Issue 14

Principal’s Report – 4 September 2026

Over the last fortnight our College has been a hive of activity. Our Year 11 students have settled back into their regular school routine after their camp week which saw many of our Year 11 cohort hitting the ski slopes whilst others enjoyed much milder weather on the Gold Coast. Many within the year level took the opportunity to engage in work experience placements and others participated in the job skills program being run at school. A big thank you to the staff who organised and attended these activities.

Symphony of Stories

Last week we celebrated Book Week with many activities happening across lunchtimes and in classes this week. We have a strong community of avid readers at our College and this week allows all students and staff who love a good book, to share in that joy.

Our library staff, led by Emily Andersen, make this annual event such fun for our students and staff. Tuesday provided the opportunity for students to come to school dressed as one of their favourite book characters and be a part of a costume parade. As always, it was wonderful to see students who truly embraced the theme for free dress. Our library staff once again set a high bar for best book costumes; delighting students who entered the library with their own Disney inspired choices (Maleficent, Elsa and Mirabel). Throughout the week there were competitions to enter, mystery readers to find on a scavenger hunt around the school and an EDSC Book Week Story Wall that all were invited to contribute to. With this year’s theme being ‘Symphony of Stories’, all book lovers were invited to grab a paper music note and write their favourite book on it. These notes were then used to create an EDSC Symphony of Stories. What a lovely way to share our favourite book titles!

On the Friday, all Year 7 classes at various points throughout the day were lucky to attend a session with writer and spoken word artist, Solli Raphael. He was certainly an inspiration to our students.

Book Week is an opportunity to ignite imaginations, inspire young readers, and celebrate the powerful role that books play in our lives. I thank our library staff for being such a driving force of this week and for the ongoing love and enjoyment of reading that they nurture in our students.

Wear it Purple Day and Respectful Relationships Week

Friday 28 August was Wear it Purple Day. This is a national event organised by “Wear it Purple”, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2010 with a purpose of fostering safer, more inclusive environments where young people can be proud of who they are and hopeful about their future. This year’s theme was ‘Colours of Courage’. A theme that I have no doubt we can all see value in for our young people.

“Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

In alignment with our commitment to ensuring that we provide a safe, calm and dignified space for everyone in our school community, Wear it Purple Day is a very simple way to show support for students who can often be our most vulnerable.

It was wonderful to see so many of our staff and students delve into their wardrobes to find a ‘splash’ of purple to proudly support the initiative. Not only does the day align with our Child Safe Standards obligations to uphold diversity and equity for everyone regardless of their background, characteristics or beliefs, it also aligns with our own commitment statement.

This week we celebrated Respectful Relationships week with an array of fun activities organised by our students, supported by Rebecca James. There was certainly something for everybody this week!

Key highlights included Thursday’s ‘Attitudes Performance Showcase’ which brought together students from across the school showcasing their talents, much to the delight of the full house in the Performing Arts Centre. The final event for the week was the staff vs students basketball game. Audience members paid a gold coin entry with money raised going to ECASA.

Respectful relationships thrive in environments where inclusion, acceptance and respect are the norm. Recognising events such as Respectful Relationships week and Wear it Purple Day play a small role in reinforcing this message and ensuring that individuals in our community, particularly our young people, feel safe. They also serve as an important reminder that our words and actions have an impact every day and that we can act to ensure that others feel safe and included.

Parent – Student – Teacher Conferences A further reminder that our Parent-Teacher-Student interviews are to be held on Thursday 10 September.

Interview Times are:

• Interviews 9.00am – 10.30am
• Interviews 10.45am – 12.30pm
• Interviews 1.15pm – 3.00pm
• Interviews 3.10pm – 4.30pm

The Parent -Student – Teacher Conferences Booking System is now accessible on Compass.

We encourage parents to avail themselves of this important opportunity to meet our teachers to discuss student progress. Students are not required to attend school on Thursday 10 September but are encouraged to attend interviews with parents and teachers.

**Please note that bookings are essential – there will be no opportunity for unscheduled interviews. We also ask that only parents and enrolled students attend. Please be aware that bookings fill quickly, and you may not get the opportunity to see all teachers during these sessions. However, you are able to readily contact teachers via the Compass system if you have any concerns or questions.

Year 10 Work Experience

The last week of Term 3 once again sees our Year 10 cohort participate in Work Experience.

