2026 Issue No. 7

Principal’s Message

The ‘busyness’ of our college

It’s quite astonishing to realise that we are in August, and planning and preparations have started for 2027 already. School programs, enrolments and staffing don’t just ‘appear’ – there is a lot of work to do.

Students in Years 7-11 are locking in their subject preferences for next year and they have been counselled by an expert team that chats and meets with every student to discuss pathways and curriculum offerings. There are some challenges we face, but we will endeavour to provide every student with their chosen subjects. If there is a low uptake in some subjects, they will not run, and students will be asked to pick something else.

As another quick summary, if any student in Year 10 wants a VCEVM pathway next year, an email was sent out to all the families about the requirements for this course – there are limited spots available and any student that is unsuccessful, will enrol into a straight VCE course.

I wanted to be very clear about that.

VCE home straight

 Our Year 12 students are working very hard to complete all their tasks and SACs for Unit 4 and VCEVM assessments.

The staff and the Senior School team are engaging students in extra sessions/seminars on exam preparation, health and wellbeing and extra study sessions and revision classes. These extra sessions have been well attended and we continue our cohort to continue to challenge themselves.

It’s important that regardless of the course, all our students always work at their highest level to achieve positive growth outcomes.

The saying that your ATAR or certificate will not define you is always true, but what’s wrong in doing your absolute best, not your absolute minimum, so that courses and opportunities can open up for you?

Attitude counts as well.

This is the story about studies, attitude, work, life – be your best version, all the time!

School culture, expectations and standards

We will never cease to set high standards for all our students. We must live our values of Respect, Resilience, Harmony and Excellence.

Every.

Single.

Day.

School culture is defined by seeing so many happy students, engaging positively with their learning, their teachers and their peers.

This is the expectation at Emerald Secondary College.

Most of our students conduct themselves with a sense of awareness, respect and understanding of the direction of our college and we celebrate this landscape.

There are some students who still require some support to be the best version of themselves, and we are always working with the parents to find solutions in targeted support. This may include, but not limited to:

• The Tutor support group
• Wellbeing meetings
• Regional support – as needed
• Celebration of pathways and new horizons

These interventions are necessary and provide guidance to all those students who require support in their learning and general demeanour, so that we can all work together to continue to grow our school.

The new G Block is happening! Jointly has landed!

Jointly, our new contractor has started work onsite!

How exciting! We were all in awe as the demo began, with a massive machine, making light work of concrete, asphalt, old shed and old fences.

We expect the building to be completed in about 12 months, ready for the tail end of the class of 2027 to move into.

James

College Principal

Assistant Principals’ Message

Why We Are Restructuring Our Middle Years Program

As previously communicated, Emerald Secondary College will be restructuring the Years 9 and 10 curriculum in 2027. This restructure has been designed to strengthen student achievement while continuing to provide opportunities for students to explore their interests.

Our School Review in March identified opportunities to improve the Middle Years program by increasing academic rigour, creating clearer pathways into VCE, reducing repeated electives, and improving consistency across subjects.

Our student data also highlighted the need for change. In 2025, only 35% of Year 9 and 38% of Year 10 students reported positive levels of stimulated learning in the Attitudes to School Survey. NAPLAN and VCE results also show the importance of strengthening literacy, numeracy and academic foundations throughout the Middle Years.

These changes will ensure students are better prepared for senior secondary studies and future pathways.

What will the new program look like?

The redesigned Middle Years program provides every student with a guaranteed curriculum while still allowing choice and personalisation.

Year 9

Students will study year long subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities
• Health
• Physical Education

Alongside these core studies, students will complete two semester based electives from the Visual and Performing Arts, Technology or Languages Domains, allowing them to explore new interests whilst developing practical skills.

Year 10

Students will continue studying English and Mathematics before selecting one subject from Humanities, Science and Health & Physical Education, together with one subject from the Visual and Performing Arts, Technology or Languages Domains. Students will then complete additional electives based on their interests and future aspirations.

Students wishing to challenge themselves will continue to have opportunities to undertake VCE acceleration or enrol in a VET (Vocational Education and Training) program.

What are the benefits for students?

The new structure has been carefully designed to:

• increase academic rigour and challenge
• strengthen alignment with the Victorian Curriculum
• guarantee curriculum coverage for every student
• improve literacy and numeracy outcomes
• provide greater consistency in teaching, assessment and reporting
• better prepare students for VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and VET pathways.

