Issue 5

Principal’s Report – 2 April 2026

Cracking the Code

The atmosphere of fun and surprise was alive and well this April Fools’ Day as our staff embraced the occasion with an ‘Underground spirit day’.

Students arrived to an unusual sight, with staff dressed to a mystery theme. Their challenge? Be the first to correctly guess what the staff had come as, figure out who the mystery “Ms Kaur” is and locate my office. Excitement buzzed through the school as students eagerly shared their guesses, trying to crack the code.

In record time, we had a winner! At just 8:37am, Amber from 7P correctly identified the theme ‘Denim and White’ and claimed the winning prize, an impressive effort and a fantastic start to the day.  She kept the correct answer a secret so that others could still have a go!

The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Students continued to join in the fun, offering their guesses throughout the morning. Those who placed in the remaining top spots were also rewarded with Easter-themed prizes.

It was wonderful to see so many students getting involved, sharing laughs, and enjoying the sense of community that days like this bring.

Our teaching staff, support staff from the main office to the kitchens and labs were thrilled about keeping students guessing about our theme.  The teamwork and resilience were impressive as they worked together, and many students kept trying until they got it right.

We look forward to more underground spirit guessing games in the future, who knows what surprises are in store next time!  Each 1^st of every month, students will be challenged and there are heaps more prizes in store.

The highlight for me personally was the opportunity to meet and chat with so many of our students and for the students to see that the adults in the College have a sense of fun and are approachable.

Jasvinder Kaur – Assistant Principal

Leesa Lewington – Student and Community Liaison

Year 9 into Year 10: Subject choices and VCE Acceleration

Students in Year 9 will soon make some significant choices about their Senior School pathway.

The effort that Year 9 students make now will have an impact on their choices for next year, including potential VCE acceleration and their choice of Maths and Science subjects in Year 10.

We encourage students to work hard across all of their subjects. Year 9 students who would like to accelerate in a VCE subject should be making a consistent effort, responding to teacher feedback, and studying regularly to prepare them for this big step forward.

VCE acceleration criteria

Students can apply to take one VCE study in Year 10, with the exception of ALPHA students who may also be eligible to study Units 1&2 in Mathematical Methods.

The subjects open for acceleration include: Accounting, Art Making and Exhibiting, Biology, Business Management, Classical Studies, Drama, Economics, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Geography, Health and Human Development, History, Legal Studies, Media, Music Performance, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Politics, Product Design and Technology, Psychology, Visual Communication and Design

To undertake VCE acceleration in Year 10, students must meet the following criteria:

• Excellent academic results.
• An average of 80% across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in the subject you wish to accelerate.
• An average of 80% across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 English/EAL
• An average of 80% across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in three related subjects
• Year 8 cycle reports are considered.
• Work Practices– Attitude and Effort on cycle reports are taken into consideration.
• Attendance – a minimum of 90% attendance, excluding approved absences.

Decisions will be based on the extent to which the criteria have been met, as well as the number of places available. Year 11 students will always have priority placement in a Year 11 subject.

Year 10 Maths and Science choices

In addition to the criteria for VCE acceleration, students’ Year 9 Maths and Science results will inform the Maths and Science pathways open to them in Year 10.

Acceleration in Maths and Languages

Acceleration in Maths and Languages, including those studied at weekend schools, is only offered in exceptional circumstances. This is because it is particularly challenging to skip a year of learning in these subjects. To be eligible for acceleration in these subjects, students must not only meet the acceleration requirements but also be achieving an average of 90% in Maths or the Language they wish to study. If students meet these requirements, we run an exam to determine their suitability.

Misconceptions about acceleration

Undertaking a VCE subject in Year 10 does not reduce the workload in Year 12. Students are still expected to complete five subjects in Year 12. The accelerated subject contributes as an additional study, which may provide a bonus contribution to the ATAR and offers valuable early exposure to VCE expectations.

Thinking about acceleration

If you want to start thinking about your subjects now, check out the 2026 VCE/VM Subject Handbook which is published on the College website here.

Applying for acceleration

Application forms for VCE Acceleration will be published via the Compass news feed on June 16. The application form asks you to indicate three preferences for VCE acceleration and to write a handwritten application explaining your suitability.

As students prepare for Senior School, I encourage them – whether they are applying for VCE acceleration or not – to embrace the wonderful learning opportunities we provide by applying themselves consistently across all classes, acting on teacher feedback, building effective study habits, and showing a high degree of organisation and motivation.

Brett Lamb
Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

2026 Student ID Cards

2026 Student ID Cards are currently being distributed to students in class time. It is essential that you keep your student card safe and bring it to school every day.

In 2026, you will need your student card to:

• Top up your printing credit
• Sign in at the Compass Kiosk
• Sign out at the Compass Kiosk
• Borrowing books and resources from the library
• Release print jobs from the photocopiers
• Provide identification for public transport (PTV)
• Resetting your password with IT
• Exam identification
• 2027 School Photo process and identification
• Certain camps and excursions require you to carry your Student ID Card

Your student ID card is valid until April 2027. If a student misplaces their card, parents/carers will need to re-order one through the Compass Parent Portal under Tools – CompassIdentity Card.

