Issue 16

Principal’s Report – 16 October 2026

Welcome back to Term 4- Finishing the year with confidence and pride!

As we begin another exciting and full term, I hope our students and their families had a restful break. We welcome everyone back and look forward to building on our successes, embracing new challenges and making the most of every moment together as a school community.

The beginning of Term 4 always brings a sense of excitement and anticipation as we look ahead to the opportunities and celebrations that lie ahead. This is particularly the case for our Year 12 students as they approach a pivotal stage in their educational journey. With formal Year 12 classes ending today, our 2026 graduates are in the final stage of their secondary schooling. SACs are completed and our students are working closely with their teachers in preparation for their upcoming exams. Next week sees our students attending Masterclasses for each of their subjects. Masterclass week has been a longstanding and integral part of our program, offering students targeted revision so that they enter their final exams calmly and confidently. The work our Year 12 teachers do to ensure readiness and build students confidence as they enter the exam period is tremendous. I would like to express appreciation to our Year 12 teachers, who always go above and beyond to ensure that our students are ready for their external examinations. I would also like to thank the many Year 12 teachers who delivered lectures and practice exams over the break at the College. The work that our teachers do serves to build resilience and self-assurance in what can be a stressful time for our senior students.

As the EDSC journey reaches a conclusion for our Year 12 students, It is always heartening to hear students talk about their time here with such gratitude and with great pride in being members of this school community. It is my hope that all students feel this way. That all students are aware of the extensive opportunities and support that is afforded them as members of our very special community. That this awareness and gratitude that come with it should not wait until the last year of schooling to emerges. Our commitment to our College Values and School-wide Positive Behaviours remains at the heart of what we do.  We continue to encourage our students to hold high expectations of themselves and of others, recognising the role they play in ensuring that all members feel included, supported, respected and safe. The choices we make every day, the way we treat one another and the positive contributions we make to our community, all help shape an environment in which every student can thrive and feel proud to belong.As this term unfolds over the next 9 weeks, we complete several crucial assessment tasks across all year levels and seek to consolidate the knowledge gained throughout the year. We will bid farewell to our VCE class of 2026 after they have completed their final VCE exams throughout November. We will welcome our 2027 Year 7 students during Orientation Day in December, and we will further prepare for the academic challenges of 2027 in our VCE Orientation and Advance Programs in the first two weeks of December.

It is all systems go!

To the VCE Class of 2026

This stage of the year can be quite demanding for our students and their families. It is often the small things that maintain the much-needed calm and a sense of readiness for our students. establishing and implementing a

study plan, ensuring a balanced diet and regular sleep patterns, maintaining periods for recreation to clear the mind and relax, and turning off mobile phones and social media forums whilst studying or sleeping all have a significant impact. Finally, it is important to make use of the availability of teachers for support and guidance right up to the exam itself. The fantastic resources and last-minute tips provided by teachers can be overlooked or under-estimated in this busy period. Sometimes a simple reminder from their teachers that “You’ve got this!”, can strip away last-minute nerves.

On Thursday 22 October, we will conduct our Valedictory Dinner for students and their parents at The Grand Receptions, 90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna South. Our Final Assembly once again for students and their families, will take place on Friday 20 November in our Sports Stadium (this is after the examination period).

On behalf of our College community, I sincerely wish our students all the best in their examinations and for their future pathways. You are ready!Please note that due to the Final Assembly and the celebrations we will undertake with our Year 12 students on Friday 20 November, all students in Years 7-11 will be dismissed from the College at the conclusion of Period 4 (12.40 pm).

Celebrating the Arts at EDSC!

VCE Art and Technology Show

Term 4 began with our annual VCE Art and Technology Show celebrations in week 1. On the Tuesday evening, we opened our Annual VCE Art & Technology Exhibition with the presentation of student work in The John Landy Centre.  An exciting and diverse range of student work was on display, a result of the creative processes of our Year 12 and 11 students who have undertaken Unit 3 & 4 Visual Communication and Design, Art Making and Exhibiting, Product Design and Technology and Systems Engineering in 2026. It was great to hear from our very talented students who spoke with confidence and passion about their subject area and final projects. The standard of the displays, was once again very high and a testament to the effort of our students and the technical support, mentoring and guidance of our teachers.

