2026 Issue No. 3

2026 Vision Continues

Our vision at Emerald Secondary College is ‘Engagement’. We strive to enable and equip all our young learners to reach their full potential. The vision is underpinned by a community that is willing to learn and grow together. We want our learners to display positive school behaviours:

1. Set high expectations for themselves
2. Engage proactively in their class
3. Complete their school work
4. Be curious and enquiring learners
5. Build strong, valuable, healthy relationships
6. Build strong mental and physical wellbeing
7. Get involved in all the extra-curricular programs the school has to offer

As we continue to grow and develop together, we will reinforce our message to our students and to our broader community, using a few improvement strategies, processes and procedures to bring our vision to life.

Respect for each other is a non-negotiable value at our college

Wearing proper school uniform is a non-negotiable expectation at our college

Respect and awareness of a safe and orderly classrooms is a non-negotiable at our college

The right for all of students to learn is non-negotiable at our college

The right for teachers to teach is non-negotiable at our college

Expectations and high standards are a priority

School Upgrades

Over the term break, there will be an upgrade to our gym, where a new roof will be installed. These works are a very important part of our shelter in place.

Hopefully, this will allow the new building works to commence, shortly after.

Fingers crossed!

NAPLAN 2026

NAPLAN 2026 is nearly complete, with final catch up sessions entering their final phase.

NAPLAN is a once every two years literacy and numeracy testing for all students in Australia – for our secondary school students that occurs in Year 7 and Year 9.

It is used as a measure of student progress and allows schools to target further support, along with our own internal testing and teacher judgement based on student needs. There is quite a bit of pedagogical debate about the merits and accuracy of the tests, but it’s a measure and supports school direction and teaching and learning connection.

Thank you to Ms Tiana Clayworth (AP Teaching and Learning) and to Ms Sarah Deer (Learning Specialist Years 10-12) and to Ms Saliba (Learning Specialist Years 7-9) for all their work in setting up the testing and timetables, and of course, to all our supervising staff. Further shout out to our IT support staff who assisted throughout.

Consistent Attendance – Every Lesson – Every Day 

Michael Grose has said, ‘When young people miss school, not only is their academic progress impeded, forcing them to catch up on missed work (which some never do), they often miss important interactions with their peers which can compound issues of social isolation and low self-esteem. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your child has a bright future is to make sure they go to school every day (and get there on time). It sounds simple and it’s true. The correlation between school attendance and children’s achievement levels is well established. The more time kids spend at school, the more likely they are to experience school success.’ 

Of course, most people know this intuitively, yet school absenteeism is a problem – and much of it is parent-condoned. If a student misses an average of 12 and 15 days per school year, that adds up to a year’s lost schooling over the school-life of a child. In today’s highly competitive world, this rate of absenteeism is alarming, putting our young people at a distinct disadvantage. 

Let’s work together to make sure that our students attend every day.

 James

College Principal 

Assistant Principals’

Congratulations to Emerald Secondary College staff and students, on achieving Bronze level of acknowledgement for your School-Wide Positive behaviour Support (SWPBS) implementation.

We are in our second year of implementation of SWPS at ESC, and already, we have moved past the Blue Award Level (committed to implementation) and have received the Bronze Award, recognising that our school has established and consistently applied SWPBS Tier 1 practices with fidelity. The sky is the limit, as we continue to work on the SWPBS framework, aligning it with our College context. 

SWPBS Journey

Emerald Secondary College was appointed an SWPBS project school with the Department of Education in 2023. We were appointed a coach and begin developing the program for our school in 2024. The SWPBS team behind the scenes is:

• Mel Findlay – Assistant Principal, Wellbeing and Engagement
• Emily Hay – Leading Teacher, Head of Senior School
• Samantha McLean – Learning Engagement Leader Yr 7
• Steve McRae – Learning Engagement Leader Yr 8
• Louise McInnes – Tutor Learning Initiative/ MYLNS
• Jessica Hennig – Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, and Mental Health Practitioner

In 2025, after a year of development, SWPBS was launched to our school community. Some things you may have seen include our SWPBS matrix of expected behaviours, with aligns to the school values of Respect, Resilience, Excellence and Harmony. Students are awarded with School Wide Positive Behaviour chronicles (green chronicles), and at the end of each term, celebration assemblies are held, where acknowledgment awards (see below) are given to students.