Work Experience week is an invaluable part of our careers and pathways program. It is well documented that Work Experience programs offer students the opportunity to develop employability skills, gain an insight into employer expectations, increase their independence and further develop communication skills and self-confidence

Apart from the earlier starts and later finishes, the challenges of work experience placements are numerous. The program does, however, offer students an insight into the world of work and future pathway possibilities. I am delighted to see the vast variety of job placements that our Year 10 cohort are engaging in. I know that there will be some amazing stories to tell upon their return. I wish all our Year 10 students all the best as they enter our wider community in the last week of term.

2026 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

A reminder to all families that we are conducting the annual parent / caregiver / guardian Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and we are seeking your feedback on our college. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

All families have been invited to participate in the survey. An email with the link to complete the survey has already been sent. This email also provides a PIN for you to access the survey.

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September 2026.

EDSC Emergency Management Plan

We want to let you know about our school’s emergency management plan. Our school plans for a range of hazards, such as severe weather, medical emergencies, building fires, intruders. We develop specific response procedures to address these risks.

We also conduct drills regularly, ensuring that our core procedures of on-site and off-site evacuation, sheltering-in-place, and lockdown/lockouts are well-rehearsed and understood by staff and students.

If we enact our emergency management plan, we will notify you by Compass notification or SMS with updates on our actions. Please do not come to the school unless directed to do so, as you may put yourself and others in danger. If there is anything we need you to do, we will let you know.

In the event of an emergency that impacts telecommunications, we will endeavour to update you by email.

During an emergency, the school will work closely with emergency services to get specific advice to keep our community safe. Additionally, the Department of Education has dedicated emergency management staff to help monitor the situation and provide additional support to schools during emergencies.

If you have any questions about our school’s emergency management plan, please contact us at east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au . Please be assured our top priority is the safety of our students and school community.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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

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
• Entering an Attendance Note for Your Child
• Chinese – Student Absence Notification form
• Fact Sheet for Parents and Carers

Student Lunches

Student Medical Expenses

Uniform Group – Product and Size Availability

EDSC Uniform Price List

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

Positive and safe behaviour online

Working with our students every day, we appreciate that their wellbeing, engagement and academic success rely on a collaborative relationship between educators and families. Students need our care in all aspects of their lives and they also want this support. At home, we hope parents and carers take the time to regularly chat to their children to check-in about how they’re going with their studies, how they’re going with their peer connections and importantly, how they’re going with their interactions and behaviours online.

Parental engagement really is essential in supporting our young people as they navigate their teenage years and this includes an awareness around their use of online spaces. The widespread availability and engagement in social networking platforms and apps bring opportunities to understand, engage and communicate with others in new ways, and our young people are certainly doing this. It is undeniable that children today are accessing a greater amount of content online than we were ever exposed to in our childhood. From a safety and wellbeing perspective, it is important that we can use these technologies and services effectively ourselves, and if we cannot, we should chat to our children about how we can learn. Through a casual chat at home, you may find your children are engaging with technology that you have no knowledge or experience of. This could present an opportunity for your family to connect and learn something together.

That being said, we do understand that discussing this topic with teenagers can be challenging. In most cases, they do rely heavily on their devices to complete school work and to connect with others socially. This is unlikely to change, so, with parental engagement and support at home, children can learn to navigate online spaces in a respectful and safe manner. There are some ground rules that can be negotiated at home that can help families manage this, such as how and when the internet and devices are used, securing your internet connection and using parental control functions for computers, mobile phones and gaming consoles to block unsuitable content or contact, and even thinking about the location of devices in the home and whether these locations are monitorable or appropriate. With a focus on educating children about their wellbeing and safety online, we encourage families to have open and honest conversations around how their children are behaving online and perhaps negotiate how the internet should be used in your home.

There are some helpful online resources available to parents and carers, and we encourage you to read them and chat to your children about them. These resources listed below offer some valuable tips about how to manage time online and keeping kids safe online.

• Advice for parents/carers from eSafety Commissioner
• ReachOut

As always, we thank you for reinforcing our College Values at home. We trust that with our combined efforts to support our students, they will have every opportunity to thrive.

Attendance

“School is better when you are here!” This is more than a slogan from the Department of Education; schools are simply better places when students are on time and attending each and every lesson, each and every day.

