2026 Issue No. 6

Principal’s Message

END OF TERM 2 IS NIGH…

Well done to our Year 7s that have nearly completed six months of secondary schooling. The students have become professional in reading Compass, understanding college expectations, navigating that dreaded lock and most have forged friendships. Let’s see them grow and flourish for the rest of the year! Their personal best is expected every day, and our college is committed to their development both academically, and becoming kind, decent citizens.

Reports will be posted on Compass on the last day of term, and no-one should be expecting report shock. Reports not only give a summary of the semester’s work, but an opportunity for the student and the parent to talk about ATTITUDE towards learning.

As exams finish up at the end of the week for the Middle Years, the following week will see all Year 9s on City Experience, and our Year 10s will be on Work Experience – great way to wind up the semester. We wish them all the best!

Whilst on the topic on exams, students have conducted themselves very well throughout.

Thank you to all our staff for preparing the exams, and, of course, the marking and assessment. Students need to be invested in this process too – it’s not just another ‘assessment task’, but an opportunity to reflect on the nuanced skills of exam readiness.

Since the dawn of exams, a wise professor once said to me:

‘There are 3Ps in examinations, James:

Preparation

Preparation

Preparation

Exams have content that you do know, not what you don’t know….’

 Wise words indeed…..

SENIOR SCHOOL

Today is GAT Day – a statewide general achievement test that all Year 12s complete, as well as any student in Year 11, completing an accelerated subject. The GAT is very important as it measures student potential and it’s an audit, a quality assurance you might say, to ensure that every school in the state is following the agreed and viable VCE Victorian Curriculum.

Moreover, it’s a safety net for all students, in case something happens and the student cannot sit the end of year examinations. Using the GAT, VCAA can award an ATAR, based on the score from the GAT. Good luck to all our students.

Unit 4 for the 12s has already started and all of the content and assessments will be completed in third term…..then study revision, swot vac and the VCAA exams.

The break will be terrific for a breather, but I ask that the Year 12 cohort do a little of extra work, practice questions etc etc to stay on top of their work. Parents can support their students in this space.

SCHOOL UNIFORM….

….is looking terrific! And yes, we have slip-ups, we have convivial chats, we set reminders. Emerald gets mighty cold in the winter, and we have another warm garment on the way, replacing the puffer jackets. Whilst this changeover is happening, we ask that students dress to stay warm within the expectations of our uniform policy.

PRINCIPAL’S WEEKLY BULLETIN

I’ll do a post in the last week of term, covering off on some other information I want to share with students and parents. There will not be a bulletin this week, as there’s so much to read and enjoy in this newsletter.

Stay warm.

James

College Principal

Assistant Principals’ Message

 Middle Years Exams

Our Middle Years exams are now well underway, providing students with an important opportunity to demonstrate their learning, apply their knowledge, and develop valuable skills for future senior studies.

Exams are an important part of the learning process helping students build confidence, strengthen revision and study habits, and develop important skills such as time management, preparation, and resilience.

It has been pleasing to see students approaching this examination period with maturity and responsibility. Across the school, students have been conducting themselves respectfully, arriving prepared, and taking the occasion seriously. The calm and focused atmosphere in exam spaces reflects the effort many students have put into their preparation.

We thank families for their ongoing support during this time and encourage students to continue putting in their best effort as exams continue. We are proud of the way our students have embraced this important learning experience.

Changes to Middle Years in 2027

Earlier this term, College Principal James Barut, communicated to the community that changes were coming to the Middle Years program in 2027. Following feedback from staff, students and families, alongside analysis of student achievement data, a decision was made to separate the Middle Years into standalone Year 9 and Year 10 programs. From 2027, Middle Years electives will be offered specifically for either Year 9 or Year 10 students, creating more targeted learning experiences and clearer pathways into Senior School.

These changes will strengthen Year 9 Graduation as an important transition point into Senior School and better support students as they prepare for their future studies. Year 9 CORE subjects will now run for the full year rather than a semester, allowing students greater time to build foundational skills, deepen understanding, and engage with content in a meaningful way without rushing key learning.

At Year 10, subjects will lead directly into equivalent VCE studies, providing students with clearer preparation for Senior School expectations and future pathways. Subject names will also be aligned with VCE to provide greater clarity for students and families when making course selections. Alongside this, Year 10 will feature increased rigour to better prepare students for the academic demands of Senior School.

