Principal's Report

The end of this term is nigh….

The last couple of weeks of this term will see all of our students finalising assessment tasks, CATs, SACs and that means that exams are nigh. Revision and study will be the focus, as the expectation is that all students will do their personal best. Teachers, too, are busily preparing feedback and reports to the students and to their families. Exams attract a real sense of occasion and importance and the build-up of grit and resilience, to face the examination period head-on. A wise professor once said to me that exams are there to assess your learning on what you DO know, not on what you DON’T know. 

Good luck to all our students.

Everyone is doing their best

As a school community we are continuing to ensure that each and every student is supported with their learning and wellbeing, all with the aim of supporting the growth and development of well-rounded citizens who are equipped with the skills to be learners and leaders of our communities in the future. 

A part of this work is always a partnership with all our community, as we all navigate through these extraordinary times. Often, staff will post a green chronicle on a student’s homepage on Compass, citing observations of a Ready to Learn disposition that includes all equipment, all homework completed and a positive, inquisitive approach to learning. A part of this work includes supporting students with their choices and behaviours that they exhibit as a student at Emerald Secondary College. 

Whilst we continue to follow DET’s Values, we value respect and harmony. All the work we do is built on a platform of restorative conversations and logical consequences.

Respect for School Staff

As a staff team at Emerald Secondary College, your local community college, we know and understand that there will be times when activities at school, actions taken by the school or communications with the school may cause parents and carers to become upset, angry or frustrated. 

Wherever possible, our staff team are committed to working through any issues or difficulties that students and families may be experiencing. Thank you to the vast majority of our families who handle these situations in a sensitive, proactive, positive and respectful manner.

This mutual modus operandi allows us to maintain a positive working relationship, which supports the positive outcomes for our students.

Our Respect for School Staff Policy, found on our website, clearly outlines our mutual interactions and behaviours.

Staffing

Staffing, like in many industries at present, is a genuine challenge for the College. In 2022 this has resulted in challenges of both recruitment and retention as the teacher labour market responds to the shortage of teaching staff. Unfortunately, at times, our students will not always have their regular teacher; however, this does not preclude our students accessing Compass and completing the set work in an orderly environment. As Covid is still in the community and the onset of a (potential) ferocious flu season hits, we must continue to support each other.

To that end, symptoms must continue to be monitored, (Covid or flu) and if your son/daughter is feeling unwell, please allow them to stay at home and get better, and if they start to feel okay, attempt some of the set work. 

Building Program…

Continues, as the refurbishment of A Block is back on target. The new offices will house the General Office, Finance Office, Principals’ Office and a brand new, refurbished staffroom. The build continues to D Block with an upgrade on the toilets, technology classrooms and locker bays. Thank you for your patience – the school is starting to look very sharp, upgraded and a real boost for students and staff.

James - Principal