The celebration of student talent continued on Tuesday 13 October with our 2026 EDSC Film Night. The films kept us captivated for a two-hour screening. The creative talents and imaginations of our students are truly inspiring. The variety of films certainly took us on a roller coaster of emotions, and had us entertained on every level.

Thank-you to all teachers involved in providing such wonderful opportunities for our students to publicly showcase their incredible talents. Thank you also to our families who attended these events in support of our young people.

The Spring Music Concerts

The first of our annual Spring Music Concerts was conducted in our Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday evening. The concert series kicked off with our Senior Spring Concert which was once again a wonderful celebration of our Instrumental Music program with an outstanding selection of performances that left everyone in attendance in awe of the extraordinary talents of our students. Special thanks to our Instrumental Misic Director, Carl Williams, for his organisation of the evening. Our Music Captains did a wonderful job of hosting the evening and educating the audience about the musical items selected.

It has become tradition at our Spring Concerts to formally recognise our Year 12 Music students, many of whom have been in the music program from Year 7. It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge these students who have provided us with so much joy over their time at EDSC; Carl Williams provided a tribute that came from the heart. Our Year 12 students certainly felt the enormity of the evening as yet another “last” experience at EDSC had finally arrived. The support of our wonderful parent community was also acknowledged. The evening concluded with our Chamber Strings, conducted by Carl Williams. Such a joyous conclusion to a wonderful evening of spectacular instrumental and vocal performances.

A reminder that the final two concerts in this series will take place on Thursday 29 October. Don’t forget to get your tickets!

Cycle 5 Reports

A reminder that Cycle 5 reports will be published next Friday (23 October) I encourage all families to access the Compass Learning Management system to view those reports. Following this, our Year 10 and Year 11 students will commence the final phases of their course studies before preparing for end of semester examinations in November. For our Middle School Year 7-9 students, it is equally as important to ensure that their academic year concludes in a positive and productive fashion that will act as a springboard to continued academic progress in 2027.

Year 10 students working from home on October 27

On Tuesday 27 October, which is the day of the Year 12 English exam, Year 10 students will learn from home. This arrangement allows the College to provide the space required to run this important exam.

Although classes will not run at school, this is a normal school day, students are expected to complete assigned work from home. Each Year 10 class will have a lesson plan and short activity available on Compass. Students should complete this activity independently and submit it via a Compass Learning Task.

Activities will be brief check-ins designed to ensure that all students remain engaged in meaningful learning.

Year 10 students who are studying a Year 11 subject may choose to attend that class. However, they may choose to learn from home, ensuring that they communicate with their teacher and keep up with work.

We thank you for your understanding of this change to our program.

Staff Changes- College Wellbeing Team

I would like to farewell Maria Rigopoulos who is departing our College after her outstanding contribution to our Wellbeing Team over the past 13 years. Maria will be genuinely missed by students, families and staff. Her care for this school community is greatly appreciated and she will be missed. Farewell and thank you Maria!

We do welcome Katie Mills who has joined the team this week. She comes to us with a wealth of experience and we look forward to our wider school community getting to know her.

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 https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/our-college/documents-policies-reports/   explains how we support and maintain child safety and wellbeing at East Doncaster Secondary College.  It includes our:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Child abuse (including grooming) – identification and response
• Child Safety Code of Conduct which outlines acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for all staff and volunteers at our school.

Our students and families are important partners in providing a child safe environment. These regular newsletter reminders are one of the ways we ensure our school community is aware of: our commitment to child safety, and how to provide feedback or raise child safety concerns.

If you have any concerns about child safety at any time, please contact Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell, at east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au . Any child safety complaints or concerns are treated seriously. For more information about our school’s complaints process, see our Complaints Policy.