In 2026, we are working towards embedding Positive Classroom Management Strategies. The SWPBS team will continue with their training, and support staff in their professional learning to embed a culture of positivity, supported by the Behaviour Support Model. 

NAPLAN 2026 – Students Showing True School Values

This week, our students have been participating in the 2026 NAPLAN assessments, and it has been wonderful to see them demonstrating our school values in action. Students are arriving prepared, focused, and ready to give their best effort in each test. Many have shown respect for their peers by maintaining a quiet and supportive environment during testing, creating the best conditions for everyone to succeed.

NAPLAN tests are an important part of our college approach to understanding student learning. They provide valuable information on literacy and numeracy skills, helping teachers identify areas where students excel and where additional support may be needed. This data is used to guide teaching, inform learning programs, and ensure that all students are provided with the resources and strategies to reach their full potential.

We are proud of how our students are approaching these assessments, not just with effort and preparation, but with integrity, respect, and responsibility. Their attitude exemplifies the best of our school community.

Tiana Clayworth & Melissa Findlay

Assistant Principals

Senior School

Term 1 – Week 8

It has been a busy and at times disrupted term 1, and I would like to take a moment to acknowledge how proud we are of our senior students. Across Years 10–12, students have demonstrated resilience, maturity, and adaptability in their responses to recent interruptions to their learning programs.

While changes to routine can be challenging, particularly in VCE where consistency and structure are so important, for the most part our students have remained focused, engaged and committed to their studies. This has been especially evident as School Assessed Coursework (SACs) have now commenced. It has been pleasing to see most students preparing well, managing their time effectively and making the necessary commitments to study. For those that may be struggling with the initial transition into VCE, whether that be year 11 or year 12 classes, we encourage these students to seek support from Learning Engagement Leaders, Sub school Leader or their teachers.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of our staff, who have adapted dynamically in trying circumstances. With some classes missing significant face-to-face learning time, teachers have worked creatively to ensure continuity of learning, providing additional resources, support and flexibility to keep students on track.

Beyond the classroom, it has been fantastic to see our Year 12 cohort come together. We recently enjoyed a Year 12 Connection Day, which provided a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen relationships and build a sense of collective purpose for the year ahead. Our first staff versus student event was also a highlight, bringing plenty of energy, laughter and school spirit.

At a recent staff meeting, I focused on the importance of using VCE data to inform teaching and learning. Building staff confidence in interpreting and applying data is a key priority, ensuring that our teaching practices are targeted, responsive and ultimately support improved student outcomes.

Can I ask that parents/guardians continue to play an active role in supporting their child’s learning by regularly checking Compass for coursework requirements and attendance, and by having ongoing conversations at home about progress and goals. These partnerships are vital in ensuring every student is well supported throughout their senior school years.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for the collective effort shown so far this term. We look forward to building on this positive start.

Emily Hay

Senior School Leader

Junior School

It has been a very positive and productive period across our Junior School, with students in Years 7, 8 and 9 settling well into their classes and school routines. Classrooms have been focused and purposeful, and it has been pleasing to see students engaging positively in their learning.

Our Year 7 students, in particular, are progressing well as they continue their transition into secondary school. They are building strong connections with their peers and teachers, developing confidence, and becoming increasingly familiar with expectations and routines across the College.

Students in Years 8 and 9 are demonstrating growing independence and maturity in their learning. It has been great to see them contributing positively to the Junior School environment and helping to maintain a strong and respectful learning culture.

We are looking forward to celebrating student achievements at our Celebration Assemblies in the final week of Term 1. These assemblies provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise the effort, progress and contributions of our students across all areas of school life.

Thank you to our staff and families for your ongoing support throughout term 1.

Anthony Craig

Head of Junior School

Connection Day

Connection Days are held each term and run alongside the much-anticipated staff vs student sporting events, promoting connection and community across the year level.