The Department of Education stipulates that right now, being at school is a young person’s most important job and this is a notion we wholeheartedly support and advocate. It is interesting to note that missing one day a fortnight of school is the same as missing four whole weeks of school a year. This is a situation we look to avoid, opting instead to work with families to make attendance a priority every day.

At EDSC, it is our expectation that students arrive at school before the first locker bell at 8:45am and that students are punctual to each lesson throughout the day. The Year Level Coordinators will be closely monitoring attendance for the rest of the term, with follow-up intervention to occur in Term 4 if necessary. On this matter, we turn to parents and carers to reinforce our attendance expectations at home and provide support for your child in getting to school on time each day. We know that working together to encourage positive and productive behaviours is best for our young people to be happy and ready to learn.

Giulia Catalano
Assistant Principal of Middle School

Lost Property

Lost Property is now located in the Middle School Office (MSO), The John Landy Centre (JLC) and the Stadium. Valuables items including air pods/buds, calculators, wallets, phones, money and jewellery are handed into Reception.  Laptops are handed into the IT department.

We ask student to please put your name on all items of uniform or personal belongings.  There are many items of lost property that are abandoned each week.

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.

East Doncaster SC – Uniform Price List

Student Lunches

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

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 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.

Lost Property

Lost Property is now located in the Middle School Office (MSO), The John Landy Centre (JLC) and the Stadium. Valuables items including air pods/buds, calculators, wallets, phones, money and jewellery are handed into Reception.  Laptops are handed into the IT department.

We ask student to please put your name on all items of uniform or personal belongings.  There are many items of lost property that are abandoned each week.

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.

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.

East Doncaster SC – Uniform Price List

Student Lunches

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.

Switch off to switch on: Finding balance in a digital world

The internet is an important part of our everyday lives. We use it to communicate with friends, complete schoolwork, play games, watch videos and keep up with what is happening around us. Being online can be positive and enjoyable, but it is important to make sure our online lives do not take over our offline lives.

Being online should enhance our lives, not dominate them. If you find yourself constantly checking notifications, refreshing social media, staying up late on your phone or feeling like you have to be connected all the time, it might be time to take a break.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Be honest – have you ever woken up, grabbed your phone and started scrolling before you have even got out of bed? For many of us, checking our phones is one of the first things we do each day. While it may seem like a harmless habit, research into stress, sleep, brain activity and reward systems suggests that the way we start our mornings can influence how we feel and function throughout the day.

How can too much time online affect us?

Spending too much time online can affect our mood, relationships, sleep, study and self-confidence. Apps and games are often designed to keep us coming back. Notifications, likes, comments and achievements can give us a quick feeling of reward. This can make us want to check our devices again and again.

Our relationships can also be affected by the amount of time we spend on our phones. Have you ever been with friends but found yourself checking your phone instead of joining the conversation? This is sometimes called ‘phubbing’ – using your phone while spending time with other people. Constantly checking messages or social media can mean we miss out on the people and experiences right in front of us.

Social media can also affect the way we see ourselves. Photos and videos often show carefully edited versions of people’s lives. Filters, lighting, angles and editing can create unrealistic expectations about appearance and lifestyle. Remember that what you see online is not always reality.

Another common challenge is ‘doomscrolling’ – continuously scrolling through negative, upsetting or stressful content. While staying informed is important, spending too much time focusing on negative information can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed or unhappy.

What the research and experts say

How can we create better online habits throughout the day?

Finding balance doesn’t mean giving up your phone, social media or favourite games. Instead, it means making sure you are in control of your technology rather than letting it control you.

Here are some simple things you can try:

• Take regular device-free breaks. Start with 30 minutes without your phone and gradually increase the time.
• Set boundaries. Try not to use your phone during meals, while studying or just before bed.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications. You don’t need to know every time someone posts, messages or likes something.
• Make time for offline activities. Catch up with friends face-to-face, play sport, listen to music, read, create something or spend time with family.
• Set limits on apps and games. Use screen-time settings to help manage how long you spend online.
• Be mindful of what you follow. If certain accounts make you feel stressed, jealous or bad about yourself, consider muting or unfollowing them.
• Talk to someone. If you feel like your online habits are becoming difficult to manage, speak with a trusted friend, family member, teacher or our wellbeing team.

