2026 Issue No. 4

Principal’s Message

Time for a break!

First term has proven to be challenging for our college, with so many closures. The impact on the learning, especially for Year 12, can be difficult; however, we have a plan and I will be sending out separate communication to all our Year 12 students and their families before the end of term.

Some of the gains we have made as a college, were also witnessed by our School Review Compliance team from Monash and our challenge partners.

Notably:

1. Year 7s have settled in very well and they’ve moved into a set routine, that supports a successful transition
2. Calm, orderly environments are improving and there is constant support for those students who choose to disrupt the learning of others, and disrupting the professional right of their teacher to teach
3. More student – led committees operating, with support of Rotary
4. Celebration Assemblies with genuine support for students who have achieved an award
5. On-site Parent/Student/Teacher conferences that will continue next term
6. Positive conversations with all our parents that supports a collective responsibility for improvement
7. Observing many engaged classes, where teaching and learning is of the highest standard
8. Friendship groups

I’m sure I’ve missed so much more, but this term has gone very quickly and here we are, about to have a well-deserved break.

Capital Works

 The new building has just had its final tick-off and is now heading to tender. Once the successful tenderer has been appointed, works will begin asap. Very exciting indeed.

Works to replace the new roof on our gym (place of shelter) will commence after Easter and due for completion in four to six weeks.

Athletics Day

 Without doubt, one of the most successful Aths’ Day we have ever had. Huge attendance and everyone who attended, had so much fun.

Plenty of events, high involvement numbers and so many friendship groups sharing a terrific day.

I often wonder about the students who chose not to attend.

What did you do on the day?

Have a lovely break

The holidays will give everyone an opportunity to take a breather and come back to school next term, all refreshed and ready to go.

A couple of significant milestones must be mentioned in this newsletter – congratulations to our Year 7 cohort who have just completed their first term of secondary education.

For our Year 12s, you’re just about one third through your course and it is important that you continue to build momentum throughout the remainder of the year – watch this space for updated intervention strategies.

Please remember:

• Students will be dismissed at 2.30pm on Thursday, 2nd of April
• Term Two commences on Monday, 20^th of April – normal school day

If you’re going away, be safe, happy travels and enjoy your time away.

James

College Principal

Assistant Principals’ Message

As we near the end of a very busy and productive term, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the progress across the College. Our Year 7 students have successfully completed their very first term of secondary schooling, building confidence, forming new connections, and settling into the routines of learning. The other end of the school, our Year 12 students are now entering the final stretch, with only two more terms remaining in their secondary education!

Our students in Years 8, 9 and 10 have continued to consolidate key skills whilst expanding their knowledge in their classes, building a solid foundation for their future pathways. Meanwhile, Year 11 students have made a positive start to their senior years, settling into VCE, VCE VM and VPC and beginning the important final years of their schooling.

This term also saw of Years 7 and 9 students complete NAPLAN. The College is looking forward to receiving their results as they provide valuable insight into student growth and assist us with tailoring our learning programs to better meet individual needs. They are an important tool in ensuring we continue to support every student’s development in literacy and numeracy.

Targeted study sessions for our Year 12 students have also been launched. These sessions have focused on making the most of study periods during school hours and understanding the difference between homework and effective study. Next term, we will build on this by supporting students to create personalised study timetables and by hosting a ‘Meet the Examiners” Q&A session. This will provide students with an insight into assessment expectations and help them to better understand how to maximise their performance in exams.

Looking ahead into the remainder of 2026, we will continue to strengthen our teaching and learning program, with a focus on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0  (VTLM 2.0) and our Instructional Model. This work will provide consistency in high quality teaching practices and support the improved outcomes of our students.

Thank you to our staff and students for their hard work this term. We look forward to another successful term ahead.

Term 1 Recap – Engagement and Wellbeing

This term has centred around developing connections at Emerald Secondary College. Students have developed connections with their teachers, their peers and their cohorts. This has been apparent in each of the year level celebration assemblies where we collectively celebrated academic and wellbeing success. Students, teachers, parents and guardians have strengthened their bond with our school whilst supporting each other and celebrating individual success. We thank the parents and guardians for attending celebration assemblies, it is fabulous to see so much support for our students, and our school.

As a school, we celebrated our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Bronze award, and we are committed to continuing our journey through SWPBS. We are working hard behind the scenes to continue our growth in student engagement data, and we will continue to update the community with additions to our SWPBS framework.

Next term, we are hosting our ANZAC Day assembly at Emerald Primary School (EPS). We are excited to collaborate with EPS students and staff. Our Yr 7 & Yr 8 students will take part in this assembly, along with our college captains, and valuable members of the Emerald RSL. We encourage parents of Yr 7 & 8 students to attend the assembly, and we look forward to commemorating in a collaborative and meaningful way.

Tiana Clayworth & Melissa Findlay

Assistant Principals

Senior School Newsletter – End of Term Update

As we wrap up a busy and productive and, at times, out of our control disruptive term, I would like to acknowledge the effort and commitment shown by all of our senior students. It has been fantastic to see so many students engaging positively with their learning and making the most of the opportunities available to them.

For our VCE students, the message remains clear: stay connected to your studies. While the upcoming break is an important time to rest and reset, it is equally important to maintain healthy habits, structure, and academic rigour. Finding the right balance between relaxation and revision will set you up strongly for the demands of Term 2.

We are also introducing Period 0 moving forward for all students studying a unit ¾ subject. Please refer to the recent Principal announcement for full details. If you have any questions or require clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me in the Senior School.

