Issue 1

Principal’s Report – 6 February 2026

A very warm welcome to the new school year. As always, the holiday break seems to have passed far too quickly, but I hope it provided our students, families and staff with time to rest, recharge and enjoy time with loved ones. As we begin the year ahead, we do so with a sense of optimism and excitement, looking forward to strengthening the supportive relationships that sit at the heart of our College community.

It was wonderful to welcome back our students last week. There is always a great energy that accompanies the start of a new school year and this was certainly evident last week with students excited to reconnect with their peers and teachers. We are also delighted to officially welcome our 405 Year 7 students and their families who are joining us this year. Likewise, I would also like to welcome our new students and families that have joined us across Years 8 to 12. I am confident that our staff and current students will demonstrate our College values of care and compassion as they welcome our new students and help them to settle in and make friends quickly.

I have no doubt that 2026 will offer an array of engaging and exciting opportunities for all students, both in and outside of the classroom, and I encourage all students to be open to new experiences and seek out opportunities to make the most of their school experience.

Welcome assemblies were conducted across all year levels last week and my address to each contained a common thread. I reiterated to all students the importance of holding high expectations for themselves and always striving to do and be their personal best. I spoke about the role each student plays as a positive contributor to our school community — both in the classroom and beyond — through every interaction and the choices they make each day. Treating others with respect and kindness, remaining open to learning, and taking responsibility for their actions all help to create a learning environment where everyone feels supported, valued and in turn allows everyone to grow and succeed. I have no doubt that all students can rise to these expectations and that, through a strong emphasis on our College values and positive behaviour supports, they will be guided, supported and equipped to thrive both academically and personally

For our Year 12 students, their journey in what is a pivotal year, is well underway. Yesterday, our Year 12 cohort stepped away from the bells, classrooms, deadlines and normal school routines to take part in our annual Ascent Program at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. With classes already in full swing, the day provided a valuable opportunity for students to pause, reflect, engage in goal setting and plan intentionally for the year ahead. With Year 12 being a year that asks more of our students — more focus, more resilience, more maturity, and more self-belief — the Ascent Program provides our students with valuable study skills, insights from others who have already lived the year 12 journey and an insight into university life through targeted sessions that cater to a range of interest areas for future study. A big thank you to Megan O’Brien, 2023 EDSC graduate, who generously gave of her time for the morning session, and shared her experiences and tips for success.

I look forward to being seeing our students, across all year levels, flourish. I encourage all of our students to not only focus on their learning but also on the numerous rewards that come from becoming an active and proud member of our wonderful community.

College Leadership

I am pleased to introduce our Leadership Team for 2026

New and Returning Staff to EDSC

I am also very pleased to welcome the following teachers and Education Support Staff who are either returning from extended leave or starting with us for the first time in 2026:

2026 School Council Election and Calls for Nomination Parent and Staff electorate positions

Outstanding Student Achievement – an invitation

As we commence the new school year and welcome many new families to our College community – can I take this opportunity to remind families that we are always willing to hear of and share the deeds of our students in their sporting, academic, performing arts or community-based pursuits external to our College. We have, on a regular basis, students who are involved in a quite extraordinary array of activities and it is always a pleasure and with great pride that we seek to share those outcomes with our wider school community

Photographing, Filming and Recording Students at East Doncaster Secondary College – Annual Consent Form and Collection Notice 2026

Please only complete and return this form if you DO NOT give consent for their child to be photographed or filmed

During the school year, there are typically many occasions and events where school staff may photograph or film students participating in school activities and events. These images are used for a variety of purposes including the school newsletters, (for example, of classroom activities or camps and excursions and events), Compass News Feeds, student identification, College magazine and display in school classrooms. We also arrange for official school photographs to be taken at the start of each year, including a class composite photo which is available for parents to order.

We ask that all parents please refer to the attached Photographing, Filming and Recording Students consent form. Parents or carers can withdraw consent for their child to be photographed or filmed by completing the attached form and returning it to Reception or via email east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au by Thursday 19 February 2026.

Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Consent Form 2026

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

CCTV at our College

East Doncaster Secondary College has recently upgraded the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system at our school.

Our school has an obligation to ensure the school environment is safe and secure, and fulfil our duty of care to students, staff and visitors. The CCTV system assists our school to fulfil these obligations and to prevent and manage other inappropriate behaviour on school grounds. CCTV will also provide enhanced capability to protect our school’s assets against vandalism and theft.

