2025 Issue No. 8

VCE exams are nigh

Welcome back to Term 4 – always exciting, always busy and always dynamic!

Year 12s cap off this week with revision lectures, after a busy schedule of completing practice exams. Most of these exams have been marked by VCAA assessors, so all students should heed the advice and feedback therein. Year 12 teachers are available for extra sessions, more practice work and more practice work on top of that.

We farewell the class of 2025 at our whole school assembly on Friday, 17^th of October, and Swot Vac officially starts on this day.

The first VCAA exam for most students is English, and that occurs on Tuesday, 28^th of October.

We are looking forward to a fantastic week and I would like to thank Ms Hay, Mr Reid and Ms Holmes for all their hard work and preparation and to our Assistant Principal, Ms Findlay for organising the final whole school assembly.

The expectation is that the class of 2025 finish the day with lasting memories, laughs, tears and all class!

The Valedictory will give the College a final opportunity for a wrap-up.

We look forward to some terrific VCE outcomes.

Staffing – updates

We would like to welcome Mr Daniel Ryan to the College – Dan is a beginning teacher and is plying his craft in VM and some junior Humanities classes. Please join me in welcoming him to the College.

Ms Stephanie Villani has joined our college as a mental health practitioner, working with our Wellbeing team. Stephanie will transition into the College as soon as possible and we look forward to her supporting our students. Welcome, Stephanie!

Ms Caitlin Saliba will join our college in 2026, in the role of Learning Specialist, overseeing all aspects of Years 7 – 9 curricula. Ms Saliba will also be teaching Year 12 General Maths. Welcome Caitlin.

Ms Sarah Deer has been appointed to the role of Learning Specialist, overseeing all aspects of Years 10-12 curricula. Sarah will begin this role in 2026, and she will be also teaching Year 12 English. Welcome to your new role, Sarah.

Our Teaching and Learning work

There are some real opportunities from our Attitudes to School Survey data from our students to continue to hone and update our academic emphasis, curriculum and pedagogy. All staff will be involved in a Professional Learning afternoon on Wednesday, run by Glen Pearsall, that will focus on Stimulated Learning. Whilst every member of the learning community has a role to play in delivering higher student outcomes, our staff will lead this emphasis, as it should be.

We have been working on higher order thinking, backwards design skill building (from the VCE), and explicit teaching of command terms and Tier 3 subject specific words. The new Victorian and Teaching Model 2.0, will guide our work for the next three years or so – further, the College will be undertaking a School Review in 2026, that will support our work in meeting our targets for the next four years.

Happy Birthday to ESC!

The College is turning 40 this year and there are some events occurring next month, and some will carry over into 2026.

Kara Montoneri (School Council Vice President) has started the ball rolling in the community and we’re locking in events for next month and early next year. Please pass on the word that celebrations are happening and keep an eye on our socials for further details. If you have any old paraphernalia, please feel free to drop it into the front office. We’re looking forward to seeing as many past ESC people as possible.

Thank you for all your hard work, Kara!

James Barut

College Principal

Welcome Back to Term 4!

As we begin the final term of the year, we extend a warm welcome back to all our students and families. Term 4 is always an exciting and important time, a chance to consolidate learning, reflect on achievements, and finish the year strong.

Our Year 12 students have started the term with great focus, completing their practice exams and now preparing for their upcoming masterclasses and VCAA exams. Their commitment and maturity have been impressive, and we wish them every success as they move into the final stages of their schooling journey. A big thank you also goes to our dedicated staff who continue to support and guide our students through this crucial period.

Looking ahead, planning for 2026 is already well underway. The timetable for next year is currently under construction and is shaping up to be both comprehensive and exciting, with a strong focus on providing engaging learning opportunities and a range of pathways to meet the needs of all students. Once finalised, this information will be shared with parents and students.

As we move through Term Four, we encourage all students to remain focused, take pride in their learning, and make the most of every opportunity.