Families will have access to updated handbooks that will clearly outline subject pathways and include sample timetables to support students and families in making informed decisions.

Teachers have been working hard to consolidate and refine studies to ensure students are provided with stimulating, purposeful and engaging learning experiences that support their future aspirations. Programs have also been intentionally backwards mapped from VCE studies, ensuring students progressively develop the knowledge, skills and study habits required for success in Senior School.

In the coming weeks, I will share further information with parents and caregivers and invite feedback as we continue to strengthen and refine our Middle Years program.

Respectful Relationships

Emerald Secondary College hosted a pilot program for 10 other schools, run by the Respectful Relationships branch of the Department of Education. The program, names Healthy Masculinity, was facilitated by the Jesuit society. We extend our thanks to Katie and Mandy from the Respectful Relationships branch for offering this amazing opportunity to our school, and our students. 

Presenter Dino Martiniello was engaging and provided a safe and respectful environment to step the young men through the Young Male Leaders program. Some specific details of the program included:

• Young Male Leaders – a student voice/peer leader education program in secondary schools. Aimed at Year 10 male-identifying students and focused on healthy masculinities. 
• The initiative enhances a whole school approach to respectful relationships by influencing student voice and giving them an active role in promoting positive change in their school communities. 
• Groups of 3-5 students from each school participate in the initiative and are supported by a leading teacher from their school (both at the training day/s and in progressing the actions back at school). 

The program ran was completed with presentations from all schools who took part. ESC students represented themselves beautifully and we were very proud of their insights and effort. Clayton Sturzaker, the Executive Director of the Outer East, was present to watch the students’ presentations, and congratulated them on their commitment to change. 

Tiana Clayworth & Melissa Findlay

Assistant Principals

Parent Contributions Reminder

Thank you to the parents who have made payments towards the 2026 Contributions. While we acknowledge these payments are voluntary, we encourage families to contribute where possible. ESC is working hard to provide engaging resources and interesting opportunities to enrich our student learning, and you may not realise that we rely on Parent Contributions to directly support our ability to fund additional programs and resources.

The Curriculum/Elective Contributions provide class requisites and materials for staff to deliver engaging, interactive educational programs and opportunities for learning and growth.

The Whole School Contributions support student services functions such as the wellbeing program, IT equipment and support and membership in sporting associations for students to participate in interschool sports.

By increasing the number of families choosing to make a payment in 2026, we are seeking to avoid cutting or reducing any of the learning activities that our leaders have planned for the second half of this year; however, we understand that for many households, the overall amount may seem a lot to pay in the current financial climate. Please know that we appreciate any voluntary support amount, and that you can select smaller individual items to contribute to if that is all you can manage within your budget. 

Please contact Jo-Anne Hoare on 5968 5388 to make an appointment if you have any questions or would like to set up a confidential payment arrangement that works for you.

Jo-Anne Hoare

Business Manager

Junior School – Mid Term Update

Term 2 has continued to be a busy and positive term across the Junior School, with students involved in a range of learning opportunities, events and activities.

One of the highlights so far was our Year 5 Exploration Day, where we welcomed students from our local feeder primary schools to Emerald Secondary College. It was fantastic to see so many students engaging positively, participating in activities and getting a taste of secondary school life. A big thank you to all staff and students who helped make the day such a success.

Throughout the term, students have also continued their learning around Cyber Kindness and the importance of positive and respectful behaviour online. These conversations remain an important focus as we work together to support students in building safe and responsible online habits.

We have several exciting events coming up over the next few weeks. Our Year 8 Big Day Out will take place on Friday 5th June, followed by the Year 7 Museum Day on Friday 12th June. We know students are looking forward to these opportunities and encourage them to continue representing the College positively whilst out in the community.

Middle Years exams are fast approaching following the long weekend, beginning Wednesday 10th June. Junior School classes are also busy preparing for upcoming CAT assessments. This is an important time for students to remain organised, prepared and up to date with their learning tasks and assessments. We appreciate the ongoing support from families in helping students establish positive study and homework routines at home.

Following the exam period, our Year 9 students will take part in the Year 9 City Experience from Monday 22nd June to Wednesday 24th June. This will be followed by the Year 9 Health Day on Thursday 25th June and the Year 9 Hike on the final day of term, Friday 26th June. These experiences provide fantastic opportunities for students to develop independence, teamwork and resilience whilst engaging in learning beyond the classroom.

