Assistant Principals’ Report
Axel – Our Wellbeing Dog
Axel is almost one year old and has been onsite at the College a few days already this term. We are moving to having Axel in three days each week from next week and are excited to be having him in our classrooms, working alongside students and supporting calm, orderly and productive learning spaces. Next week we plan to have Axel spend some time with 7G in their Humanities class, with Year 11 Ancient History students, Middle Years Humanities classes, Year 12 Biology and in classrooms where students will be undertaking PAT and NAPLAN testing.
In this newsletter families will find a Q&A sheet with more information about how we are using Axel to support our programs.
Student Leadership
We’ve had an incredibly positive response to our launch of Student Leadership positions with approximately 125 applications. We are busy reading students’ applications and enjoying hearing about their passions, interests, aspirations and leadership experience. Students will find out in the next week whether they have been successful in gaining one of these student leadership positions and they and their families will be invited to an Investiture Ceremony on Wednesday 27th March at 9am – invitations to follow. A reminder for students who miss out – soon expressions of interest will be open to join and support these leadership areas, clubs and other programs – we’d love you all to participate!
PAT Testing
To kick off the academic year, ESC implemented a comprehensive student assessment approach, including PAT testing for all students in years 7-10. These tests encompassed reading, writing, and numeracy. We’re excited to have completed this initiative, eager to analyse the results, and utilise the data to support students with both interventions and extensions beyond the curriculum. The goal is to tailor teaching methods effectively to each student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and unique learning styles. The PAT testing process has given teachers valuable insights, enabling them to identify students who may need extra challenges or support based on their academic landscape.
NAPLAN
ESC would like to inform parents/guardians of year 7 and 9 students about the upcoming NAPLAN testing at Emerald Secondary College.
NAPLAN, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, serves as a cornerstone in our educational evaluation process. Designed for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, it offers a comprehensive insight into their literacy and numeracy skills on a national level.
Here at Emerald Secondary College, NAPLAN holds significant importance. It provides educators, parents, and carers with invaluable data regarding students’ progress in reading, writing, and numeracy, all aligned with the national proficiency standards. This data guides us in tailoring support or extensions to meet individual educational needs effectively.
The testing period is scheduled to run from Wednesday, March 13, 2024, through Monday, March 25, 2024. Throughout this window, we’ll ensure the smooth facilitation of tests.
For further information about NAPLAN, please feel free to contact the College.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to enrich our students’ educational experiences.
Academic Focus
As we move through Term One, our focus remains committed to fostering academic excellence. We are committed to nurturing our students’ potential by providing unwavering support and encouragement in pursuit of our core value of ‘excellence.’
By prioritising academic pursuits, we aim to broaden students’ horizons, enabling them to explore diverse opportunities and carve paths to future careers. This emphasis serves as a guiding beacon, inspiring students to strive for the highest standards in their studies.
Our dedication to excellence not only enriches their educational journey but also equips them with skills essential for success in all aspects of life.
Together, as we journey towards academic excellence, we are confident in shaping not only this school year but also laying a sturdy foundation for our students’ future achievements. We aspire to create an environment where every student thrives, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning and accomplishment.
Open Night
The College is busy preparing to showcase our Values, direction and curriculum at our 2024 Open night on Tuesday March 5th. Features include musical performances from our talented students, information sessions from our Domain and Sub-school leaders, Wellbeing and Disability and Inclusion teams. Our transition and middle years elective programs have been of interest to our community and we look forward to meeting prospective students soon.
College Photos
Our students and staff participated in College photos this week. Thank you to our students for demonstrating our College values whilst moving between classes to have their portrait photos taken. Reschedule day is booked on Friday March 15. Students who were absent on photo day must ensure they are present on time to have their photo taken from 9am onward.
Tanja Korsten, Melissa Findlay & Tiana Clayworth –
Assistant Principals