Senior School News
Year 10 to 12
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
General Achievement Test (Gat) 2022: Information For Students and Parents
All students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 subject (scored or unscored), as well as Year 12 VCAL students, are required to sit the GAT in 2022.
In 2022, the General Achievement Test (GAT) has changed to provide value to all Victorian
students finishing Year 12.
Victorian senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed GAT. The new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment.
The GAT is also an essential part of the VCE assessment process. While the test does not count directly towards VCE scores, GAT results are important for checking that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed across the state. GAT results can also be used if you have a Derived Examination Score (DES) approved.
The GAT will be held on Wednesday 7 September 2022 and is administered at school. Questions asked in the GAT are based on general knowledge and skills that students have already learnt throughout their schooling. No special study is required to sit the GAT.
The GAT will now be delivered in two sections:
Section A will assess literacy and numeracy (2 hours + 15 min reading time) – 9:30am to 11:45am
Section B will assess mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities. (1.5 hours + 15 min reading time) – 1:15pm to 3:00pm
All senior secondary students in Victoria, including Senior VCAL students, will sit Section A.
All students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3–4 subject (including scored VCE VET) will sit Sections A and B. This includes students who are not planning to undertake their scored assessments (non-scored VCE students).
Students should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time for each session.
GAT results
- GAT results will be reported on the student’s GAT Statement of Results, which will be issued as part of the student results package in December.
- The GAT does not count directly towards final VCE or VCAL results.
- All VCE and VCAL students will be expected to sit the GAT. However, sitting the GAT and a student’s achievement in the GAT, will not be a threshold to obtaining the VCE or VCAL.
Who will see the GAT results?
A student’s GAT results belong to them. However, students may wish to share their GAT results with prospective employers or further education providers to demonstrate their readiness for work and further education and training.
A GAT Briefing for all students completing a Unit 3 & 4 subject will be held in the PAC during Positive Futures on Tuesday 23 August. A hard copy of the Student GAT Brochure will be distributed to students at this briefing.
There are three brochures attached for your reference:
- Student GAT Information Brochure
- Parent GAT Information Brochure
- Student Rules for the GAT Brochure
Please note:
Year 11 classes will not run Periods 5 & 6 on Tuesday 6 September, so that the setting up for the GAT can occur.
Year 11 & 12 classes will not run on Wednesday 7 September (the day of the GAT).
If you have any questions, please contact year level coordinators
Year 12: Jonathan Davies
davies.jonathan@eastdonsc.vic.edu.au
Year 11: Paul Basford basford.paul@eastdonsc.vic.edu.au
For more information, please refer to the attached documents.
Kate Leaumont
Head of Senior School
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
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
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.
