Middle School News
Year 7 to 9
Well done to parents, students and staff alike for a very smooth start to the year. Whilst there have been some challenges, everyone has been supportive of one another and the College value of teamwork has been on show.
An extra special welcome to our Year 7 students, who have settled in like champions.
Comments from teachers so far include:
“The new Year 7 students are awesome”
“I love my Year 7 class”
“I wish I had more Year 7 classes, the students are so nice”
This can also be said for other Middle School classes, however, I think it highlights the great start that this cohort has made and I encourage them to keep up the good work, especially as their first Cycle reports approaches.
Tina Marchant our Transition Coordinator captured some quotes from the Year 7s earlier this week about how they felt about their start.
Eva 7L
‘I think high school has a lot of opportunities from making new friends and doing new subjects. The teachers take learning seriously and I’m motivated in class. I enjoy having my own locker which has more space.’
Frida 7K
‘I have enjoyed all the new subjects at high school such as Drama. All the new ones have been fun’
Paul 7J
‘I enjoy doing science experiments and finding out what happens’
Cindy
‘At high school people have been kind to me and my class mates are helpful’
Lucas 7L
‘I like the lockers and the double sessions of Sport and PE. I like the big school environment and making new friends’
Youssef 7H
‘ I enjoyed having a fresh start’.
Tijana 7D
‘Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations’. I love all the new classes in Year 7.
Jarrad 7D
‘Year 7 isn’t as bad as I thought, every teacher I’ve had has been friendly and kind. I made friends by the end of the first week and quickly adjusted to the busy timetable’.
Rahaf 7D
‘High school is normal! There is nothing scary about it. ‘
There are other fast approaching events for Year 7, namely the Year 7 camp. Parents are urged to keep a close eye on Compass Newsfeed for updated information and attachments relating to camp. In addition, we suggest you consider coming to the following event on Monday 13th February.
Year 7 Social evening- Monday 13th February (5pm - 6.30pm Upper Courtyard)
Parents and guardians are invited to the 2023 Year 7 Social Evening and BBQ, Monday 13th February at the College UPPER courtyard 5pm - 6.30pm. This night offers families a chance to come into the College, meet parents and some of the staff members and enjoy a pleasant social evening. The year level team will speak to families about the upcoming year 7 camp and answer any questions you may have.
We thank Rotary for preparing the BBQ on the night.
While a sausage in bread will be provided, families are also encouraged to bring their OWN FOOD on the night. If you choose to do so, we ask you to be mindful of the meals you bring. There is no capacity for you to heat up a meal. The College asks all members of the community to avoid bringing foods that are highly allergenic and please BYO drinks (no alcohol).
Years 8 and 9 have started equally well and received important messages during Assemblies last Monday. All students were demonstrating the College value of respect and teamwork as they received information regarding lockers and the high expectations we have of them as students at EDSC. I encourage parents to remind their children to refer to the expected behaviours sections of their planners from time to time to refresh their memory.
Middle School Captains provided us with a snapshot of how the year has started for students in the following reflections:
Isabel V
“It’s been a busy first two weeks with everyone adjusting to school hours and trying to snap out of holiday mode, but I’m excited to be back at school. I loved catching up with all my friends after the break and hearing about everyone’s holidays during our ‘best holiday’ debate during English class.
I’ve also had lots of fun during our elective periods, which allow me to pursue my interests and meet new people from other classes. I have high hopes for this year, and it’s been a great start so far.”
Neel S
“So far Year 9 has been a great experience. Electives have been one of the main points about why everyone was so excited. It is the first chance for students to split off into different subjects that they have unique interests in and allowing them to interact with other people in the year level. But there is so much more to come, from City Experience to our first little taste into VCE. The year has just started but there is so much more to come.”
Amanda H
“What an exciting way to start the year, from reunions of strong friendships to the “back-to-school” feeling; it was much better than greeting a person through a screen. The moment I stepped foot in EDSC, I felt like it was yesterday that we were in school, returning to my old routines. It was hard to say goodbye to a relaxing month of holidays, but the warm welcomes gave me a sense of belonging and a throwback of friendships and memories. The best way to start an exhilarating year ahead!”
Harris M
“In my opinion the year has started well. The teachers have all been wonderful in easing us back into the full swing of school work rather than throwing us straight into the deep end. This as well as the new design of the Positive Futures class have allowed me to continue deepening my connection to my friends as well creating new connections with my peers.”
As Head of Middle School I am so pleased to hear these reflections from our students. I believe we can gain real momentum from starting a school year off in a positive manner and I hope to see it continue throughout.
Justin Bond
Head of Middle School
1 to 1 Digital Learning Program 2023 and Laptop Configuration Bookings
In 2023 we will 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 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 you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact the Principal, John Roberts or Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell.
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.
