Principal's Report
As 2021 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate our successes through this unique period of time. Each student, staff and family member can be proud of their efforts to overcome a multitude of trying situations, testing our patience, resilience and reliance on others. It is useful to reflect on how we thrive in this new world which will continue to throw surprises at us and it is the challenge of schools to help our young people understand their circumstances and rise above them. I feel confident that our learning over the past two years has prepared us to face any challenge in the future.
At this time of the year, we eagerly greet students who receive their Year 12 results. While the names of students will be published next year, I am proud to announce the following:
- Our Dux scored 95.2
- 7% of students achieved in the 90s
- 16% of students achieved in the 80s
- 16% of students achieved in the 70s
In addition, 4.9% of scores were over 40+ an increase over the past two years- 2019- 4.3%, 2020- 2.9%.
Our median study score also increased to 29 from 28 in 2020.
The average ATAR score was 63.7, the best result so far and a steady increase over the past number of years. This indicates that students and staff adapted and thrived in the face of all the challenges this year including lockdowns, covid closures, storm damage, power outages. Congratulations to our talented staff who have been dedicated and superbly professional in their work.
Behind every result is a story of personal endeavour and as such, we are very proud of the graduates of 2021 and are now available to support them with their post results enquiries.
We were so pleased to be able to celebrate all Year 12 students with their parents/carers onsite last Wednesday at the Year 12 Graduation ceremony. There were many awards given on the night and so too was the Valedictorian announced. Ella Chawkley is Emerald Secondary College’s 2021 Valedictorian and we heartily congratulate Ella for her outstanding leadership, commitment to her studies and the humanity she has shown her peers throughout the year. Ella is a wonderful representative of the student body and we are all proud of her. No student can go through this alone and we thank Ella’s family for the support they have provided Ella and the college and to all families who have been their children’s steadfast supporters this year.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the four students who represented the student population so expertly and who spoke on the behalf of all students when times were difficult. It was a pleasure to work with Luke Brownbill and Ella Chalkley, our School captains, and Jasmine Knight and Chelsea Gunther our Vice captains and see them take on the leadership role so seriously and also inject a lot of fun into the coveted position they hold. The whole community thanks them for representing the student population of Emerald Secondary College so superbly. We thank them and their families for upholding our good reputation. We wish them continued success in future leadership positions and hope they can return to inspire our younger students become leaders in their respective year levels.
Staffing
As with any year there is staff movement and this year we will say goodbye to the following staff and we wish them the very best on their next endeavours:
Jeremy Mackinnon
Jarrad Donders
Almas Sadirov
Ritu Arora
Kylie Rackham
Rebeca Bonaccorso
David Carnie
Joel Hughes -Education Support
Kylie Wenzel
We wish Mark Sidney a wonderful time on his LSL next year and Gary Vear for his LSL in Term 1, 2022.
A number of staff are commencing in the following roles in 2022.
We welcome them to Emerald Secondary College with open arms.
Lauren Smith- English
Peter McKenzie- English-Drama
Tim Roberts- Design and Technology
Hannah Joy- Tutor
Amy Donders- MYLNS-Tutor
Rhys Holder- Tutor
Matt Morris- Generalist
Charles Yim- Maths/PE
Grace Sleit- Humanities/Psychology
Sarah Crotty- Admin/First Aid
Peter Thorn- Integration Leader
Anthony Gale and Davinda Singh who are covering for a period of time
Events
An exciting array of events and activities have taken place over the past couple of weeks and I thank every member of staff for their organisation and involvement. It is wonderful to have an active calendar working to provide experiences to students outside the classroom.
In particular:
Middle School and Junior School final assemblies and award presentations
Kickstart Year 11 and Year 12
Year 12 Graduation
Year 7 2022 Orientation Day
Senior Art Exhibition at the Hills Hub
Domain led End of Year activities including camps
Year 7 2022 Information night
Year 7 SEAL day
The important dates for Term 1 2022 are highlighted in this edition of the newsletter and the Compass calendar is updated with further information to prepare families for the coming year.
May I take this opportunity, in this my last communication to the community, to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the very best fortune come your way and may you treasure the time you spend with loved ones during this festive season.
I have enjoyed the role of Acting Principal immensely and leave Emerald Secondary College with the knowledge that it is in a great place to move forward and that the future is an exciting one.
Eleni Stathatos - Acting Principal
