Term 3 is always an exceptionally busy term for our staff and students. This year is no exception. Our Year 9, 10 and 11 students have been deeply immersed in planning for 2027 with subject choices and course counselling becoming a central focus over the last two weeks. For our students involved in our school production ‘Backstage Pass’, they are in the final stages of rehearsals before bringing the show to the stage next week. We are very much looking forward to seeing them hit the stage and performing for their family, friends and wider school community.
Senior School Course Counselling
It was pleasing to see so many parents and students attending our Year 11 2027 Course Information evenings held last week. These evenings provide an important opportunity for students and their families to gain valuable insights into senior schooling and pathways beyond. Combined with a subject expo in the John Landy Centre, students are armed with a great deal of information to ensure informed subject choices are made.
Beginning last Thursday, our current Year 11, 10 and 9 students have been engaged in interviews with senior staff about their courses of study for 2027.
It has been an absolute pleasure to meet with students and their families as part of the course counselling process. These conversations are crucial to supporting our students to make decisions that are right for them and in turn will set them up for successful futures. It has been insightful, and often inspiring, to hear the diverse interests and ambitions of our students. We are confident that our processes ensure that students are supported to make choices that support their passions, strengths and aspirations.
As we undertake this, we are also planning for any staffing needs for 2027. Thank you to all students, parents and the senior staff for their support throughout this important process.
Term 3 Parent- Student- Teacher Conferences
Now that we are almost at the halfway point of Term 3, we are turning our attention to our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences that will be taking place on Thursday 10 September.
After seeking parent feedback, we have made the decision to change the structure of the day. Holding these conferences within regular school hours increases staff availability and allows for additional interview slots to be included, thereby providing more families with the opportunity to meet with teachers and discuss their child’s progress.
We appreciate that this is a change from previous years and thank our community for your understanding as we implement a model designed to improve access and increase the number of available appointments.
Interview Times are:
Interviews 9.00am – 10.30am
Interviews 10.45am to 12.30pm
Interviews 1.15pm – 3.00pm
Interviews 3.10pm – 4.30pm
The Parent -Student – Teacher Conferences Booking System will be accessible from:
Year 12 Student Bookings – 12.00pm Wednesday 26 August until 12.00pm Wednesday 9 September.
Year 7 to 11 (including Year 11 students doing a Unit 3/4 subject) Student Bookings – 12.00pm Friday 28 August until 12.00pm Wednesday 9 September.
Please note that bookings are essential – there will be no opportunity for unscheduled interviews.
Families will be receiving Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN results in the mail next week. Given our large students’ numbers, it is quite a significant undertaking to prepare for this mail out. I thank our families for your patience as you await your child’s results.
These tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of the school’s assessment and reporting process, and are not a replacement of the extensive ongoing assessments made by teachers about individual student progress.
Once again, I remind families to file their results in a secure place as the school is unable to provide replacement copies if they are misplaced.
Outstanding Student Achievement
Congratulations to Declan in Year 8 who recently competed in the National Badminton Championships. His outstanding dedication to his chosen sport saw him compete in the boys’ singles, mixed doubles and boys’ doubles. His effort during the championships were very impressive. We celebrate Declan’s achievements of finishing as runner-up in the boy’s doubles and on his title win in mixed doubles. We are very proud of you Declan!
Kriish and Kryshant of Year 10 have once again wowed with their hockey talent. In early July, both boys recently represented Victoria at the 2026 Hockey Australia Men’s U18 Championships in Darwin. Kriish and Kryshant have gone from strength to strength, winning the bronze medal and jumping to a number 3 national ranking. In additional news, following the tournament, both boys received the honour of being selected for the Australian U18 Men’s Team. This is an incredible achievement. We wish them every success in all that lies ahead.
College Production ‘Backstage Pass’- Don’t forget to book your tickets!
East Doncaster Secondary College 2026 – 2027 Policies Draft, including Child Safe Policies – Community Consultation
East Doncaster Secondary College has reviewed and updated our policies to reflect changes implemented by The Department of Education. This update is to ensure we meet Department policy requirements. Our policies are available to view on the College website: Click here to access: 2026-2027-Policy-Handbook-DRAFT Or download the PDF version:2026 2027 Policy Handbook DRAFT.pdf
Child safety and wellbeing at East Doncaster Secondary College: information for families and the school community
East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing an environment where students are safe and feel safe.
Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm. These documents are available on our website: https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/our-college/documents-policies-reports/
We are also committed to continuous improvement of our child safety framework. We are currently reviewing our child safety policies and practices to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.
Our students and families are important partners in this process. We welcome your feedback or ideas on ways we can improve our approach to child safety and wellbeing. If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell, at east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au
Selected updated policies requiring School Council approval will be tabled at our September School Council meeting. We welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on all our school policies. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell via email at east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au prior to 4 September.
Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy 2025-2026-Policy-Handbook.pdf, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.
We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.
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.
On Friday 7 August, we celebrate Principals’ Day, an opportunity to recognise and thank our school leaders for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to our school community.
We acknowledge the important role principals play in supporting students, staff, and families, while leading teaching, learning, wellbeing, and school improvement every day.
We thank our leadership team for the care, guidance, and vision they bring to our school community. Happy Principal’ s Day to our amazing Principal Karen Boyle, and Assistant Principals Jasvinder Kaur, Cameron Campbell, Brett Lamb, Giulia Catalano and Kate Leaumont.
Towards the end of Semester 1, the Year 8 Class Representatives and the Middle School Vice-Captains were hard at work organising the Term 3 Year 8 Incursion. Taking place on Wednesday 22 of July, students were able to opt-in to a range of activities including free-choice sport, mindfulness activities and crafts, viewing a film in the PAC and a dodgeball tournament. These activities provided students with a break from their academic curriculum and provided an opportunity for team building and active play, with the choices providing students with high-energy group activities to solo challenges. We would like to thank and congratulate our Year 8 Class Representatives and the Middle School Vice-Captains for helping to build peer and cohort connection on this special afternoon for the Year 8s.
Student Reflections
The Year 8 incursion was an exciting and memorable event, where all Year 8s could engage in various activities, including dodgeball competition and free choice sports, movie, craft, mindfulness, and down ball. I helped out at the dodgeball competition, and everyone was enthusiastic in engaging in the competition. House spirit was demonstrated as we were split into groups according to the house colours. It was amazing to see every one of us communicating and working as a team throughout the game. I also participated in watching the movie, Despicable Me, which combined humour with emotional and meaningful messages. We were all immersed in the comedy that we laughed through the funniest moments. The calm and quiet atmosphere with lights turned off made it a comfortable place for everyone and it was my pleasure to be part of this amazing incursion.
Karine 8D
Working with the Year 8 Class Representatives has been an incredible experience. As a Middle School Vice Captain, I always look forward to collaborations between different leadership groups, and this one has been absolutely rewarding. The Year 8 Class Representatives are amazing leaders who are hardworking and full of brilliant ideas and being able to help them reach their goals was wonderful. On the day of the incursion, the results of good planning were shining, Marcus and I got to float to each different activity and all of them were filled with happy students enjoying.
Aadya 9C
In week 2 of this term, the Year 8 Class Representatives hosted our official Year 8 Incursion, a special event designed to bring our year level together for a day full of energy, community, and fun! The activities included dodgeball, downball, crafts, and a movie. Congratulations to Chisholm for winning the dodgeball competition! Seeing the Year 8 community come together with so much enthusiasm, laughter, and spirit was a massive success for us as captains. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day happen!
Damien 8N
Our Year 8 Incursion Day happened on the 22 July and was a huge success. All Year 8s were able to participate in an activity of their choice for a double period, with activities including free‑choice sports, a movie, arts and crafts, a dodgeball competition, and more. The variety meant there was something for everyone to try, and it was great to see our peers trying new things and enjoying time with their friends. The other Year 8 Class Representatives, the Middle School Vice Captains and I had a great time planning it and were so happy with how everything turned out.
Zara 8 0
Year 8 students – I want to thank you all for participating in the Year 8 Incursion. Organising the event was a fun process with us first deciding what to do, then sending out the form for you to fill out. On the day, we go to set up the activities for you guys to enjoy. It was worth it when I saw all of you having fun and laughing when you were in your activities. Thank you for participating in the year 8 incursion!
