2026 Issue No. 8

Principal’s Message

School Culture – it takes a village

The College will introduce a new policy for learning.

This is at its discussion stage and will be distributed for wider community consultation. At its core, there will be clear expectations for our students, our teachers and support from our parents.

The proposal will include:

1. Learners at the core
2. Teachers at the core as instructional leaders AND learners
3. Parental support
4. Less tech time
5. Guaranteed and viable curriculum
6. Lesson plans to guide instruction
7. Homework expectation

Whilst the details are very much in the early stages of development, we intend to shift the academic emphasis of our college to a higher level.

A shift in our focus will also see our language move from Teaching and Learning to Learning and Teaching – we are all learners! We want to build a better culture around our love for learning. We want to build academic rigour, literacy and numeracy stamina and less disruption in classes.  

For the most part, our students do the right thing and stay attentive to their learning.

We celebrate a positive environment, we celebrate academic achievements, we celebrate diversity, we celebrate small wins in our students’ lives all the time – that’s who we are.

We also celebrate and look forward to calm, orderly environments. Sometimes, some students forget about their role in this bigger picture expectation and their lapse will be supported with discussions, education, awareness and understanding of the values of the College….and sometimes, there will be sanctions.

The key to this message is that parents will always be informed and Learning Engagement Leaders will always work with our community to establish positive, respectful discourse and a solution focussed outcome.

It takes a village.

Parent Teacher Conferences

It was great to see so many parents at our P/T conferences. Teachers were thrilled to chat to parents and there were plenty of positive meetings. We will endeavour to maintain our P/T conferences on site, as it creates a more personable environ.

The class of 2026…

The class of 2026 are entering their final few weeks of their secondary schooling. There are still SACs to complete, projects to finalise and competencies that need to be completed. Our wonderful staff are working harder than ever to help our students achieve their personal best – it’s a two way street! Students must realise that they must do ALL the work, and then some, to achieve their aspirant goals.

There are celebrations planned within the College and we expect our cohort to finish their year well, with good humour, friendliness and full of class. It is imperative that there is an understanding that other year levels are yet to complete the year.

Ms Hay, our Head of Senior School and all the Senior School team, will finalise details shortly and we will share this information with you as soon as possible.

We love Jointly

Our commissioned builder is really cracking on! The building envelope is nearing completion for the pouring of footings and the slab. The builder needs to navigate through plumbing, electricity, ICT, etc etc…

They’re telling us that they’re hoping for an August completion date, but they readily admit supply issues.

It’ll look amazing! We love Jointly!!!

2026 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey

Thank you to the parents have responded. If you have an invitation to participate, can you please click on the link and do so? This survey allows us to prepare and support our community in growing our school for all. The survey is open until the last day of this term – Friday, 18^th of September.

James

College Principal

Assistant Principals’ Message

Year 12 – The Final Stretch

Year 12 students are now entering the final stages of secondary education with Unit 4 coming to an end. With this, focus will be shifted to exam preparation, practice exams and finally the VCAA examinations.

This time in a student’s life is important and often demanding, due to this we encourage students to ensure that they are balancing their study with rest, exercise and time to focus on their wellbeing. At the same time, it is important that students are developing consistent study routines at home.

During preparation students should prioritise practice exams and teacher feedback. Practice exams will provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge under exam conditions, identify areas for further revision and become familiar with the format of VCAA exams. Students are encouraged to seek teacher feedback and use it to guide their future study.

Upcoming masterclasses will also provide valuable opportunities for students to consolidate their knowledge and further prepare. However, exam preparation should be well underway.

Students can prepare by:

• Completing practice questions and past papers.
• Revise key knowledge and skills.
• Identify areas of weakness and seek assistance from teachers.
• Review teacher feedback and apply it to future responses.
• Develop a realistic study timetable.

Whilst these tips have a focus on Year 12 VCAA exams they should be utilised by all students in order to develop healthy study habits.

Looking Ahead – Homework and Study Habits

Emerald Secondary College is currently investigating ways to strengthen our approach to homework. Our aim is to better prepare students for the increasing demands of senior study while gradually building the independence and study habits that will support them.

Meaningful homework is designed for students to revisit and strengthen what they have learnt in class, whilst also gradually building independence and time management skills.