A reminder to families that Tuesday 9th June is a student free day; however, we will still have students representing the College in interschool sport, with our Year 7/8 Boys Netball and Year 7/8 Girls Football teams competing on the day. We wish all students involved the very best of luck. Go Emerald!

Thank you again to all students, staff and families for their continued support throughout the term.

Anthony Craig

Junior School Leader

From Senior School

As the year unforlds, we encourage all Year 10, 11 and 12 students to continue working hard and staying committed to their studies. Completing all classwork, assessment tasks and unit requirements is essential to achieving success and building strong habits for the future. Consistent effort, organisation and attendance make a significant difference, particularly as workloads increase across the semester. Keep striving to do your best, seek support when needed and take pride in your progress.

Attendance

We appreciate you keeping your student at home when they are unwell, and we wish them a speedy recovery always. Please be reminded that our VCE students require medical certificates when absent to support the Emerald Secondary College requirements of 90% attendance. Students should be accessing lesson plans from Compass and keeping as up to date as much as possible and/or must understand that catching up is an essential part of VCE studies. All ‘Areas of study’ are assessed for each student, and it is their responsibility to seek and complete anything that has been missed.

From the handbook: All absences need be approved by the College.  The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) mandates a requirement of attendance for teachers to validate/authenticate student work. Only the following absences will be approved by the College and not be considered as part of the minimum 90% attendance requirement:

• Illness – a medical certificate is required.
• Bereavement – contact the Senior Sub-School prior to the absence where possible.
• Other Educational Activity (e.g. if you are on an excursion for a distance education unit/ excursion/ sitting an exam etc.) – you must notify the VCE/VCAL Team Leaders.
• Other – if there are other valid reasons, these will need to be discussed with the Senior Sub-School Leader before the absence (if possible) or as soon as possible afterwards.

Family holidays, part time work, license tests, illnesses without a certificate and other similar causes for absence are not acceptable School Approved absences.

SAC / SAT Calendar

Semester 2 SAC / SAT calendar will be published in week 10 of term two for our students and families to plan and support study routines as our students flip to studying unit 2 / 4.

The GAT – Tuesday 16^th June 2026

No Year 12 classes will be running on this day. The GAT is in two sections.

Section A – 9:00am- 11:15am
BBQ lunch provided
Section B – 1:15pm – 3:00pm

The 2026 GAT (General Achievement Test) is on Tuesday 16^th June 2026
This is completed by ALL Year 12 VCE and VCE VM students and any year 11 student completing a year 12 (unit 3/4) subject. 

• The GAT assesses your skills against literacy and numeracy standards – these are essential skills that show you’re ready to move on to further study, training, or employment. It will give you confidence that your skills are at the right level to support you, whatever you choose to do after school.

• The GAT also assesses your skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities.

• GAT results are important for checking that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed and can be used to calculate Derived Examination Scores.

Year 11 Exams

The exams for year 11s or 10s studying a Unit 1 subject will be completed during week 7, Monday 1^st June to Friday 5^th June. No year 11 VCE classes will be running this week. VCE VM students are running as normal. The exam timetable can be seen below. For more information, please visit Compass.

The process of exam week 

• Students need to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before their exam in full school uniform.
• Carefully check the start and finish times as they are not the usual bell times. 
• Students MUST sign in to the library when they arrive and when they leave school grounds. 
• Students are not required to attend sessions/days where there is no exam; however, if you are at school, you are required to sign in at the Library and stay in the Library when you are not in an exam (this includes after exams are finished for the day and if you are required to wait for a bus)
• If you are in Year 10 and are taking a Year 11 subject, you need to attend your exam instead of class. On the day of the exam, you can study in the library and not go to class. You are required to attend all other Year 10 classes.
• Year 11 students accelerating in a Year 12 class are expected to attend those sessions unless it clashes with a Year 11 exam throughout the week. You will need to communicate this with your Year 12 subject teacher. 