Remember: Balance is key

Giving yourself some screen-free time after waking may help you feel calmer, more focused and ready to take on the day. Technology isn’t the enemy. The goal isn’t to spend as little time online as possible, it’s to make sure you have a healthy balance between your online and offline worlds.

Ask yourself: Am I using technology because I want to, or because I feel like I have to?

Taking regular breaks, spending time with people face-to-face and looking after your mental and physical wellbeing can help you make the most of both worlds. Switching off for a while is exactly what we need to switch back on to the people, activities and experiences that matter most.

For further information about balancing your online time: please see the link for the E-Saftey Commissioner 

Leesa Lewington
Student and Community Liaison

Pollinator Patches

The Environment Club is developing pollinator patches around the school, planting different varieties of flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinator friends to the area. Increasing our biodiversity increases our resilience to climate change.

If you have any seeds or plants you wish to donate please contact Nicola Ritchie at Nicola.ritchie@education.vic.gov.au

Environment Club Eco-Tip of the Week

Recycle – don’t wishcycle! Don’t just chuck things in the recycling bin hoping they’re recyclable.

Check what is recyclable in our local council area. Remember in Manningham your recycling should be loose and not in plastic bags.

Environment Club updates

Our native gardens continue to grow well and the Environment Club has been working to mulch many of our bare garden beds. Mulch helps protect and nourish the soil and come summer, will be vital in retaining water in the garden.

Please keep an eye out for sick birds in the area and report them as it may be a sign of avian flu. More information can be found here. In order to help slow the spread and protect our wildlife, please keep your cats indoors, your dogs leashed and away from birds, and drive carefully.

Nicola Ritchie
Environment and Sustainability Club

Edible Insects & Ethical Cupcakes

Our Year 12 Food Studies students got creative in the kitchen last week, making delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes decorated with sustainably sourced chocolate, all whilst exploring the ethical concerns that shape our food system. Students stepped outside their comfort zones by experimenting with cricket powder cupcakes and crunchy mealworms, investigating the potential of alternative proteins and their role in creating a more sustainable food system. From thoughtful discussions about ethical food choices to some very creative chocolate decorations (and a few brave bites of insects!) our students had plenty of fun while learning that the future of food might look (and taste!) very different.

Mrs Sutherland
Food Technology Teacher

It’s Asthma Week and this year we’re sharing an important message for people living with asthma: She Needs to Breathe.

Asthma has a significant impact on girls’ health – it’s the leading cause of disease burden among girls aged 1-9, and after puberty, asthma becomes more common in girls than boys. 1 in 5 Australian women live with asthma.

This Asthma Week, 1–7 September, we’re shining a light on the connection between hormones and asthma, helping more women and girls recognise changes in their symptoms and get the care they need.

Hormonal changes, like those experienced during puberty, can affect asthma symptoms and control. But these changes aren’t always recognised or talked about.

Find out more by visiting the asthma Australia website below. Asthma and Women: What You Need To Know

Did your Year 7 or Year 10 student miss out on their school immunisations?

Manningham Council visits local secondary schools to deliver free vaccinations to students in year 7 and 10.

Year 7 vaccination is a single dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a single booster dose for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough).

The Year 10 vaccination helps protect against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y).

If your child missed the vaccination hub here at the college, they can attend a community immunisation session.

Click on the QR code below to book in.

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 take 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

Buddy Activities

On Tuesday 1 September for Positive Futures several international student leaders organised some local student leaders and buddies to join the new English Language Centre students for a Buddies’ Activities session. There were games such as Charades, Stand up if you… among others. It was wonderful to see students connect and laugh together displaying great community spirit! Hopefully it helps both groups feel like they belong here at EDSC.

Simon Veerhuis
International Student Coordinator

Book Week 2026 recap

Book Week is over for another year, but our students and staff ensured it was a vibrant and fun week celebrating reading at EDSC.

The week kicked off in colour with Dress Up Day on Tuesday 25August. Well done to everyone who dressed up as their favourite book character and entertained us at the lunchtime costume parade. Student and staff costumes were imaginative and colourful, with some even matching the Book Week theme ‘Symphony of Stories’.

