Senior School News
Year 10 to 12
General Achievement Test and Year 10 & 11 Exam Period
We have been very proud of the way our Senior School students have been conducting themselves during the recent assessment period. For Year 10 students, this is the first time they have had exams in all of their subjects and have had to juggle the study and revision demands across multiple areas.
Both Year 10 & 11 exams have been conducted following the VCAA rules that students will be subjected to in their Year 12 final exams. This is done to allow students to develop their understanding of the organisation, punctuality, attention to detail and general behaviour expectations that the VCAA has, so they are very familiar and comfortable with the processes once they get into Year 12.
Students should reflect upon their results in the exams and the preparation they undertook and discuss their feedback with their teachers. In this way, the exam period can serve as a learning experience and assist in developing their skills for future years.
All students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 study, who undertook the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Thursday 15 June are also to be commended. With 380 students sitting the GAT this year, the Sports Stadium was used as the venue for all participants. The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills and plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.
Year 12 Students Vs Staff Basketball Match
In a hard fought and “down to the wire” game, the staff were victorious in the Year 12 Students vs Staff Basketball match on Friday 9 June.
Spectators were treated to some brilliant shooting by Gary of Year 12, who could find the basket from any position on the court! Other notable on-court contributions came from Riley who set up numerous assists for the student team, excellent passing and movement from Em and Georgie, Mr V, the undisputed GOAT and Ms Pang for subbing onto the court from yard duty to score a vital goal for the staff.
Thank you to Yousef for fulfilling the refereeing duties. The accuracy of the score line was clouded amidst some “creativity” from the score bench, but the staff team managed to scrape over the line by one point in an 89-88 final result. An enjoyable match for players and spectators alike!
Subject Selection Process For 2024
During Term 3, students will plan their program of study for 2024. It is our intention for students and their parents to have a good understanding of the available options.
We want students to select programs that maximise their opportunity for success in their studies, as well as prepare them for post-secondary school success.
By the start of the school holidays, the Subject Selection Course Handbooks will be available on Compass Newsfeed via a link.
The first step in the Subject Selection process, is for students and their parents to read through the subject options and gain a good understanding of the content of each subject to see if it fits with both student interests and aspirations.
The upcoming school holidays are the perfect time for starting this research into the available subjects.
To further assist students in making informed choices, we will be running the following Information Evenings, where students and their parents will participate in small group information sessions to gain an understanding of the process of subject selection and have the opportunity to have their questions answered. These sessions will be hosted by members of the College Leadership Team. Parents and students will also be invited to The John Landy Centre for a Year 10/VCE Subject Expo, where they can explore different courses in more detail.
Year 9 students entering Year 10 in 2024
Year 10 2024 Information Evening: Thursday 20 July 7pm – 8:30pm
Year 10 students entering Year 11 in 2024
Year 11 2024 Information Evening: Thursday 27 July 7pm -8:30pm
Following on from the Information Evenings, students will be asked to submit their subject selections online. They will then participate in a Course Counselling Interview with a member of the College Leadership Team, the purpose of which is to confirm the most appropriate program of study is being considered for each student. Most of these interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Course Counselling Interviews will be held on the following dates:
Thursday 27 July: Year 11s (going into Year 12 2024)
Tuesday 1 August: Year 9G to 9L (going into Year 10 2024)
Wednesday 2 August: Year 10 (going into Year 11 2024)
Thursday 3 August: Year 9A to 9F (going into Year 10 2024)
More detailed information will be provided to students and parents early next term regarding the above-mentioned events.
Kate Leaumont
Head of Senior School
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 or Digital Learnings in Schools and our Mobile Phone Policy, please contact the Senior 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 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
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.