A big congratulations to our Year 10 students who have already secured their work experience placements. This is a fantastic achievement. For those who haven’t yet organised a placement, the holidays provide a perfect opportunity to do so. Taking initiative here is an important step in exploring future pathways.

Looking ahead, Term 2 is a significant and exciting period. Students will be involved in a range of important academic milestones, including the GAT, SACs, excursions and incursions, along with the Year 11 and Middle Years (MY) exams. There will also be opportunities for students to enjoy some fun and enriching experiences along the way.

We ask families to continue to support their students during this busy time. Your encouragement and involvement make a meaningful difference to student success.

I would also like to sincerely thank our Senior School team Rebecca Holmes, Sean Reid, Anthony Gale, and Louisa Glenn, for their dedication and hard work throughout the term. Their commitment to supporting our students is greatly appreciated.

Finally, we are very much looking forward to some exciting news from Annie in the near future as we await a special baby announcement a lovely moment for our school community to celebrate together.

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and productive break. We look forward to seeing all students ready for a big Term 2 ahead.

Emily Hay

Senior School Leader

End of Term 1

As we come to the end of Term 1, it has been very pleasing to see how well students across Years 7, 8 and 9 have settled into their classes and school routines. Learning environments have been positive and focused, with students engaging well and demonstrating a strong commitment to their learning.

Our Year 7 students have continued to build connections with their peers and teachers, growing in confidence and becoming an important part of our school community. It has been great to see the friendships and sense of belonging developing across the cohort.

Students in Years 8 and 9 have maintained a steady and consistent approach throughout the term. They have shown increasing independence and maturity, contributing positively to the Junior School environment.

It was wonderful to see so many parents and guardians attend our Celebration Assemblies at the end of the term to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students.

Looking ahead to Term 2, there is plenty to look forward to. Our Year 8 students will participate in the Big Day Out, while Year 9 students will take part in their upcoming City Excursion. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for connection, learning and personal growth outside the classroom.

Term 2 will be a busy and exciting time across the Junior School, with a range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities planned. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Easter break and return refreshed and ready for a positive Term 2.

Anthony Craig

Junior School Leader

Athletics Day 2026

Emerald Secondary College returned to Mt Evelyn for Athletics Day 2026, with students enjoying a successful and engaging day of competition. Despite the cooler weather, students demonstrated excellent enthusiasm, participation, and sportsmanship, contributing to a positive atmosphere throughout the event.

Congratulations to Geysen House, who achieved a convincing overall win with a total of 682 points.

House Results:

Geysen – 682
Greetham – 517
O’Neil – 512
Jeffreys – 437
Hobbs – 403
Hawley – 376

Age Group Champions:

12/13: Freia L and Kobe H
14: Lulu P and Byron J
15: Sophie K and Judd C
16: Alice M and Jude P
17: Claire A and Darcy L
18/20: Myra I and Ben A

New Records:

Kobe H (12/13) – High Jump: 1.50m
Kobe H (12/13) – 400m: 1:05.50

Divisional Athletics will be held on 10 September at Mt Evelyn. Students who placed first in their events will progress to the divisional level. Relay teams will be selected based on the four fastest 100m runners in each age group, and in the 1500m events, both first and second place getters will advance.

The Divisional Team will be published on Compass and displayed in the gym foyer in the coming weeks.

Well done to all students involved for their efforts and positive representation of the College.

A big thank you to our student photographers: Andrew, Safi, Cove, Olivia and Enya.

Yvonne Maugher

Sports Co-ordinator

Meet Our 2026 Interact Club Board

We are pleased to introduce this year’s Interact Club student leaders:

• Charlee H – President
• Millie F – Vice President
• Lowan B – Treasurer
• Lachie A – Secretary

Our Interact leaders have already begun meeting on a weekly basis to plan a range of engaging, meaningful and inclusive activities for students across the school.

We encourage all students to keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved in Interact throughout the year.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Emerald & District for their continued support of the program.

From your Interact Club Board,

Charlee H, Millie F, Lowan B & Lachie A

GTAC Biology Excursion

On Tuesday 17 March, our Year 12 Biology students travelled into the city to participate in a hands-on learning program at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC).

During the session, students worked under the guidance of PhD genetics students from the University of Melbourne, gaining valuable experience using specialised laboratory equipment. They explored recombinant DNA technology by extracting and recombining bacterial plasmids, modelling how synthetic human insulin is produced for people living with diabetes.

A highlight of the day was observing the results of their experiments—successfully modified plasmids emitted a green glow under fluorescent light, indicating that the genetic transformation had been successful.

This engaging and practical experience directly supports students’ learning in Unit 3 Biology, Area of Study 1, helping to deepen their understanding of DNA manipulation techniques and their real-world applications.

Ashley Forster

Science Domain Leader

From the Wellbeing Team

As the final week of term came to a close, Marlo visited students to share some Easter cheer and help celebrate the end of a busy and successful term.

There was a great sense of excitement as Marlo announced the winner of the Easter colouring-in competition, with students coming together to recognise the effort and creativity shown by all participants.

It was a warm and joyful way to conclude the term, leaving students with plenty of smiles as they headed into the holiday break.

Breakfast Club

A big thank you to the wonderful Rotary team for bringing some Easter fun to our school on Wednesday morning! The students thoroughly enjoyed the activities, and it was a fantastic way to celebrate the season together.

We truly appreciate your time, generosity, and ongoing support of our school community.

Thank you, Rotary, for all that you do!

Jess, Stephanie and Marlo

Wellbeing Team

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

Upcoming important dates for Term 2

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