Students tested their literary knowledge, expressed themselves, and had fun searching for staff Mystery Readers during the Book Week Quiz, Scavenger Hunt, and Book Debate on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Book Week. Congratulations to our Library Captains and Library Leaders who did an excellent job of creating this year’s Book Week program of activities. Students and staff also swapped their unwanted books for new and old titles at the popular Book Swap on Wednesday, organised by the student events team.

On Friday 28 August, Year 7 students were inspired by award-winning poet Solli Raphael during the annual Book Week Author Visit. Solli shared his journey of discovering poetry as a powerful tool for expressing identity, which led him to winning the Australian Poetry Slam Championship at the Sydney Opera House at just 12 years old. He shared his expert advice for brainstorming ideas and writing poetry, then led students in writing exercises to try out poetry themselves.

Well done to the students who listened closely, showed curiosity and made the most of this learning opportunity, including those students who were brave enough to share their impressive poems with Solli and library staff.

The library team would like to thank all the staff and students who made Book Week 2026 an amazing week at EDSC.

Bookmark Competition Winner

Congratulations to Aroush – 7D who is the winner of this year’s EDSC Bookmark Design Competition.

Aroush’s excellent bookmark design was voted as winner by students and staff, and will now be printed professionally and distributed to students free in the EDSC Library.

As winner, Aroush received a Book Week prize pack featuring a ‘Symphony of Stories’ tote bag, pen, badge, and a $20 gift voucher from The Kids Bookshop.

Voting in the Bookmark Competition was very close and entries were of a high quality this year. Well done to our runner up Phoebe – 10N, and honorary mentions to Maham – 8T and Faith and Gabby – 9G.

The Reading Challenge is now closed

Well done to all the EDSC students and staff who entered their books into the Reading Challenge by this week’s deadline.

More than 150 students have completed the Challenge by reading at least 15 books this year, with some reading many more. These students will join our Reading Challenge Pizza Party in October and receive their certificate from the Victorian Premier next term.

A very impressive number and wide variety of books were read at EDSC this year. We look forward to soon revealing all the Reading Challenge statistics, the most popular books read, and all the Reading Challenge award winners.

Emily Andersen
Library Coordinator

Year 7 Students Represent EDSC at the 2026 Chinese Reading Awards

The Chinese Faculty is proud to congratulate Aanya – 7L and Dinalie – 7Q for representing East Doncaster Secondary College at the 2026 Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria (CLTAV) Year 7 Reading Awards, held on 10 August at the University of Melbourne.

This annual competition brings together Year 7 non-background learners of Chinese from across Victoria. This year, more than 70 students from over 30 Victorian schools participated, making it a highly competitive and rewarding experience for all involved. Students were required to read an unseen passage titled 我的家 (My Family) after just ten minutes of preparation, demonstrating their Chinese language skills in front of judges and an audience. Participants were assessed on pronunciation, tonal accuracy, fluency, phrasing and overall delivery.

Preparing for the Reading Awards required significant dedication, courage and persistence. Aanya and Dinalie spent time developing their reading accuracy, pronunciation and confidence, and both approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and represent EDSC reflects the positive learning attitude and commitment to excellence that we value in our Chinese program.

We are especially delighted to share that Aanya received an encouragement award, recognising her outstanding performance in the competition. In addition, all participants were awarded certificates of participation, acknowledging their hard work and achievement in reaching this stage of the competition.

The Chinese Faculty warmly congratulates both students on their efforts and achievements. We are proud of the way they represented our school and showcased the strengths of our Chinese language program. Their participation has brought honour to our school community, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow as confident and capable learners of Chinese.

Astrid Tao – Chinese Teacher

Student Reflections

On 10th of August, I participated in the 2026 CLTAV Chinese reading competition for non-background students. It was held at Melbourne University, Sidney Myer Asia Centre. More than seventy students took part in the competition that night. Each of us got an unseen passage titled 我的家 (my family). We were given 10 minutes to prepare before we headed to the stage. I was nervous, because I was up first, but when I started to speak, I felt more confident. After everyone finished reading their passages, the judges announced the results. I was excited to hear my name being announced as I got an encouragement award. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I loved it! It helped me boost my public speaking skills as well as my confidence. Most of all I experienced new cultures.

Aanya – 7L 

On August 10th, I had the opportunity to participate in the Chinese Reading Awards at the University of Melbourne. When I arrived at the University of Melbourne, I waited for a little while until the organisers arrived. We were then invited into the hall, and the event began with a welcoming presentation.

