2024 Issue No. 10

Congratulations and Best Wishes to the class of 2024!

This newsletter is adorned with pictures from our 2024 Valedictory Night.

The evening was a real highlight in our calendar and the night was one of connections, relationships, and true warmth. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and congratulations to all our award recipients. Whilst VCE and VCEVM have brought about challenges for our Year 12s, their resilience and commitment to completing their senior schooling is commendable. 

Whilst VCAA sort through the issues with the exams, graded results may not be known for quite a while. We will work through it – an ATAR or score, or competency will never define a student, but their attitude to their work and citizenship will.

The class of 2024 will always be remembered as a cohort of students who acquitted themselves with class and aplomb.

We wish all our students well in their future endeavours. Thank you to all the staff who prepared the venue and the awards and thank you to all the staff who attended the evening – it is indeed a very busy time of the year.

School Uniform

We hope that all parents will continue to support the school by ensuring that their student always wears the correct uniform, that includes to and from school. The way a student wears their uniform not only reflects on the school, but the individual themselves.

As a school we are very proud of what we offer our students and we look forward to them making a strong symbolic statement to the local and broader community about their respect for the school, by wearing their correct uniform with pride.

The College offers support for the purchase or the loan of uniform items, and, of course, if the uniform is not able to be worn on the day, the respective sub schools will write a uniform pass; we require a note from the parents.

Our goal is work with harmony and structure, not with negativity and friction – there is always as solution.

End of year timetabling and events

As examinations draw to a close, the school’s Kickstart Program will begin next week for our students moving into Year 12 next year. The students moving into Year 11 the following year, will have a shorter version beginning the week after.

Thus:

Year 11 into Year 12 – 25^th of November until the 29^th of November

Year 10 into Year 11 – 4^th and 5^th of December

Friday, the 6^th of December is a whole school report writing day – no students are expected at school on that day.

Moreover, I will be sending out further communication on Compass about our end of year program and there have been some changes.

Whilst we work through the details, the major change is that all activities will be provided by the College, thus negating the need for any financial impost on our families and there will be plenty of variety for our students to choose from.

James

College Principal

Focus on Growth, Preparation, and Success

As we head into the final term, we want to celebrate the hard work and dedication of both staff and students. There are several key areas we’re focusing on to ensure continued success as we wrap up the year.

Our staff have been reviewing the PAT growth data for students in Years 7–10. This data helps us understand student progress and identify areas where we can offer additional support and extension of the curriculum. By tailoring our teaching strategies based on this analysis, we can continue to drive growth and ensure that every student is on the right path.

We’re extremely proud of our Year 12 students as they undertake their VCE exams. Their focus, discipline, and commitment have been outstanding, and we’re confident they will showcase their hard work. It’s been a pleasure to see them grow in confidence and maturity as they approach this critical time.

For Years 9–10 and Year 11 students, exams are fast approaching. These assessments offer a valuable opportunity to practice exam skills, refine study techniques, and build confidence for future exams—especially the VCE. We encourage all students to approach their exams seriously and with a strong sense of purpose.

As we near the end of the year, it’s important that students continue to stay engaged and maintain high standards of learning. Every lesson counts—whether it’s classroom activities, revision, or seeking help. Consistency and effort throughout the final weeks will set students up for long-term success.

We’re also excited about Kickstart, where Year 10 and 11 students will get a head start on their 2025 classes. Year 10s will begin their VCE pathways, while Year 11s

 will preview what Year 12 has in store. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong foundation for next year and set academic goals.

Cardinia Youth Survey

Cardinia Shire Council have launched the 2024 Youth Survey. The youth survey aims to gather insights from young people aged 12-24 who live, work, study, or play in our co

mmunity. By participating in this survey, young individuals can voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of our services, advocacy and support for young people in Cardinia Shire. Students who are interested in contributing can access the survey using the QR code.

Bushfire Season

As we approach bushfire season, it’s important for our school community to be prepared, especially as our school is listed in the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) Category 2. This means we will take pre-emptive actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff on days when an Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger rating is forecast for our area.

In the event of an Extreme fire danger in our local government area (Cardinia), or a Catastrophic fire danger in the wider Central fire weather district, our school will close, and all school bus routes in affected areas will be cancelled. These closures are part of our comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which includes regular updates and essential maintenance to reduce fire risks on school grounds.

We encourage families to review and update their Bushfire Survival Plans to ensure alternative care arrangements are in place. For more information about how our school is preparing for the bushfire season, and to access resources on emergency preparedness, please click the link below.

Stay safe, stay informed, and make sure your family’s safety plan is ready for the season ahead.
https://www.emeraldsc.vic.edu.au/parents/community-danger-fire-rating/ 

Melissa Findlay & Tiana Clayworth – Assistant Principals

Class of 2024

As the school year draws to a close, we celebrate the incredible journey our VCE students have undertaken. This period marks not just the culmination of hard work, but also the beginning of exciting new chapters for each of them.