We are keen to hear thoughts on homework from our community. In upcoming newsletter, we will be providing further updates and invite feedback from teachers, students and families as we work towards developing an approach that best support student learning.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Extending a very warm thank you to our school community. Following years of online parent teacher conferences, it was wonderful to see the school humming with parents and students. From our perspective, we feel the face-to-face model strengthens connections between the school and families within our community. Please send any feedback around this model to Mel Findlay by calling 5968 5388, or via email at [email protected]

Student \ Teacher Communication

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

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

Wellbeing links

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

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

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

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

Support numbers for young people

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

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

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

Headspace: 1800 367 968

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

Tiana Clayworth

Assistant Principal – Learning, Teaching & Professional Learning

Melissa Findlay

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Engagement

Senior School Update

Approaching the end of Term 3, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the progress our Senior School students have made throughout the term. While the term has brought its challenges, our students have continued to persevere and show commitment to their learning.

As we head into the upcoming break, we encourage all students to take the opportunity to recharge and reset, while also being mindful of the importance of using the holidays purposefully.

For our Year 12 students, the upcoming weeks are particularly important as they move into the final stages of their VCE studies and prepare for their exams. The holidays provide a valuable opportunity to consolidate learning, address areas of need and establish strong study routines ahead of the final weeks of the year.

Our Year 11 students are encouraged to maintain their study habits over the break. Continuing to engage with their learning, complete set work and establish consistent routines will help them prepare for the transition into Year 12. All holiday homework and study required to be completed for each subject will be distributed in week 10.

For our Year 10 students, the holidays provide an opportunity to reflect on their progress this year, continue building positive learning habits and begin thinking about their goals and aspirations for Year 11 and beyond. In BEST this week Mr Gale held a panel presentation, where high-achieving Year 11s discussed positive study habits and work ethic and how students can prepare themselves for Year 11 and 12.

We encourage all students to find a balance between study, family, friends, recreation and rest. Small, consistent efforts over the holidays can make a significant difference when students return to school.

We wish all of our Senior School students and their families a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a busy and important Term 4.

Important Term 4 Dates and Information

Year 12

• VCE VM and unscored students: Students who have completed all required coursework and assessment to a satisfactory standard and have maintained the required attendance will finish at the end of Term 3. Students will be required to be signed off by their teachers before finishing. Students who have outstanding requirements will need to continue attending in Term 4 until these are completed.

Term  4

• Week 1: Monday 5^th – Thursday 8^th October: Year 12 Practice Exams. Students are required to attend school for their scheduled exams only. Students are welcome to work from the library outside of their exam times and access teachers and peers for support and study.
• Thursday 8^th – Thursday 15^th October: Classes will continue as per the regular timetable.
• Week 2- Friday 16^th October: Year 12 Celebration Breakfast and Final Assembly. All Year 12 students are expected to attend. Students will be dismissed at approximately 11:30 am. Theme of the day TBC.
• Week 3 – Monday 19^th October – Thursday 22^nd October: Masterclasses and timed practice exams. Full-time attendance is expected each day.
  • Friday 23^rd October: Exam preparation: onsite or offsite

Year 11

• Year 11 students completing a Year 12 subject: Students should prioritise their Year 12 Practice Exams and Master classes around their Year 11 commitments. Further information will be provided to students as required.
• Year 11 Exams: Week 7 Monday 16^th – Friday 20^th November
• Year 11 into Year 12 Kickstart: Week 8 Monday 23^rd – Friday  27^th November

Year 10

• Year 10 Exams: Week 8/9 Monday 23^rd November – Tuesday 1^st November
• Year 10 into Year 11 Kickstart:  Week 9: Wednesday 2^nd & Thursday 3^rd December

Supporting your child over the holidays

Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting students to develop positive learning habits and maintain a healthy approach to their studies. Here are some practical ways you can support your child over the break:

