Assistant Principals' Reports
It has been wonderful to see students as they continue to engage with their onsite lessons over the past couple weeks. Senior VCAL students have finished their coursework while Senior VCE students have started their exams.
We look forward to our End of Year Activities program in the second last week of the term, with each Domain area creating engaging activities linking to the learning areas taught throughout the year.
A few questions have popped up and we thought it might be timely for a reminder after such a long time away from school during flexible and remote learning to revisit some of our policies and procedures.
Uniform
Staff recognised that it had been difficult to ensure that the correct uniform was being worn as we started back this term. Multiple conversations have been held to discuss options with students. Students will continue to be issued passes if they present to the sub school offices or AP offices prior to the start of the school day. Other issues will be followed up in line with our uniform policy. If there are financial hardships, please contact the school as we may be able to offer support. A reminder that PE uniform including the PE rugby jumper are not part of our everyday uniform and must only be worn during scheduled PE classes, hooded jumpers (other than the old senior school hoodie) must not be worn, tracksuit pants are also not permitted.
Masks
We request that parents and carers speak with their child/ren about the importance of wearing a face mask correctly. Many students are pulling them down below their nose or not wearing them at all in the classroom. This is a directive from the Chief Health Officer and must be followed regardless of individual opinion.
Mobile Phones
We request that parents and carers speak with their child/ren about their mobile phones. Many students are beginning to argue with staff over having their phone out. No mobile phone should be on a student during the day. Disagreements with staff over policies do not provide any benefit, especially ones directly related to direction from the Minister such as the mobile phone policy.
Progress Reports:
Progress reports will be published to the school community on Friday 12th November. It is always a great way to check in with how your child/ren are going in their classes. This is especially important as we transition back to face to face learning. The progress reports will provide an indication of how each student is demonstrating the Positive Learning Behaviours during their classes. The Positive Learning Behaviours at Emerald Secondary College are:
- Respects the learning environment
- Shows perseverance and resilience
- Uses technology to deepen knowledge and understanding
- Uses feedback effectively
- Asks questions for clarity
- Works collaboratively
- Demonstrates critical and/or creative thinking.
Buildings Grounds and OHS:
A reminder that Emerald Secondary College is a BARR school. This means that we are sitting in an area that has a heightened risk of bush fire. The Department has once again given us some much needed funding to help reduce/remove fuel in and around the school grounds. As such, our fire mitigation works have started.
Our shelter in place is currently being upgraded. This will be completed in the coming days.
New furniture has been ordered and installed in G block.
Retaining walls have been replaced, concrete installed near the new bus shed and a concrete ramp installed near the lower basketball court.
Unfortunately, we, like many, sustained power outages and tree damage again from the storm last week. We will continue our clean up and wish our families the best as they work through their own clean up.
Jonathon Rogers and Janine McMahon