We also welcome your 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

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

CCTV at our College

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

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

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

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

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

Cameron Campbell
Assistant Principal

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

Welcome back after the holidays, although they might feel like a distant memory now! Nonetheless, I do hope you had a restful break and had time to reconnect with family and friends.

Term 4 is underway and Middle School students have hit the ground running with events and clubs running at lunch time, class representative meetings and of course getting back into their classroom studies! Students and staff have had time to adapt to new body clocks after a term break and the change to day light savings coinciding with a return to school. Not ideal for many including myself but with the College value of resilience in mind I’m happy to report a fairly smooth start to the term.

Looking ahead to the end of year program

Students who are currently in Year 7, 8 and 9 will commence their 2027 classes (Advance Program) from Monday 30 November for two weeks. It is essential that all students returning in 2027 attend these classes. The work undertaken during this program contributes to and helps to set up the 2027 academic year.

Following the Advance Program (during the week commencing 14 December), there will be no formal classes for students. As an alternative, the College will be offering an integrated end of year activities program designed to strengthen relationships and build connections across the College, and to have some fun before the school year wraps up officially for students on Thursday 17 December.

The end of the year arrangements will be posted to your Compass newsfeed in the coming days. Please keep a close eye on your newsfeed so, when the time comes, you can familiarise yourself with the information regarding the Advance Program and the end of the year activities. This will ensure your child doesn’t miss out on participating in an activity in the final week of school as the programs are popular and spots are limited.

Giulia Catalano
Middle School Assistant Principal

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.

Primary School Throwback

Our Year 12 students took a trip down memory lane during their final week of school, swapping their College uniforms for their old primary school uniforms. It was a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate how far they’ve come and reflect on their journey from little learners to graduating young adults.

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.

Your digital footprint: Think before you post

Every post tells a story – make sure it’s one you want people to see!

Social media, online games, group chats and other digital platforms are part of everyday life for many of our students. Sharing photos, commenting on posts and connecting with friends can be fun, but have you ever stopped to think about what happens to the information you share online?

Your digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. This can include photos, videos, comments, likes, shared posts and personal information. Even if you delete something, it may have already been saved, screenshotted or shared by someone else. What feels like a quick post today could be viewed by others long after you have forgotten about it.

Your online reputation matters

The things you share online can influence how others see you. Friends, teachers, future employers and other people may come across your online activity, sometimes in unexpected ways. A post made as a joke or an angry comment written in the heat of the moment might be taken out of context or shared with a much wider audience than you intended.

Building a positive digital footprint means thinking about the impression you want to leave. Use your online presence to reflect your interests, achievements, creativity and values. Before posting, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable with my family, teachers or future employer seeing this? If the answer is no, it may be worth reconsidering.

Protect your personal information

Keeping your digital footprint safe is also about protecting your privacy. Information such as your full name, home address, phone number, school details, passwords and live location can reveal more about you than you realise. Even photos can give away personal details through backgrounds, school uniforms or location tags.

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself online:

• Check your privacy settings. Review who can see your posts, contact you, tag you in photos or access your personal information. Remember that private accounts do not guarantee complete privacy.
• Think before you share. Avoid posting sensitive information or revealing where you are in real time. Be cautious about links, quizzes and apps that ask for unnecessary personal details.
• Respect other people’s privacy. Always ask permission before posting or sharing photos, videos or screenshots involving others. Something shared with you privately should stay private unless you have permission to share it.
• Pause before commenting. If you are upset, frustrated or under pressure, take a moment before responding. Online comments can have real consequences for you and others.
• Review your digital footprint. Look at your profiles, old posts, tagged photos and comments. Remove content you no longer want associated with you where possible, and adjust your settings if needed.

What if something goes wrong?

Everyone makes mistakes, and not every online experience goes to plan. If you share something you regret, act quickly: delete it if possible, review your privacy settings and ask for help if you need it. If someone shares your private information or an image without your permission, or you experience online bullying, you do not have to deal with it alone. Speak to a trusted adult, teacher or school wellbeing staff member. You can also find advice and support through the eSafety Commissioner.