During the presentation, all the competitors were asked to wait outside the hall and get ready for our reading. When it was my turn to read, I felt nervous and excited at the same time. However, once I started reading, I felt much better and was happy that I had the chance to participate.

After everyone had finished reading, it was time for the awards. My partner received an award, but I didn’t. Although I was a little disappointed, I was still happy because I had participated and tried my best. Overall, it was a great experience. I enjoyed being part of the Chinese Reading Awards, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to challenge myself and represent my school.

 Dinalie – 7Q

Victorian School Music Festival Performances

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.

Participation in these events is required as part of the commitment to the Music program, if any students will be away and unable to attend, conductors need to know immediately. Performances are listed below in ‘Upcoming Events’.

Vocal Soiree

Congratulations to all students who performed in the Vocal Soiree on Tuesday evening. Parents and friends were entertained with a range of styles from The Cranberries to Frozen. A celebratory supper afterwards was the perfect cap to the evening.

Defence Force School of Music Free Concert

The Defence Force School of Music (DFSM) holds a regular series of ‘At Home’ Concerts throughout the year at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia.

These performances are free, open to the public and feature a variety of music performed by Australian Defence Force Musicians.

They are now accepting bookings to the next At Home Concert, which will be held at 10.30 am on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Bookings to the DFSM At Home Concert series can now only be made through Defence Force Concert Tickets

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

• Monday 7 September – Euphonix at VSMF, return 4:15pm
• Thursday 8 October – Etude Band Workshop
• Wednesday 14 October – Senior Spring Concert, PAC 7:00pm
• Thursday 29 October – Middle School Spring Concerts, PAC 6:00 and 7:30pm

Carl Williams
Instrumental Music Coordinator

Attitudes: Step into the Spotlight! 2026

On Thursday 3 September, over one hundred keen and talented students stepped into the spotlight to put on an outstanding talent show for our college community. The show featured a range of different styles including comedy, film, drama, dance, music, pop-rock bands, sketch comedy, instrumental and vocal performances.

A show of this scale is impossible to run without the efforts and abilities of the students, and our cast and crew proved that entirely. From attending numerous lunchtime rehearsals to after school ones in their own time, these students are to be commended for their hard work and diligence in putting together a showcase that the College, their families and friends are proud of.

A big thanks to our Performing Arts Captains and Natalie for their support and leadership throughout. This is just one of the many events they have put on this year – a fantastic team with strong values and a passion for the arts.

We commend our outgoing Tech Crew: Isabel, Harris, Bonnie and Xavier for passing their knowledge and skills to younger students and finishing at EDSC in style. Their kind nature and talents have been a pillar within the Performing Arts, and they will be dearly missed.

A highlight for our cast and crew is seeing staff in a different light, which was highly evident in the opening film to start the show. Thank you to the teachers who joined in!

We would like to thank our college administrative staff and principal team, especially Mrs Boyle, Mr Campbell, Ms Barresi and Ms Kinsman for their assistance in providing the opportunity and setting aside time for us to put on this show.

Finally, a big thanks to our Performing Arts and Drama staff, Ms Thompson, Mr Jones, Mr Kennedy, Ms Schwalger, Mr Gan, Ms Jane and Ms James for their continued support and encouragement throughout in a multitude of areas. We had more than a full house attending the show. Thank you to our theatregoers for your enthusiasm and excitement throughout.

Rhylan, Chloe, Jordan – Production Directors

Diversity and RRRR Calendar dates

• 7-11 September: Women’s Health Week & Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week
• 10 September: R U OK? Day & World Suicide Prevention Day

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.
• positively impacts academic outcomes, mental health, classroom behaviour and student-teacher relationships (Our Watch, 2016).

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).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Anna Kissane
Disability Inclusion learning Specialist

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

Growing Beyond Earth – Experiment Update

After the success of last year’s GBE program, we decided to participate in this year’s program, which was to look at the “neighbouring effect”, or companion planting, in plants.

For our term 2 investigation, we wanted to determine how planting amaranth and fennel together would affect their growth. After a four-week trial, we yielded very fascinating results, notably that fennel does not do well in companion planting. This is because it is an allelopathic plant, meaning it produces chemicals from its roots that may affect plants planted nearby, which is what we noticed with the amaranth it was planted with.