We will follow Department of Education policy requirements for the design, installation, management and use of the CCTV systems. This policy is available at: CCTV in Schools – Installation and Management.

We will also place a CCTV Privacy Notice on our school website with more information about our school’s use of CCTV.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Reception on 9842 2244 or via email: east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Cameron Campbell
Assistant Principal

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is an evidence-based framework that has been implemented in many Victorian schools over the past 5 years. A number of our local primary schools have been using this approach so the terminology may be familiar to many. The SWPBS approach aims to foster positive, safe, and supportive learning environments.

In 2024, East Doncaster Secondary College started to explore this framework as a means to explicitly focus our attention on supporting positive behaviours. At our school we call them expected behaviours. We aim to create a predictable learning environment and ensure that our learning areas remain safe, calm and dignified. The SWPBS model brings together students, teachers, and families to promote a culture where positive behaviour is explicitly taught, acknowledged, and celebrated.

What have we done so far?
Last year, teachers and student focus groups collaborated to develop the EDSC School Wide Positive Behaviour Support matrix. This matrix identified a number of areas within the College where an explicit focus on how students and staff interact with each other and their community. We developed a number of statements that describe behaviours we want to see and we aligned these to our existing College values. The end result is a set of expected behaviours that guide how we do things at EDSC “at all times”, “in the classroom”, “in the yard”, “out in the community” and “while online”. A copy of the matrix is attached to this newsletter and can also be seen on the Compass newsfeed.

What does this look like?
SWPBS is a whole-school approach designed to improve social, emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes for all students. By establishing clear behavioural expectations and consistently reinforcing them, our aim is to create an environment where positive behaviours are the norm. In class and during Positive Futures sessions, teachers are explicitly teaching the behaviours expected of our students in various settings, ensuring clarity and consistency.

When staff see students meeting these expectations, they post a chronicle which triggers an email to students and their families outlining what the staff member has observed. The College leadership team continues to reinforce the power of promoting expected behaviours and we are seeing a decrease in negative student interactions. The SWPBS approach combined with explicit classroom entry and exit routines and a consistent approach to managing student misbehaviour, is having a positive effect on our students. By establishing clear behavioural expectations and consistently reinforcing them, we are creating an environment where positive behaviours are the norm.

How can parents and carers get involved?

Engagement from families is crucial for the success of SWPBS. Parents and students can:

Stay informed: Understand the school’s behavioural expectations and positive reinforcement systems.

Reinforce at home: Encourage and acknowledge positive behaviours at home that align with school expectations.

Communicate: Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and school staff regarding behavioural expectations and student progress.

We will regularly update families on our progress with SWPBS via the Compass newsfeed so please keep an eye out. By embracing SWPBS, we aim to create an environment where positive behaviour is the foundation for academic success and personal growth.

East Doncaster Secondary College Policy Handbook 2025/2026

Our School Policy Handbook has been updated and approved by School Council.

For further document information and the College’s policies, please follow the below link:
School Documents and Policies

Please find below the link to the East Doncaster Secondary College Policy Handbook which is also available on our website.
2025/2026 Policy Handbook

Cameron Campbell
Assistant Principal

Please click on the links below for more information about EDSC

Camps, Sports and Excursions (CSEF) Fund

For further information on applying for 2026 Victorian Government CSEF Fund assistance please see the below links

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund CSEF information

CSEF Resources and Information in different languages

College Philosophy

Compass Parent Guide

Compass allows you to access up to date and meaningful information about our College and your child’s progress.  

Compass Education Website Guide

Compass Parent Guide

Compass Parent Passwords

Cyber Safety and Responsible use of digital technologies

Kids Helpline

E-Safety – Young People

E-Safety – Counselling / Support Services

Child Safety and Wellbeing at EDSC

Damage to Students’ Personal Items/Property

Parent contact details

Have you moved house, changed phone numbers, email address?

If so, please remember to fill in the attached ‘Change of Details’ form. Please return this form as soon as possible. 

Change of details form

School Saving Bonus

Paying for school activities in Compass using outstanding SSB Funds from previous years.

Second-hand Textbooks and Uniforms

Sell and Buy Textbooks and Uniforms with Sustainable School Shop

EDSC – Second Hand Uniform Shop

EDSC – Second Hand Textbooks Shop

Sustainable School Shop

Student Absences

If a student is unable to attend school, is going to be late or needs to leave early, the school must be informed of ALL absences.

