Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Middle School
There has been a bit happening with Middle School students/staff this past fortnight. The major event we had was the Year 6 – 7 Pre Orientation event, delivered by the Year 7 team and spearheaded by our Transition Coordinator Tina Marchant. The aim of the day is to assist students who are coming to EDSC from schools where they are the only student, or one of very few who are coming to EDSC next year.
The day started with a meet and greet at the General Office with students taken to the Stadium. As student leaders marked the rolls and handed Grade 6 students name tags, students introduced themselves and shared which school they came from. They then had the opportunity to ask the Year 7 helpers questions about secondary school, in particular EDSC
This then turned into a range of getting to know you games and activities led by our student helpers and was followed by a school tour facilitated by both the student helpers and coordination team.
At the conclusion of the final activities for the morning, a morning tea with parents was held to answer any final questions prior to the state wide orientation event on Tuesday 13 December. The feedback from the future students and their families was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to the rest of our cohort joining us on 13 December.
A massive thank you to our student helpers for the day Anthony, Bhani, Ashwin, Jaimee and Ethan for all their assistance. The College value of Teamwork and Care/Compassion was certainly on display with their efforts on the day.
Year 7 Stride Presentations
On the 17th November Stride Education will be delivering workshops to Year 7 students, aimed at developing much needed social and emotional skills. Students will have the program delivered in their form groups by qualified staff and assisted by their classroom teachers. The aim of the presentations are to:
- support students to better engage in the school setting
- create deeper connections with peers and within the school community
- develop positive coping strategies
- build self confidence and resilience
- enhance communication skills
- reduce negative behaviours
- influence and encourage better decision making, and to encourage new/positive ways of thinking and seeing the world and the school community.
Classroom teachers are also briefed on the sessions and provided with strategies that can be used in class to reinforce the program learnings. We look forward to that special event coming up.
Year 9 Exams
Dear Students and Parents,
Year 9 exams are scheduled for Thursday 24 November 2022. The exams will take place in the following order:
Period 3 and 4 : English
Period 5 and 6 : Maths
Exam room locations will be 512 – 519, 104 – 105, 603 - 604
Year 9 students ARE NOT required at school prior to exams. Please do not send students to school prior to recess.
Please note that students are only allowed to sit exams if they are in full school uniform or have a note with a valid reason.
Year 9 Crepe Day - 18 Nov - Pay now on Compass
Year 9 Crepe Day is coming up on Friday 18 November.
Please make payments on Compass (only $3) by Friday 11 November (Please note: payment option briefly cut out over the weekend, but is now open again)
Crepe Day is brought to you by your Middle School Captains and Vice-Captains Rhianna Dhingra, Darell Ho, Simona Ling, Chloe Khoo and Nishtha Bakshi
Middle School Student Expectations
Please refer to the following information and reminders regarding student expectations. A few standard rules/expectations have recently begun to slip and we would like your support to assist us to straighten up, as we steer closer towards the end of year and Advance timetable.
1. Students out of uniform:
Particularly wearing incorrect pants, sports jumpers instead of royal blue jumpers and runners. Parents could you please ensure students are in correct uniform before they leave for school in the morning. Community Service will be issued for those without correct uniform. If there is a genuine reason why your child cannot be in full school uniform please email the relevant Year Level Coordinator via Compass.
2. Students out of class:
We have noticed an increase in students asking to get drinks or go to the bathroom during class time. This can be extremely disruptive to students' learning, time on task and supervision of students to and from bathroom visits. At this time of year, as we head towards warmer weather, students should be carrying water bottles to class with them and using the bathrooms during designated recess and lunchtimes.
3. Lateness:
Last Friday I stood at the Front Office and collected a large number of late passes from Middle School students as they entered the College late. Turning up to school on time is vital to avoid missing important instruction time, disruptions to the class and teachers having to repeat information. Students who are late, will continue to be issued with community service. If students have a valid reason this should be logged as an attendance note through the Compass portal by parents.
4. Playfighting:
Physical violence, in any form, is not acceptable and some students (particularly boys) are fighting and then saying it's ok because they are friends. This behaviour has been addressed by YLCs and students have been informed that this is not acceptable behaviour and further engagement will result in serious consequences.
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
Parent Payment arrangements for 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please find attached the Parent Payment arrangements for 2023. They are available for payment via Compass on your home page under “Course Confirmation/Payments”.
Alternatively, payments can be made directly to the College via credit card or cash using the College Payment Envelope. Please ensure you download the attached form for the appropriate 2023 year level. Payment envelopes can be dropped off at the College in the locked drop box at Reception.
Your ongoing support of College allows us to continue to offer a broad range of programs and enhanced curriculum experiences.
Please refer to the attached Parent Payments Policy and further links to information via https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-payment/policy
John Roberts
Principal
Child Safety and Wellbeing at East Doncaster Secondary College: information for families and the school community
The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.
East Doncaster Secondary College has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school’s website, on a Compass News Feed, at the school’s Reception.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact the Principal, John Roberts or Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell.
https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/our_school/child-safety-standards
Student Medical Expenses
Parents/carers are reminded that they are liable for all medical expenses incurred as a result of a student’s injury or medical need, including transport costs such as ambulance costs (this may include an air ambulance should that be considered necessary).
Parents/carers are responsible for any medical expenses (including ambulance costs) incurred if their child is injured or requires medical treatment or an ambulance while at school or participating in a school activity.
Parents/carers may not be called if an ambulance is required, until after an ambulance is called, depending on the situation. The College staff will use their judgment as to what action to take in cases of a student’s accident or sudden illness.
We encourage parents/carers to have up-to-date ambulance cover and medical insurance.
Damage to Students’ Personal Items/Property
Parents/guardians are reminded that any personal item/property that is brought to school by a student is the responsibility of the student and is not the responsibility of the school and is not covered by school insurance. Refer to Personal Possessions Of Students Policy in the EDSC Policy handbook on the College website. Students are responsible for personal items/property they bring to school. Neither the Department nor the school is responsible if any student’s personal item/property is lost, stolen or damaged.
Privacy and Data at East Doncaster Secondary College
East Doncaster Secondary College uses several digital platforms to support your child’s education, such as Compass, Google Drive, Office 365, Edapt, Oliver Library Management System. The College has an Information Security Policy and complies with the Department of Education and Training Privacy Policy. The attached documents provide further information about these services, privacy and how data is managed.Privacy information for these platforms can be viewed here:
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2023 and Laptop Configuration Bookings
In 2023 we will continue with our whole school 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students.
The purchase of these devices is crucial to the learning program as students will access eBooks rather than an extensive number of expensive textbooks.
Details of the 1 to 1 Digital Learning Program for all students and important information regarding suitable devices are detailed in the attached policy.
**Please note that the JB Hi Fi Solutions portal is no longer open for the sale of devices. This service is not available for 2023 purchases.
Bookings for Year 7 Device Configuration
Book via Trybooking (Open for bookings 05/12/2022) : https://www.trybooking.com/CBUYI
Bookings for Years 8 to 12 Device Configuration
Book via Trybooking (Open for bookings 23/11/2022) : https://www.trybooking.com/CBUZO
Please refer to the attached document for full information and specifications.
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/out with their card at the General Office when they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason. A reminder that Year 12 students are required to sign in/out at The John Landy Centre Compass Kiosk.
The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library/PTV is also the student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) cards. 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.
