Assistant Principals' Reports

Getting back to business

Over the last two weeks we have seen the return of some important events at Emerald Secondary College on site. 

Firstly, we welcomed families of Junior and Middle school students to attend an awards assembly.  The Junior and Middle school awards assemblies were events where students were recognised for Excellent achievement in their semester one classes. Students received a certificate and enjoyed a celebratory afternoon tea with their teachers and families. Congratulations to the students for showing excellence in their learning, throughout semester one.

Course Counselling and Curriculum Planning has been in full swing for some time at the College.  This week has seen the first of the information nights occur, starting with the Year 12 VTAC information evening.  This event was held onsite and live streamed to families for those that could not make it onsite. 

This week we also eagerly look forward to welcoming back representatives from Universities and TAFEs for our future Options Expo. For many years this has been a staple event at ESC for students and families alongside presentations from Emerald staff and year specific pathways presentations in EPAC.  Due to difficulties over the past couple of years, with the ability to run events in person, we are pleased to be able to see the return of these valuable events. Students will be attending further events and information sessions during the school day, however keep an eye on the Compass newsfeed for important dates, documents and upcoming events.

Course Counselling for the 2023 Teaching and Learning Program

These information sessions will prove even more valuable this year, due to some exciting changes to our Curriculum offerings in the Middle years in 2023 and beyond.

The future of work is changing; therefore Emerald Secondary College believes the way students learn is also changing. Research shows that employers have shown an increase in requiring soft skills such as digital skills, critical thinking, creativity skills, teamwork, and presentation skills in prospective employees.

After a recent school review Emerald Secondary College will be making some changes to the organisational structure and Teaching and Learning Program at Emerald, such as:

• 2023 will see a change from 6x 48minute periods each day, to 5 x 60minute periods each day.  The timetable will also operate on a fortnightly basis to allow for greater flexibility.
  • There will be no double periods after lunch to assist concentration and student engagement in their learning.
  • We will be developing a research-based wellbeing and engagment program which runs for 1 period each week, specifically created for each year level.
• The Curriculum team has been working on revamping the middle year’s elective offerings for our students. This new middle year’s vertical elective system will give students greater choice and the ability to increase their studies and develop their skills in areas of interest to help reach their pathway goals.  More information can be found in our parent information sessions, student assemblies, and our Middle Years handbook that will soon be located on our college website. Links to the handbook will also be found on the Compass newsfeed. 
• Our motivation as a college for this extensive research and revision of our Teaching and Learning Program is to create a learning community for our students at Emerald Secondary College that is engaged, happy and flourishing in their learning.

Janine McMahon - Assistant Principal