Compass Login

Student Absence Notification Form

Chinese – Student Absence Notification form

Fact Sheet for Parents and Carers

Student Lunches

Student Medical Expenses

Uniform Group – Product and Size Availability

Privacy reminder for our school community

Schools’ Privacy Policy

Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice – VIC Government

Schools Documents – Policies – Reports — Information for parents

Compass

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace for Education 

Office 365, Edapt, Oliver Library Management System and Halaxy

Middle School Welcome

Welcome to the 2026 school year! It has been a great start to Term 1 as we welcome our new cohort of Year 7 students and families to the East Doncaster Secondary College community. To our Year 8 and 9 students and families, we are excited to see you again as we commence what is sure to be a wonderful year.

The Middle School Team are pleased to see our students embracing the new school year with curiosity and positive energy. As always, we are focusing on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Working together with our College Values of Curiosity, Excellence, Fairness, Respect, Resilience, Teamwork and Care and Compassion at the centre of all that we do in the classroom, in the yard and at home, we know that this positive momentum will continue throughout this year and benefit our whole community.

Our 2026 Middle School Captains will be helping to foster this positive climate for learning as they lead our students throughout the year. The captains were selected for their dedication to and consistent demonstration of our College Values, and for their community-focused goals of making a positive impact on their peers. We are proud to announce our Middle School Captains, Year 9 students Ava R and Zoe S, and our Vice Captains, Aadya K and Marcus L. We congratulate the captains on their appointments and know their leadership will have a valuable impact on the school community.

Preparedness for every school day

As students are setting academic goals in each subject area, I encourage students to set personal goals for the year as well. Students should be taking responsibility for their daily schedule and everything that is required for their day to run smoothly and efficiently. To have the confidence and resilience needed to manage their time at school each day, students should have a clear view of what their day looks like and what they need to be ready to navigate each stage of it independently.

The expectation is that students check their schedules the night before school and pack their bags according to the subjects they have. It would be helpful to have a checklist of tasks that need to be completed before leaving the house in the morning. This checklist could include:

1. Checking their daily schedule and emails
2. Packing their bag with books and materials for each class
3. Selecting the correct uniform items for the day
4. Packing lunch and a water bottle in their school bag or bringing money/card to school to buy lunch
5. Having a discussion with parents/guardians about after school arrangements
Should a student finds they have forgotten something at home, such as their lunch, a uniform item or laptop, they should seek support from their Year Level Coordinators who will provide them with the essentials to get through the day. The silver lining in forgetting something will likely be that they quickly learn a valuable lesson, encouraging them to think for themselves and prepare more efficiently the next day.

Year 7 Camp

We are looking forward to Year 7 Camp in week five! The camp at Anglesea YMCA is an exciting and memorable experience for students, offering a fantastic opportunity for peer connection, team building, outdoor activities, and personal growth. The camp is designed to help students adjust to the transition from primary school to secondary school, allowing them to build friendships and connections, and develop independence in a fun and supportive environment.

Year 7 Parent Social Evening and Instrumental Music Program Information Night

Tuesday 10th February sees our combined Year 7 Parent Social Evening and Instrumental Music Program Information Night. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about our instrumental music program and meet other Year 7 parents and families, as well as enjoy a student-led tour around the school. This will also be a great opportunity for parents to meet some of our Morning Mentors who are a special part of our Year 7 Transition Program.
Prior to the event, you can learn more about the program and instruments available on the school website and via these links:
EDSC Music News
‘Be Part of the Orchestra’

Embrace opportunities!

For all Middle School students, the year ahead is full of exciting opportunities to get involved in college life, from clubs and competitions, extracurricular activities and sports teams to student leadership and building connections with the broader community. We encourage students to take the time to explore their options and opportunities both inside the classroom and out of it and make the most of their time at school.

Giulia Catalano.
Assistant Principal Middle School

Student Attendance / Absence Reminder

The school must be informed of ALL absences, whether it be illness, appointments, holidays or any other reason. You can do this via the following options.

• The easiest way, is to login to Compass with your Parent Login and add submit an ‘Attendance Note’ for the time of absence
• Calling the Absence Line BEFORE 8:30am on the day of the absence. Phone: 9842 2244 (dial option 1)
• Sending a note with the student for early departures. Teachers will not allow students out of class without a note or an approval on Compass
• Fill in a ‘Student Absence Notification’ form for any extended length of absence including holidays, overseas travel etc. (The College must have any extended leave submitted in writing)

If you have any attendance concerns or questions regarding an SMS message you have received, please call the College absence line and leave a message with your child’s details and we will follow up your enquiry. Please do not reply to the SMS as this service is not available.