1. Create a positive learning environment
   Encourage your child to have a quiet, organised space where they can complete their study without unnecessary distractions.
2. Establish a routine
   A consistent routine helps students maintain good habits. Encourage regular study periods while also allowing plenty of time for rest and recreation.
3. Encourage effective study habits
   Encourage students to use active study strategies such as practice questions, flashcards, summarising key ideas and testing themselves rather than simply rereading notes.
4. Encourage independence
   Show an interest in what your child is learning and ask about their progress, while allowing them to take responsibility for completing their own work and managing their time.
5. Help with organisation
   Encourage students to use their calendar, planner or digital tools to keep track of upcoming deadlines, assessments and study goals.
6. Encourage them to ask for help
   Remind students that seeking feedback and asking questions is an important part of learning. Teachers are available to support students when they return to school.
7. Recognise effort and progress
   Celebrate the small wins. Acknowledging consistent effort, improvement and persistence can help build confidence and motivation.
8. Promote healthy habits
   Sleep, nutrition, physical activity and downtime are all important. Encourage your child to maintain a healthy balance throughout the holidays.
9. Set realistic goals
   Encourage students to identify a few achievable goals for the holidays rather than trying to complete everything at once. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can make study more manageable.
10. Be patient and supportive
    The Senior School years can be demanding. A calm, supportive approach can help students manage challenges and maintain perspective.

Every student is different, and what works for one student may not work for another. The most important thing is helping your child develop routines and strategies that allow them to feel organised, confident and ready to learn.

Emily Hay

Head of Senior School

Junior School

Term 3 Update

It has been a busy and productive Term 3 in the Junior School, and it has been fantastic to see our student’s showing resilience as they work through what can be a challenging and demanding term.

Our recent Year 8 Big Day Out was a great success, with students embracing the opportunity to get involved, challenge themselves and spend time together outside of the classroom. A big thank you Mr McRae our staff for their organisation and support in making the day such a positive experience.

Our Year 9 students also recently attended a day at Swinburne TAFE, participating in a range of hands-on workshops and learning more about future study options, career pathways and opportunities beyond secondary school.

As we move through the remainder of the term, we encourage parents and carers to continue supporting students with some of the basics that make a big difference to their learning. Please remind students to wear the correct school uniform, bring all required learning materials to class, and ensure their school computer is fully charged each day. Being prepared and ready to learn helps students make the most of every lesson.

There is also plenty to look forward to! Our Year 7 Zoo excursion is coming up next week, followed by the Year 9 Camp at the beginning of Term 4. These are fantastic opportunities for students to build connections, develop independence and demonstrate our school values of Respect, Resilience, Excellence and Harmony.

Anthony Craig

Junior School Leader

From the Science Team

Science Week

Middle Years – Into the Mind

Middle Years Into the Mind students completed their brain dissection this week, providing a fascinating hands-on opportunity to connect their learning with real-world anatomy.

The dissection coincided with their study of neurons, including a creative neuron modelling task, as well as their exploration of traumatic brain injuries. It was a valuable week of learning, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the brain and nervous system.

Year 8 Science – Electrical Circuits

This week, our Year 8 Science students with Mr Saliba, put their problem-solving skills to the test by constructing electrical circuits during a power outage.

Despite having no electricity in the classroom, students used batteries, wires, switches and globes to build and test their own working circuits. They explored how electrical energy flows through a complete circuit and investigated what happens when different components are connected.

It was fantastic to see students working collaboratively, thinking creatively and adapting to an unexpected challenge. Well done to our Year 8 scientists for keeping the learning going, even when the power wasn’t!

Ashley Forster

Head of Science

2026 ESC School Production

Tales of the Night Sky

Our Year 7–12 Performing Arts students recently delighted audiences with Tales of the Night Sky, a captivating production featuring a series of imaginative scenes brought to life under the night sky.

Written by Peter McKenzie, the production was a wonderful showcase of student creativity, talent and leadership. Students took responsibility for all aspects of the production, including performance, directing, stage management and technical production.

The dedication, collaboration and enthusiasm demonstrated by our students throughout the production was fantastic to see. Congratulations to everyone involved in creating such a memorable and successful performance. We are incredibly proud of the skills, confidence and commitment our Performing Arts students displayed.

Peter McKenzie

Performing Arts – Drama

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. 

Hilltop Music Festival

Our Year 12 VCE Music students are excited to be performing at the Hilltop Music Festival on Sunday 13th of September.

Students will take to the Log Cabin Stage from 12pm, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase their musical talents alongside a fantastic line-up of local performers.

The festival will be held at Ferny Creek Reserve / Corhanwarrabul and is a family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, stalls, activities, art and a silent auction.

