gave families an opportunity to learn about the Instrumental Music Program, hear our music ensembles perform, and try out various instruments available for tuition at school. EDSC offers a full range of orchestral instruments for students wanting to begin or continue lessons, and this evening saw a record number of students signing up to participate in the program! Events such as these would not be possible without the contributions of many, so, in particular we thank our Transition Coordinator, Leanne Kaufmann, the Year 7 Coordinators, Jane Denton, Natassia Bell and Duncan Anderson, Instrumental Music Coordinator, Carl Williams and Director of Music, Norm Grimmitt. The year ahead in the Instrumental Music program looks to be a special one. 

Year 7 Camp 

We are excited for the upcoming Year 7 Camp at YMCA Anglesea next week! This camp promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, teamwork, and personal growth for all our attending students. Our happy campers will experience a range of exciting outdoor activities such as surfing, canoe building, mountain biking and high ropes courses, all while building lasting friendships and learning valuable life skills. With expert YMCA instructors leading the way, the camp is designed to challenge, inspire, and foster resilience in every student. We can’t wait for our Year 7s to embark on this amazing journey. 

A reminder that students in 7K-T will be attending Mon 24 - Wed 26, whilst students in 7A-J will attend Wed 26-Fri 28. Students are expected at school for their normal academic program on the days they are not at camp. No mobile phones or electronic devices are permitted on camp. In the absence of these items, a wrist watch is a great idea! Students who are not attending the camp are expected at school as usual. 

Year 8

This year, rather than a traditional camp, Year 8 students will take part in various excursions, incursions, and activities designed to enhance their learning experiences and promote teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. These experiences will include outdoor adventures, hands-on workshops, and team-building activities. The aim is to offer a diverse range of opportunities that will challenge students, foster creativity and curiosity, and help them build meaningful connections with their peers while deepening their understanding and development of lifelong skills.

We have a range of events this term aimed at promoting curiosity, physical activity, and environmental appreciation. Year 8 students will be participating in two major excursions, the Humanities Coasts Excursion and the end of term excursion to Enchanted Adventure in the beautiful hinterland of Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. To support families' financial planning of these events, kindly note that these excursions will costs approximately $50 - $65 each. Fortunately, the Victorian School Saving Bonus can be allocated to these excursions and using the bonus is a fantastic way for students to have the opportunity to experience educational trips. The bonus can also be applied to other events or school-related experiences throughout the year should you wish to use it at an alternative time. 

We encourage students and families to stay connected with the school program and we encourage participation in these events. Please keep a look out on Compass in the coming weeks for information about the Term 1 excursions. We look forward to an exciting and enriching year of activities and events.

Year 9 

We are excited to announce that the Year 9 City Experience is coming up in the first half of Term 2. This extended excursion offers students the opportunity to explore key cultural, historical, and modern landmarks, while engaging in hands-on learning experiences. Students will meet in the city each day for a whole school week to engage in a program designed to foster independence, teamwork and develop students’ knowledge of the Melbourne CBD.

Dates for City Experience are as follows:

• Term 2 Week 2 - 9A-9H: Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May 
• Term 2 Week 5 - 9I-9P: Monday 19 May - Friday 23 May

This excursion helps students learn about Melbourne’s rich history, cultural diversity, and urban life in a practical, engaging setting. It also fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills while allowing students to discover the city’s unique identity. Please keep a look out on Compass for further information throughout the term. 

As we wrap up the first few weeks of Term 1, our students are off to a fantastic start in 2025! Whether they have been settling into new subjects, forging new friendships, or participating in a range of school activities, the energy around the school is optimistic and encouraging.

Giulia Catalano

Assistant Principal Middle School

Year 9 Pathways and VCE Acceleration: Important Information

Students in Year 9 will start to make some significant choices about their future Senior School pathways this year.

The efforts that Year 9 students make now will have an impact on their choices for next year, including potential VCE acceleration and their choice of Maths and Science subjects in Year 10.

We encourage students to work hard across all of their subjects. Year 9 students who would like to accelerate in a VCE subject should be making a consistent effort, responding to teacher feedback, and studying regularly to prepare them for this big step forward.

VCE Acceleration Criteria

To undertake VCE acceleration in Year 10, students will have to meet certain criteria. 

The criteria for a VCE accelerated subject in Year 10 is as follows:

• Excellent Academic Results (This will include Year 8 Cycles 1-6 and most importantly Cycles 1-3 in Year 9)
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in the subject area where a student wishes to accelerate.
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in four other related subjects including English.
• Work Practices – Attitude and Effort on cycle reports will also be taken into consideration.
• Attendance - a minimum of 90% attendance, excluding approved absences.

Decisions will be based on the extent to which the criteria have been met, as well as the number of places available. Year 11 students will always have priority placement in a Year 11 subject.

A common misconception is that students undertaking an accelerated VCE subject will result in students undertaking fewer subjects in Year 12. This is not the case. Students will still be expected to complete 5 studies in Year 12. The extra subject completed simply allows for students to have a bonus subject for their ATAR calculation.

Year 10 Maths and Science Choices

In addition to the criteria for VCE acceleration, students’ Year 9 Maths and Science results will inform the Maths and Science pathways open to them in Year 10. 

More Information About Course Selection and Acceleration

Students will be provided with further information and guidelines regarding course selections and VCE acceleration applications late in Term 2. This will be followed by extensive course counselling for every student early in Term 3.

Brett Lamb

Assistant Principal- Teaching and Learning

Student Lunches

Just a reminder to parents that we are unable to deliver lunches to students during school time.  It is the student’s responsibility to come and collect their lunch if it has been dropped off at Reception. Hot food is not suitable to be left at Reception.

PLEASE NOTE: Take-away food is not allowed at the College during school hours.  Under no circumstances are students to be ordering take-away food to be delivered to the College.

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 with their card at the Middle School Office when they are arriving late and sign out at the General Office when they are leaving early for any reason. 

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. 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.