Please remind your child/ren that they must sign out at the Middle School (Years 7,8,9) Compass Kiosk machines if they arrive late to school or have to leave early.

Unwell

Please remind your child/ren not to contact you directly during the day to let you know they are unwell.  Instead, if they are feeling unwell, they need to ask the teacher to visit our Sickbay and our First Aid Officer will contact you accordingly.  If you need to pick them up this will be organised via Sickbay.

Extended Absences

Please remember to fill in and return a ‘Student Absence Notification Form’ (Please see below) for any extended absences over 3 days.  Please ask your child to drop a copy into Reception or you can email this form to our school email address east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

VCE students

Please remember to provide Medical Certificates for VCE students for any medical absences.  This is to help maintain their VCE Attendance requirements for all students who are in Year 11 and Year 12 and students that are in Year 10 and completing a Year 11 or 12 subject.  Please forward certificates to our school email address east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Student Absence Notification Form

Mandi Pigdon
Attendance Officer

Student Lunches

Just a reminder to parents that we are unable to deliver lunches to students during school time.  It is the student’s responsibility to come and collect their lunch if it has been dropped off at Reception. Hot food is not suitable to be left at Reception.

PLEASE NOTE: Take-away food is not allowed at the College during school hours.  Under no circumstances are students to be ordering take-away food to be delivered to the College.

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 with their card at the Middle School Office when they are arriving late and sign out at the Middle School Office when they are leaving early for any reason.

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. 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.

Student Attendance / Absence Reminder

The school must be informed of ALL absences, whether it be illness, appointments, holidays or any other reason. You can do this via the following options.

• The easiest way, is to login to Compass with your Parent Login and add submit an ‘Attendance Note’ for the time of absence
• Calling the Absence Line BEFORE 8:30am on the day of the absence. Phone: 9842 2244 (dial option 1)
• Sending a note with the student for early departures. Teachers will not allow students out of class without a note or an approval on Compass
• Fill in a ‘Student Absence Notification’ form for any extended length of absence including holidays, overseas travel etc. (The College must have any extended leave submitted in writing)

If you have any attendance concerns or questions regarding an SMS message you have received, please call the College absence line and leave a message with your child’s details and we will follow up your enquiry. Please do not reply to the SMS as this service is not available.

Please remind your child/ren that they must sign out at the Senior School (Years 10,11,12) Compass Kiosk machines if they arrive late to school or have to leave early.

Unwell
Please remind your child/ren not to contact you directly during the day to let you know they are unwell. Instead, if they are feeling unwell, they need to ask the teacher to visit our Sickbay and our First Aid Officer will contact you accordingly. If you need to pick them up this will be organised via Sickbay.

Extended Absences
Please remember to fill in and return a ‘Student Absence Notification Form’ (Please see below) for any extended absences over 3 days. Please ask your child to drop a copy into Reception or you can email this form to our school email address east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

VCE students
Please remember to provide Medical Certificates for VCE students for any medical absences. This is to help maintain their VCE Attendance requirements for all students who are in Year 11 and Year 12 and students that are in Year 10 and completing a Year 11 or 12 subject. Please forward certificates to our school email address east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au
Student Absence Notification Form.

Mandi Pigdon
Attendance Officer

Student Lunches

Just a reminder to parents that we are unable to deliver lunches to students during school time. It is the student’s responsibility to come and collect their lunch if it has been dropped off at Reception. Hot food is not suitable to be left at Reception.
PLEASE NOTE: Take-away food is not allowed at the College during school hours. Under no circumstances are students to be ordering take-away food to be delivered to the College.

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 and out with their card at The John Landy Centre (Senior School Building) when they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason.

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. 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.

English Language Centre Westfield/Officeworks Excursion

On Monday 2 February, the ELC students visited Westfield and Officeworks in Doncaster. Having recently arrived to Australia, the students experienced using a Myki card to travel on public transport, along with visiting key locations such as banks, pharmacies, supermarkets and Australia Post.

Brenda James
EAL Coordinator

What to do if a student is injured or sick at school

East Doncaster Secondary College has a dedicated Sick Bay which is located in the main Administration Building. It is there to service the needs of both students and staff. If a student requires medical attention during class time, that student will be sent by their teacher to the Sick Bay accompanied by another student (who will be sent back to class immediately). We will then assess the student and determine a course of action. If necessary, we will contact a parent or an emergency contact to provide them with the relevant details.