Ultimately, these changes will help improve student engagement, learning growth and academic achievement while ensuring every student enters Years 11 and 12 with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be successful.

Looking Ahead

Years 9 and 10 are pivotal years in a student’s education. The restructured Middle Years program provides strong academic foundations while maintaining opportunities for students to discover their interests, develop independence and begin shaping their future pathways.

Parents/Carers will be invited to attend subject selection information sessions at the College, and we look forward to working in partnership to support student aspirations.

School Wide Positive Behaviour

Our School Wide Positive Behaviour theme for this term is ‘Excellence’. During BEST classes, students will work through entry tasks that are designed to support students in promoting excellence through many facets of their life, from academics to personal growth.

One factor that we are considering throughout our SWPBS journey is our school ‘house system’. The SWPBS team are in the infancy stages of reviewing the house system and its purpose within our school. I invite members of our school community to reach out either via email, phone call, or a meeting at school. We would like to develop a strong understanding of what the house system means to Emerald Secondary College alumni. Please reach out to Mel Findlay if you have stories, memorabilia or history to share that should be considered prior to any re-development of our current house system. 

Emerald Secondary currently has six houses that are named after the founders of the school:

Hawley – Pink House

O’Neil – Green House

Hobbs – Yellow House

Geysen – Black House 

Jeffreys – Purple House

Greetham – Blue House

Students are currently recognised for their contributions to athletics, swim sports, and cross country. A part of our re-development will be considering the house system as a school wide system of recognition. We welcome feedback and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tiana Clayworth & Melissa Findlay

Assistant Principals

Years 9 & 10 Celebration Assembly

Our Year 9 and 10 Term 3 Wall of Fame! Congratulations to all of our hardworking students.

                              Jude Penketh                                                                      Chloe McKinsley                                                                   Chrissy Burgess     

Senior School Update – Term 3, Week 4

Term 3 has certainly hit the ground running, with plenty happening across our Senior School as students in Years 10–12 continue to work towards their goals and prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead.

Our Year 10 students have been looking to the future through course selection and pathway planning. As part of this process, students participated in the engaging Shape Your Destiny seminar delivered by Success Integrated. The interactive session challenged students to think deeply about their future, discover what motivates them and recognise that the choices they make today can shape the opportunities available to them tomorrow. It was fantastic to see students actively reflecting on their aspirations and beginning to plan with confidence and purpose.

For our Year 11 students, the focus has shifted towards preparing for their final year of school. Students are currently selecting their Year 12 subjects, beginning discussions around their final pathways and even working on the design of their Year 12 jumpers. It is an exciting time as they start to picture themselves as the leaders of our school next year, while continuing to chip away at the important work that will set them up for success this semester.

Our Year 12 students have now entered the final semester of their secondary schooling. For some, this brings nerves and uncertainty, while for others it is an exciting countdown to the finish line. Regardless of how they are feeling, one thing remains true: Term 3 is the foundation for success in the end of year examinations. There is still plenty of time to make a significant difference to outcomes, but it requires consistent effort, enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace every opportunity to learn. Every lesson attended, every practice question completed and every conversation with a teacher can make a meaningful impact. We encourage all of our students to stay focused, support one another and finish this journey with pride, knowing they have given their very best.

For our VCE VM and unscored students, the finish line is even closer, with their formal studies concluding at the end of Term 3. While their coursework will soon come to an end, we look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4 to celebrate their achievements alongside their Year 12 peers as they complete this important chapter of their schooling.

A wonderful highlight of the term was our High Achievers recognition lunch held on Friday 31 July. We were delighted to celebrate alongside parents, families and friends as we recognised 92 Senior School students who achieved 80% or above in one or more of their subjects. This outstanding achievement reflects a strong commitment to learning, consistent effort and a desire to achieve personal excellence. It was wonderful to see so many families join us in celebrating these students and acknowledging the dedication they have shown throughout the year.

As we move through the remainder of the term, I encourage all of our Senior School students to continue striving for improvement, supporting one another and making the most of every opportunity. Success is built through the small, consistent efforts made each day, and there is still so much to achieve before the year concludes.

Emily Hay

Head of Senior School

From the Science Team

Middle Years – Into the Mind

Middle Years students have launched into their Into the Mind unit by exploring the fascinating world of the brain and nervous system. As part of their learning, students created colourful ‘Brain Caps’, identifying and labelling the different lobes of the brain while investigating the important functions each one performs.

