Student Wellbeing News

‘Philip Gardner Wellbeing Centre’ officially opened

The Philip Gardner Wellbeing Centre is the home to our EDSC Wellbeing Team who see students for one-one-support, and deliver positive mental health promotion programs.

Although opened unofficially in amidst the COVID lockdowns, it was late last term however, when we were able to officially celebrate the grand opening of this purpose-built centre, seen as the hub and heart of the school. In honour of the late EDSC Principal, Philip Gardner, Philip’s wife, Gaby Gardner, along with Manningham Council Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert, and our student leaders, the ribbon was cut in front of students and staff, past and present, to pronounce the centre ‘open!’

Philip Gardner was Principal of EDSC from 2001 – 2008. He was passionate about education and about his role as an educator. He took great pride in being able to create a school environment that offered support for all students whilst providing rigorous academic challenge. He sought to empower young people to achieve to their potential and have the confidence to pursue aspirational goals.

Philip had a considerable impact on our school community. He was a friend, teacher, colleague, mentor and leader to many in the EDSC community.

Philip passed away on January 22 2019.

Michael Colling

Director of Wellbeing

Wellbeing Staff

For more information about Wellbeing at the College, please visit the following link .. 

Child Safety Standards

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

East Doncaster Secondary College has zero tolerance for child abuse.

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in East Doncaster Secondary College has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

In our planning, decision making and operations, all personnel at East Doncaster Secondary College will:

• Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;
• Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;
• Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
• Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;
• Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
• Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;
• Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
• Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
• Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.