2026 cards will be activated once they have all been distributed.

Brett Lamb
Assistant Principal

Anaphylaxis Policy

East Doncaster Secondary College has reviewed and updated our Anaphylaxis Policy to reflect changes implemented by The Department of Education.

Please find attached the recently updated Anaphylaxis Policy for 2026. Updated Anaphylaxis Policy – 3 March 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Principal, Cameron Campbell via email 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

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

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

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

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

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

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

How can parents and carers get involved?

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

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

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

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

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

East Doncaster Secondary College Policy Handbook 2025/2026

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

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

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

Cameron Campbell
Assistant Principal

Please click on the links below for more information about EDSC

Camps, Sports and Excursions (CSEF) Fund

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

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund CSEF information

CSEF Resources and Information in different languages

College Philosophy

Compass Parent Guide

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

Compass Education Website Guide

Compass Parent Guide

Compass Parent Passwords

Cyber Safety and Responsible use of digital technologies

Kids Helpline

E-Safety – Young People

E-Safety – Counselling / Support Services

Child Safety and Wellbeing at EDSC

Damage to Students’ Personal Items/Property

Parent contact details

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

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

Change of details form

School Saving Bonus

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

Second-hand Textbooks and Uniforms

Sell and Buy Textbooks and Uniforms with Sustainable School Shop

EDSC – Second Hand Uniform Shop

EDSC – Second Hand Textbooks Shop

Sustainable School Shop

Student Absences

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

Compass Login

Student Absence Notification Form

Chinese – Student Absence Notification form

Fact Sheet for Parents and Carers

Student Lunches

Student Medical Expenses

Uniform Group – Product and Size Availability

Privacy reminder for our school community

Schools’ Privacy Policy

Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice – VIC Government

Schools Documents – Policies – Reports — Information for parents

Compass

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace for Education 

Office 365, Edapt, Oliver Library Management System and Halaxy

End of term reminder – Uniform

The holidays are always a good time to rest and reflect. This time provides us with the opportunity to address any issues that have arisen during the term. On that note, with Term 1 coming to an end, it is timely to remind students and families about our uniform expectations and policy.

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.

With Term 2 around the corner and the cooler months approaching, 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. 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. Black flare pants and leggings are not permitted to be worn at school.

Students are welcome to wear additional layers underneath their uniforms. 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.

Additionally, 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 families take the opportunity over the school holidays to review their student’s uniform items to ensure they have the correct school uniform. Please prepare adequately for the cooler months ahead and if necessary, purchase winter uniform items accordingly. Middle School students have been reminded of this expectation during their Term 1 Values Assemblies and during classroom visits by their Year Level Coordinators, where consequences for being out of uniform next term and for the remainder of the year were reiterated. Students should expect to be issued a lunch time detention if they are not in the correct school uniform. Senior School students have been reminded through Year Level Coordinator communication and classroom teacher conversations and reminders. We ask that parents and carers support students in being in correct school uniform. Should families require support with uniform items, please reach out the Year Level Coordinators.

College Uniform

For Term 1 and Term 4, please refer to the Summer Uniform requirements.
The expectation is for students to wear the dress and shorts only in Term 1 and 4. Please note the Winter skirts are for Winter Term 2 and 3.
Shorts and Pants must be tailored and Navy.

Year 9 Introduction to Senior School Pathways – VCE Acceleration Briefing and Morrisby Testing

Year 9 students will start to make some significant choices about their future Senior School pathways in the coming months. With this in mind, Year 9 students were addressed last Thursday during the Term 1 Values Assembly regarding the importance of their studies this year and the impact that their efforts, attitudes, and achievements will have on their choices for Year 10 and VCE.

This Pathways and VCE Acceleration Briefing specifically explored the criteria that students will have to meet if they would like to undertake a VCE subject in Year 10. In addition, their Year 9 Maths results and Science results will also inform the Maths and Science pathways open to them in Year 10. These early discussions have taken place so that students understand the impact their Semester 1 academic, and attitude and effort results will have on their pathways. We encourage all students to carefully consider the decisions they make now and to start researching and inquiring about potential pathways beyond EDSC, so they are prepared for Course Counselling in Term 3.

Year 9 City Experience and the “Safety in the City” VicPol Presentation

Year 9 City Experience is coming up in the first half of Term Two. In preparing for their time in the city, on Thursday 26^th March, members of the Victorian Police met with the cohort to provide an overview of information about the city. This presentation included information and advice about the various forms of public transport, being situationally aware of their surroundings, and also the risks to consider including crimes and road safety when they are navigating their way into the city and around the CBD. The presentation also alerted students to the many support services around the CBD including the police and PSOs. Students were able to ask questions and clarify any concerns they had, and one lucky student even got to try on the Victoria Police Presenter’s vest!

