Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Middle School Captains Student Report
This term was a blast! We had countless incredible, fun-filled and creative activities and events held throughout the term with huge amounts of participation from students and teachers across the year levels! From art week all the way through to STEM week, this term was one to remember, here’s a recap on all the major events this term.
After two years of waiting, we finally had the Athletics Carnival which we were all looking forward to. The house spirit was sparking as students from across all year levels participated in various events. Red, green, yellow, and blue was everywhere in sight and smiles beaming from cheek to cheek as people interacted and cheered for their friends truly demonstrating the uplifting vibe of the EDSC community. An amazing effort was made by everyone that participated in each of the events and amazing sportsmanship was demonstrated on the day by all. Congratulations to Dunlop for winning the Athletics Carnival for the 9th year in a row!
Fast forward to week 3; Art Week was upon us. During this creative and imaginative week, students could participate in activities that consisted of many fun, surrealism-themed activities. Throughout this arty week, students formed teams to enter a paper fashion runway, which involved using newspaper to create garments such as vests or dresses. It was quite impressive to watch! For the first few days, the Surrealism Art Competition was held in the 400 Open Area as well as in room 201 (congratulations to the winners!) Many students also showed up to draw in pastel or even paint for fun. Moving on, we also had the custom badge stand, where students could donate a gold coin to create their badges. Finally, there was also a Chalk Art challenge near the Year 7 and 8 lockers. Many students showed up to participate in drawing chalk art on the floor, it was quite lively! To conclude the week, the paper garments were showcased in the Middle School Courtyard, where the marvellous designs could be admired. Thanks to everyone who showed up, it was certainly a memorable week!
Our boys and girls intermediate Badminton Teams also competed in Kilsyth Stadium, just to add to the incredible term we had. East Doncaster Secondary College's girls team put in an outstanding effort, won every game, and is now the regional champion. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the games. We're excited to hear some excellent news and wish the team luck at the state tournament! Our school's senior boys and girls table tennis teams competed in Kilsyth, demonstrating that we are adept at more than just badminton. The boys' squad deserves congratulations for coming in second place on the day. And congratulations to our girls' squad for taking first place. We send the girls' team our warmest wishes, as they progress to compete in the girl's state finals.
To help us better understand what the next few years in senior school looks like, course counselling interviews were held. These interviews played a big role in helping students to discover new interests, advance their strengths, prepare for pursuing their specific career paths, and in general, they were given a chance to explore various subjects and what they have to offer. Knowing that Year 10 is a huge milestone and stepping stone to success, these interviews definitely gave an insight into how this new journey would pan out and some of the challenges and responsibilities that would come with it.
Finally, to finish the term off was STEM WEEK! And no, it wasn't bleak, but at its peak! Countless students from a range of year levels came together to participate in the games and activities held. To start the week we had Mathematical Monday aka, the amazing race. It was a day for students to work together to solve problems and complete tasks to get to the finish line with the fastest time and most correct answers, it was bustling! Following that was the Lego and Engineering Design Challenge where students were to construct the longest rod to flick on and off a switch. I personally partook in that activity and I can happily say that although our team didn’t win, we won in spirit! Day 3 was a coding and 3D printed frenzy, with waves of students piling and lining up to 3D print their very own ring, and in the coding section, creating a facial recognition AI and tracker. Jumping to Day 4, we had our very own SCINEMA Film Festival, which screened award winning short films and had complimentary popcorn; totally not the reason why I was there. It was a blast! And to end it on a high note, was the National Science Week Kahoot, where teams of students and teachers competed in a fast-paced and fun-filled trivia quiz on all things Science.
written by the Middle School Captains
2023 US/Space Camp Information Evening - current Year 9 & 10 Students
East Doncaster Secondary College has participated in the NASA Advanced Space Program every two years since 2007 (7 tours to date). We are hoping to conduct a tour to the United States of America to undertake the Advanced Space Academy program (Space Camp) in 2023. The tour is open to students who will be in Year 10 and Year 11 in 2023.
This world leading program trains students to perform the duties of NASA scientists and astronauts, culminating in a three hour simulated space mission. It involves six days of applied science and engineering learning activities in the unique facilities offered by NASA at the US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Alabama. The broad range of activities are designed to foster and develop teamwork and leadership skills.
The tour begins with a stop-over in San Francisco (Exploratorium) and concludes with a visit to Orlando, where a day at the Kennedy Space Centre is spent viewing the launch sites and museums. The students will also visit either Bob Jones or Huntsville High Schools, in Alabama, one afternoon along with a school sporting event that evening.
At Space Camp EDSC students will have the opportunity to work alongside students from other schools from Australia and potentially from other parts of the world.
This information evening will be hosted by Edu School tours, our travel agent, and will provide further information about the itinerary, cost and application process.
DATE: Monday 22 August 2022
WHERE: EDSC Performing Arts Centre
WHEN: 6pm
Attendance at the Information Evening is not a requirement to be considered for the tour.
Sally Polidano
Leading Teacher - Science/STEM
2023 Courtyard Tales - College Magazine - Place your order now
East Doncaster Secondary College annually publishes a College magazine called Courtyard Tales. Complied by a dedicated team of teachers and students, it is a celebration of the events that have occurred in 2022. With photos from camps, College events, house and student led activities as well as a page for autographs at the back, the College magazine makes a great keepsake.
The College Magazine is now available to pre-order through the event on Compass for $26.50.
Please note that the College Magazine was not included in the 2022 Parent Payments this year. The only way to purchase one is by pre-purchasing one before the due date. Orders will only be placed for those who have purchased.
Eileen Nguyen
College Magazine Coordinator
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 2022
In 2022 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 2022 purchases.
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.
