Principal's Report

RESPECT is one of the most important behaviours we demonstrate in our community as we re -engage onsite with students, teachers, parents/carers and our surroundings more broadly. This has been highlighted in a number of ways such as the selection of the 2022 Year 12 School Captains. Following a fair and transparent process, four young adults have been chosen to be representatives of the student population next year. They submitted a written application and participated in a 20 minute interview. Thank you to all candidates who put their hand up for a leadership position. It is terrific to see interest in the student positions of responsibility increasing and in conjunction with the Senior School we will be offering further captain positions to enable more students to take part in the leadership of the school.

A hearty congratulations go to the Emerald Secondary College Captains for 2022, Ruby Pugh and Michael Dance and the Vice Captains, Vanessa Dewar and Hendrix Boyle. We will have a formal ceremony at the beginning of next year to induct our captains and vice-captains into their roles. Thank you to the panel for all their work in this area.

The end to other year level activities is approaching too with the final Year 11 assembly recognising this wonderful cohort of students and presenting them with their awards. Final Year 10 classes are being held with their Kickstart transition program taking place next week. The switch from Middle School to Senior School is likened quite often to primary- secondary transition, but the new Senior School team is prepared and highly skilled in managing this milestone. We hope the year 11s of next year have a successful introduction to their VCE/VCAL teachers and programs. They have been guided through the complexities of this year very well by the Middle School team.

Since our return to onsite learning and the easing of restrictions students have generally behaved in a respectful manner, been kind and supportive of each other, been active participants in their learning, been mindful of keeping the environment clean. There are occasions where behaviours have not met the standard of appropriateness and we have reached out to families for their support. Thank you to our families for their understanding and sharing this re-engagement journey with us compassionately. All schools face the same issues in different degrees but I am comforted by the many conversations I have had and heard regarding the College, families and external agencies working together to assist students to thrive. Most noticeable is the adherence to school uniform which has improved with this support.

With the easing of physical restrictions and the high vaccination rates of the 12+ population in Victoria, schools are permitted to have gatherings with students and parents/carers. The Year 7 Information night will now be held onsite with strict covid requirements to keep everyone safe. The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony will also be held on site and equally will be managed safely. Communications by the Junior and Senior Schools have been provided to students, parents and families and while we approach these events with a little trepidation, we have put measures in place to ensure they occur securely.

We are pleased to announce the continued relationship with Bocca Foods following a canteen tender process. School Council has approved the new contract and students will see items they have requested following a student survey of their preferences. As the end of the year approaches we are running an End of Year program that is exciting. Information about signing up to events and about the program has been published on Compass. You may also have noticed the billboard at the front of the College advertising the impending Senior Art show. What a great recognition of artistic talent, fuelled by our creative arts staff and in a brand new community venue for the wider population to enjoy.

In this digital age, we sometimes forget about the simple pleasure of flicking through the pages of a magazine or book in hard copy. The school magazine, Pareweena, is a wonderful account of the events, achievements and highlights of the year. It is reassuring that even though we spent most of our time in lockdown, the pages reflect such a busy and engaging portrayal of the reality of our collective situation. Our school worked hard to engage students and our families realised just how complex the teaching and learning environment is. Paraweena 2021 is a great read and reflects the resilient nature, positive outlook and the closeness of the school community. Finally, please find information and visuals which highlight the modernisation of Emerald Secondary College through the Victorian Government's Major Capital works program. The first building to be decanted is the Administration building. Office staff, the principal team and First Aid will be relocated to B Block during the refurbishment from mid December this year. We will keep you updated about timelines and further notices as we receive them. We are thrilled with the significant investment into Emerald Secondary College's internal and external spaces and know that the students, staff and community will reap the rewards of these improvements. 

Eleni Stathatos