A reminder that students will be attending a briefing prior to their designated week. Please keep a look out on Compass for further information in the lead up to this program.

Dates for City Experience are as follows:

Term 2: Week 2, 9A-9H:

Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May

Term 2: Week 5, 9I-9P:

Monday 18 May – Friday 22 May

We wish those attending during week 2 of Term 1 the very best on their city adventures! We know you will make the most of this fantastic opportunity to explore key cultural, historical, and modern landmarks of Melbourne CBD, while engaging in hands-on learning experiences.

Student Attendance / Absence Reminder

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

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

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

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

Unwell

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

Extended Absences

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

VCE students

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

Student Absence Notification Form

Mandi Pigdon
Attendance Officer

Student Lunches

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

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

Student Compass ID / Library / PTV Cards

Please remind all students that they must carry their Student Compass ID/Library/PTV Cards with them at all times.

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

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. They are required to carry this card as student identification while travelling on public transport.

If a student loses their card, parents/guardians are able to re-order a replacement card via the Compass parent portal.

End of term reminder – Uniform

The holidays are always a good time to rest and reflect. This time provides us with the opportunity to address any issues that have arisen during the term. On that note, with Term 1 coming to an end, it is timely to remind students and families about our uniform expectations and policy.

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.

With Term 2 around the corner and the cooler months approaching, 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. 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. Black flare pants and leggings are not permitted to be worn at school.

Students are welcome to wear additional layers underneath their uniforms. 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.

Additionally, 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 families take the opportunity over the school holidays to review their student’s uniform items to ensure they have the correct school uniform. Please prepare adequately for the cooler months ahead and if necessary, purchase winter uniform items accordingly. Middle School students have been reminded of this expectation during their Term 1 Values Assemblies and during classroom visits by their Year Level Coordinators, where consequences for being out of uniform next term and for the remainder of the year were reiterated. Students should expect to be issued a lunch time detention if they are not in the correct school uniform. Senior School students have been reminded through Year Level Coordinator communication and classroom teacher conversations and reminders. We ask that parents and carers support students in being in correct school uniform. Should families require support with uniform items, please reach out the Year Level Coordinators.

College Uniform

For Term 1 and Term 4 only, please refer to the Summer Uniform requirements.
The expectation is for students to wear the dress and shorts only in Term 1 and 4. Please note the Winter skirts are for Winter Term 2 and 3.
Shorts and Pants must be tailored and Navy.

Student Attendance / Absence Reminder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mandi Pigdon
Attendance Officer

Student Lunches

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

Student Compass ID/Library/PTV Cards

Please remind all students that they must carry their Student Compass ID/Library/PTV Cards with them at all times.

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

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. They are required to carry this card as student identification while travelling on public transport.

If a student loses their card, parents/guardians are able to re-order a replacement card via the Compass parent portal.

Environment Club updates

Environment Club is back and looking to expand our native garden patches around the school. Despite the heat over the holidays our native plants have exploded and are providing shade and shelter for wildlife, plus cooling the wider area to make our school more comfortable.

We have recently planted two Japanese maples. We look forward to them providing shade and shelter for our students in the future.

Our eco tip of the week is about light pollution!

Light pollution is defined as the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light at night. It is the fastest growing pollutant on the planet, increasing more than 2% year-on-year. (Individual Actions Link)

Light pollution is directly associated with:

• Energy waste and the increase in greenhouse gas output and our carbon footprint
• Endangering ecosystems and altering circadian rhythms in plants and animals, including humans, impacting our sleep.

Light pollution has led to the near-starvation of the mountain pygmy possum, as excess city lights have scattered their natural food source, bogong moths.

Luckily, it’s easy to make a difference. Tonight (and every night), make sure: 

• Your outdoor lights are turned OFF or to sensor mode, only turning on when there’s movement.
• Your curtains and blinds are shut tightly to prevent light bleeding outside

Encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same! For more tips and ideas see the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance.

Nicola Ritchie
Environment and Sustainability Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adeline Seta
First Aid Officer

Year 9 Focaccia Art

This term, our Year 9 Food Technology class have been exploring bread making skills. We have made dishes like naan, and focaccia. We also did a bread research task to discover the different skills and methods required to make various dishes.

Cooking sessions have been a highlight of the term getting to work together with your friends and make delicious food. We have been working on our knife handling and maintaining kitchen hygiene and safety also completing a test to check our understanding. My favourite dish that we made was definitely focaccia. When making the focaccia we used all the skills that we learnt from previous classes and got to create our own designs out of vegetables.

So far year 9 food technology has been wonderful and I can’t wait for all the new dishes we’ll be cooking up!

Lea – Year 9E

Make it at home this holidays!

FOCACCIA ART BREAD

Ingredients – Dough:

• 2 1/4 Cups unbleached all-purpose or plain flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 Cup warm water (43 degrees C)
• 1/2 Cup warm milk (43 degrees C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon polenta
• Flaked sea salt and toppings and olive oil as needed for glazing.