Students are NOT to contact their parent(s) by phone or text message before coming to the Sick Bay.

This causes undue stress for parents or carers, who understandably want to know the specifics about their child’s condition. We can assure parents that if their child is sick or injured and requires further intervention, they will be contacted. If a student is not feeling well or is injured, they are to come directly to Sick Bay.

Students are NOT to undertake it upon themselves to ask their parents to collect them from school.

Students are NOT permitted to walk, cycle, catch public transport or arrange for a ride home from school if they are injured or sick at school.

Adeline Seta
First Aid Officer

Orientation Day and Lunch

On Wednesday 28 January we welcomed 14 new international students to the College with an important orientation day which included a campus tour and a special lunch (Fried chicken, dumplings and spring rolls!). Thanks to the staff who attended and the student leaders who helped the new students feel like they belong here!

Simon Veerhuis
International Student Coordinator

2026 Booklist purchases still available

Parents/guardians can still purchase 2026 school texts and stationery for students through the Lilydale Books online booklist.

To purchase items from the booklist, please follow these instructions:

• Visit www.lilydalebooks.com.au/booklist
• Select your school, then click ‘Start Booklist Order’
• Enter student details and select year level. Please ensure you enter the student name exactly as it appears on their school enrolment and using their school email address (it will end in “@schools.vic.edu.au”)
• Select delivery method
• Select subjects and items
• Checkout your items

For detailed instructions on how to place your order including videos and information in a range of languages, please visit: How to Order Information

Student eBook access information

This year, all booklisted eBooks that students have purchased from Lilydale Books will be accessed at the digital platform Educational Ebooks.

If a child in your family speaks to you about experiencing eBook access issues, please refer to the below information. We welcome you assisting your child at home to request eBook support if needed, while classroom teachers will also be available to guide students through this process.

The quickest and easiest way to get eBook issues resolved is to open a support ticket with Lilydale Books. You can do this by visiting the Help Centre on the Educational Ebooks website. For full step-by-step instructions on how to open a support ticket and how to log into Educational Ebooks, please ask students to visit the EDSC Library website.

Please note: If a student uses a preferred name and a legal name, please make sure to include both of these names in your support ticket.

2026 Booklist purchases still available

The EDSC library team is looking forward to a great year in the library in 2026.

We’ve made a few changes to the library space to ensure that books are as easy to find and browse as possible, and to ensure there is lots of room for students to read, study, and take a brain break. There are some new genres and sections coming soon!

New books from popular series have already started arriving for the year, and we’re keen for students to Request a Book if the library doesn’t have the one they’d like to read.

This year we’ll continue with our most popular programs including the EDSC Reading Challenge, Book Week activities, and the Library Leaders volunteer program. More details on each of these will be released soon.

The library is open for students to read, study and take a brain break during recess and lunchtime. The space is segmented into zones to ensure that there is a quiet space for students who’d like to read and study, and room for students to play board games and collaborate on projects.

Year 7 students will start library orientation sessions from next week, where they will learn everything they need to know to get the best out of the EDSC Library. The library team is looking forward to meeting all of EDSC’s newest students.

Keep an eye on the library website for all library news and updates.

Emily Andersen
Acting Library Coordinator

Music Information Night 2026

Following the Year 7 Social on Monday 10 February, Year 7 students and their families are invited to the Performing Arts Centre where the Music Information Night will commence at 6:30pm.

If you are interested in learning a new instrument at school, it is essential that you complete the following steps:

• Visit our information page at https://tinyurl.com/edscmus
• Lodge your expression of interest after completing the Instrument Matching Tool
• Attend Music Information Night on 10 February to lock in your instrument preferences.

Carl Williams
Instrumental Music Coordinator

2026 School Musical – Grease

What is the EDSC Positive Futures program?

Positive Education brings together the science of positive psychology with best-practice teaching.

The school’s journey with Positive Education began in 2012 with Positive Education focuses and values implemented across each year level and over time has evolved into the whole school approach launched in 2020.

Our Positive Futures program has some very clear goals:
• We want to improve student quality of life and their engagement with others, including with their teachers
• We seek to develop students in a more holistic way, with a stronger focus on wellbeing.

There are six tenets of Positive Psychology that are embedded into our model:

Positive Health – Positive Self

Developing knowledge, understanding and skills to promote health and well – being.

