Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Term 3 has started on a positive note, celebrating the achievements of both Year 7 and 8 students from last term in relation to the College Values. Both Year 7 and 8 students attended a Values Assembly in the Stadium on Tuesday 11 July. Being only the second day back, it was a really great opportunity to showcase those who had been demonstrating the school values from last term and urge all students to try and emulate and consider the school values in their daily interactions within the school community and beyond as we kick off a new semester. As always, some housekeeping and reminders about uniform, attendance and behaviour had to occur. However, during the assembly the vast majority of students from both year levels remained respectful and quiet throughout. I would like to thank the following student helpers who assisted with the assembly:
- Middle School Captains: Neel and Isabel
- Middle School Vice Captains: Amanda and Harris
- Performing Arts Captains: Grace, Ayan and Jordan
- Year 7 Musical Act: Ho Ching (Meagan) 7H accompanied by Ms Marchant
It really was a great way to start a new semester on a high.
Special Congratulations!
Zena - 8B has “achieved a remarkable feat by securing the second place in the overall Australia level of the Arabic Reading Challenge competition. Her dedication, hard work, and passion for literature have truly paid off, and she has been recognized for her exceptional abilities in reading Arabic literature.
As a result of her exceptional achievement, Zena has been invited to visit Dubai to participate in a series of cultural activities with other winners. The highlight of her trip will be attending the final ceremony of the competition, where she will be celebrated and honoured for her accomplishments.” (Ahmad and Ola Abazeed).
From everyone at EDSC we congratulate Zena and wish her all the best for the upcoming trip to Dubai. Middle School will formally present Zena with a special ‘Excellence’ values award for her achievement at the next Value's assembly.
Thanks to Zena’s family for highlighting this achievement. We encourage all families to let us know if their children are doing remarkable things outside of school. This way we can celebrate their achievements together.
B Good Fridays is back!!
In Middle School we have noticed a trend of poor behaviour at the end of the week, in particular, on Fridays. We understand students are tired and their emotional regulation is declining towards the end of the week, including their behaviour. Please assist us in promoting B Good Fridays.
The focus for each Friday is to display College values such as:
- Resilience: Get through the last day of the week without an incident and start the weekend happy and with no angry parents to worry about
- Respect: Demonstrating respect for each other in the school yard and of course in the classroom
- Teamwork: Remind each other what day it is…”remember its B Good Friday, come on lets pay attention”
- Fairness: Fairness for everyone involved, including coordinators who don’t want to point out and deal with poor behaviour, but celebrate excellent behaviour
- Excellence: Getting the most out of the teaching and learning program
- Care and Compassion: For each other and for staff/coordination teams
- Curiosity: Always striving to learn more about the world around us everyday
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
EDSC College Magazine - Courtyard Tales 2023
East Doncaster Secondary College annually publishes a College magazine called Courtyard Tales. The 2023 version will feature reflections written by students and teachers, with photos from camps, formals as well as house and student led activities.
The 2023 EDSC Courtyard Tales can now be pre-ordered through an event on Compass called '2023 Courtyard Tales - College Magazine Pre-order' for $24.00. Please note that it was not included in the Parent Payments, so pre-orders must be submitted before 6 October 2023 to order your copy for distribution in Term 4.
Eileen Nguyen
Courtyard Tales Coordinator
Cybersafety and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies
Cyberbullying is direct verbal or indirect bullying behaviours using digital technologies. This includes harassment via a mobile phone, setting up a defamatory personal website or deliberately excluding someone from social networking spaces. It is important to stay safe when you are online. It is also important to know where to ask for help and guidance if you are experiencing Cyberbullying. Please find below links to useful information and guidance on seeking help regarding Cyberbullying.
https://kidshelpline.com.au/kids
https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services
If students have any questions regarding Cybersafety, Digital Learnings in Schools, or our Mobile Phone Policy, please contact the Middle School office or the Student Wellbeing Office.
Cameron Campbell
Assistant Principal
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2023 and Laptop Configuration Bookings
In 2023 we 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.
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 the 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:
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.