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 230 degrees C.
2. Combine flour, yeast, dried Italian herbs, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add warm water, warm milk, and 2 tablespoons oil; mix until well combined with a spatula until a soft and sticky dough is formed.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, drizzle the sides with 1 tablespoon oil, and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
5. Let ‘prove’ and rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
6. Oil a swiss roll baking sheet generously. Dust with one tablespoon of polenta.
7. Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Use oiled hands to gently spread and flatten dough to fit the entire sheet. Press your fingers into the dough to make light dimples over the entire surface.
8. Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Prepare topping decorations.
9. Decorate dough by gently pressing down toppings such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus, red, green, yellow peppers, olives, dill, sage, parsley, basil, pine nuts, pepitas, red onions, spring onions etc.
10. Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky salt.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 180 degrees C and continue to bake about 15 more minutes or until deep golden brown and bread springs back when gently pressed.
12. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully slip out onto a cooling rack.
13. Cool and serve at room temperature.

A lot has been happening in Humanities in Term 1!

Year 7 Humanities

Well done to our year 7s who practised their map-reading skills by completing the geography scavenger hunt. This task helped them build up their confidence in navigating their new school. We’ll see out the term by exploring the school, and George and Dryden streets as part of our liveability surveys of the East Doncaster area.

Year 8 Fieldwork

Over two weeks nearly 500 of our year 8s made their way down to the Seaford and Sandringham coastline to explore coastal geography and erosion management. Not only were our bus drivers fantastic, so were the conditions – dramatic clouds, wind and even some sunshine. Seagull attacks were minimal, whilst students learnt how we can apply hard and soft engineering methods to coastal regions, looked at how humans and animals use the coast and most enjoyably – had a lovely long lunch at Half-Moon Bay or Patterson River.

Year 9 Food Drive and Food Security

As our year 9s are working on their food security research, it can only mean one thing – it’s nearly time for the junior humanities food drive! In week 3 of Term 2, our 7-9 students will learn about the role FoodBank plays in feeding vulnerable

Students will receive house points depending on the amount of donations brought in per Positive Futures class. Watch this space for more information in the next few weeks.

Senior History and Geography

Congratulations to our Year 10 history and geography students for completing the first term of their intensive semester on either 20^th Century history or wellbeing around the world. We have seen insightful, relevant and empathetic work from all classes. The Year 10 Geography classes will also be heading out on their fieldwork expedition to the Yarra River in term 2.

 Year 12 Geography is going to jail – directly to jail!

For their land use change fieldwork expedition. It’s a fun date out where students explore the site of Pentridge Prison, once one of the most feared places in Victoria, a place that held both Ned Kelly, and Ronald Ryan, the last man hanged in Australia. Now, the scariest thing there is the price of popcorn at the cinema.

To our VCE Geography and History classes – please keep up with required readings and the holiday homework as it must be complete before term 2 begins. Senior Geography is looking at land cover change and Senior History is examining the French Revolution’s attempts at political reform – both extremely relevant in 2026’s political climate! Please also remember to book your VCE lectures, they are really useful in terms of exploring new content, revising old content and having a day out with like-minded and passionate students.

Opportunities for History Enthusiasts

Can’t get enough of history? Have you thought about taking part in one of the national history competitions open to students?

Creative? Try out the National History Challenge, where you can create anything from a website to a diorama exploring an area of history you’re interested in.

If you want to practise your oratorical skills, the Robert Menzies Speech Institute Competition is running this year for students in years 9-12. The topic?

After 75 years, is the Australia-US alliance still in our national interest?

Submissions are due mid-July this year.

If you’re into military history, you have a lot of options!

• The Simpson Prize (essay format for grades 9-10). Winners can receive trips around Australia and even overseas!
  TOPIC: ‘How useful are artefacts and artwork as historical sources when researching the experience of Australians who served in either the First World War or Second World War?’
• Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize (multiple formats 9-12). Winners join a fully funded study tour to significant war heritage sites.
• Anzac Day School’s Award (multiple formats, all students). Cash prizes for working with returned servicepeople or current ADF, plus a project and written reflection.

Let your humanities teacher know if you are interested in any of these competitions.

Nicola Ritchie
Humanities Teacher

Dragon and Lion Dance

As part of harmony week, students excitedly participated an exciting dragon and lion dance activity with our Chinese Language teachers. It aimed to celebrate cultural diversity and provide students with an engaging opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture beyond the classroom. The activity began at lunchtime, where students participated in a lively dragon and lion dance parade around the school. as the performance moved through different areas. Many students gathered to watch, showing great excitement and curiosity. The atmosphere was vibrant and joyful, with students smiling, cheering, and fully immersed in the celebration. Students learned about the cultural significance of dragon and lion dance and participating students demonstrated strong teamwork and collaboration.