Kiyaan 8N
The recent incursion was a highly successful and rewarding experience. Working closely with the Middle School Vice Captains allowed us to collaborate effectively and bring the event to life. Throughout the afternoon, I got to see everyone engaging in their chosen activity and having lots of fun! Seeing the positive involvement of the Year 8 cohort made the planning process worthwhile and made me excited to plan the next event and also see that come to life!
Amaira 8M
Uniform
The East Doncaster Secondary College Student Dress Code aims to foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance, support East Doncaster Secondary College’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities. Our dress code also aims to reduce student competition on the basis of clothing and enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community.
Recently, there has been a notable increase in items being worn to school that are not in line with the EDSC Student Dress Code. These items include branded and plain black tracksuit pants (mostly Elite Eleven), runners (mostly black Nike Air Force 1 and Nike Low Recraft Grade), branded socks (mostly white Nike), hoodies and large and oversized hoop earrings. Please see the visual attached to this newsletter for examples of these non-uniform items.
As the cold weather sets in this winter, please be reminded of our uniform expectations particularly regarding layering for warmth. Students are not permitted to wear any of the listed items above to school or during school events.
Please note that whilst the pants/shorts/skirt are not required to have the EDSC logo, the expectation is that the STYLE, COLOUR and MATERIAL are a close match to those sold at PSW, our official unform supplier. Black flare pants, wide-leg pants or leggings are not permitted to be worn at school.
If families have any questions about this, they should contact Year Level Coordinators for advice prior to purchasing.
If tracksuit pants without the College logo are worn as part of the PE Uniform, they must not contain any visible branding. Only plain navy-blue tracksuit pants are acceptable. These tracksuit pants should also be cuffed for safety reasons.
Students are welcome to wear additional layers underneath their uniforms although they should not be visible. These layers must be plain white, with no logos, and covered by the school shirt, jumper or jacket. These additional layers should not replace any official school uniform items. If students choose to remove an outer layer, any non-school items must also be removed and kept out of sight.
Other clothing accessories, religious or otherwise, should be plain black or navy, including scarves, hats and beanies. These items can be worn to and from school when it is particularly cold although are not to be worn indoors. Hair colours should be natural.
PE uniform should only be worn on days when Middle School students have a PE or Sport class. Wearing the PE uniform on non-PE days does not align with our uniform guidelines. For Senior School students, PE uniform is only to be worn on designated PE practical days, not every day students have PE. Colder weather in the winter terms does not permit students to wear the PE uniform as an alternative to the formal school uniform.
We kindly ask that parents and carers review their child’s full school uniform and sport uniform to ensure that each item aligns with the East Doncaster Secondary College Student Dress Code. Middle School students have been reminded of uniform expectations regularly throughout the year, including during Term 1 and 2 Values Assemblies and during classroom visits by their Year Level Coordinators.
Students have been constantly reminded of the consequences for being out of uniform. Students should expect to be issued a lunch time detention if they are not in the correct school uniform. We ask that parents and carers support students in being in correct school uniform. There is no reason for a student to be out of uniform. Should families require support with uniform items, please reach out the Year Level Coordinators who will assist you to ensure your child is in full school uniform every day.
Giulia Catalano Assistant Principal of Middle School
For Term 2 and Term 3 only, please refer to the Winter Uniform requirements.
The expectation is for students to wear the dress and shorts only in Term 1 and 4 and the Winter skirts are for Winter Term 2 and 3.
Shorts and Pants must be tailored and Navy. Please refer to the College Price list and new PSW Canterbury location details.
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. We will not accept fast food take-away or any hot (warm) food. Hot (or warm) food is not suitable to be left at Reception due to food safety regulations regarding temperature control.
Students will be notified by email if their lunch is to be collected at Reception. If lunch is not collected by the end of the day, it will not be kept.
As a part of being prepared for the school day, it is important that students remember to bring their lunch. If a student forgets to bring their lunch, food is available from the Student Wellbeing Centre or available to purchase from the Canteen.
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 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
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.
2027 Course Counselling – Final Date for Requests to Change 2027 Subject Selections – Friday 14 August
At EDSC, we undertake a comprehensive course counselling process so that students can be placed into courses that are most likely to lead to successful outcomes. We understand that in some instances students may find it difficult to make these decisions, but we hope with guidance from their Course Counsellor they will feel comfortable and confident with their choices.