With the data from our term 2 practical, we changed fennel as a variable in our term 3 retrial to investigate the effect of using the companion planting method on amaranth and outredgeous lettuce, in the hopes that they work better together.

We are currently halfway through this term’s experiment, having recently thinned the plants. Very excited to see the final results!

Nathan, Shi-Han, Shirley, Amy, Chloe, Niyati – Year 10 and 11 Students

Psychology in Practice: Bright Light Therapy (VCE Psychology)

As part of the Year 12 Psychology course, students learn about the role of circadian rhythms, melatonin and bright light therapy in sleep–wake regulation. During adolescence, the timing of melatonin release typically shifts later, meaning teenagers naturally tend to feel sleepy later at night. Combined with early school start times, this can make it challenging for adolescents to obtain the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep each night.

To bring this learning to life, the Science Department has funded a class set of bright light therapy lamps for students to use during morning classes. The lamps provide bright light at an intensity of 10,000 lux, similar to the intensity used in clinical bright light therapy. Morning exposure to bright light can provide a strong environmental cue to the circadian system and, when appropriately timed, may help shift the timing of the sleep–wake cycle earlier.

This initiative provides students with the opportunity to experience a concept they are studying in Psychology within an authentic, real-world context. Students have also reported feeling more awake and alert when working near the lamps during morning classes.

With approximately one in two Australian teenagers aged 12–17 getting less than eight hours of sleep per night, adolescent sleep is an important issue for our school community. While the lamps are not a replacement for good sleep habits or sufficient sleep, we hope this initiative will both enhance students’ understanding of circadian rhythms and contribute to healthier sleep–wake patterns.

Amy Nettelbeck
Year 12 Psychology Teacher

STEM Week is coming – Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September

Hi everyone! Representing your 2026 STEM Captains are Aadya, Azrin, Ellie, Elly, Haylie, Ken, Kyle, Siena and Theviru.

Our goal as STEM Captains is to make STEM more exciting and get more students involved. Throughout the year we have been organising activities, competitions and events that build curiosity, creativity and teamwork, all while keeping STEM fun for everyone.

Whether you’re already into science, technology, engineering and maths, or just want to try something new, come and get involved.

STEM Week runs Monday 7 to Friday 11 September, packed with activities for everyone:

• Monday – Robotics kicks off at lunchtime, with an introduction session and introduction to the robotics competition.
• Tuesday (Positive Futures) – A forensic scientist guest speaker, with a Q&A on how forensic science works.  STEM Trivia will also take place during Positive Futures.
• Wednesday – The Paper Plane Competition. Design, build and fly your best plane, with categories for both distance and accuracy. All year levels welcome.
• Friday – The grand finale: the Robotics Competition final and the STEM Week Scavenger Hunt, with prizes up for grabs.

Keep an eye on Compass and the daily notices for more details.

We can’t wait to see everyone get involved in STEM!

Azrin – STEM Captain

Last month, 53 EDSC students from Years 7-10 participated in the International Chemistry Quiz. We are delighted to announce that Yumo M from Year 8 achieved a perfect score, an outstanding accomplishment attained by only 101 students across Australia, New Zealand and India.

Congratulations, Yumo, on this remarkable achievement! We also thank all participating students for embracing the challenge and continuing to extend their learning through opportunities such as these.

Crisanto Rabaja
Science Teacher

EDSC success at the Whitehorse Division Athletics Carnival

In perfect weather conditions on Thursday 27 August, the EDSC Athletics team participated strongly in the Whitehorse Division Athletics Carnival held at the Tom Kelly Athletics Track.

100+ students represented the College in both individual (track and field) events and relays.

Overall, EDSC placed second in the team competition which was a brave effort and huge congratulations (and thank you) should go to all members of the team who participated in events at the last minute on the day. A thank you also to all staff who assisted on the day – Ms James, Mr Nolan, Mr Bond, Ms Lawrance and Mr Baker (who ran the carnival as Division Coordinator).

