2025 Issue No. 10

2025 VCE College Dux and Presentation Night

The VCE College Dux Award is awarded to the 2025 Year 12 student who has achieved outstanding results. The College Dux Award is a prestigious one.

The award goes to the Emerald Secondary College student who has, in 2025, achieved the highest ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of their cohort. This is achieved through outstanding dedication and hard work. College Dux is the highest award a school can bestow on a student.

To our College Community, I would like to present the Emerald Secondary College Dux – Caitlin Koll.

Caitlin achieved an outstanding ATAR of 95.25. Her ATAR places her in the top 4% of state!!

To put that into context, nearly 66,000 students were enrolled in VCE and VCEVM this year.

Caitlin received exceptional scores in Biology (completed last year as a Year 11 student, Literature, Art Making and Exhibiting, Business Management, General Maths and Visual Communication and Design.

Caitlin’s ATAR opens a myriad of opportunities to pursue tertiary education, or whatever she chooses to do. Good luck, Caitlin.

Congratulations to all our academic and community award winners:

Our duxes:

Year 7 – Eliza W

Year 8 – Aiden D

Year 9 – Sophie F

Year 10 – Jasmine B

Year 11 – Ava G

Important Leadership changes at ESC for 2026

The Leadership team at our school for 2026 is:

Mr James Barut – Principal

Ms Melissa Findlay – Assistant Principal – Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Ms Tiana Clayworth – Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

Ms Emily Hay – Head of Senior School

Mr Anthony Craig – Acting Head of Junior School

Ms Kate Norman – Disability Inclusion Leader/Student Voice and Agency

Ms Sarah Deer – Curriculum – 10-12

Ms Caitlin Salibas – Curriculum – 7-9

This team will be leading our college in setting a school improvement agenda, as we work towards improving student outcomes.

2026 Directions – School Review

Our college is up for a new Strategic Plan in 2026.

Thus, this means:

A school reviewer will be allocated to our college, with regional support and potentially two or three ‘Challenge partners’ – current school principals from other schools.

There will input from School Council, staff, students, community members and the new leadership team.

The review will begin in early March and should be completed over a week or so.

Please keep out an eye for updates as they occur.

The major goals for 2026 are always about how we can be better, do more targeted work and stay innovative and agile.

I look forward to working with our entire community on this review.

Building upgrade in 2026

….still progressing and gathering momentum.

New state fire regulations must be navigated and the architects are working with the VSBA to get the final points sorted.

In other good news – we are getting a brand new roof on our gym (we can finally throw out those buckets!) and a brand new, fire safety fire alarm. These works are beginning very soon, so there might be an interruption to our program next year, as the works unfold.

First week back in 2026

Tuesday 27^th of January – staff return (student free day)

Wednesday 28^th of January – Year 7 and Year 11 commence – Year 7 have the transition programme and Year 11 are straight into their VCE classes. Year 12 are at their Study Camp

Thursday, 29^th of January – Whole school returns – Year 7s continue with their transition programme, whilst Year 12 will be on a Study Camp

Friday, 30^th of January – normal program, Year 7 final transition day and Year 12 final day at Study Camp

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our entire community – freshen up, relax, recharge and be safe in whatever you’re doing over the holidays. See you next year.

James

College Principal

Assistant Principals’ Report

As 2025 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and reflect on a year of growth, learning, and community. We are immensely proud of the Class of 2025, whose dedication, resilience, and hard work have set a high standard for future cohorts. Their achievements, both academic and personal, are evidence to their commitment and the support of our teaching staff.

Presentation Evening was a highlight of the year, where many students were recognised for their outstanding efforts. From academic excellence to engagement and contribution to school life, these awards celebrated the diverse talents of our students and acknowledged the dedication that underpins their success. It was inspiring to see so many students step into the spotlight and be celebrated for their achievements. An abundance of sponsors supported the evening, providing scholarships and contributions to student pathways, connecting our college to the wider community. We acknowledge and thank our sponsors for supporting our students and families.

• Australian Defence Force
• Barry Plant, Emerald
• Bendigo Bank, Emerald
• Bunnings Warehouse, Pakenham
• Debbie Fenton Memorial Scholarship, ESC
• Emerald RSL
• Emerald Village Pharmacy
• Falcone and Adams, Emerald
• Lions Club of Emerald
• Mandala Clinic, Emerald
• Rotary Club of Emerald and District

Our Kick Start program has also set the stage for an exciting year ahead. Year 9 students transitioning into Year 10 engaged in activities designed to prepare them for their next stage of schooling, while other students explored their upcoming VCE, VCE VM and VPC subjects for 2026. This early engagement ensures that our students are confident, prepared, and excited for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in senior school.