Chinese domain teachers

The dragon dance was an intriguing, hands-on opportunity for 7P. We were able to learn an interesting, traditional dance from Chinese culture. It was an amazing experience for everyone in 7P, whether you were part of one of the dragons, a lion, a drummer, or just there for support. We were lucky to be able to enjoy this experience.

Amber – Year 7P

The dragon dance was a good experience for 7P as a class to perform in front of the entire school. It helped us develop our confidence in public speaking and our teamwork skills as we worked together to perform the dragon dance. Overall, it was a great experience for 7P.

Lina – Year 7P

What is the EDSC Positive Futures program?

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

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

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

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

Positive Health – Positive Self

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

Positive Relationships

Nurturing positive relationships based on respect.

Accomplishment

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

Positive Emotion

Building and experiencing positive emotion.

Meaning

Believing in serving something greater than ourselves.

Positive Engagement

Developing critical thinkers by promoting challenge, curiosity and creativity.

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

Georgina Hammond
Positive Futures Coordinator

Positive futures term one wrapped

What a wonderful start to the year it’s been across Positive Futures! From the very first session, students across all year levels have been connecting, reflecting, and growing together. Our program continues to be grounded in the values that matter most; kindness, empathy, and respect. It’s been a joy to see those values come alive in our classrooms and beyond.

Every year level began the term in the same spirit: a Speed Meeting activity designed to help students get to know their Positive Futures teachers and reconnect with classmates after the summer break. Armed with fun conversation starter prompts, students moved around the room, chatted, laughed, and practised the kind of social confidence that will serve them well all year long. It was a fantastic way to set the tone – warm, welcoming, and full of energy.

Our Year 7s have had a busy and exciting start as they settle into life at EDSC. They kicked things off by getting their lockers organised and creating personalised timetable posters to help them feel at home, then got to grips with using a digital calendar – a skill that will pay dividends all year. In their Positive Futures sessions, students explored some of the important issues facing women today, including the gender pay gap and the fascinating (and frustrating!) ‘data gap’ discovering how everyday things like car safety design and public bathroom facilities have historically been built without women in mind. Harmony Week rounded out a rich term with a celebration of foods from different cultures around the world.

Year 8 students have been building strong foundations for a productive year. They started by getting their laptop desktops organised and learning how to write a clear, professional email – skills that will come in handy well beyond the classroom. For International Women’s Day, students explored the hormonal cycle and the distinct strengths each phase brings, sparking some genuinely thoughtful conversations. Harmony Week brought a global flavour to the classroom as students discovered childhood games from around the world, including the Korean favourite, Ddakji – which turned out to be a huge hit!

Year 9s have hit the ground running with a focus on intention and preparation. Goal setting was front and centre early in the term, helping students think about what they want to achieve and how to get there. Like Years 8 and 10, they also took part in the International Women’s Day focus on the hormonal cycle and its strengths. A highlight of the term has been their preparation for City Experience Week, with sessions on etiquette and safety in the city and on public transport, practical, real-world skills to help them make the most of this exciting upcoming opportunity.

Year 10 has been a term of big-picture thinking. Students began exploring a range of different careers, starting to map out what their futures might look like and what pathways could get them there. They also refined their professional communication skills through email writing, which will serve them well as they step into more independent roles. Joining the conversation for International Women’s Day, they engaged with the same hormonal cycle and strengths focus as Years 8 and 9. For Harmony Week, discussions went deeper, students explored the importance of multiculturalism, examined what racism can look like in everyday life, and reflected on why genuine inclusivity matters for all of us.

With VCE on the horizon, Year 11 students have been getting serious about planning but in the most human way possible. Study plan sessions encouraged students to map out not just their academic commitments, but their lives too, building schedules that are realistic, sustainable, and leave room for the things that matter outside of school. Students also attended assemblies on upcoming camps and worked through important VCE paperwork, making sure they feel informed and ready for the year ahead.

For our Year 12 students, this term has been about building the study habits that will carry them through their final year. Sessions explored the foundations of effective study, what it actually means to study well, not just study more – and introduced the EDSC Revision Framework as a structured approach to making revision count. Students also learned about retrieval practice: the research-backed technique of actively recalling information to build long-term memory and genuine exam confidence. It’s a powerful toolkit, and they’re off to a great start.

There is so much more to come as the year unfolds. Positive Futures is a place where every student at EDSC can feel seen, supported, and set up for success and we are so proud of the community we are building together.

Georgina Hammond
Positive Futures Coordinator

East Doncaster SC finish 2^nd at the 2026 SSV EMR Swimming Championship!

The EDSC Swimming team finished 2^nd at the 2026 SSV EMR Swimming Championship held at Aquanation (Ringwood) on Monday 30 March.

This is a great result for the College, as we continue to maintain high achievement at this level across many years – coming second in 2024 and 2025 to match this year’s achievement.