The Victorian Government’s Safe Socials resources offer practical advice for secondary students on managing their digital footprint, maintaining a healthy relationship with social media and getting help when an online experience becomes unsafe.

Make your next post a thoughtful one

Your digital footprint is something you can actively manage. You do not need to stop sharing or enjoying the online world; you just need to make informed choices about what you post, who can see it and how it might affect you or others.

Before you hit post, take a moment to think: Is it kind? Is it safe? Is it respectful? Am I comfortable with it being shared beyond my intended audience? A few seconds of thought today can help protect your privacy, reputation and future opportunities tomorrow.

Find out more: Explore these Victorian Government resources for more information and practical tips:

• Safe Socials – Information and Resources
• Digital Technologies – Responsible Use: Resources
• Safe Socials – For Parents and Carers (Secondary)

Leesa Lewington
Student and Community Liaison

Environment Club updates

Environment Club resumed work on our pollinator patch this week, planting a mix of seeds and plants, native and non-native, to help provide beauty and shelter to bees, birds and butterflies.

Reduce the amount of trees cut down! Swap to Yarn’n or Who Gives a Crap toilet paper. They make their products out of recycled paper or bamboo to reduce their environmental impact.

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

EDSC is having a second-hand uniform sale in Term 4!

We are looking for donations of pre-loved uniforms for incoming students and those who require support throughout the year.

These include current UNIFORM – jackets, jumpers, shirts, trousers, shorts, PE uniform, music uniform, school caps and school bags. See the chart below.

Please make sure that all uniforms are in good condition for the next person. We ask that your donations are clean and washed.  No holes, no stains and names removed.

Donations can be dropped off at First Aid (students) or the main office (parents and carers).

Thank you for your support!

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

Alumni Visit

In Term 3 we had the privilege of inviting back to EDSC one of our alumni international student graduates, Zehua (Bill) Zhang from class of 2013. Bill came back to present to the students and answer questions about course selection, how to consider the decision about migration pathways and the journey forwards as well as tips for study and making friends with local students. Bill has now married and bought into the area near the school because he had a great experience here so many years ago! We are so grateful to be able to witness the journey of one of our international student graduates!

Simon Veerhuis
International Student Coordinator

Reading Challenge Pizza Party and Prizes

Congratulations to all the students who enjoyed the Reading Challenge Pizza Party in the library this week.

186 students completed the Reading Challenge at EDSC this year by reading and submitting 15 or more books into the Challenge. These students earned themselves an invitation to the Pizza Party which took over the library at lunchtime on Wednesday. All the students who completed the Challenge also received a certificate signed by the Victorian Premiers.

Overall in 2026, 289 EDSC students participated in the Reading Challenge and read an amazing total of 4,841 books.

Well done to 7K and 7O who were the classes who read the most books at ESDC. These classes will be receiving a class reward during Term 4.

Congratulations to the winners of our End of Challenge prizes, who each receive a book voucher:

• Best Book Review Middle School – Alyxa S. 8S
• Best Book Review Senior School – Maya J. 11E
• Librarians Choice for Effort – Atrisa A. 7E, Jasnoor S. 7L, Olivia Y. 7O, Emily S. 8D, Sia A. 8L, Livinia F. 8S, Shi-Han H. 10N, Salma G. 12J
• Librarians Choice for Effort EAL – Vince C. 10Q
• Librarians Choice for Effort International – Amanda K. 10N
• Most Well-read Staff Member – Mr Paul Basford

Thank you to all the staff and students who supported the Reading Challenge at EDSC this year. The library team has loved talking about books and reading with students throughout the Challenge. We look forward to even more students getting involved in the Reading Challenge in 2027.