Festival details:
📅 Sunday 13 September
⏰ 11am–7pm
📍 Ferny Creek Reserve
🎟️ Adults $20 | Students $10 | Children 12 and under free

We encourage our families to come along, enjoy the festival and support our talented Year 12 musicians.

Katrina Owen

Performing Arts – Music Domain Leader

Let’s Get Baking 🍰🍋

Students in Let’s Get Baking have been exploring the role and functions of eggs in baking. To put their learning into practice, they finished the unit this week by making delicious lemon meringue pies.

Students developed their practical skills by carefully separating eggs and whipping the egg whites to create light, fluffy meringues. It was wonderful to see their confidence and skills develop throughout the process, and the finished pies were a fantastic success!

Well done to all our budding bakers!

Focaccia Bread Art

This week, students in Let’s Get Baking completed their study of yeast breads with a creative take on traditional Italian focaccia.

Using a selection of fresh vegetables and herbs, students designed their own beautiful focaccia bread art, creating colourful and delicious edible flower gardens. This activity allowed students to put their knowledge of yeast breads into practice while exploring creativity, presentation and food preparation skills.

The finished creations looked fantastic and, most importantly, tasted delicious!

Scroll down to see our talented students and their wonderful focaccia creations. 

Ashley Forster

🏔️ Mount Buller Adventure! 🎿

Our Senior School students enjoyed a fantastic day at Mount Buller on Friday the 7th of August, making the most of the snow and embracing the opportunity to learn and have fun on the mountain.

Following an early 5am departure, students began the day with a lesson on the slopes before enjoying lunch and an afternoon to explore and experience the mountain. The group arrived home around 9pm, tired after a big day, but full of wonderful memories and stories to share.

A special thank you to Miss Donders for organising such a fantastic experience, and to all the staff who generously gave their time and support to make the day possible.

Most importantly, congratulations to our students, who represented Emerald Secondary College so positively and made the day such a memorable experience for everyone.

A wonderful day was had by all! ❄️⛷️🏔️

Anthony Craig

Head of Junior School

Creating Opportunities: Student Connectedness in Term 3

Term 3 has been an incredibly busy one at Emerald Secondary College, with students stepping forward to lead, serve, speak, represent our college and connect with opportunities beyond the school gates.

At the heart of our Student Connectedness work is a simple belief: schools should create opportunities for young people. Sometimes those opportunities happen in the classroom, but just as often, they happen when a student is encouraged to try something new, meet someone different, take a leadership role or discover something they did not know they were capable of.

We began the term with students being offered the opportunity to connect with our wider community, including a school community offer to attend Hawthorn versus Essendon at the MCG.

On 1 August, six ESC students represented Türkiye at the Model United Nations Assembly in Warragul. Safi, Millie, Heidi, Ruby, Rose and Andrew spent time researching, preparing and learning how to represent the interests of another nation before taking their place alongside students from other schools. Their efforts were recognised with an Encouragement Award. Even better, the opportunity did not end there. Heidi and Millie were later invited to Emerald Rotary to speak about their experience, giving them another chance to build their confidence and public speaking skills while representing our College in the community.

Our partnership with Emerald Rotary has continued to open doors for students throughout the term. Year 10 students have been invited to participate in the Rotary Four-Way Test Public Speaking Competition, while two ESC students will also be sponsored by Emerald Rotary to attend the RYPEN leadership camp at Mount Martha in September. These opportunities allow our students to develop leadership and communication skills while building relationships with adults and organisations beyond school.

Our Interact Club has also continued to grow as a genuine student leadership space. Rather than simply participating in activities organised for them, students are increasingly taking responsibility for deciding what they want to support and how they want to make it happen. The Interact Student Board, made up of Charlee (President), Millie (Vice President), Lachie (Secretary) and Lowan (Treasurer) travelled to the District Interact Conference, partaking in networking and brainstorming sessions with over 100 other Interactors from across Victoria. They presented to the group and were well received by their peers!

In August, Interact students supported the Tenderfoot School through our Dress as a Duo Day, inviting students and staff to participate with a gold coin donation. The Club has also been busy preparing for R U OK? Day on 10 September, with students considering how we can combine awareness and connection to support mental health initiatives. See photos below.

We have also continued to share opportunities that allow students to explore possible futures. Years 9 to 11 students were invited to apply for the fully subsidised Spark Engineering Camp, where successful applicants will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM workshops, visit university campuses and explore engineering workplaces.