Year 11 Chemistry

Year 11 Chemistry students have been investigating acids and bases by creating their own natural pH indicators from red cabbage. Students tested a range of solutions and observed dramatic colour changes, demonstrating how indicators can be used to identify substances with different pH levels.

Ashley Forster

Head of Science

Performing Arts News

The Emerald Secondary College Music Department is excited to welcome Josh Clinch to our Instrumental Music team as our new Drum Teacher. We’re thrilled to have Josh join us and look forward to the experience, energy and expertise they will bring to our music program. 

Josh Clinch is an Australian drummer known for a powerful and versatile playing style built from over two decades behind the kit. With extensive experience across live performance, touring, and studio work, Josh brings a strong sense of feel, precision, and adaptability to every musical setting. Having performed throughout Australia as well as internationally across the USA, Europe, and the UK, Josh has developed a broad musical perspective shaped by a wide range of artists and genres. Alongside performance work, Josh is an active educator, providing drum tuition, transcriptions, and programming for musicians of all levels. With over a decade of teaching experience, he is passionate about helping others develop their technical ability, tune their musical awareness, and ultimately build their love of drums.

We currently have spaces available for drum lessons in Terms 3 and 4. If your child is interested in learning the drums or developing their existing skills, we’d love to have them involved.

To enrol, please complete an Instrumental Music Enrolment Form and return it to the College Office. 

Katrina Owen

Performing Arts – Music Domain Leader

Sporting Events

Regional Badminton

Eight of our Year 11 and 12 students proudly represented Emerald Secondary College at the Regional Badminton competition on Friday of Week 3.

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, determination and teamwork, giving their absolute best in every match. They represented the College with pride and should be commended for their positive attitude and commitment.

Congratulations to all students who competed—we are incredibly proud of your efforts and the way you represented Emerald Secondary College.

State Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to Connor and Zac, who proudly represented Emerald Secondary College at the State Cross Country Championships in Week 1 of Term 3.

Competing against the state’s best runners, both students delivered outstanding performances. Connor finished an impressive 41st in the state, while Zac crossed the line in 63rd place.

Reaching the state championships is a fantastic achievement in itself, and both students should be incredibly proud of their dedication, determination and the way they represented our college. Congratulations, Connor and Zac, on an outstanding result!

Yvonne Mauger

Sports Co-ordinator

Student Connectedness

Student Connectedness continues to provide our students with exciting opportunities to develop leadership, build confidence and make meaningful connections both within our school and the wider community.

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)

On Saturday the 1st of August, our Year 10 Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) team represented Emerald Secondary College with distinction, demonstrating professionalism, confidence and teamwork throughout the event.

After weeks of dedicated preparation, including researching global issues, writing position papers and refining debate strategies, Safi, Millie, Heidi, Ruby, Rose and Andrew stepped into the role of international delegates. Throughout the day, they engaged in thoughtful discussion and respectful debate while addressing complex international challenges.

Their commitment and hard work were recognised with the Encouragement Award. Adjudicators and the Surgeon General commended the team on the quality of their preparation, the depth of their position papers and their enthusiastic participation throughout the assembly.

Most importantly, our students represented the College with integrity, resilience and respect. They embraced every challenge, supported one another and demonstrated the values that make our school community proud.

Congratulations to Safi, Millie, Heidi, Ruby, Rose and Andrew on this outstanding achievement.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Emerald for your generous contribution to this activity. Our valued partnership continues to create incredible opportunities for our students, and we are grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to enriching their learning experiences.

Rotary Four-Way Test Public Speaking Competition

Applications are still open for Year 10 students interested in representing Emerald Secondary College in this year’s Rotary Four-Way Test Public Speaking Competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen their public speaking skills and represent the College within the local community.

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)

Thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Emerald, two ESC students will attend this year’s RYPEN camp from 18–20 September. The program brings together young people from across Victoria to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience and self-confidence through a range of engaging activities and challenges.

Celebrating Student Success in STEM

Congratulations to Kalana B (Year 10) and Janna R (Year 9) on their acceptance into two outstanding STEM enrichment programs.

Kalana will attend a three-day agricultural science workshop at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus, working alongside researchers and academics.

Janna has been selected to participate in a forensic science and biometrics workshop at KIOSC, Swinburne University, where she will gain hands-on experience exploring real-world applications of science and technology.