How to support during exam time

Parents and guardians supporting your child in their studies can make a big difference in their academic success and confidence. Here are some practical ways you can help:

1. Create a Positive Learning Environment: Designate a quiet, well-lit space for studying that’s free from distractions. Ensure they have the necessary supplies and resources.
2. Establish a Routine: Help your child develop a consistent study schedule. Regular study times can help build good habits and make studying a part of their daily routine.
3. Encourage Good Study Habits: Teach them effective study techniques such as breaking tasks into smaller chunks, using flashcards, and summarising information in their own words.
4. Be Involved: Show interest in their assignments and projects. Ask about what they’re learning and offer help when needed but try to let them do the work independently to build their skills.
5. Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with their teachers to understand their progress and any areas where they might need extra support.
6. Provide Encouragement and Praise: Celebrate their efforts and successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation and self-esteem.
7. Help with Organisation: Assist them in keeping track of assignments and deadlines. Tools like planners or digital apps can help with time management.
8. Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure they get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and have time for physical activity. Good health supports cognitive function and focus.
9. Encourage Curiosity and Learning: Foster a love of learning by engaging in educational activities together, such as visiting museums or exploring topics of interest.
10. Be Patient and Supportive: Understand that academic challenges can be stressful. Offer emotional support and be patient as they work through difficult subjects.

Remember, every child is different, so it might take some time to find what works best for your child. Your involvement and support can make a big difference in their academic journey.

Emily Hay

Head of Senior School

Year 10 Students Explore Future Pathways at the OELLEN Careers Expo

Year 10 students recently attended the annual OELLEN Careers Expo held at Caribbean Gardens, where they had the opportunity to connect with local employers, training providers, and industry representatives from across the Outer East region.

The expo provided students with valuable insight into a broad range of career pathways, further education options, and industry opportunities. Throughout the day, students spoke with trainers and representatives, asked questions about future pathways, and participated in a variety of hands-on activities.

The experience encouraged students to think about their future goals and explore the many possibilities available to them beyond secondary school. It was a fantastic day of inspiration, discovery, and career planning for all involved.

Sarah Kennedy

Careers & Pathways

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Excursion – Year 11 Legal Studies

On Tuesday 5 May, students from Mr Reid’s Year 11 Legal Studies class had the opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life during an excursion to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Throughout the day, students observed a range of real court proceedings, from traffic-related matters through to more serious cases involving assault and kidnapping. The experience provided valuable insight into how the legal system operates and allowed students to see firsthand the roles of the magistrate, prosecutor and defence lawyer within the courtroom.

Students represented the College exceptionally well, demonstrating maturity, respect and professionalism throughout the excursion. The visit also highlighted the many future study and career pathways available in the legal field for students considering continuing Legal Studies into Year 12 and beyond.

Sean Reid

Year 11 Learning Engagement Leader

🌏 Year 11 Geography Fieldwork Excursion🌏

On Monday 4th May, our Year 11 Geography students travelled to Warburton to complete their fieldwork investigation into flooding hazards and the strategies being used to reduce their impact on the local community.

Throughout the excursion, students collected primary data at two sites along the Yarra River and explored how flood mitigation measures are helping to protect the area. Students also visited the Warburton township, where they conducted surveys and interviews with local residents and business owners to gain insight into community experiences and perceptions surrounding flood management strategies.

The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting. The first-hand data and observations collected throughout the day supported students in completing their fieldwork reports back at school, while also deepening their understanding of the challenges communities face in managing natural hazards.

Rebecca Holmes

Year 12 Learning Engagement Leader

Year 12 Connection Day

Connection Day for Term 2 was held on the 22nd of May, with Year 12 students embracing the theme “When I Grow Up…”. The cohort arrived dressed as the careers and aspirations they dreamed of pursuing as children. From scientists and vets to professional athletes, tradespeople and artists, students showcased a wide range of future ambitions through their creative costumes.

It was fantastic to see so many students embrace the theme and contribute to the positive energy throughout the day. As the pressures of Year 12 continue to build, days like these are an important reminder of the value of celebrating the journey together.

Rebecca Holmes

Year 12 Learning Engagement Leader

Music is abuzz!

❄️🎵 Winter Concert 🎵❄️

Last Thursday evening, our school community came together to celebrate the talent, creativity and dedication of our students at the annual Winter Concert.

Led by Instrumental Music Coordinator Katrina Owen and the Instrumental Music team, the concert showcased an impressive range of performances, highlighting the hard work and musical growth of students across the program. The audience was treated to an evening of outstanding entertainment and exceptional musicianship.

What made the event particularly memorable was that it was entirely student-led. Students played a key role in every aspect of the evening, from creating and projection-mapping artwork in the EPAC foyer, to photographing the event, serving as MCs and managing ticket sales through the Interact Club. Their professionalism, confidence and commitment were on display throughout the night.