Positive Relationships

Nurturing positive relationships based on respect.

Accomplishment

Generating hope and optimism through the accomplishment of personal and community goals.

Positive Emotion

Building and experiencing positive emotion.

Meaning

Believing in serving something greater than ourselves.

Positive Engagement

Developing critical thinkers by promoting challenge, curiosity and creativity.

More resources and information can be found here: Positive Futures More Info

Georgina Hammond
Positive Futures Coordinator

What is Respectful Relationships?

Respectful Relationships education is a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from foundation to year 12. It is all about embedding a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community.
The Respectful Relationships program supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
While many different strategies are needed to contribute to this population-wide approach, the Respectful Relationships initiative is a key example of successful primary prevention work to prevent gender-based violence in education settings.
Schools are unique as a setting in which primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery operate alongside and in connection with one another. To be effective, Respectful Relationships must take a whole-of-school approach that works with leadership, systems and practices to support positive school cultures, age-appropriate curriculum delivery, policy development and community engagement.

Diversity and RRRR Calendar dates Term 1

February
10/2 Safer Internet Day
17/2 Random Acts of Kindness Day
17/2 Lunar New Year
20/2 World Day of Social Justice
21/2 International Mother Tongue Day

March
1/3 Clean Up Australia Day
3/3 Lantern Festival
4/3 International Women’s Day
15/3 International Day to combat Islamophobia
16 – 22/3 Harmony Week
17/3 Shrove Tuesday
17/3 St. Patricks Day
18/3 Ash Wednesday
19/3 – 20/3 Eid al – Fitr
20/3 Close the Gap Day
21/3 Nowruz New Year
21/3 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
29/3 Palm Sunday
31/3 Trans Day of Visibility

April
1-9/4 Passover
2/4 Maudy Thursday
3/4 Good Friday

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year of the Horse (next on 17 Feb 2026, to 5 Feb 2027) represents a, energetic, and fast-paced period in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing speed, freedom, and independence. As a Yang energy sign, it encourages taking risks, innovation, and breaking old patterns to achieve success and personal growth.

Key Aspects of the Year of the Horse:
• Element Influence: 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which amplifies the natural traits of the horse, adding passion, high energy, and intense, transformative, and sometimes unpredictable, energy.
• Symbolism: Represents strength, stability, and intelligence, often seen as a year for rapid progress, action, and ambition.
• Personality Traits: Those born in this year are typically seen as energetic, independent, optimistic, and charming, with a strong desire for freedom.
• Compatibility: The horse is most compatible with the Dog, Tiger, and Sheep/Goat, while potentially experiencing more conflict with the Rat.
• Focus Areas: It is considered a favourable time for entrepreneurship, travel, and bold, new endeavours.
• Previous Years: 1954 (Wood), 1966 (Fire), 1978 (Earth), 1990 (Metal), 2002 (Water), 2014 (Wood).
The Year of the Horse is viewed as a dynamic time for growth and, while energetic and productive, requires careful, balanced decision-making, encouraging people to “think before they leap.”

Manningham Council Events

Join us for Pride Night at Aquarena!

Pride Night is an inclusive gym and swim night for the LGBTIQA plus community and their allies. It is about providing a safe and welcoming recreation space for the community to listen to music, have some fun and participate in some physical activity.
This is a free celebration with a DJ, performances, artists, fun activities, fitness classes and access to pool facilities at Aquarena.

Organised by Active Manningham – Register HERE

2026 Manningham Chinese New Year Festival

Jackson Court Shopping Centre
Saturday 7th February 10am – 11pm

2026 marks the first-ever Chinese New Year Festival in Manningham, bringing a major cultural celebration to the heart of the local community. Building on the region’s strong multicultural spirit, this inaugural event is designed to be open, inclusive, and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

The festival is expected to attract over 12,000 visitors, bringing together residents, families, local businesses, and visitors from across Melbourne to celebrate culture, connection, and community. Rooted in the much-loved traditions of Lion and Dragon Dance performances, the event also looks forward — expanding beyond performance to create a richer, more immersive cultural experience.

In 2026, the Manningham Chinese New Year Festival will introduce world-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage experience workshops, allowing visitors to engage directly with traditional art forms and cultural practices. A stamp-collecting activity with gift redemption will encourage exploration across the festival site, creating a fun and interactive experience for families and visitors of all ages.

