Principal - Jodie DobleCollege Council President - Phillip DwyerAssistant Principal - Jonathon RogersActing Assistant Principal - Janine McMahonBusiness Manager - Jayne Thompson

Emerald Secondary CollegeFortnightly NewsletterEmerald Secondary College is a Learning Community

Term 4 - 2018:19th December 2018 Issue 21Important Dates:Every Thursday: Homework Club 3.20pm - 4.30pm in the Library

DECEMBERTue 18th-Thu 20th: Environmental Clean up Days - buses will continuetorununtilThu20th Dec.attheirnormaltimes

JANUARY 2019Wed 30th: First day of School for Yr 7 and Yr 12’sThu 31st: All students return to school. Classes begin today.

In this Issue:• From the Principal• Assistant Principals’ Report• CongratulationstoallStudentsfrom

the Class of 2018• UpdateonInformationfor2019Yr12

Students• OrientationDay• Primary School AFL Clinics • Second-hand Textbook Trading• Sustainable School Shop• School Holiday Program 2019• Non Perishable Food Drive• Girl Guide Pop Up Day• Rotary Debutante Ball• Shoes with a Purpose• Cockatoo Tennis Club 2019 Events

From the Principal:VCE SuccessThis week we received all our students’ VCE results. Over the last three years, our College leadership team and staff have put in place a number of strategies to help all our students achieve their personal best.

We have continued to maintain our high median in-line with the State median, and this year our students excelled in gaining scores over 40. Each study is scored out of a maximum 50 with 25 being the median so to gain a 40 is wonderful. Our College surpassed the State with 7.7% of all Year 12 Study scores above 40 and 23% of students ATARs were 80 or above.

The ATAR is calculated by combining all study scores and then through a state level statistical moderation process allocated to students based on the year’s SAC and final exam scores.

Our high scoring students have been offered scholarships, including Kiya who has been offered one to undertake a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours and a Master of Advanced Engineering Pathway Program (Monash University), valued at over $30,000.

Our College Dux, Chloe Nicholas, achieved an ATAR of 98.1, including study scores of 49, 48 and 47. Chloe completed studies in English, Business Management, Legal Studies, Further Maths, Ancient History and Literature.

Well done again to all of our students on such fantastic results. I would also like to thank all our families for supporting their child’s study, and all our Leadership team and teaching staff for their dedication to help our students achieve their personal best.

Teaching and LearningThis week all our staff have been busy planning and preparing their lessons and resources for 2019. Staff have been working collaboratively in teams to ensure that our lessons are consistent and engaging for our students.

The College Leadership team have also met to plan the goals for 2019 with the development of the 2019 Annual Implementation Plan. A plan we aim will engage all our staff and students to help us to continue our school improvement and see students learning continue to grow with the clear goal ‘To continue to improve learning outcomes for all students across the curriculum’.

The Education Department collates data and this week, along with the Leadership team, I reviewed our year’s teaching and learning to plan continued improvement for all our students in the upcoming year. I would like to share the following data.

‘Similar’ schools are from across the state, ‘Network’ school those within our area, and we are the gold highlighted school. At the time of review, the current outstanding VCE data had not been released.

Welcome to our Grade 6 cohortLast week, we formally welcomed the new parents and families of the current Grade 6 cohort into the ESC family. I would like to thank Ms Rebecca Holmes for organising this information session, and all our wonderful staff for attending and supporting the evening.

It was a wonderful evening with student guest speakers and musical talents to enhance the welcome for our new families. It was standing room only, and it was a pleasure to see so many families interested in our College and their child’s future education at Emerald Secondary College.

Following our information evening, all our new students spent the day with us as part of their orientation and introduction to Emerald Secondary College. The new students met their home groups and took part in a number of classes with our teachers. When I visited classes it was wonderful to see all the Grade 6 students engaged in their learning and speak about their favourite part of the day. Although the cafeteria was a hit at lunchtime, students enjoyed activities in the Art room, Science labs, Gym and Japanese classrooms to name just a few activities. Many thanks to all our students and staff for making this such a welcoming and enjoyable day.

Annual Awards EveningOn Tuesday 18th December, we held our whole school Annual Awards Evening in our College Gym. The event was opened by our college concert band led by the wonderful Ms Melissa Knowles with the amazing additions of Ayden Gadsden’s solo performance and our fantastic Stage Band led and supported by Mr Ross Crowley and Ms Emilie Wendt.

As a Principal, the Annual Awards evening is one of the many highlights of my role. It was wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate with our College Community the pinnacle of what our students and college community have achieved throughout the year. It was also an honour to be able to officially recognise our 2019 College Dux, Chloe Nicholas, with an outstanding VCE result and an ATAR of 98.01.

Providing the best for our school community is our goal and we are all really very proud to be a part of Emerald Secondary College. I would like to congratulate all the recipients of the

awards, and encourage all our students in 2019 to work to achieve their personal best.

We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors for their ongoing support and contributions to our College and our Annual Presentation Night.

It is wonderful to have such strong community partnerships where our local businesses and community groups recognise and help celebrate the successes of our students, and our College. I would also like to thank our local Emerald and District Primary Principals and staff for continuing the support of our students this evening.