In a day full of many highlights, congratulations to the following students who were awarded age group champions for the carnival:

• Lucie – 15 Years Girls Champion
• Marcus – 17 Years Boys Champion

More specifically, qualifiers in individual events for EMR are:

• Alyxa – 14 Girls 800m and Javelin
• Amay – 12-13 Boys 100m and 200m
• Anna – 16 Girls 800m and 1500m
• Carter – 17 Boys 1500m
• Charlotte – 14 Girls Discus
• Chloe – 14 Girls Shot Put
• Chloe – 12-13 Girls 3000m
• Claire – 12-13 Girls 1500m
• Cody – 14 Boys 800m and 1500m
• Javis – 12-13 Boys 1500m
• Jonathan – 16 Boys 400m and Triple Jump
• Jordan – 16 Boys Shot Put
• Levi – 16 Girls Discus
• Lucas – 14 Boys Javelin
• Lucie – 15 Girls 100m, 200m, 400m, Long and Triple Jump
• Man Chun – 15 Boys Long Jump
• Marcus – 17 Boys 100m and Long Jump
• Mike – 14 Boys 100m and 200m
• Tahmid – 14 Boys Triple Jump and Long Jump
• Tammy – 12-13 Triple Jump
• Yani – 15 Girls Shot Put
• Zoe – 15 Girls High Jump

• Relay – 14 Boys 4 x 100m
• Relay – 15 Girls 4 x 100m
• Relay – 16 Boys 4 x 100m

The previously mentioned age champions along with all the above-mentioned students will have the opportunity to represent the school in the EMR Track and Field Championship on Thursday 8 October at the Knox Athletics Track. The participants will be informed via an event on Compass over the next few weeks. We wish them all the best with their preparation and training in the lead up to this event.

Thank you to all students and staff for their efforts in making the day a success for EDSC.

Mr Michael James
House Activities and Carnivals Coordinator

R U Ok? Day: Supporting conversations at home

This year, R U OK? Day is on Thursday 10 September. R U OK? Day is an important reminder that meaningful conversations can start at home.

As parents and guardians, you are often among the first to notice when something may be different with your young person. Taking the time to check in, listen and create space for an open conversation can help them feel supported and remind them that they don’t have to navigate difficult times alone.

If you notice a change in your young person, or simply want to check in, R U OK? encourages four simple steps:

Ask – Choose a comfortable moment and ask, “Are you okay?”
Listen – Give them your full attention and allow them time to talk.
Encourage action – Talk about what might help and, where appropriate, encourage them to seek additional support.
Check in – Follow up another day and continue the conversation.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Being present, listening without judgement and showing that you care can make a meaningful difference.

At school, students are also encouraged to seek support when they need it. They can speak with their Year Level Coordinator, a member of the Wellbeing Team, or another trusted staff member.

This R U OK? Day, we encourage families to use the day as an opportunity to start a conversation at home, not just today, but regularly throughout the year.

You can find more information on https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask.

The Wellbeing Team

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

Monday 26 October 2026 – Next Meeting

The PFA will hold its next monthly meeting on Monday 26 October 2026 at 7.00pm in the school staff room in the main office block.

A friendly reminder to the new members who have joined this year, if you do not possess a WWCC (for volunteers) please apply for it and once obtained, forward it to the email address: edscpfa@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining the PFA and volunteering your time, please reach out to: edscpfa@gmail.com

Thursday 10 September 2026 – Parent – Student – Teacher Conferences

The PFA is excited to host a stall on the upcoming Parent – Student – Teacher Conferences Day and we’d love your help! We’re looking for parents to volunteer their time or donate baked goods to make this event a success.

Whether you can lend a hand at the stall or bring in your favourite homemade sweet or savoury items. Cakes, muffins, sandwiches, cookies, or slices, are greatly appreciated, especially if they’re easy to package and sell.

If you’re able to contribute, please ensure all baked goods come with a full list of ingredients, including any allergens. Kindly note that we cannot accept cakes with cream fillings.

Donations can be dropped at the John Landy Centre on the day.

If you’re interested in volunteering or contributing baked goods, please contact us: edscpfa@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all families on this important day!

Sunday 6 September 2026 – Celebrating Father’s Day 💙

As Father’s Day approaches, we take a moment to recognise and appreciate the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, carers, mentors, and father figures who play an important role in our lives. Their encouragement, guidance, patience, and support help shape who we are and inspire us to grow. At EDSC, we wish all the wonderful father figures in our school community a very happy Father’s Day and hope they enjoy a special day surrounded by the people they care for.

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.

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.