The major highlights from our students in an action-packed day were:

Ishaaq 

1st – Boys 15 50m Breaststroke

1st – Boys 15 50m Butterfly (New EMR Record)

1st – Boys 15 50m Freestyle (New EMR Record)

1st – Boys 15 50m Backstroke (New EMR Record)

1st – Boys 12-15 200m IM (New EMR Record)

Alyssa C

1st – Girls 12-13 50m Breaststroke

1st – Girls 12-13 50m Backstroke

Ethan M

1st – Boys 12-13 50m Freestyle

1st – Boys 12-13 50m Backstroke

Leona 

1st – Girls 16 50m Breaststroke

2nd – Girls 12-18 100m Breaststroke

Cally Y

1st – Girls 12-15 200m Freestyle

Annabella K

2nd – Girls 14 50m Breaststroke

2nd – Girls 14 50m Backstroke

3rd – Girls 14 50m Butterfly

Jaydon L

2nd – Boys 14 50m Freestyle

3rd – Boys 14 50m Butterfly

Ashleigh T

2nd – Girls 17 50m Breaststroke

Saya W

3rd – Girls 16 50m Breaststroke

Felix D

3rd – Boys 12-13 50m Butterfly

1st – Boys 14 Freestyle Relay (New EMR Record)
Sean W, Cody C, Jaydon L, Matthew W

1st – Girls 12-13 Freestyle Relay
Alyssa C, Claire Y, Chloe Y, Yi Shae G

1st – Girls 15 Freestyle Relay
Cally Y, Sia K, Rachael W, Aliyah L

2nd – Girls 12-14 Medley Relay
Alyssa C, Annabella K, Yi Shae G, Emily H

2nd – Girls 15-16 Medley Relay
Sia K, Leona L, Cally Y, Aliyah L

2nd – Boys 15 Freestyle Relay
Ishaaq I, Long Long H, Ken D, Hayden H

Michael James
House Activities and Carnivals Coordinator

Easing into adolescence: For Parents 

As your child enters early adolescence (around ages 10–14) and prepares for the transition into secondary school, this can be a period of big emotional, social and developmental change. The Victorian Government offers free resources designed to support families during this time.  

What’s Included:

Supporting adolescents with their emotions
• Guides on emotion coaching to help you understand and support your child’s feelings.
• Information about emotional development and different parenting styles.
• Tips on emotional regulation and managing your own reactions to emotional situations.  

Learning Confidence
• Insights into confidence building and the key skills confident adolescents develop.
• Helps parents understand the dual transitions of emotional growth and moving from primary to secondary school.  

 Additional Support Options 

If you feel your child needs extra help at any point, the resources also point you to further support services, including:
• Victorian Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkit 
• Headspace – support for young people 
• Kids Helpline – counselling and support for children and teens 
• Raising Children’s Network – parenting info 
• Beyond Blue – mental health support 
• ReachOut Parents – tips for families 
• Eating disorder support via Butterfly Foundation and Eating Disorders Victoria 

Additionally, ongoing support is available through your school wellbeing team or GP. In urgent situations involving safety, contact 000. 

Please see the following website to access this information: 

Easing into adolescence: resources for families | vic.gov.au 

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

Harmony Week

During Harmony Week, the Events Captains worked together to host a multitude of events for our fellow students. Our first activity was on Wednesday, where during period 2 Captains gathered in the Food Tech rooms to make the Mango Lassi and Tapioca ahead of time. During lunch, we sold Lamingtons, Coconut toffees, baklava, Mango Lassi and Tapioca, with the Tapioca and Mango Lassi successfully selling out! We raised $1652.90 from the Bake Sale and the Out of Uniform Day to the charity All Together Now.

All Together Now is an independent Australian not-for-profit organisation that was established in 2010. All Together Now’s vision is for a racially equitable Australia. They seek to achieve this by imagining and delivering innovative and evidence-based projects that promote racial equity. They are community driven, utilising partnered approaches, and their work is intersectional.

The next activity hosted was on Thursday where, with the assistance of the Art Captains and various other students, we hosted a face painting, hair chalk and hair spraying booth, with the hair spray being especially popular, as it completely ran out! We send a special thanks to the students who volunteered alongside us to do the face painting, as they did a fantastic job.

On the last day of Harmony Week, on Friday, we hosted a spaghetti eating competition with the assistance of the Italian Department! It was a very successful day, and everyone devoured their spaghetti eagerly. Our winner was Max from 8O, who had a stomach-blowing time of 45 seconds!

On behalf of the Events Captains, we thank everyone who assisted us during these events, and we hope that next year will be as enjoyable as this year.

Lastly, we would also like to thank the teacher who made this possible, Ms James. We couldn’t have done this without her support.

Events Captains:

Lina, Chloe H, Chloe W, Yixin, Dev, Zara, Myrah, Aaryan, Baddie, Misha

What is Respectful Relationships?

Respectful Relationships education is a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from foundation to year 12. It is all about embedding a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community.