Emily Andersen
Library Coordinator

Spring Concerts Term 4

Our Spring Concert series started this week on Wednesday evening with the Senior Spring Concert. Featuring the Chamber Strings, Colla Voce, Flute Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Harris playing a double bass solo. This night was also a celebration of this year’s Year 12 musicians and their contributions to Music at EDSC. Congratulations to all performers and especially to the nineteen Year 12’s leaving the Music program this year.

Tickets for the Middle School concerts on 29 October are now available from:

https://www.trybooking.com/DQQFO

• Concert 1 (6:00pm) includes Concert Band, Da Capo Strings, Euphonix, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble
• Concert 2 (7:30pm) includes Beginner Guitar Ensemble, Etude Band, Sempre Strings, String Group, Vivo Band

Please make sure you check your family Compass schedules and book for the correct concert time. Each concert features a different line-up of ensembles and performances.

Etude Band Workshop

Etude (beginner) Band members participated in an exciting rehearsal workshop in week 1 with other musicians from Blackburn High School and Healesville High School. This workshop is becoming an annual event for our beginner band students and is a valuable warm-up for the Spring Concerts as well as being a great opportunity to make new musical friends.

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

Thursday 29 October – Middle School Spring Concerts, PAC 6:00 and 7:30pm

Carl Williams
Instrumental Music Coordinator

School-Wide Positive Behaviours

At East Doncaster Secondary College, we are committed to creating a positive climate for learning where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed. Through our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) approach, we continue to strengthen consistent expectations in all classrooms, during recess and lunchtime in the yard, and when representing the school in sporting teams or on excursions.

In classrooms, students are supported through clear and predictable routines that help maximise learning time and create a calm environment. For students in Years 7-10 such routines include arriving to class on time, lining up quietly before entering the classroom and standing quietly behind chairs. Teachers use the College’s Instructional Model to collaboratively plan lessons that meet students at their point of need. Through consistent phases embedded within the model, teachers provide clear learning intentions, explicit instruction, and regular opportunities to respond so students can actively engage in their learning and receive timely feedback. Teachers also provide regular positive acknowledgement when positive behaviours are exhibited and when students demonstrate our school values of Curiosity, Excellent, Fairness, Respect, Resilience, Teamwork, and Care and Compassion, through student-teacher interactions and Compass chronicle entries. Positive Behaviours: In Class posters are now displayed in all of our classrooms.

During Positive Futures sessions, students are explicitly taught our positive behaviours and school expectations through class discussions, reflection activities, goal setting, and scenarios linked to respectful relationships, teamwork, organisation, and positive learning habits. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to build social skills, strengthen connections with peers and staff, and reflect on how their actions contribute to a positive school culture.

Families play an important role in supporting this work by reinforcing positive routines and expectations at home. Encouraging punctuality, organisation, respectful communication, and regular conversations about learning and behaviour helps strengthen the connection between school and home. Celebrating positive choices and discussing the importance of our school values can further support students to make responsible decisions both at school and in the wider community.

In the yard, students are encouraged to move safely and calmly between classes, respect personal space at the lockers, include others in social and sporting activities during recess and lunchtime, and communicate respectfully with other students and staff. Students are also expected to take pride in the College environment by placing rubbish in bins, caring for shared spaces, and following instructions from yard duty teachers to help maintain a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all students. This will continue to be a focus in 2026 by explicitly teaching Positive Behaviours: In the Yard.

Students representing the College in sporting teams are encouraged to demonstrate positive behaviour, teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship at all times, reflecting the values and expectations of East Doncaster Secondary College both on and off the field. Coaches and team managers will explicitly teach and reinforce Positive Behaviours: In the Community.

By working together as a school community, we can provide consistent support, expectations, and opportunities for students to develop into passionate lifelong learners who are creative and critical thinkers, with the confidence and resilience to thrive in the global community.

Sally Polidano
Acting Assistant Principal
Leading Teacher School Wide Positive Behaviour Support

Are you down for it 2026

This week, on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 October, over 60 students were down for it, as part of EDSC’s Award Winning** Downball Tournament! We saw a lot of intense rallies and many close games.