The Winter Concert was a wonderful example of our students embracing opportunities beyond the classroom while demonstrating our school values of Excellence and Harmony. We are incredibly proud of all students who performed and contributed behind the scenes to make the evening such a success.

Thank you to the families and community members who attended and supported our students. Your encouragement helps make events like these such meaningful and memorable experiences.

There’s been plenty happening in the Emerald Secondary College Music Program this term!

Soul Sonics Incursion 

A huge thank you to Musical Futures and the amazing DJ Sizzle for bringing the incredible Soul Sonics Program Incursion to ESC. Students had the opportunity to get hands-on with music production, sampling and editing original sounds before programming them into Ableton Live to create their own beats and tracks. It was an inspiring experience that gave students a chance to explore creativity, music production and digital sound design.

2026 Cardinia Interschool Battle of the Bands

Get ready for an incredible night of live music as talented student bands take the stage and battle it out! Come along to support our amazing young musicians and enjoy a night packed with energy, creativity and entertainment.

📅 Date: Thursday June 18, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00pm
📍 Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre

🎟 Tickets available now:
https://cardinia.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/162975

We’d love to see the ESC community there supporting live music and cheering on our performers! 🎤🥁🎸

Our students have also been working and practising incredibly hard in preparation for both upcoming performances. From rehearsing as bands and ensembles to developing stage confidence and performance skills. We would love to see as much support for them form our ESC Community. 

Katrina Owen

Performing Arts – Music Domain Leader

Dream Homes Take Shape in Sculpt It

Recently, students in the Middle Years Sculpt It elective have been busy planning and designing their own “dream homes.”

This engaging project has encouraged students to think creatively and imaginatively while exploring the principles of design and model construction. It has been wonderful to see the diversity and ambition of the ideas students have developed, with each design reflecting individual creativity and personality.

Throughout the activity, students have also been developing valuable practical skills, including planning, problem-solving, construction techniques and attention to detail. The enthusiasm and effort shown by students during this project has been fantastic, and they should be very proud of their work.

We look forward to seeing the finished creations as the project continues.

Kimberley McGuire

Visual Arts Teacher

Sporting Events

Yarra Division Cross Country

Recently, a group of our students proudly represented the College at the Yarra Division Cross Country competition held at Lilydale Lake. Students demonstrated excellent determination, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the day, competing strongly across all age groups and events.

We congratulate Judd C and Lulu P, who both achieved an impressive 3rd place finish in their respective races.

A particularly outstanding performance came from our Under 13 Boys team, who dominated their event with exceptional results:

• Connor G – 1st place
• D’Art G – 2nd place
• Zac G – 3rd place
• Kobe H – 4th place
• Khan M – 5th place

These results are a wonderful reflection of the hard work, commitment and dedication shown by our students in both training and competition.

Congratulations to all students who participated and represented Emerald Secondary College with pride.

🏉🏐 Year 7 Sport 🏐🏉

Fifty Year 7 students headed out to compete in boys football and girls netball, with all students enjoying a fantastic day of sport, teamwork and school spirit.

Congratulations to the boys football team on an outstanding 2nd place finish, and to the girls A netball team who finished 3rd overall. 👏

Well done to all students for the way they represented the College throughout the day!

🏉🏸Girls Shine at Divisional Sport 🏸🏉

Last week, a fantastic group of Year 9 and 10 students proudly represented Emerald Secondary College at the divisional level in both football and badminton.

The day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, demonstrate their skills and compete against some of the strongest teams in the region. Across both sports, our students displayed outstanding commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship, representing the College with pride.

A special congratulations goes to our football team, who delivered an excellent performance throughout the competition to finish second overall.

We are incredibly proud of all students who participated and thank them for their positive attitude, determination and support of one another throughout the day. Their efforts are a credit to themselves and to our school community.

🏃‍♀️ Regional Cross Country Championships 🏃‍♀️

Emerald Secondary College was proudly represented by a large team of students at this year’s Regional Cross Country Championships, with students demonstrating outstanding determination, perseverance and sportsmanship throughout the event.

A special congratulations to Connor (Year 7), who achieved an excellent result by finishing 8th in his age group and qualifying for the Victorian State Championships. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the commitment and effort Connor has shown in his training and competition.

We also congratulate Zac on his impressive performance, finishing 11th in his age group and narrowly missing qualification for the State Championships. His result was a testament to his hard work and dedication.

We are incredibly proud of all students who represented the College and thank them for the way they conducted themselves on the day. We wish Connor every success as he prepares to compete at the State Championships later this year.