The Respectful Relationships program supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

While many different strategies are needed to contribute to this population-wide approach, the Respectful Relationships initiative is a key example of successful primary prevention work to prevent gender-based violence in education settings.

Schools are unique as a setting in which primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery operate alongside and in connection with one another. To be effective, Respectful Relationships must take a whole-of-school approach that works with leadership, systems and practices to support positive school cultures, age-appropriate curriculum delivery, policy development and community engagement.

Diversity and RRRR Calendar dates

• April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
• April 2-9: Passover (Jewish holiday, includes significant religious restrictions)
• April 3: Maundy Thursday (Christian)
• April 3: World Health Day
• April 4: Holy Saturday (Christian)
• April 5 (approx): Easter Sunday
• April 7: World Health Day
• April 11: World Parkinson’s Day
• April 13: Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Day
• April 13: International Imposter Syndrome Day
• April 20–26: Lesbian Visibility Week
• April 26: International Lesbian Visibility Day
• April 25: ANZAC Day
• April 28: World Day for Safety & Health at Work
• April 29: International Guide Dog Day

What is Easter?

Easter is an important celebration for many people around the world. It is a Christian holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead three days after his death, symbolising hope, renewal and new life.

The events leading up to Easter are remembered during a period called Holy Week. This begins with Palm Sunday and includes Good Friday, which commemorates the day Jesus was crucified. Easter Sunday then celebrates the belief that Jesus rose again, an event that is central to the Christian faith.

Today, Easter is observed in both religious and cultural ways. Many churches hold special services, while families gather to spend time together and share meals. In many countries, traditions such as Easter egg hunts, chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny have become popular, especially for children. Eggs are often used as a symbol of new life and rebirth.

For schools and communities, Easter can be a time to reflect on themes such as hope, renewal and kindness, while also enjoying the traditions that bring families and communities together.

For all those that celebrate Easter we wish you a safe one.

Unfortunately, it is not the case for many members of our community, if you have any concerns for friends or family please read this link from Victoria Police

https://www.police.vic.gov.au/easter-should-be-time-safety-not-family-violence-families-and-children

Manningham Youth Events

RR Documentary of the Week

Louis Theroux: The Manosphere follows journalist Louis Theroux as he investigates online communities that promote highly traditional and often controversial views about masculinity, relationships, and gender roles. In the documentary, Theroux meets influencers and followers within the “manosphere” and explores why these ideas are gaining attention among some young men. The program encourages viewers to think critically about online influence, media literacy, and how social media communities can shape attitudes and beliefs.

Watch it in on Netflix now.

Rebecca James

(Pronouns: she/her)

Respectful Relationships Coordinator

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

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

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

The EDSC Respectful Relationships Pledge:

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

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

For non-urgent help, please contact:

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

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

Holiday reading with Sora

EDSC students are taking a break from school for two weeks, but they can still browse our online library and borrow new books.

Sora is EDSC’s digital reading app and it’s available right through the school holidays. Sora contains our collection of fiction and non-fiction eBooks and audiobooks that can be borrowed 24/7 on any device.

Students have the option of downloading the Sora app to a tablet or smartphone or accessing the Sora website on a laptop. Users can simply search for East Doncaster Secondary College and log in.

The Sora eBooks page of the Library website contains some Sora Tips and Tricks so that students can take full advantage of the features of the app.

We hope students have a great break and enjoy their holiday reading, which they are encouraged to enter into the Reading Challenge.

The 2026 Reading Challenge is now open

The Reading Challenge is back at EDSC for 2026! The library team is excited to announce that the Challenge is now open for all students and staff.

The Reading Challenge at EDSC is the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge (VPRC) plus extra added prizes and rewards. We are counting all the books that students and staff read from Thursday 1 January until 4pm Tuesday 1 September 2026.

To get started, students just need to log in to the VPRC website with their Edupass details (@schools email and password). They can then search for and add any books that they have read in 2026.

Any student who reads 15 books will be invited to our pizza party in October and will receive a certificate from the Victorian Premier. Prizes, including books and book vouchers, will be up for grabs in the random monthly prize draws, Mid-Challenge Awards and End of Challenge Awards.

Students can include any books they like (excluding children’s picture story books, dictionaries and textbooks). Students can include graphic novels, manga, English/EAL class novels, poetry, non-fiction, eBooks, audiobooks, and more!

There are more details on the EDSC Library website. Students should be sure to check their email and the Reading Challenge noticeboard in the library regularly for dates and other important information.

Emily Andersen
Acting Library Coordinator

NEVR Youth Concert

55 EDSC students have been selected to represent the College in this year’s north-eastern Victoria Region Youth Concert at Hamer Hall on 13 May. If you are involved in this, please make sure to complete parental consent on Compass for the rehearsal days, and the trip into the city during the day on 13 May.

Students are responsible for getting to rehearsal venues, which are at a number of different schools.