By combining traditional celebrations with new cultural experiences, the festival aims to strengthen community bonds, support local businesses, and establish a vibrant annual event that reflects the diversity, creativity, and unity of Manningham

RR Young Adults (YA) Novel of the week

A brilliant contemporary YA coming-of-age novel about three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood, from the multi-award-winning author of The Boy from the Mish, We Didn’t Think It Through and I’m Not Really Here.
As we step into the shopping centre car park, white spray-paint on the orange brick wall catches my eye. Two council workers in high-vis shirts are on ladders, scrubbing away the faded words: WHITE POWER.
In the idyllic coastal town of Carraway’s Point, four Aboriginal boys grew up together on Chopin Drive, carefree and close. But they drifted apart in high school, and everything changed forever the night Brandon was killed by a white cop.
Now racial tension is brewing, and each boy must wrestle with grief and their own complicated lives.
Kallum has lost his sport scholarship and must return from Sydney.
Jordy contends with family responsibilities and a closeted boyfriend.
Dylan was the only witness to Brandon’s death, and he must testify in court.

Struggling to contain their emotions and process the murder of their friend, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan must navigate explosive events in a way that opens up a future they can’t yet see.
A searing and unputdownable YA novel from acclaimed award-winning author Gary Lonesborough.

Rebecca James
Respectful Relationships Coordinator

Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in our education settings.

Respectful Relationships is about embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, from our classrooms to staffrooms, sporting fields, fetes and social events. This approach leads to positive impacts on students’ academic outcomes, their mental health, classroom behaviour, and relationships between teachers and students.

Together, we can lead the way in saying yes to respect and equality and creating genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The EDSC Respectful Relationships Pledge:

“All members of our school community have a responsibility to stand up against family violence and the misuse of gender power and control. We foster relationships that are respectful, caring and fair.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence the following services are available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 and ask for the police.

For non-urgent help, please contact:

• 1800RESPECT: The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Phone and online services available 24/7.
• Doncare: (03) 9856 1500
• Free From Family Violence Service (FVREE): (03) 9249 4200 OR 0466 748 880
• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: 1800 015 188
• Migrant Information Centre support for people from diverse cultural backgrounds: (03) 9285 4888
• inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence at 1800 755 988
• Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• Eastern Community Legal Centre: 1300 325 200
• The Orange Door: 1800 354 322
• Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 Free specialist LGBTQIA+ helpline

More resources/agencies can be found on our Wellbeing, Student Resources page of the East Doncaster Secondary College website
https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/wellbeing/student-resources

Science off to a flying start in 2026

In just the first week of school, our Science classrooms are already bustling with energy. From the excitement of our new Year 7 students to the determination of our seniors in VCE, everyone is gearing up for a fantastic year filled with hands‑on learning, friendly Science competitions, and plenty of excursion opportunities.

In Middle School Science, our Year 7s have begun exploring the different branches of science – along with all‑important foundations of lab safety. Year 8 students have dived into The Big Question, using their understanding of the scientific method to design and carry out investigations on topics that spark their curiosity. Meanwhile, Year 9 classes have started their journey into the fascinating world of the brain, examining its structure, functions, and processes.

Stay tuned – our next newsletter will shine a spotlight on the exciting work happening in our Senior Science classes.

Emalyn Wicking and Johnson Yao
Science Domain Leaders

Good Food, Good Times: Join Us at the Wellbeing Hub/美食、好时光：欢迎来到学生福利中心 (Wellbeing Hub)

Welcome Back, Everyone!
It is wonderful to see you all back at East Doncaster Secondary College. We hope you are feeling rested and full of energy.
To help keep that energy up, remember that a good breakfast is the secret to strong concentration and memory. Without it, school work can feel much tougher than usual.

To help you fuel up, the Student Wellbeing Team invites you to our free Breakfast Club. Join us every Monday morning (8:30 – 8:50 AM) in the Student Wellbeing Hub.
For our Year 7 and 8 students: We are also hosting a special Lunchtime Group at C7 on every Friday! Come along to play games and make some new friends!
There are plenty more exciting programs coming up this year, so watch this space.