Yvonne Mauger

Sports Co-ordinator

Middle Year Outdoor Ed Caving

Year 9/10 Outdoor Education – Caving Experience

The Year 9/10 Outdoor Education class recently participated in an exciting caving experience at Shiprock Falls in Gembrook. The day provided students with the opportunity to challenge themselves both physically and mentally while exploring the cave systems and surrounding natural environment.

Throughout the experience, students worked collaboratively to navigate obstacles, support one another, and step outside of their comfort zones. It was wonderful to see so many students demonstrate resilience, courage, teamwork, and a positive attitude when faced with new challenges.

Outdoor Education experiences such as this play an important role in developing confidence, problem-solving skills, independence, and strong peer connections. Congratulations to all students involved for their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the adventure.

Anthony Craig

Junior School Leader

Year 12 Outdoor & Environmental Studies – MV Steve Irwin Excursion

Earlier this week, our Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students travelled to Docklands to be special guests aboard the MV Steve Irwin — the now-retired “eco battleship” made famous through Sea Shepherd’s campaigns to end whaling in the Southern Ocean.

As part of their studies, students have been investigating environmental conflicts and the different ways individuals and organisations attempt to influence decisions surrounding the use and protection of the environment. Being able to step aboard a vessel that physically placed itself between whaling ships and the whales they were trying to protect provided a unique and thought-provoking learning experience.

Students gained valuable insight into the passion, courage and activism behind conservation movements, while reflecting on the ethical and environmental issues connected to human use of natural environments. It was a fascinating opportunity to imagine the commitment required of those willing to go to such extraordinary lengths for their environmental beliefs.

Matthew Pringle

Health, Physical Education & Outdoor Education Teacher

Middle Years Let’s Get Baking 🍰🚂

This term, students in Middle Years Let’s Get Baking have been developing their practical cooking skills through a range of baking tasks focused on pies, biscuits and cakes. Throughout the semester, students have demonstrated creativity, teamwork and increasing confidence in the kitchen while producing some impressive baked goods.

Among the highlights were the beautifully crafted Viennese finger biscuits and the CAT 2 assessment task, where students created their own interpretations of the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly Choo Choo Train birthday cake. Each student designed a train carriage with an individual theme, resulting in a colourful and imaginative display of creativity and baking talent.

Students also produced Swiss roll cakes and marble cakes, showcasing the techniques and presentation skills they have been developing throughout the term.

It was particularly pleasing to see such strong engagement across the class, a fantastic achievement and a wonderful example of the talent and enthusiasm shown by all students involved. 👏

Ashley Forster

♛ Emerald’s Inaugural Chess Tournament a Huge Success ♛

Wednesday the 20^th of May, Emerald Secondary College proudly hosted its inaugural Chess Tournament, welcoming schools from across metropolitan Melbourne and beyond for an outstanding day of competition and connection.

Our students represented the college with exceptional sportsmanship, composure, and determination throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing as Zonal School Champions, an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.

Several students also earned individual accolades and qualified for the Regional Tournament:

• Brad K — High Distinction & Star of the Tournament
• James O-C — High Distinction, Year 11–12 Gold
• Riley W — Distinction, Year 11–12 Silver
• Jude P — Distinction, Year 9–10 Silver
• Liam S, Xavier H and Angus M — Regional Qualifiers

Beyond the outstanding results, one of the highlights of the day was seeing students build new friendships and connections with competitors from other schools between rounds. The atmosphere throughout the event was calm, respectful and incredibly positive.

A special thank you goes to Jay in Theatre for helping create such a warm and professional environment, with beautifully prepared staging and piano music throughout the day. Thank you also to Ethan and Pete in IT for producing the keepsakes presented to all participating students and schools.

We would also like to acknowledge Katie and the Interact Club, working alongside Rotary, for their fantastic efforts running concessions throughout the event, as well as our canteen staff for keeping everyone well fed and caffeinated during the day.

Finally, thank you to the many staff members who stopped by to support the students during the tournament. Your encouragement meant a great deal to the team.

Congratulations to all students involved on a truly memorable and successful day for Emerald Secondary College.