Students are welcome to make their own way into Hamer Hall during the day on 13 May instead of taking the bus with the group, but please inform Carl Williams of this in writing. Exact soundcheck times for each ensemble during the day will be confirmed in the Compass event as soon as they are available.

Symphony Orchestra members will need to make their own way home in the afternoon or remain in the city for the evening performance.

All students are responsible for getting to Hamer Hall for the evening performance, and tickets for family and friends are available from artscentremelbourne.com.au

Senior Ensembles Music Camp

The annual Music Camp runs in week 3 from 6-8 May for students in Chamber Strings, Colla Voce and Symphonic Band. This is an important period of rehearsal and team building for these groups and attendance is expected. Please complete consent and payment on Compass and make sure to fill out the medical and food requirements. All students need to complete these important documents and any delay to this causes problems for the camp staff and teachers who need to prepare appropriate conditions.

Music Performance Uniform Reminder

For students new to the program, a reminder that you will need the black Performing Arts uniform for our first major music concerts on 28 May (senior ensembles) and 24 June (all other ensembles). This uniform is available from psw.com.au, and don’t leave it too late to order in case your size is not in stock

Carl Williams
Instrumental Music Coordinator

27 April 2026 – PFA AGM

The PFA will hold its next monthly meeting on Monday 27 April 2026, at 7.00pm in the school staff room in the main office block.

Those who have already expressed interest will be sent an email invite.  If any more members of the school community would like to join, please email the PFA committee at edscpfa@gmail.com and we will very happily add you on to the distribution list.

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.

Sunday 5 April Easter Day

As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of the values of renewal, hope, and community that this special time of year represents. Easter offers a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, reflect, and enjoy simple moments of connection. Whether you celebrate through traditions, gatherings, or a quiet long weekend, we wish all members of our school community a safe, happy, and restful Easter.

School Holidays: Friday, 3 April 2026 – Sunday 19 April 2026

With the school holidays just around the corner, we encourage families to take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a break from the usual routines. It’s a great chance for students to pursue personal interests, spend time outdoors, and reconnect with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting new term ahead.

Drama Club

Drama Club has continued to grow in both participation and engagement, with a consistent turnout of students attending each fortnight. The club offers a diverse range of activities, including dance, acting, singing, and operations, allowing students to explore different aspects of the performing arts. Through a range of activities across dance, acting and singing, along with opportunities in operations, students can develop both their creative and practical skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.

A key strength of the club has been the sense of community that is developing among students. Students are increasingly willing to step outside of their comfort zones, whether that involves performing in front of others, contributing ideas, or taking initiative withing group activities. The inclusion of operations has also provided valuable insight into technical and organizational side of performance, broadening students understanding beyond being on stage.

Moreover, Drama club creates an accessible opportunity for students who may not be involved in larger school productions to still engage meaningfully with the performing arts. It encourages collaboration, confidence, and self-expression. while encouraging a positive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel comfortable to participate.

Running every Friday lunchtime in B01 and nearby classrooms – all students are welcome.

Ithika

Year 12 Performing Arts Captain

Science experiment fun!

What an exciting and jam‑packed Term 1 we have had in Science! We thank our students and staff for a fantastic start to the year and look forward to many more experiments, discoveries, and opportunities to be inspired by our curiosity.

Emalyn Wicking and Johnson Yao

Science Domain Leaders

School for Student Leadership

Our four students attending the School for Student Leadership have presented their Community Learning Project to Principals and staff last Friday in Marlo which is in far East Gippsland!  The students have been working on raising money for the Cancer Council whilst they have been away for 9 weeks learning about all things leadership, self-development.

During their stay, students have been on expeditions, community projects and involved with bike riding, surfing, hiking, canoeing as well as volunteering at local primary schools!

The Community Learning Project has raised in excess of $3000 and they will continue their amazing work in term 2 when they are back at school.

Radio Podcasting Day

It is such a pleasure to have students joining the radio and podcast program at EDSC. We are pleased to have Live FM supporting our school and training students to be confident when speaking on the radio/podcast. Students have strengthened their literacy, critical thinking, and public speaking skills by writing scripts with questions that grab the audience and guest’s attention. Students have applied what they have learnt to conduct interviews throughout the program. It operates as a real-world podcasting experience, allowing students to produce and host radio shows. They had the chance to use professional radio equipment, and all interviews are recorded, not to create pressure or stress, but to allow students to replay it and see what they can improve. Students did not only learn about how to present their ideas effectively, but they were also taught how to keep the interview interesting and to seek the guest’s passion. A major takeaway is practical skills such as teamwork, time management, and leadership. Most importantly, they had fun!

Karine – Year 8

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.

EDSC Easter Raffle

Thank you to everyone who participated in the EDSC Easter Raffle
Congratulations to our winners…
1st Prize: J.Petty
2nd Prize: T.Webster
3rd Prize: S.Polidano
And a big thank you again to everyone who entered, with all proceeds going to the EDSC building fund.

🐰Happy Easter! 🐣

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

Advertise in our College Newsletter

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