Transitional ceremonies have been a highlight of term 4 for our students. The Valedictory event, and Junior School Graduation, were both a wonderful success and highly attended. School stage transitions have a significant impact on student outcomes, and we are committed to supporting these transitions by connecting our students to our community.

Our staff are committed to using the insights and data gathered throughout the year to continuously improve our teaching and learning programs. This reflection and planning cycle ensures that we are well-prepared to support our students’ growth in 2026, building on successes and identifying opportunities for further development.

As we farewell 2025, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students for their achievements and growth, and we look forward to another year of learning, curiosity, and success in 2026.

Melissa Findlay & Tiana Clayworth 

Assistant Principals

Click here to book:

ESC Open Week!

Junior School

I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our Years 7, 8 and 9 students have taken in 2025. This phase of schooling is about far more than academics; it’s a time of discovery, connection, challenge and growth. And this year, our students have truly embraced it all. It has been a year filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and academic growth, and we couldn’t be more proud of how our students have embraced the challenges and opportunities of the school year.

For our Year 7 students, the year began with excitement and a healthy dose of nerves as they stepped into high school for the first time. One of the most memorable moments came early on with the Year 7 Camp, where students built new friendships, challenged themselves in the outdoors, and began to discover what it means to be part of the ESC community. The confidence they brought back from camp echoed through the rest of the year, helping them approach school life with curiosity and courage.

Our Year 8s brought their own unique energy to 2025. With a full year of high school behind them, they stepped into more independence and explored new ways to connect and lead. A particular highlight were the Big Day Out experiences; days filled with fun, teamwork and laughter that strengthened friendships and gave students a chance to step outside the classroom and enjoy time together. These shared experiences helped forge a stronger sense of identity and community within the year level.

And then, our Year 9s, standing on the threshold of senior school, rose to the occasion with maturity and purpose. They tackled the academic year with focus, but it was the City Excursion and Year 9 Camp that truly marked their final year of Junior School. Exploring the complexities and diversity of urban life during the city experience opened their eyes to the world beyond school. Then, at camp, they challenged themselves physically and mentally, deepened friendships, and reflected on the kind of leaders and individuals they want to become. These experiences have left a lasting impression and prepared them well for the journey ahead.

Throughout all three year levels, what stood out most was the sense of growth. We saw students take risks, show empathy, build resilience, and celebrate not only their own success but that of their peers. It has been a privilege to witness their development and be a part of their journey.

A special thank you to Samantha McLean (Year 7), Grace Sleit and Steve McRae (Year 8), and Anthony Gale and Katie Ryan (Year 9) for your outstanding leadership, care and commitment to our students this year. Your guidance has shaped a positive and supportive culture across the junior school.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Karen Johns for her tireless work behind the scenes in supporting our Junior School administration; your organisation, efficiency and calm presence keep everything running smoothly.

Thank you to all staff who have taught, guided and supported our Junior School students this year. Your impact is deeply appreciated, and your work continues to shape the lives of our young people in meaningful ways. And finally, thank you all our families for your ongoing support, partnership and trust.

A sincere thank you also to Assistant Principals Melissa Findlay and Tiana Clayworth, and to Principal James Barut, for your ongoing leadership, vision and support of the Junior School.

Enjoy the break, rest well, and return ready to take on the next chapter of your journey.

Anthony Craig

Head of Junior School

Sculpt It

Late in the school year Middle Years ‘Sculpt It’ students completed ephemeral sculptures inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy. The artworks focused on using found objects in nature and incorporating them into the existing ESC environment.

Dale Fyfe

Art Domain Leader

Luna Park end of year activity

The Maths Department took 83 students to Luna Park and had a fabulous time. The students were happy, respectful and willing to give all the rides a go. There were around 1300 students from a variety of schools and each child waited patiently while waiting for their turn on the rides.  As you can see, lots of happy faces and good memories were created.

Leanne Rivas Vaquerano

Maths Domain Leader

Mathematics Perfection

We have had a huge increase to our Maths Wall of Fame.  As you can see, our board is nearly full of amazing students who were able to concentrate and gain 100% on their maths assessment. If you drop into the school, please have a look at he board in the reception area. It looks amazing.