What I am most proud of this term is not the number of events on the calendar. It is seeing students beginning to recognise that there is a place for them in our wider community.

A student might discover that they can speak confidently in front of a room. Another might realise that leadership can look like service. Someone else might discover an interest in engineering, community work or advocacy that they had never considered before.

These opportunities matter because connection matters.

Thank you to our families, staff and community partners, particularly Emerald Rotary, for continuing to support our students in saying yes to opportunities. Most importantly, thank you to the students who continue to step forward, have a go and represent Emerald Secondary College with such enthusiasm.

There is plenty more to come.

Duo Day

Katie Ryan

Student Connectedness & Marrung Leader

♛ Chess Team Shines at Kingswood Tournament ♛

Our Chess Team recently competed in a tournament hosted by Kingswood College, achieving an impressive 5th place overall.

A special congratulations goes to Liam Sharp, who was our highest-placed player, finishing 23rd out of 107 students, an excellent individual result in a highly competitive field.

We also congratulate Elliot Goldsmith, who scored an impressive 4.5 points, earning him a place at the Regional Tournament on the 10th of September at Viewbank College. Elliot will be joined by seven of his fellow chess teammates, who have also qualified for the next stage of the competition.

Adding to the excitement, our team recorded a memorable victory over the host school, Kingswood College.

We are incredibly proud of all our students who represented the school with skill, determination and sportsmanship. Their commitment and enthusiasm for chess continue to be a wonderful source of pride for our school community.

Well done to our Chess Team on a fantastic tournament! 

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)

JLTAV Junior Speech Competition

Congratulations to year 7 students Lachlan A and Harrison G, who represented Emerald Secondary College at the annual Japanese Language Teachers Association of Victoria (JLTAV) Junior Speech Competition on Sunday, 30 August.

The competition provides students from schools across Victoria with the opportunity to deliver speeches in Japanese against other students in their respective year levels.

Both Lachlan and Harrison have demonstrated a wonderful commitment to their Japanese language learning, working hard both at home and during lunchtimes at school to practise and refine their speeches in preparation for the competition, their dedication, confidence and enthusiasm for Japanese are commendable. We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their language skills and embrace future opportunities in Japanese.

Yann Leong

LOTE – Japanese

Library

Book Week was a resounding success this year, with a visit from author, Karys McEwan and some wonderful performances from some of our music students, as well as some excellent costumes!

We’d love to say thank you to everyone who supported Book Week this week, but especially to all the students who participated in the wide range of activities. You’ll find a list below of all our winners!

Abigail G

Reece B 

Lowan B 

Reece H 

Isobel L

Elliot G 

Heidi M 

Charlotte R 

Ben W 

Xavier H 

Tori M

Bella W 

Sophie F 

Isobel P – bookmark winner

Cooper R – bookmark winner

Harrison G – costume winners! 

Eliza W & her dalmations – costume runners-up

Onto planning for next year!

Prue Bon

Teacher Librarian

Sporting Events

Year 8 Interschool Sport

More than half of our Year 8 students represented Emerald Secondary College at interschool basketball and soccer last week, making for a fantastic day of competition, teamwork and school spirit.

Every team managed to secure at least one win, with our students demonstrating great effort and sportsmanship throughout the day.

A special congratulations to our Year 8 Boys A Basketball team, who won the day and have now qualified to compete at Regionals in October. This is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reward for their hard work and commitment.

We would also like to recognise our Year 7 boys and girls who stepped up to make up numbers in our Year 8 soccer teams. Their willingness to help out and represent the College is greatly appreciated.

Well done to all of our students who competed and represented Emerald Secondary College. We are very proud of the way you embraced the opportunity and demonstrated such wonderful teamwork and school spirit.

Senior Boys Basketball

It was a great day of basketball for our Senior Boys, with both teams securing some well-earned wins throughout the competition. A special congratulations to our Year 11 team, who finished 3rd overall, a fantastic achievement! 

Yvonne Mauger

Sports Co-ordinator

Marrung

Marrung at Emerald Secondary College: Culture, Community and Connection

Throughout 2026, our Marrung initiatives at Emerald Secondary College have continued to grow, creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to connect with culture, community and one another.