Feedback from the community regarding an on-site GP

The Emerald Secondary College Wellbeing team have met with a local GP clinic to discuss a possible partnership. Through these discussions, we have identified that there is a possibility of doctors attending our school to facilitate appointments on site. 

• All appointments will be bulk billed for Emerald Secondary College students, regardless of age. 
• Students must have a Medicare card. 
• New patient forms would be required prior to appointments.
• Parents/guardians are welcome to attend appointments with their students.

We are requesting our parent/ guardian and student community complete a survey, to ascertain the level of interest in this doctor program prior to full implementation. The survey is confidential. Your input is highly valued, please find the survey on Compass newsfeed.

Student\ Teacher Communication

In the Victorian Department of Education setting, it is imperative for all staff working with secondary school students to adhere to Child Safe Standards to ensure a secure and nurturing environment. These standards mandate rigorous background checks for all employees, ongoing child protection training, and the establishment of clear, accessible channels for reporting any concerns or incidents. As educators, it is crucial to integrate these practices into daily operations, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. By rigorously implementing these requirements, staff help safeguard students from harm and uphold their legal obligations, ensuring a safe educational environment where every student can focus on learning and personal growth.

Communication is an essential part of achieving academic success and engagement. Teachers and students communicate daily during teaching and learning time and in extracurricular activities. When communicating with students, we always uphold professionalism. Online communication can occur only through the Compass portal. Staff can provide feedback by commenting on learning tasks and completing rubrics, all of which are visible forms of communication. Compass chronicles that staff use such as general academic chronicles, attendance and green chronicles, are all visible to the student, parent and teacher, ensuring transparency in communication. Students requiring support outside of these hours of 8:30 am – 4:25 pm should not contact teaching staff and refer to the services below.

Wellbeing links

Kids Help Line – https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

E Headspace – https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/connect-with-a-clinician/

Beyond Blue – https://beyondblue.org.au/

Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au

Support numbers for young people

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – provides 24-hour counselling for young people aged 5 to 25

Kids Helpline webchat: https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

My Place Youth Centre: 1800 4 Youth (1800 496 884)

Headspace: 1800 367 968

E Headspace : https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/connect-with-a-clinician/

Socialise the school’s Emergency Management Plan

We want to let you know about our school’s emergency management plan. Our school plans for a range of hazards, such as bushfire, severe weather and medical emergencies. We develop specific response procedures to address these risks.

We also conduct drills regularly, ensuring that our core procedures of on-site and off-site evacuation, sheltering-in-place, and lockdown/lockouts are well-rehearsed and understood by staff and students.

Our school is considered at risk of bushfire or grassfire. We are Category 2 on the Bushfire At- Risk Register. This means that we will close when the fire danger rating is Extreme in our local government area (LGA), Cardinia Shire Our school will close on days of Catastrophic fire danger in the Central Weather District.

For more information about our bushfire risk, please refer to our College Website. The Country Fire Authority also has more information for schools at risk of fire:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/schools.

If we enact our emergency management plan, we will notify you by Compass notification and SMS with updates on our actions. Please do not come to the school unless directed to do so, as you may put yourself and others in danger. If there is anything we need you to do, we will let you know.

During an emergency, the school will work closely with emergency services to get specific advice to keep our community safe. Additionally, the Department of Education has dedicated emergency management staff to help monitor the situation and provide additional support to schools during emergencies.

If you have any questions about our school’s emergency management plan, please contact us at the College on 5968 5388. Please be assured our top priority is the safety of our students and school community.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Melissa Findlay & Tiana Clayworth  

Assistant Principals

Year 12

We hope you and your families had a restful break. As we enter the final weeks of Year 12, we wanted to provide you with some important updates as we move towards the end of classes, celebrations and the VCE exams.

Coursework Completion

All coursework must be completed by Wednesday, 15^th October. If your child is at risk of not finalising their tasks, teachers are working closely with them to provide the necessary support.

Week 2 – Scheduled classes and final day celebrations

Students will attend their regular timetabled classes during week 2, Monday 13^th – Thursday 16^th October. 