If after their Course Counselling Interview, any student reflects on the discussion and wishes to make changes to their course, we have the capacity to do this for a limited time prior to construction of the timetable commencing.
The last day that requests for changes to 2027 Subject Selections can be made is Friday 14 August.
Any requested changes must be emailed to Year Level Coordinators from a parent.
After this date, changes will not be able to be made. Coordinators will not be able to take requests after this date.
Students will be required to remain in their selected subjects during the Advance Program in December. There may be some opportunity to negotiate changes after the conclusion of the Advance Program, but this will be subject to timetabling and class capacity restrictions.
Due to the complexity of the Senior School timetable, we cannot accommodate requests based on friendships or teacher preferences.
The East Doncaster Secondary College Student Dress Code aims to foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance, support East Doncaster Secondary College’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities. Our dress code also aims to reduce student competition on the basis of clothing and enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community.
Recently, there has been a notable increase in items being worn to school that are not in line with the EDSC Student Dress Code. These items include branded and plain black tracksuit pants (mostly Elite Eleven), runners (mostly black Nike Air Force 1 and Nike Low Recraft Grade), branded socks (mostly white Nike), hoodies and large and oversized hoop earrings. Please see the visual attached to this newsletter for examples of these non-uniform items.
As the cold weather sets in this winter, please be reminded of our uniform expectations particularly regarding layering for warmth. Students are not permitted to wear any of the listed items above to school or during school events.
Please note that whilst the pants/shorts/skirt are not required to have the EDSC logo, the expectation is that the STYLE, COLOUR and MATERIAL are a close match to those sold at PSW, our official unform supplier. Black flare pants, wide-leg pants or leggings are not permitted to be worn at school.
If families have any questions about this, they should contact Year Level Coordinators for advice prior to purchasing.
If tracksuit pants without the College logo are worn as part of the PE Uniform, they must not contain any visible branding. Only plain navy-blue tracksuit pants are acceptable. These tracksuit pants should also be cuffed for safety reasons.
Students are welcome to wear additional layers underneath their uniforms although they should not be visible. These layers must be plain white, with no logos, and covered by the school shirt, jumper or jacket. These additional layers should not replace any official school uniform items. If students choose to remove an outer layer, any non-school items must also be removed and kept out of sight.
Other clothing accessories, religious or otherwise, should be plain black or navy, including scarves, hats and beanies. These items can be worn to and from school when it is particularly cold although are not to be worn indoors. Hair colours should be natural.
PE uniform should only be worn on days when Middle School students have a PE or Sport class. Wearing the PE uniform on non-PE days does not align with our uniform guidelines. For Senior School students, PE uniform is only to be worn on designated PE practical days, not every day students have PE. Colder weather in the winter terms does not permit students to wear the PE uniform as an alternative to the formal school uniform.
We kindly ask that parents and carers review their child’s full school uniform and sport uniform to ensure that each item aligns with the East Doncaster Secondary College Student Dress Code. Middle School students have been reminded of uniform expectations regularly throughout the year, including during Term 1 and 2 Values Assemblies and during classroom visits by their Year Level Coordinators.
Students have been constantly reminded of the consequences for being out of uniform. Students should expect to be issued a lunch time detention if they are not in the correct school uniform. We ask that parents and carers support students in being in correct school uniform. There is no reason for a student to be out of uniform. Should families require support with uniform items, please reach out the Year Level Coordinators who will assist you to ensure your child is in full school uniform every day.
College Uniform
For Term 2 and Term 3 only, please refer to the Winter Uniform requirements.
The expectation is for students to wear the dress and shorts only in Term 1 and 4 and the Winter skirts are for Winter Term 2 and 3.
Shorts and Pants must be tailored and Navy. Please refer to the College Price list and new PSW Canterbury location details.
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. We will not accept fast food take-away or any hot (warm) food. Hot (or warm) food is not suitable to be left at Reception due to food safety regulations regarding temperature control.
Students will be notified by email if their lunch is to be collected at Reception. If lunch is not collected by the end of the day, it will not be kept.
As a part of being prepared for the school day, it is important that students remember to bring their lunch. If a student forgets to bring their lunch, food is available from the Student Wellbeing Centre or available to purchase from the Canteen.
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 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 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.