The Connection Day on Friday 13th of March brought our Year 12 students together through their chosen theme of ‘Mate Day’. Students embraced the spirit of the day by dressing as famous groups, sharing thoughtful notes with one another, and participating in teacher connection bingo. These activities provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate friendship and build a positive cohort culture, all while continuing with their scheduled classes.

Rebecca Holmes

Year 12 Learning Engagement Leader

Year 11 Legal Studies Excursion

Our Year 11 Legal Studies class undertook an excursion to Victorian Parliament to see how government runs. Inside the halls of Parliament, we had a meeting with our local member for Monbulk, Daniela DeMartino and ex-ESC student turned MP, Michael Galea. The students asked some great questions about the functioning of government and even used their time to advocate for services in the local area. After our meeting, we moved on to watch Question Time in the Legislative Council where some of the behaviour of the politicians certainly raised the eyebrows of students who remarked that it was like watching an unruly group of Year 9s in action. Overall the students had a great day and the way in which they conducted themselves was a credit to the school.

Sean Reid

Year 11 Leadership Engagement Leader

Student Representative Council

This week Emerald Secondary College had our first Student Representative Council (SRC) Meeting for 2026. A big thank you to the students who have volunteered to work on ways to give a voice to all our students so that we can build a strong and inclusive school community.

It is a fantastic opportunity for Emerald to rebuild the SRC as the SRC gives students a genuine voice in how their school grows and operates, empowering them to share ideas, raise concerns, and contribute to positive change. It is a platform where student perspectives are valued and heard, helping to ensure that decisions reflect the needs and experiences of the whole student body.

Mr Barut spoke with the students and explained that the SRC in 2026 represents a fresh opportunity to shape the culture of Emerald Secondary College. Through collaboration with staff and peers, SRC members can lead initiatives, organise events, and advocate for improvements that enhance the wellbeing and engagement of everyone at the school.

A warm welcome and congratulations to our SRC members:

We look forward to a productive year ahead.

Ms Norman

Physical Education

Term 2 Sports

Sports Sign up for term 2 is up in the gym foyer for the following sports

• Boys AFL
• Girls Netball
• Boys & Girls Soccer
• Boys & Girls Badminton
• Boys Netball (Junior & Intermediate)
• Girls AFL (Junior & Intermediate)

Cross Country

The school Cross Country event will take place on Monday 27 April (Term 2, Week 2).

This event is compulsory for all Year 7 students and optional for students in Years 8–12.

All Year 7 students are expected to participate by running, jogging or walking the 2.8 km course.

The event schedule is as follows:

• Year 7: Periods 3 and 4
• Years 8–12: Period 5

Students in Years 8–12 who wish to participate must sign up in the Gym Foyer or S-Block before the end of Term 1.

Mel Stephens & Yvonne Maugher

Whole School Athletics Friday the 27^th of March

A reminder to all our students and families that our annual athletics carnival is going ahead on 30 Friday the 27^th of March at Mt Evelyn Athletics Track. 

It is one of the best days of the year with track and field events and lots of team colours. 

Students will be bused down to the track from ESC in the morning and return at normal time at the end of the day. So far, the weather is looking fine with no rain. Students may want to bring a jumper to keep out the chill.

Students are to bring food from home or buy from the canteen at the track.

Looking forward to an exciting day!

Year 8 Intermediate and Senior Volleyball

This term, our Year 8, Intermediate, and Senior volleyball teams have represented our school with pride. It was great to see students showing teamwork, determination, and positive sportsmanship.

Across all levels, there were some exciting and impressive games, with players continuing to develop their skills and support one another on and off the court.

Well done to everyone involved, you’ve done an amazing job!

Yvonne Maugher

Sport Co-ordinator

Bunurong Camp 2026

Matthew Pringle & Anthony Craig

Outdoor Education

Caving – 11OES

The Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students recently found themselves underground at Britannia Creek Caves, near Wesburn. The day’s excursion allowed them to undertake an environmental survey of the different environmental biomes present as a result of the areas geology, climate, position and aspect, as well as investigate what motivates people to participate in adventure-based activities. Caving required them to follow Britannia Creek underground and squeeze themselves through a series of narrowing passages and paths to explore the subterranean boulder caverns.  