Jack Ryan & Matthew Powell
Chess Advisors
Supporting student-led strategy and community through chess

In partnership with student leaders Jude Penketh (President) and Elliot Goldsmith (Vice President)

Duke of Edinburgh

Woori Yallock Farm School

Library

The community reading wall is slowly filling up! We have a number of students now who love seeing their book titles up on the wall, and there’s a bit of a secret competition happening amongst some staff! It would be fantastic to see some of our wider community also contributing, and modelling excellent reading practices! Please take a minute to fill out this form and let us know what you’re currently reading.

I’ve been reading a lot of articles lately, about the ‘rise of the analogue’ media and it is painting a very interesting picture. Our young people are realising the value in being able to physically hold onto the things they purchase – vinyl records and CDs, DVDs and film, and books.

There is something about the smell and feel of a book in your hand, as you snuggle up over a dreary weekend and escape to the worlds and lives of the characters of imagination. Some of us are very happy to see that our young students are resisting the oversaturation and reliance on digital media and it’s fantastic to see that sales of physical books are up over the last twelve months.

I also wonder if this is part of the reason that our library is consistently becoming busier, as students stop to chat with me about what they are reading, and ask for recommendations. Of course, it could also be because the warmth and comfort of the library means that it is a better place to be as the rain and wind challenge our outdoors spaces!

The bonus here is that borrowing books from the library costs nothing but a bit of time – please encourage your student to reminisce in the world of the analogue – you could even frame it as resistance against the media moguls!

Welcome to Zak – our Library Technician!

Zak has recently started in the library with us, and his interest in anime and manga is supporting some great conversations with some of our younger readers also keen on that genre. Zak is in the library on Thursday and Friday and is always happy to have a chat and recommend something to read!

Bookweek is coming… welcome to our symphony of stories!

Just a reminder that our Bookweek competitions are up and running – we’ve already had some fantastic bookmark entries! Please encourage your students to enter – especially as there are some fantastic prizes on offer!

Recommendations

Ghost Bird, by Lisa Fuller (available in the Library)

Remember daughter, the world is a lot bigger than anyone knows. There are things that science may never explain. Maybe some things that shouldn’t be explained.

Stacey and Laney are twins – but as different to each other as the sun and the moon. When Laney disappears, Stacey refuses to believe that she’s just run off. As their grandmother’s stories haunt Stacey’s dreams, she worries whether or not she will be able to find her sister in time.

The Mark of Zorro, by Johnston McCulley

Having recently discovered that more books can be read if one listens to an audio book on the way to and from school, Ms Bon has made an effort to add a number of ‘classics’ to her “read books” pile. The latest of these is The Mark of Zorro. Originally published in 1919, there are some interesting views in this novel, however the swashbuckling defiance of Senor Zorro, as he fights for the disempowered and vulnerable, is irresistible and Ms Bon found that she thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Prue Bon

Teacher Librarian

From the Wellbeing Team

Jess, Stephanie and Marlo

Wellbeing Team

World’s Greatest Shave Brings Our Community Together

Our school community came together in a remarkable display of courage, compassion and generosity during this year’s World’s Greatest Shave event.

Three brave students volunteered to shave their heads in support of the Leukaemia Foundation, helping to raise an outstanding $1,631 for Australians impacted by blood cancer. A special congratulations goes to Luke Nicholls, who raised more than $1,200 individually and generously donated his long hair to support those experiencing hair loss due to medical treatment.

While the fundraising achievement was impressive, what stood out most was the overwhelming sense of community on the day. Students filled the quadrangle, staff gathered to show their support, and the atmosphere was one of encouragement, celebration and genuine care for others.

The event provided a powerful reminder of the positive impact young people can have when they work together for a meaningful cause. We are incredibly proud of Luke, Kaelan and Noah for their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and make a difference, and we thank all students, families and staff members who contributed through donations and support.

Together, our school community has helped raise awareness and funds for an important cause while demonstrating the values of empathy, leadership and service to others.

Katie Ryan

Student Connectedness/Marrung Lead

❄️ Senior Snow Trip – August 2026 ⛷️🏂

Students in Years 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to take part in a Senior Snow Trip this August, with a full day of downhill skiing and snowboarding planned for the Victorian snowfields.

The excursion package includes:

❄️ Coach transport
❄️ Lift tickets
❄️ Ski or snowboard hire
❄️ A beginner lesson
❄️ Mountain entry

This is a fantastic opportunity for both experienced and first-time snow visitors to enjoy a day on the slopes.

Places are limited, and a deposit of $85 is required by the end of Term 2 to secure a spot.

For further information, please see the excursion poster or speak with Marion Donders.

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