Environment Club has continued to work on expanding our native planting areas, providing habitats and shelter for native animals and insects, and something beautiful for all of EDSC to enjoy. We have planted out the back of the PAC and near the Kulin block staircase, so check out our new areas!
Our eco-tip of the week is to borrow instead of buying! For items you’ll use once or infrequently – luggage for a trip or a sleeping bag for a camping trip – borrow from a friend instead of buying one brand new. The less you buy new, the less waste you’ll create and the more you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.
Discover, Protect, and Grow: Caring for Our Local Environment
Environment Club is still working on beautifying our school and grounds by planting natives and non-natives.
Are you hoping to get more engaged with the environment of our local area?
Dive into the fascinating world of the platypus and learn how local volunteers, researchers, Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water are working together to protect this iconic species at this community information evening.
Nicola Ritchie Environment and Sustainability Club
With 81 internationals, it’s important to have some sort of base for them so they don’t get lost in the crowd as well as a system that operates smoothly. Our wonderful leaders set up a water refill roster and a microwave cleaning roster as well as some weekly whiteboard activities to keep students smiling 😊. Turns out we have some budding artist in the international student family!
Book Week 2026 is nearly here! The library team is very excited to announce that Week 7 of this term at EDSC will be full of bookish activities and fun. This year’s Book Week theme is ‘Symphony of Stories’.
Tuesday 25th August – Dress Up Day
Dress up as your favourite book character and join the lunchtime costume parade. There are lots of individual and group prizes to be won, as well as a reward for the class that makes the most effort.
Wednesday 26th August – Big Book Quiz & Book Swap
Test out your literary knowledge and get rewarded with prizes in the Big Book Quiz or swap your old books for new and used ones in the book swap.
Thursday 27th August – Scavenger Hunt
Grab an entry form and follow the clues around the school yard to find mystery readers, Book Week characters, and other rewards.
Friday 28th – Year 7 Author Visit & Book Debate
Year 7 students will be treated to an inspiring talk by writer and performance poet Solli Raphael, while EDSC’s sharpest minds and most enthusiastic readers will take part in a literary discussion at lunchtime.
The library team can’t wait to celebrate Book Week with the EDSC community.
Reading Challenge July results
With just over three weeks left in the Reading Challenge, EDSC students are on track to beat last year’s impressive reading tally.
Students had read and submitted 3,467 books at the end of July, and we’re looking forward to seeing how many more they can read by our September 1st Reading Challenge deadline.
Congratulations to Olivia – 11D for being the lucky winner of the July monthly Reading Challenge prize draw. Olivia won her choice of rewards from the library prize box.
The Reading Challenge at EDSCis the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge (VPRC) plus extra added prizes and rewards.
We encourage students to enter all the books they’ve read in 2026 by the end of September 1. To submit books, students just need to log in to the VPRC website with their Edupass details (@schools email and password). They can then search for and add any books that they have read.
Any student who reads 15 books will be invited to our pizza party in October and will receive a certificate from the Victorian Premier. Prizes, including books and book vouchers, are on offer in the random monthly prize draws and End of Challenge Awards.
Students can include any books they like (excluding children’s picture story books, dictionaries and textbooks). Students can include graphic novels, manga, English/EAL class novels, poetry, non-fiction, eBooks, audiobooks, and more!
There are more details on the EDSC Library website. Students should be sure to check their email and the Reading Challenge noticeboard in the library regularly for dates and other important information.
Term 3 is our busiest term for Music performances, with a number of performances at the Victorian School Music Festival throughout August and September. Please stay up to date with consent as these events appear on Compass and meet deadlines for Parent consent so staff do not need to chase these up.
Participation in these events is required as part of the commitment to the Music program, if any student will be away and unable to attend, conductors need to know immediately. Performances are listed below in ‘Upcoming Events’.
VSMF Congratulations
Chamber Strings performed at VSMF on Monday 27 July and received a GOLD award in the Senior Strings section.
String Group went up a level of difficulty this year, playing in the Intermediate Strings category, and received a SILVER award.
Congratulations to ensembles who have participated thus far, and we’re looking forward to bands and vocals throughout August and September.
Uniform Reminder
We have strict requirements for our Performing Arts uniform just like other options of the school uniform. This includes the required black shirt, straight black ‘business’ style pants, black socks and black dress shoes (including school shoes).