Leanne Rivas Vaquerano

Maths Domain Leader

Immunisations for 2026

 The Year 7 Immunisations will be on the 3rd of June 2026

• Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The Year 10 Immunisations will be on the 11th of May 2026

• Meningococcal ACWY 

The Cardinia Shire Council use an online platform provided by the Victorian Department of Health, called the Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV) to manage those receiving an immunisation. Your school will provide you with an immunisation session visit date, along with a CIRV portal link to complete an online consent form for your child. Parents/guardians are required to complete this online form, even if they choose not to consent for their child to be vaccinated at school. If Council do not receive a yes or no consent, further follow up and correspondence will be sent.

Cardinia Shire Council will be sending the CIRV booking code closer to the scheduled date.

For further information on the Secondary School Vaccine Program, please visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools

Smile Squad Visit for 2026

Emerald Secondary College would like to announce that next year in May we will have Smile Squad visiting our school to do free dental checks. This means all students can get free dental check ups, preventive services, and treatment at school every 2 years.

This program is being led by the Department of Health and Oral Health Victoria, with input from the Department of Education. Services are currently being delivered across Victoria by local community dental agencies.

The program is completely free for all Victorian government school students.

Students will be seen by Smile Squad during school hours, saving families time and money. Smile Squad includes all required treatment (excluding orthodontics).

Objectives of Smile Squad

• Students can receive free dental care regularly
• Students learn about the importance of good dental care
• Students will have better oral health outcomes through early intervention.

Regular dental checks can prevent or address dental health issues before they become serious.

What to expect?

Oral health packs (including oral health promotion) are offered to all students. Dental check-ups are carried out in school rooms using portable equipment and further treatment is delivered in our treatment vans that house a full dental clinic. Think of it as a dental clinic on wheels.

Your friendly Smile Squad staff include oral health therapists, dental therapists, oral health educators, dental assistants, dentists and specialists.

Smile squad dental packs are available to collect from the office now. If your child would like a free dental pack, please call into the office and pick one up after school.

2 different packs available.

Selina Rose

First Aid Officer 

Tutor Learning Initiative and Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support

The TLI teaching team would like to congratulate all students who participated in the programs that we ran this year. The Year 7s participated in MacqLit Reading and/or QuickSmart Numeracy interventions. We would also like to extend our congratulations to the Year 10 MYLNS students who received support for their Numeracy skills this year.

MacqLit and QuickSmart are research-based programs with a long history of success for small group intervention, and for both initiatives the students have demonstrated very pleasing results.

Because the QuickSmart Program is a project run by the SiMERR National Research Centre, based at the University of New England in NSW, we receive an analysis of our results once the program is completed. According to the PAT standardised test in Maths which all students undertook prior to, and at the conclusion of the program, our preliminary report shows that the QuickSmart students have shown growth over an academic year of 2-3 years on average. Our TLI team is overwhelmingly pleased with these results! In our other tutoring initiatives, the students have also shown growth, with improved competencies in all areas studied.

We commend each and every one of our TLI and MYLNS students for the hard work and effort that they have applied to their learning. The teaching team have been continually impressed, not only by the skills and knowledge the students have gained, but also by their improved confidence and dispositions for learning. Clearly, the commitment they have shown has benefitted their learning journey enormously. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with this cohort of students and wish them every success in their future studies at ESC.

Louise McInnes,

on behalf of the Tutor Learning Initiative teaching team.

Resource Centre

The summer holidays are ultimately the best time to take a break from reality and pick up a good book. There’s just something fantastic about sitting outside, in the shade, flicking through the pages of an entertaining story, sipping on a refreshingly cool smoothie!

With the implementation of the social media ban, it’s also a timely reminder that reading can actually be a social activity – reading out loud to each other, discussing the key ideas or pretending to be film directors and casting actors to play certain characters are all brilliant ways of engaging with both a text and other people at the same time.

Books and other book related gifts are also fantastic stocking fillers for the festive season – create your own family traditions by reading a chapter each evening for the lead-up to Christmas day, or make an advent calendar of books that you might all want to read together next year. Perhaps an Audible subscription might be the way to help make those road trips a bit more enjoyable!

The library team are certainly looking forward to a break full of summer reading fun – and we’re hoping that on our return in 2026, there will be even more new recommendations from our students.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and happy reading.

Prue Bon

Teacher Librarian

Interschool Sports

It has been a huge year for interschool sports at Emerald, we had teams go out in so many different sports across all year levels.

Sports included badminton, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cricket, netball, soccer, football. We had teams successful win their way to regionals. 

Yvonne Mauger

Sports Coordinator