T-Shirt Signing – Thursday 16th October at Lunchtime

Students will take part in the traditional T-shirt signing event to mark their final day of classes. This will be at lunchtime only and a light lunch will be provided. Students are encouraged to wear an ESC item that they wish to be signed by friends and staff.

Final Assembly & Breakfast – Friday 17th October

In the theme of “Decades Design” a celebratory breakfast will be held in the Quadrangle from 8:00–9:00 am. This will be followed by a whole school assembly in the gym where we warmly invite all families to come along. Please sign in at the general office.

At the conclusion of the whole school assembly, students will enjoy their Final Year 12 Assembly with the Senior School, Principal team and their teachers. The morning will conclude and students will leave school grounds by recess.

We remind all students that while these events are important milestones and an opportunity to celebrate, they are expected to do so respectfully. Students must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any school-related celebration. Doing so may impact their ability to sit their VCE exams at ESC or to attend the Valedictory Dinner

Masterclasses – Week 3

In Week 3, all students will take part in subject-based masterclasses. This is an excellent opportunity for them to revise, seek feedback from teachers and strengthen their understanding ahead of exams. Attendance is compulsory. Note, lockers need to be cleared by Friday, 24^th October.

VCAA exams

Students must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled exam. Please go to A06 first, then sign in for your exam out the front of S Block. From there, follow directions to your exam room. All students are expected to always comply with VCAA exam policies and procedures.

A06 and the library will be accessible throughout the VCAA exam period, no S block access unless undertaking an examination.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all families for the incredible support you have given your children throughout their VCE journey. Guiding them through these final years is no small task, and your encouragement, patience, and dedication have played a vital role in their success. Congratulations to you as well for reaching this significant milestone alongside your child.

I also extend my gratitude to our Year 12 Learning and Engagement Leaders, Rebecca Holmes and Sean Reid, who have worked tirelessly to support students both academically and personally. Their commitment, care, and guidance have been invaluable in ensuring our students feel prepared and supported as they approach their exams and the end of their schooling.

We look forward to celebrating the wonderful achievements of our Year 12 students in the coming weeks, and we thank you for your continued support during this important time.

Year 11 – Final Term Before Year 12

As we enter the final term of Year 11, students are encouraged to make the most of this important transition period before stepping into the challenges of Year 12. Over the coming weeks, details around the Year 12 Study Camp will be released, providing an exciting opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. This will occur in the very first week back in 2026.

Key dates for Term 4 include:

• Week 5 – Friday 7 November: Last day of assessment (SACs)
• Week 6: Exam preparation week
• Week 7: Year 11 exams
• Week 8: Year 11 into Year 12 Kickstart Week
• Friday 28 November: Last day of the school year for Year 11 students

This final term is an excellent opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, establish healthy study habits, and seek support where needed. By using this time wisely, students will enter Year 12 feeling confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.

Year 10 – Term 4

The final term of Year 10 is here and it’s your chance to finish the year strong while gearing up for the exciting challenges of Year 11 and full-time VCE next year! Now is the perfect time to build great study habits, stay organised and ask for help when you need it. These habits will set you up for success in 2026.

Mark your calendars:

• Wednesday 19 November: Year 10 Beach Day – celebrate your achievements and have some fun!
• Week 7: Exam preparation – focus and plan for success
• Monday 24 November: MY Exam Preparation Offsite Study Day (no classes running)
• Tuesday 25 November – Wednesday 3 December: Middle Year exams 
• Week 9 – Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December: Year 10 into Year 11 Kickstart – get a head start on next year

Use this term to focus, plan and practice every bit of effort now will make your Year 11 experience smoother, more confident, and more successful.

Let’s finish Year 10 strong and start 2026 ready to shine!

This term will be busy and full of important events, but each one is a great opportunity. Remember, if you need any support or guidance, come and see anyone in the Senior School office. We’re here to help you succeed!

Emily Hay

Senior Sub-School Leader

Guess who is turning 40?

We are!