Interact Club Making a Difference

Our 23 Interact Club members from Years 7–10 continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to community service.

Current projects include volunteering with residents at Emerald Glades and organising a whole-school Dress Down Day on 21 August to raise funds for the Tenderfoot School Project.

Four of our student board members will also attend the Southern Region Multi-District Interact Conference in Camberwell on 10 August, where they will connect with Interact Clubs from across Victoria, develop their leadership skills and collaborate on future community initiatives.

Looking Ahead

At Emerald Secondary College, we are proud to provide opportunities that encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, discover new passions and make a positive impact in their communities.

If your child is interested in becoming involved in Student Connectedness programs, we encourage them to speak with Katie Ryan. New members are always welcome, and there are opportunities for students of all interests and experience levels.

Katie Ryan

Student Connectedness & Marrung Leader

Marrung

Yarra Ranges Tech School Koorie Aspirations Program

Seven of our Koorie students have been selected to participate in the Yarra Ranges Tech School Koorie Aspirations Program throughout August and September.

This four-day program is designed to inspire students through a unique blend of culture, STEM and career exploration. Working alongside First Nations mentors and industry professionals, students will participate in hands-on learning experiences, investigate emerging technologies and explore future education and career pathways while strengthening their cultural identity.

Program dates:

• Thursday 6th August
• Tuesday 1st September
• Tuesday 8th September
• Thursday 17th September

We are proud of our students for embracing this exciting opportunity and look forward to hearing about their experiences and celebrating their achievements as they share their learning with our school community.

Katie Ryan and Prue Bon

Marrung Lead Co-ordinators

Library

Welcome back to a new term in the Library!

We did some number crunching over the holidays, and it was interesting to see the results! No wonder we felt as though it was super busy!!

We welcome back Elizabeth Males to the Library on Thursday and Friday! Elizabeth finished year 12 with us last year and is now busy studying – but we are super happy to have her working with us in the Library as well!

Zak – our technician – is now working Monday – Wednesday. It’s fantastic to have Zak with us, as he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm about the inner workings of a Library!

Please drop in to the Library and say hi to the library staff – we love to have a chat with everyone and hear about what is being read!

Seed Library – supporting Science Week (15^th – 23^rd August)

Since the theme of this year’s Science Week is “Seeds of Knowledge”, we thought that a Seed Library might be a great way to support those budding scientists. We’re hoping to have the Seed Library up and running very soon, but we’d also like to ask if anyone has any seeds that they are willing to donate in order to help get it started, we’d be super appreciative!!

Donations can be dropped into the General Office. Please include your name so that we can say thank you!

Book Week is coming… August 23 – 28

Don’t forget that Friday August 28 will be the Book Week Costume Day – students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character, or something related to the theme of Book Week – Symphony of Stories. There will be a costume parade and opportunities for photos at lunchtime in the Library. And, of course, there will be prizes for some of our best-dressed students!

Costumes don’t need to be difficult to put together – utilise what you already have available to you or head to an Op Shop to see what you might be able to pick up second-hand for a bit of extra flair. We’ll be writing about some ideas for great costumes over the next few weeks!

There will also be plenty of other activities throughout this term – including Trivia, guessing games and BlackOut poetry. We’re also running a Slam Poetry session, so if you have a budding poet or songwriter, please encourage them to write and perform something new! Keep an eye out on Compass for the complete calendar of events, but please encourage your student to visit the Library for more details.

Bookweek Bookmark Competition – Voting is now open!

The bookmark entries have been submitted and are now on display for voting. Remember that the winning bookmark will be printed, so everyone can use it! Vote now for your favourite.

Bookweek Reading Challenge

The Reading Challenge is still open until August 21^st, so there is plenty of time to read and enter. Complete all the challenges, fill out the entry form and drop it into the Library for your chance to win an amazing book-ish prize pack!

Recommendations

Golden, by Jade Timms (available in the Library)

Shortlisted for the CBCA Older Readers prize, this book is Ms Bon’s pick to take out the win!

Eddie is surrounded by friends and family, but she’s a bit stuck in the past. Something happened a few summers ago, and she can’t talk about it. Until she meets Howl and begins to understand that talking helps you to find your way out of the darkness.

 Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson

This swashbuckling classic is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering how Jim Hawkins will escape from the pirates and defeat Long John Silver!

Prue Bon

Teacher Librarian

Duke of Edinburgh

Woori Yallock Farm School

Staff Profile