Matthew Pringle

Health, Physical Education and Outdoor Education Teacher

Performing Arts – Music

Some great learning is happening in the Emerald Secondary College Music space!

VCE Music students have been busy rehearsing in preparation for their upcoming performance assessments. It’s great to see the focus and dedication students are bringing to refining their repertoire and performance skills.

In Middle Years Electro Sounds classes, students have started their Recording Project. As part of this assessment, students are learning how to record, layer and produce their own compositions using music technology. They are exploring how different sounds, loops and effects can be combined to develop original musical ideas and build a finished track.

In Instrumental lessons, voice students were the first to trial our new vocal effects pedal and looper. Students experimented with layering vocals and creating live compositions using technology, exploring new ways to build musical ideas and enhance their performances.

Year 7 Music students have been learning to play short songs on keyboard, guitar, and drums. Through these activities, they are building foundational skills in rhythm, pitch, and co-ordination, while gaining confidence in performing individually and as part of a group.

Our SoundLab band development program runs on Thursday lunchtimes. Students are welcome to come along, play instruments  and receive support in developing their ensemble skills while performing in bands.

See you next Thursday in the F06 Music room. 

Katrina Owen

Performing Arts Domain Leader

Library

Issue 3, 2026

Prioritising reading is especially easy for those of us surrounded by books every day, but recent research is beginning to suggest that much of why our teenagers’ reading habits begin to change is because of how busy their lives become. Making time to read becomes more challenging in secondary school, as the demands of school, friends, sport, work and other distractions encroach on their time.

Secondary students also report that their options for choice become more limited – there is a lot more reading in class that is required, and this is not always something that is of high level interest to our young people.

So – how do we support our students to retain an interest in prioritising reading time, just as much as they choose to prioritise seeing their friends or playing sport?

Carving out ‘family reading time’ is one great way of doing this. Long before the invention of the television, families would often sit down and read together, creating a safe and welcoming environment to share their books and questions. While it does take a bit of time management, it’s still possible to put aside an hour on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon where everyone in the family takes some time to reset and pick up a book and read.

Modelling reading is also important for our young people – the more they see other people making time to read, the more inclined they may be to do so themselves.

We’d like to encourage you to share what you’re reading with us so that the Library can also support making time to read. We’d really appreciate it if you could please take a minute to complete this form and add what you’re reading to our community reading wall.

Is your teenager a voracious reader, with a voice to be heard?

Applications for the Readings Teenage Advisory Board are now open. The Readings Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a volunteer group of Victorian-based teenagers aged 14–18 that meets once a month via Zoom to learn about careers in the book industry, chat about recent and forthcoming young adult books, interview authors, write blog posts and short reviews, and provide feedback to Readings staff members and publishing industry professionals on a range of subjects.

The Teen Advisory Board are also given the opportunity to judge the Gab Williams Prize for young adult books and attend an in-person work experience day at a publishing house. Select books will be provided free of charge to the board throughout the year and posted out to individual members. Applications close 5pm on Monday 30 March. More information available here.

Creative writing school holiday programs with NGV

If you’ve got a budding author in your household, then please book them into this incredible (free) creative writing program, with author Katrina Nannestad. Students will learn explore the NGV galleries and then spend the afternoon learning how to develop characters for their stories.

More information available here. 

Recommendations

Seven Ancient Wonders, by Matthew Reilly

Two thousand years ago, it was hidden within the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Now, in the present day, it must be found again…
Captain Jack West Jr – part soldier, part scholar, all hero. The odds are stacked against him and his loyal team: nine brave companions taking on the most powerful countries on earth.
From the pyramids of Egypt to the swamps of Sudan, to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the boulevards of Paris: the desperate race begins for the greatest prize of all: the power to end the world or rule it.

Mr Gale has just finished reading Seven Ancient Wonders, and credits it with helping him to get back into reading for pleasure. He loves the fast pace of Matthew Reilly’s novels and that they are full of adventure, which helps keep him interested.

Marrung

We would love to share a few upcoming opportunities for our Marrung students and families over the next few weeks. These events are all about connection, culture and creating spaces where our students and families can come together.
 