With humble beginnings as a much-needed high school in the hills, the originally named ‘Emerald Post-Primary School’ opened its doors to the local community in 1985; blue jeans were an official part of the uniform, and mullets were the must-have accessory. In 1987 our name officially changed to Emerald Secondary College (ESC), and thousands of young people have headed out into the world through those doors.

For 40 years our students have made outstanding contributions to the local community. Wherever you look in the township of Emerald, and out into the wider hills areas, you will find the friendly faces of present and past ESC students working in local businesses, and volunteering their time in sports clubs, charities and other community organisations. 

The team at ESC are working on several pieces to mark this special 40th year, and are looking forward to reconnecting and celebrating with the wider community.

To commemorate this milestone, we are collating a mini-museum to showcase ESC photos and memorabilia from across the years. The college will be hosting alumni visitors/guest speakers and ex-staff throughout November to reminisce with our current staff and students over the evolution of the College.

A more curated exhibition titled ‘The Heart of the Hills’, will be installed into The Hub Artspace in Emerald, in Jan-Feb 2026 – open for everyone in the community to visit. As part of this exhibition, School Council will be running a ticketed full school alumni reunion event as a fundraiser for the College (date TBC). We can’t wait!

The College is seeking to connect with anyone who would be happy to lend any interesting memorabilia or photos from their time at ESC to commemorative projects. Pull out those dusty boxes! If you have some gems, and/or would like to be involved, please email School Council Rep Kara at [email protected].

Happy Birthday ESC!!

Kara

School Council Representative 

Year 11 Psychology

First week of term is always a busy one, and the start of Term 4 is no different for our Year 11 Psychology students. Between getting ready for our next SAC by completing a series of experiments including taste testing and trying out “Miracle Berries”, the classes went on excursion to ArtVo in the city.

In addition to deepening their understanding of depth perception and visual illusions, students had a blast putting themselves at the centre of the artwork. They created some very interesting pieces, demonstrating their great sense of humour, whilst doing their best to complete the photo scavenger hunt. It was a lovely day out with the group, and we are very proud of how students conducted themselves, participated and involved everyone!

Samantha McLean & Yvonne Mauger

Year 11 Psychology Teachers

Divisional Athletics – September

The Divisional Athletics Carnival was held at the Mt Evelyn track, where all students represented the school with pride and determination. Emerald achieved an outstanding result, placing 3rd overall. Special congratulations go to Lulu and Miah, who were awarded age group champion titles. In addition, 15 students have successfully qualified for the Regional competition, which will take place in the second week of Term 4.

Yvonne Mauger 

Sport Coordinator 

Immunisation Catch Up Sessions

Cardinia Shire Council would like to inform the community that they are conducting an Immunisation catch up session for the Yr7 and Yr10 Secondary students who have missed their vaccine at school.

The session is held on 8^th November 2025 at Bunjil Place (Saturday), Narre Waren from 10am-1pm. Bookings are necessary.

Please find the link for the session and if you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 787 624.

https://www.trybooking.com/DFMES

Selina Rose

Office Administrator / First Aid

Inclusion

We’ve introduced Movie Wednesdays, where students can take a midweek break to relax and enjoy a movie together. It’s been a great way to bring everyone together in a fun and relaxed setting.

To finish off last term, we hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support breast cancer awareness. Students took part in quizzes and trivia, learning more about breast cancer while raising over $200 for the cause. The morning also included a raffle, with Essie taking out the top prize, after her generous $25 donation.

The event was a fantastic success, combining fun, education, and fundraising for an important cause. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it such a memorable day!

Sam Streader

Disability Inclusion Administrator

Let’s Get Baking

Let’s Get Baking completed their CAT 1.  Their assignment was to use the design process to create a new version of Tear & Share bread (otherwise known as pull-apart bread or monkey bread).  Creations could be sweet or savoury.  Students chose chicken pesto, pizza bread, raspberry and white chocolate, s’mores, apple caramel,  blueberry lemon, and many others.  Many staff and students volunteered to sample and evaluate the breads.

Ashley Forster