Over the past year, our students have shown exceptional dedication, resilience, and maturity, balancing rigorous academic demands, extra-curricular commitments, and personal goals. The VCE experience can be intense, but the skills developed—time management, critical thinking, perseverance—will serve them well in any path they choose.

With final exams nearly behind them, we encourage our students to take time to reflect on how far they’ve come and to celebrate each achievement, big or small. Whether they move into university, vocational training, or the workforce, they carry forward valuable life lessons gained here.

As a school community, we are immensely proud of every student. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours, and we thank families, friends, and staff members who have provided steadfast support throughout the journey.

Congratulations, Class of 2024, we look forward to celebrating with you at Valedictory on Thursday 21^st November.

What else is happening in Senior School:

Year 11 are currently undergoing their final exams before the kickstart their journey as our year 12 cohort of 2025.  It is a pivotal time for students as they transition into year 12 expectations and complete the final stages of year 11. 

Kickstart is running for our future year 12 cohort from Monday 25^th – Friday 29^th November, this is a crucial week in getting to know their teachers and an understanding of the expectations that year 12 holds for them. They will receive their holiday homework during this week and everything they require to prepare them for success in 20205.

To start the year in 2025 the Year 12 Students are encouraged to attend the Camp where they will spend two nights in the CBD of Melbourne. The purpose of the camp is to provide an array of activities to advocate and inform students about future possibilities beyond secondary school.  The camp also provides an opportunity for the Year 12 cohort to cement a bond and develop a cohesive approach towards their common goals and aspirations. The students visit tertiary institutions, complete study workshops, participate in a REACH workshop, and many more activities. The camp will be running in the first week of term 2025, Wednesday 29^th – Friday 31^st January, the cost is $330 which includes accommodation, food and activities. You can now see the event on compass, and we ask for payment by the end of the school year.

The Middle year exams begin on Wednesday 27^th November and run through to Tuesday 3^rd of December. The year 10s will then complete 2 days of year 11 kickstart. There will be more information available soon.

We look forward to the Junior School Graduation where we will be formally welcoming the new cohort to Senior School as they transition to their final stages of Secondary Schooling.

Emily Hay
Senior Sub-School Leader

Valedictory Awards

Congratulations to Savannah Graham for being awarded Emerald Secondary College’s 2024 Valedictorian.

Year 11 Psychology ArtVo Excursion

On Wednesday 30^th October, after multiple reschedules, the Year 11 Psychology students finally were able to adventure out to ArtVo where they were able to deepen their understanding of visual perception and how this may be distorted to form illusions. Students interacted with the artwork to create some fun images and had a fantastic time altogether. It was a great way to wrap up Unit 2 Psychology.

Sam McLean

Arts Society

Over the recent long weekend the Emerald Arts Society held their annual art exhibition, with the amazing artworks of Emerald Secondary College students featuring prominently in the ‘Next Gen’ category.  It was also wonderful to see Year 10 students Ruby Street (Next Gen ‘Best in Show’) and Isabelle Whitehead (Next Gen Under 20s category) rewarded for their excellent artworks.

Dale Fyfe

Health & Medicine National Poster Competition

Congratulations to Year 10 students Anabelle Dewar and Ava Griffin for achieving second place in the 2024 Health & Medicine National Poster Competition, facilitated by The Australian National Universities College of Health and Medicine. Competing against teams from across Australia, Anabelle and Ava created an innovative poster on how AI could enhance health and wellbeing in the future. Their achievement highlights the creativity and forward-thinking approach of our students in problem solving and tackling current health challenges.

Tony Taylor

Let’s Get Baking

Middle Years Let’s Get Baking have finished their cake baking assessment by modifying a standard butter cake recipe into a healthier cake involving fruits, vegetables, nuts, and or spices.  Students used the design and evaluation process and made some outstanding fruity cakes!  It was a great way to end our time in the kitchens, as D block gets a new roof, students will be preparing for exams and working on the culinary herb and veggie garden for the rest of the term.

Featured exemplary cakes made by Alana R. Chloe D. Emily R. Seth T  and Tom W.

Ashley Forster

Arts Week

Next week Emerald Secondary College will be holding our 2^nd annual ESCape into the Arts week! During this week we will be celebrating all things creative, with performances and showcases happening in EPAC.

Monday 25th November, 7pm – Junior Production of ‘Gnomeland Security’
Tuesday 26th November, 6:30pm – End of Year Music and Instrumental Concert
Monday 25th-Tuesday 26th, 6pm – Visual Arts Exhibition
 
As well as all these exciting events, during lunch times next week there will be some other events and activities celebrating all things creative at ESC.”

Dale Fyfe