The Performing Arts uniform does not include white socks, sneakers or barrel-style pants.
Students who do not have the correct uniform will be given out-of-uniform reminders and may be asked not to perform.
Upcoming Events
Friday 21 August – Vivo Band at VSMF, depart 8am
Tuesday 25 August – Concert Band at VSMF, return 4:00pm
Wednesday 26 August – Symphonic Band at VSMF, return 4:40pm
Tuesday 1 September – Vocal Soiree, PAC 6:30pm
Monday 7 September – Euphonic at VSMF, return 4:15pm
Carl Williams Instrumental Music Coordinator
Student Flautist Joins University Wind Symphony
Congratulations to Clarence – 10K on being selected to perform with the University of Melbourne Wind Symphony, the flagship wind ensemble of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Following a highly competitive audition process involving several hundred musicians, Clarence earned a place in one of Victoria’s premier wind ensembles. Made up predominantly of university students, the orchestra makes Clarence one of its youngest performers.
Under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Associate Professor Jackie Hartenberger, the ensemble performs a diverse repertoire while providing Clarence with the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside some of the state’s most talented musicians.
We are incredibly proud of Clarence and look forward to following his musical journey.
Tim Webster English / Humanities Teacher
Roseville Concert
Our String Group and Chamber Strings ensembles were delighted to play for local aged care residents who visited the College on 23 July for a Strings Concert.
Over the course of week two, the EDSC Performing Arts team held a week full of theatrical excitement. Some of the activities included face painting, photobooths, masks and costume making competitions. Throughout it all, there were plenty of opportunities for staff and students to get involved and win prizes from trivia to theatre sports competitions!
All participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves with theatre life and what goes on to putting on a show! The week was a fantastic chance for people to bond with others, form new friendships, and discover shared interests, all in great fun and cultivating a community of theatre and performance.
On Friday, we were privileged to witness a flashmob from the production cast of ‘Backstage Pass’ (which will take place in the evening on Thursday 13 Sep- Friday 14 Aug). They performed at 1pm, wowing the college community with their talent.
During the week, we also began to sell tickets for our upcoming Attitudes: Step into the Spotlight showcase (raising the curtain during school on Thursday 3 Sep – Friday 4 Sep) outside the canteen. The show will spotlight the talent and hard work of over 80 students. These tickets will continue to be sold every Tuesday at lunchtime until sold out.
We are all grateful for involvement and engagement of our college community. Thank you, EDSC…
…and of course, don’t miss out on these two amazing shows! Get your tickets and spread the word!
PA Captains 2026
2026 College Production – BACKSTAGE PASS
Tickets are ON SALE now for EDSC’s 2026 Production: Backstage Pass!
Step behind the curtain and join us for an unforgettable musical experience filled with drama, laughter, music and plenty of surprises!
Backstage Pass
Thursday 13 August & Friday 14 August 2026
EDSC Performing Arts Centre
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability
Every year, EDSC, along with all schools in Australia, participates in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
year of schooling
category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on any child in the school – there will be no additional testing, only collection of information from enrolment documents, reports provided by parents to the school, and assessments of data and programs being conducted at school. Parents should be aware that any information they have provided to us in relation to their children with a disability, will be included in this national survey.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. The Australian Government ensures that the privacy and confidentiality of all students is protected. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
Anna Kissane Disability Inclusion learning Specialist
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.
What is taught in the Secondary Years?
Respectful Relationships in the secondary years focuses on treating everyone with respect and dignity and teaches students about the relationship between gender and power.
The RRRR teaching and learning resources provide tailored materials for years 7 to 12, including age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that help students learn new skills and build empathy, confidence and resilience.
What are the benefits of students learning about Respectful Relationships?
We know that a good education is about more than simply getting good marks. It is about supporting children to become contributing members of our communities, with productive and healthy adult lives.
Evidence shows that respectful relationships education:
helps to equip children with the skills to communicate positively and respectfully, build positive relationships and challenge stereotypes that don’t support equality.
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.
Year 10s this week are learning about the key structures of the brain. Students made “brain hats” to demonstrate knowledge of key functions in different brain regions. They also completed a dissection of sheep’s brains giving practical experience with brain anatomy.