At the heart of this work is a simple idea: connection matters.

Our students have participated in a range of experiences throughout the year, beginning with the Koorie Big Day Out in March. This gave students an opportunity to come together, build relationships and connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people beyond our college.

In April, we held a Yarning Circle at ESC, creating another space for students to gather, talk and strengthen connections within our school community.

During Reconciliation Week, students also participated in our Reconciliation event at Hills Hub. Bringing students, staff and members of our wider community together provided an opportunity to learn, listen and build relationships outside the traditional classroom setting.

Throughout the year, our students have also participated in the Koorie Aspirations Program. Across four sessions, students have explored design, STEM, culture and Aboriginal ways of knowing and learning, including the Eight Ways framework. The program has given students the opportunity to explore their strengths and aspirations while connecting with people, organisations and possibilities beyond school.

We have continued to build connections with external organisations and programs, including KGI REAL and opportunities through Swinburne University, helping our students access experiences that broaden their understanding of what might be possible for their futures. Next up, Marrung students invite an ESC friend along to join them on a day out on 15 September!

One of the most encouraging outcomes has been seeing more students choose to participate. Engagement in our Marrung initiatives has increased by approximately 30% from 2025 to 2026.

That growth is something worth celebrating.

It represents more students coming together, more connections being formed and more opportunities for our young people to engage with culture and community.

Thank you to the students, families, staff, community members and organisations who have contributed to Marrung at ESC this year. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, time and generosity shared with our students, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen these connections.

Katie Ryan and Prue Bon

Marrung Lead Co-ordinators

Inclusion

There has been a lot happening in Inclusion as always! Our students have been busy creating, connecting, learning and, most importantly, having fun.

Students recently worked together to create a mural, showcasing their amazing artistic flair. In each handprint, you can really see each student’s personality shining through!

Our colouring competitions are always a hit, with students colouring their hearts out to win the weekly prize! So far, we’ve had David Bowie, the World Cup, Fathers day/Special Persons Day and, with a little help from chatbot, even turned photos of our Inclusion Team into colouring-in pages which gave everyone a giggle.

We’ve also enjoyed games such as “Who’s Dog Is This?” and “Who Is This Student?” We’ve tackled some of life’s biggest questions too, including the age-old debate: Does pineapple belong on pizza? The answer was a very clear YES! It was a landslide!

Our amazing ILAs have been providing lots of one-on-one support, particularly helping our incredible Year 12 VM students get over the line. They have worked incredibly hard, and we are so proud of everything they have achieved.

There is always something happening in L Block:

• Monday: Lego Club
• Wednesday: Our friends from ECHO join us with games, hot chocolates, activities and all the good vibes!
• Wednesday: Create, Reflect & Breathe – a mindfulness and journalling group
• Thursday: Magic Club with Airlie
• Friday: Dungeons & Dragons

🐜 Aiden’s Ant Farm

Aiden’s ant farm is doing fantastically! Antonio and Grant are thriving in there, and Aiden’s weekly ant facts are always insightful and interesting.

Did you know there are more than 10,000 species of ants around the world? Leafcutter ants are actually fungus farmers – they grow fungus using the leaves they collect!

Check out Aiden’s ant wall for even more fascinating facts, or ask Aiden himself – he is a wealth of ant knowledge!

🐾 The Pet Wall

Our Pet Wall is continuing to grow! Staff and students have been sharing pictures of their pets, providing a little bit of comfort and joy, especially on the harder days.

Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes looking at some furry faces to lift your mood!

If you would like your pet added to the wall, speak to Sam.

The wellbeing wardrobe is really low, any jackets or rugby jumpers would be greatly appreciated if you have any to spare.

Wellbeing are excited to announce that Dr Dan’s will be commencing at our school in the coming weeks! We are thrilled to be partnering with Dr Dan’s and look forward to making access to convenient, health appointments easier for our student community.

A fantastic benefit of this partnership is that all student appointments will be bulk billed, helping to make accessing healthcare as simple, accessible and cost-free for families.

Coming Soon…

One of our talented students is currently working on a sign for the Inclusion Office, and we are so excited to see the finished product!

Kate Norman & Sam Streader

Inclusion Leader & Inclusion Administrator

Staff Profile

First Aid

Selina Rose

First Aid Officer

Community News