欢迎大家返校！
很高兴在 East Doncaster Secondary College 再次见到大家。希望大家都度过了一个愉快的假期，现在正精力充沛地准备迎接新学期！
说到精力，千万别忘了吃早餐。研究表明，营养丰富的早餐是提高课堂专注力和记忆力的关键。如果不吃早餐，你可能会觉得学习任务比平时更吃力。

为了帮大家补充能量，学生福利团队 (Student Wellbeing Team) 诚邀大家参加我们免费的“早餐俱乐部” (Breakfast Club)。请于每周一上午 8:30 至 8:50 来学生福利中心 (Student Wellbeing Hub) 享用早餐。
特别通知 7 年级和 8 年级的同学： 我们还为大家准备了特别的“午餐小组活动” 每周五在 C7 。欢迎大家利用午餐时间过来玩游戏，结识新朋友！

Harry Lee
Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Cybersafety and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies

The following resources are available to parents and carers to assist them with guiding their children with the use of digital technology in a safe and responsible way. Parents and carers are their child’s first role model when it comes to online behaviour. Please find information to assist parents and carers when dealing with Cybersafety issues on the following websites:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/Pages/parentline.aspx
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services

The following fact sheet may assist in encouraging the safe and respectful use of social media and to provide tips to parents for being a positive role model:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/bullystoppers/parentsocialmediaschoolcommunity.pdf

If parents/carers have any questions regarding Cybersafety or Digital Learnings in Schools and our Mobile Phone Policy, please contact Reception.

Cameron Campbell

Assistant Principal

Food & Financial Support

As we are all aware, the cost of living is increasing. We realise that this might be causing some distress to members of the EDSC community. If you are experiencing financial difficulties or food insecurity, please look at the website www.askizzy.org.au. This website can help you locate services for food, money, clothing, health and housing in your area.

The College is able to provide a range of food to families within the community. Foodbank Victoria provide EDSC fresh fruit, cereals, milk, different types of ready meals, fruit cups and Messy Monkey snacks. If you and your family are experiencing food insecurity, please contact the school to arrange a food collection. For a confidential conversation, please call Maddie Sill on 9842-2244.

Please also note that if your child forgets their lunch they can come to the Wellbeing Hub to access the pantry.

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.

For more information about Wellbeing at the College, please visit the following link: Student Wellbeing Information

2026 House Swimming and Diving Carnival

The annual East Doncaster Secondary College House Swimming and Diving Carnival will take place on Monday 9 February 2026.

Please Note: Attendance on this is compulsory. All students are expected to attend. Students are not to bring unnecessary valuable items such as iPads or phones to the carnival. If you need to bring valuables such as wallets or watches, keep them in a safe place.

Competitors are encouraged to wear clothing in the colour of their house in the carnival theme of ‘House Pride’. Students not wearing their house colours MUST wear their full sports uniform, no casual clothes (jeans, etc). Sun Smart policy applies.

Please see the attached document for more details:

Program Cover – 2026 House Swimming & Diving

2026 EDSC Swimming Carnival – Student-Parent Info

Program – 2026 EDSC House Swimming

Michael James
House Activities and Carnivals Co-ordinator

2026 Canteen

Online ordering is through the QKR app. Please find attached the QKR how to brochure. With the QKR app, you can place orders right up until 8.45am. We also welcome lunch orders directly at the canteen before school and at recess. Remember the most efficient way to beat the queue at lunch is to place a lunch order.

We do accept both cash and card as form of payments at the canteen. Please remember phones are not permitted as a method of payment, so please bring your card.

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO BUY YOUR YOUTH MYKI Travel Free – Under 18s

🕌 Victorian Mosque Open Day 2026

The Victorian Mosque Open Day is a special annual event to bring the Victorian community closer with Muslims across the state. Experience a day of fun, faith, and friendship as we share our traditions and celebrate community together.

🗓️ Saturday, 7th February 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 UMMA Centre, 72 George St, Doncaster East
💰 Free for all!
🫵🏽 Everyone is welcome

✨ What to Expect:
Informative talks
Interactive Q&A sessions
Prayer observation
Guided tours
BBQ & much more!

📝 Please register here:
https://www.umma.org.au/victorian-mosque-open-day-2026/

📩 For inquiries, contact: info@umma.org.au

Spread the word and join us for an unforgettable day!

The Department of Education Victoria and East Doncaster Secondary College does not endorse the products or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by the Victorian Department of Education and East Doncaster Secondary College for accuracy or information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.

Advertise in our College Newsletter

Do you have a business or are you part of a community organisation?
Do you want to reach over 1,000 families in the area every fortnight?
Our fortnightly e-newsletter has space available and can include direct links to your website (no social media sites).
Pricing:
$50 – A4 full page per edition
$10 – for community groups
$200 – per term
$700 – per year
Email the attached form to:
east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au or contact us on 9842 2244 for more information.