The Koorie Big Day Out is on March 26. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to spend the day in the city alongside other Koorie students from across the region. The event is free and transport will be provided from school. While this is not a school sponsored event, we can link you in.
 

We will also be hosting a student yarning circle on April 1 at 12:30. This will be an informal gathering for students to come together with our KESO Sara and Marrung Leads, Katie and Prue. Students are welcome to drop in for a chat, share some food and have a yarn together.
 

We would also love to invite families to a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony at the school with Uncle Thane. This will be a special opportunity for our community to gather together for a morning Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a feed and time for families to yarn together on April 27. Please keep an eye out for a Compass invite and make sure to RSVP through the link once it is sent.
 

There are also a couple of fantastic upcoming opportunities for students during the term break:
Swinburne is hosting the MVCE Future Aspirations Camp, a fully funded four-day program designed to give students an opportunity to explore future pathways and connect with other young people.
 

The Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) is also offering an opportunity for our Year 11 and 12 Koorie students during the upcoming break. While this does overlap with Swinburne’s VET camp, it is great that students have different opportunities to tap into depending on their interests.

REAL Program – Year 11 & 12 (I Lead)

Monday 13 April – Thursday 16 April

Richmond Football Club / Korin Gamadji Institute

This program is designed to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders as they move into their final years of school, with a focus on leadership, identity, culture and pathways beyond school. Please see the attached flyer for further information.

If you have any questions at all, please never hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to chat.

New Books in the Library, written by First Nations authors

Ruby’s Web, by Ellen van Neerven (published: Feb 2026)

Ruby is starting year 7 at a new school. Her cousin Amber used to be her best friend, but she has started hanging out with the cool kids and pretends she doesn’t know Ruby anymore. Ruby dreads school every day. At the same time, the whole country is also debating the referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and Ruby is facing more and more nasty comments online from her classmates. The gap between the internet and real life is getting thinner and thinner.

Ruby’s Web is about how to seek help when dealing with online bullying and racism, the connections that the internet makes possible, and the power of using your voice.

Good Young Men, by Gary Lonesborough (published: March 2026)

A brilliant contemporary YA coming-of-age novel about three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood, from the multi-award-winning author.

As we step into the shopping centre car park, white spray-paint on the orange brick wall catches my eye. Two council workers in high-vis shirts are on ladders, scrubbing away the faded words: WHITE POWER.

In the idyllic coastal town of Carraway’s Point, four Aboriginal boys grew up together on Chopin Drive, carefree and close. But they drifted apart in high school, and everything changed forever the night Brandon was killed by a white cop.

Now racial tension is brewing, and each boy must wrestle with grief and their own complicated lives.

Kallum has lost his sport scholarship and must return from Sydney.

Jordy contends with family responsibilities and a closeted boyfriend.

Dylan was the only witness to Brandon’s death, and he must testify in court.

Struggling to contain their emotions and process the murder of their friend, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan must navigate explosive events in a way that opens up a future they can’t yet see.

Katie Ryan and Prue Bon

Marrung Lead Coordinators

Let’s Get Baking!

Ashley Forster

Food Technology

First Aid

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. Our college 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

Emerald Secondary College would like to announce that in May this year we will have Smile Squad visiting our school to do free dental checks. This means all students can get free dental checkups, 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

Mobile Phones at the College 

To support student focus, wellbeing, and a positive learning environment, mobile phones are not permitted for use at school during the day. This includes use for canteen purchases. Students will need to bring a debit/credit card or cash if they wish to buy items from the canteen. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation.

Upcoming important dates for Term 2

Upcoming College Open Mornings

Due to the success and high demand for our Term 1 Open Mornings, we’re pleased to announce that bookings for Term 2 Open Mornings are live! 

Cardinia Shire Autumn Teenage School Holiday Program is now open and accepting bookings. 

I have attached the following link: Autumn Teenage School Holiday Program 2026 – Cardinia Shire Council to assist with additional information and bookings.

If you know of a young person aged 12 – 17yrs that like to come along, please click on the above link to register.