Throughout the tournament, it was evident that much strategy, communication and teamwork were employed by competitors as the victors of each game climbed their way to the top, eventually leaving us with one final showdown.

Congratulations to our champions, Cayden and Angad, who conquered the courts, with Angad securing his second championship title! A huge well done to Owen and Byron, who faced off against Cayden and Angad in an exciting grand final. Both teams put on an incredible display of skill, determination and sportsmanship. Well done to all players who participated in the tournament – you all played amazingly!

Thank you to Ms James for your enthusiasm and advocacy in getting the event up and running, and for bringing the final bits of scrutiny together. A huge thank you to our college staff, especially to Mr Campbell, Ms Barresi, Mr James and Ms Lewington for their tremendous support in making the event an absolute blast! From equipment sourcing, to photography, your contributions are much appreciated.

The event was a huge success, drawing a huge crowd for our grand finals. Although the tournament has come to a close for now, to all participants, keep training, and we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

**best downball tournament in EDSC history

Rhylan & Jeffrey
2026 Downball Tournament coordinators

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).

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

EDSC success at EMR Track and Field Championships!

In pleasant weather conditions on Thursday 8 October, the EDSC Athletics team participated strongly in the EMR Track and Field Championships held at the Knox Athletics Track. Twenty-nine students represented the College in both individual (track and field) events and relays.

The following students received gold medals and will represent EDSC at the SSV State Track and Field Championships to be held on Friday 16 October at Lakeside Stadium (Albert Park):

1st Place – Gold Medals

• Tahmid Z – 14 Boys Triple Jump
• Mike L – 14 Boys 100m and 200m
• Mike L, Tahmid Z, Daniel C, Harisshan S – 14 Boys 4 x 100m Relay

Other highlights from the day were:

2nd Place – Silver Medals

• Lucie C – 15 Girls 100m, 200m and 400m
• Amay P – 12-13 Boys 100m
• Alyxa S – 14 Girls 800m
• Tahmid Z – 14 Boys Long Jump
• Man Chun C – 15 Boys Long Jump
• Marcus D – 17 Boys Long Jump

3rd Place – Bronze Medals

• Alyxa S – 14 Girls Javelin
• Lucie C – 15 Girls Triple Jump
• Jordan Z – 16 Boys Shot Put
• Marcus D – 17 Boys 100m

Congratulations to all students who represented us on the day!

Golfing success for Iris!

Over the recent school holidays, Iris C from 9M competed in multiple Golf Australia tournaments across Victoria, achieving some excellent results:

• Girls Net Score Champion at the Victorian Junior Open (4-Day Tournament – 72 holes).
• Women’s Net Score Champion at the Sorrento Open Amateur (1-day Tournament – 36 holes).
• Division B Gross Score Winner at the Mornington Peninsula Junior Open (2-Day Tournament)

Congratulations and well done, Iris!

Michael James
House Activities and Carnivals Coordinator

Teaching respect

We all want our children to show respect to others.  If we were to describe what this looks like it often looks like doing as they are told.  However, how do we teach our young people this?  The reality is before we can teach anyone anything we need to first connect with them.  Young people learn nothing in isolation.  They need someone to help them until they can do it on their own.  How do we connect with our young people?  We show them unconditional love and support.  If we want young people to follow our rules we need to prioritise the relationship first, to build and maintain trust and respect.

Our relationship with our children must always come before and is more important than any rules we want them to follow.  We need to show them again and again that we unconditionally love and support them.  Telling them that we love them but not showing them is not enough.  Young people learn about respect by receiving it from their parents and seeing how their parents respect others.

Most of the relationship building happens in times of calm.  It’s at these times that we can show them that they matter and give them a voice with the aim of the connection remaining in times of pressure or conflict.  It is during times of calm that we can explain the reasons behind our rules and expectations and ask them for their thoughts.  This promotes shared understanding and respect.

As young people get older they should have more autonomy over their lives.  Respecting them as individuals helps them learn to respect others, including us.