Kerryn Murray Psychology Teacher
Year 11 Psychology
On Tuesday and Friday of Week 1, Year 11 Psychology students went to the Melbourne Zoo.
In a workshop ran by the staff, we looked at how attitudes, stereotypes and decision-making can impact behaviours towards conservation. We analysed the Safe Cats, Safe Wildlife campaign, which aimed to reduce cat owners allowing their cats outside. They taught us that pet cats kill approximately 1.2 million Australian wildlife per year in Victoria alone. In groups, we then created our own campaigns using given images to produce a cohesive and psychologically persuasive message.
We then participated in an obedience experiment where we entered the Butterfly House or Lemur Island. The Zoo staff told us to wear lavender wristbands to prevent butterflies from landing on us. We were also told that staff would be monitoring us through cameras to ensure we wore them. However, this was a lie and an experiment on why we obey people in positions of authority.
After the workshop, we worked in small groups to collect data by observing visitors’ obedience to rules, their responses to social norms and their behaviour in the presence of authority figures. It was a great opportunity to apply what we had learned in class to a real-world setting.
Back in class, we analysed the data we collected to investigate how authority can influence obedience and how people respond to rules in different situations.
In two weeks, East Doncaster Secondary College will be taking part in Bullying No Way Week, from 17–21 August.
Throughout the week, we will explore the theme ‘Small Acts, Big Impact’ and encourage students to think about the role we can all play in creating a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.
Students will receive a different message each day focused on practical ways they can make a difference. The week will encourage students to recognise bullying, speak up safely, support others, think about the impact of their words and actions, and understand that even small choices can make a positive difference.
Families play an important role in helping young people understand respectful relationships and feel confident speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. We encourage you to talk with your child about what they are learning throughout the week and remind them that they can always seek support from a trusted adult.
Small Acts. Big Impact. Together, we can help make our school a place where everyone feels safe, supported and that they belong.
Positive Parenting Strategies: Self-Care for Challenging Times
Juggling work, family life, and everyday parenting can sometimes feel overwhelming. If your home has felt a little bit like a battleground lately, or if you feel like you are always running on empty with no time for yourself, please know that you are not alone.
To support our school community, we’d like to highlight an upcoming free online workshop series hosted by Anglicare Victoria.
About the Workshop:
Parenting is one of the toughest jobs out there. This interactive session is designed to give parents a supportive space to share experiences, learn practical tools, and discover how to build self-care into a busy schedule – without making it feel like just another chore on your “To-Do” list. Plus, did you know that children often learn the best habits around boundaries and self-care simply by watching us?
Time: 12:15pm – 1:30pm, 25th August 2026
Price: Free
Location: Online
Here is the link for Registering: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/events/positive-parenting-strategies-self-care-for-challenging-times-online/
Please have a look and I hope you enjoy it.
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:
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:
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.
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.
As the school year continues, many students are using devices such as laptops, tablets, phones, e‑bikes and e‑scooters. Most of these devices contain lithium‑ion batteries, which have become part of everyday life, but need to be used safely. Fire services are responding to an increasing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, often caused by incorrect charging or leaving
devices unattended. That’s why fire safety at home is especially important during the school year.
You can help reduce the risk by:
Only using the charger and battery designed for each device
Unplugging devices once fully charged
Never charging devices on soft surfaces like beds or couches
Not charging devices overnight, or when no one is home
Charging larger devices such as e‑bikes and e‑scooters away from living spaces and keeping them clear of exits
Regularly checking devices and stopping use if a battery looks damaged, swollen or overheats
It’s also important to make sure smoke alarms are working and tested every month. Fire Rescue Victoria recommends installing smoke alarms in bedrooms, living rooms and near areas where devices are charged – because working smoke alarms save lives.
A few simple habits can help protect your home and your loved ones.
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.
Our focus is always on supporting students through a consistent, balanced approach to learning and wellbeing. This helps ensure that everything we offer remains aligned with the College programs and is in the best interests of our students. East Doncaster Secondary College is unable to promote or endorse external businesses where this may not align with our teaching programs or the wellbeing services we provide.
Advertise in our College Newsletter
Advertise in our College Newsletter
Are you part of a community organisation that services the local community?
Do you want to reach over 2,000 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.