If you are concerned about your young person’s respect the first step is to connect and understand their perspective.  Relationship always comes before rules.  Connection before correction.

Dr Billy Garvey (2024) ‘Ten things I wish you knew about your child’s mental health.’ Penguin Random House Australia.

For further information please see the following link: Teaching kids respect

Krissy Veerhuis
Mental Health Practitioner

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

Students Take on the Red Planet at Victorian Space Science Education Centre

Last Friday, students from Years 7 to 10 left Earth behind (almost) for a day at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, taking part in two hands-on programmes exploring Mars.

Years 7 and 8: Project Red Planet

Our Year 7 and 8 students were assigned to bring an astronaut back to earth after being lost on Mars. Students needed to complete the missions in four sessions. They were divided into two groups, which the communication officers and the data specialist. Both groups swapped the roles after the second session.

The communication officers work in the space office with computers and communicated directly with the astronaut. Students checked on the astronaut’s food stock, health and wellbeing, signals, and everything that helps him to survive while waiting for help. At the same time, the communication officers collaborated with the data specialist for numerical data, such as how much fuel was needed for his rocket.

The students from both teams had fun working with each other to save the astronaut, and at the end of the session, they got to interact with the astronaut after their mission has been accomplished.

Years 9 and 10: Mission to Mars

Our Year 9 and 10 students took part in simulation of a crewed mission to Mars. Students were split into two teams with very different roles, then swapped after the first session so everyone experienced both.

Mission Control worked from the operations room, solving problems in real time to support the crew and keep the mission on track. Meanwhile, the astronauts suited up and headed out onto the simulated Martian surface, collecting soil and rock samples to bring back to the laboratory. Success depended on both teams communicating clearly and working under pressure, just as real space missions do.

In the final session, both teams came together in the lab to run experiments on the samples they had collected. Using their results, students drew conclusions about Mars’ history, including how its rocks were formed and how its surface has been shaped by weathering over time.

The day gave students a real taste of how scientists and engineers collaborate on complex problems, and connected directly to their learning in STEM. Many students left thinking more about space exploration and the impact it will have for future humans.

A big thank you to the VSSEC staff for an outstanding programme, and to the teachers who supported the day.

Michelle Chan and Dana Arkin
Learning Specialists STEM

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: east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

If you are interested in joining the PFA and volunteering your time, please reach out to: east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

5 October 2026 – Back to School

As we kick off the new term, we want to send our best wishes to all students at East Doncaster Secondary College. Whether you’re picking up where you left off or stepping into new subjects and challenges, we hope this semester brings plenty of opportunities for growth and achievement. Stay motivated, embrace the learning journey, and remember to support each other along the way. Wishing you all a successful and rewarding semester ahead!

29 October Middle School Spring Concert

Its once again time for EDSC’s talented middle school students to entertain us with their performances at the Annual Senior Spring Music Concerts.

The PFA Committee is also very enthusiastic to set up a refreshment stall between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm (the break between the 2 concerts).  Whilst you interact with the community present there, please visit the PFA canteen and treat yourselves to some yummy snacks, hot food and hot beverages.

If anyone from the wider school community would like to volunteer their assistance for this event, please express your interest via this email: east.doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au

This spring, your everyday savings can help our organisation raise more. With an Entertainment Membership, you can enjoy great value while supporting us.
Spring is the perfect time for fresh starts, trying somewhere new for dinner, planning your next weekend adventure or just saving on your everyday spending with up to 50% off at Woolworths, JB Hi fi, Target and Shell. We’re raising funds we’d love your support!

From 19th October – 1st November $30 from every Entertainment Membership will be donated to our College.
 
Your purchase can make twice the fundraising impact.

For just $75, an Entertainment Membership gives you access to savings on dining, activities, shopping and travel across Australia, New Zealand and Bali.

Your purchase will help EDSC. It’s a simple way to save more, do more and give more back.

👉 Support us and get your Membership here: https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/1863×41Thank you for supporting. Every Membership brings us closer to our goal, and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner.

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.