On behalf of the College I would like to personally thank Ms Janine McMahon for her organisation and coordination of Presentation Night. Mr Edwards for leading staging, sound and lighting supported by Blaise, Mr Rundle, Mr Rogers and all our staff for assisting with the evening. I would like to thank Ms Sharon Nagel and Ms Jayne Thompson for their amazing behind the scenes organisation of trophies, sponsorship, programs and certificates. I would also like to thank all our hard working staff for providing the varied and many opportunities for our students that go above and beyond the classroom, and for supporting each and every student in achieving their personal best.

Finally, I would like to thank you, all our parents and families, for attending this evening showing their continued support for our students and our College as a whole.

End of YearThis week marks the end of the official school year with environmental duties scheduled until 21st December.

The EOY Activities organised by Ms Sarah Trounson and supported by all our staff have offered a range of exciting or interesting opportunities for all our students. Thank you to all our families, students and staff for supporting this wonderful end of year program.

It has been a very busy but productive year and to wrap up, I would like to thank our whole community for their effort, dedication and support of our College throughout the year.

Assistant Principals ReportKick StartOur two week College Kickstart program has just concluded. This was a time where students were able to embark on their studies for 2019, meet their new teachers and classes allowing for a smooth transition after the Christmas break.

Hopefully students will have set themselves up with their study routines and homework which will allow them to hit the ground running in 2019.

Orientation DayIt was fantastic to see the newest members of the college on Tuesday when we held our Grade 6 into Year 7 Orientation Day. Each year it is amazing to see the fresh, young and inquisitive faces as they begin their journey through secondary school. We are looking forward to working with them over the next 6 years.

CongratulationsRecently I congratulated our outgoing Year 12 cohort. I appreciated their support of the school and its principles and wished them the very best of luck for the future. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our Year 7 cohort who have successfully navigated their first year of secondary school. Every journey starts with a step and we, as a school community, are there to help. Well done.

BYODA reminder that Emerald Secondary College is moving to a BYOD program in 2019. Further information can be found on the college website athttps://www.emeraldsc.vic.edu.au/curriculum/byod/

UniformIt is important to remind parents and students of our uniform requirements for 2019. The Year 7 and Year 8 students are required to wear the new uniform and not mix it with any of the old uniform items. Students in Years 9 and above can continue wearing the old uniform but as they need to replace items they may need to purchase the new uniform. Students cannot wear a mixture of both uniforms. Year 9 students moving into Year 10 can continue wearing their current uniform or purchase new items as required. We still have some items of the old uniform for sale, these can be purchased through the school although sizing may be limited.

Buildings Grounds and OHSWe have recently upgraded parts of our speaker system. This is particularly useful for our emergency management procedures. Over the Christmas break and before the return of students we will continue to make as many improvements as possible.

A final thank you to all parents, students and members of the college community who have helped to welcome me this year. I know there are times when our conversations are out of necessity; however, I also appreciate that we have been able to remain solution focused. Merry Christmas.Jonathon Rogers - Assistant PrincipalJanine McMahon - Acting Assistant Principal

2019 Student Start DatesA reminder to everyone that Wednesday 30th January is the start date for Year 7 and Year 12 only. This has been organised to assist our Year 7 students and Year 12 students into their studies. Thursday 31st January is the whole school start day where Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 students will commence 2019.

Have a safe and happy break and we will see you all in 2019.Jodie Doble - Principal

UpdateOnInformationFor2019Year12StudentsOur students are to be commended on such a positive start to their Year 12 studies through their participation in the Kick Start Program. Year 12 is a step up and it seems that the cohort are ready for the challenge.

Important Dates:• 30th January – Year 7 & Year 12 resume school for 2019 (Years 8-11 start 31st January)• 4th February – Year 12 Retreat Day #1 – The Summit Adventure Park• 21st October – last day of Year 12 classes• 22nd October – Celebration Day (including Breakfast, Farewell Assembly & Valedictory Dinner)

Year 12 Retreat Day ProgramThank you to the families who have made payment arrangements to the Finance Office, and for returning the two consent forms. We can still accept these up until the end of Monday 17th December. Please refer to the hardcopy information letter and forms that were distributed to students (also available on Compass Newsfeed) for payment options. Payment is crucial to determine the final numbers for attendance.

Year 12 Tops & JacketsThe order of tops and jackets arrived on Wednesday morning and the majority of them were distributed to students at lunchtime. As this was not a VCAL day of attendance, VCAL students (and any other absent students) are welcome to come to the Senior School office to collect their tops up until Thursday 20th December. Alternatively, students can wait to collect them when school resumes in 2019. Students are not permitted to wear hoodies underneath the Rugby Top.

Kick Start – Holiday HomeworkVCE Students have been issued with a hardcopy list of Holiday Homework. The list is available on Compass Newsfeed. All students are expected to complete the set tasks by the first day back in Term 1, 2019. Students are encouraged to email their teachers if they need support to complete the tasks.

2019Year12SacSchedule-DraftVCE students can access the first draft of the SAC schedule on Compass Newsfeed. Not all days of interruption are known at this time, so it should be used as a guide. Throughout 2019, updates of the SAC schedule will be posted to Compass Newsfeed to help families plan ahead.

2019PracticeExams–2ndWeekOfTerm3HolidaysAs part of the VCE program, we run full-length practice exams in the 2nd week of the Term 3 holidays. The exams are compulsory and a part of the coursework for each subject. They are also a vital strategy in preparing students for the November exam period. Completing exams under timed conditions, as well as accessing and acting on feedback during the final two weeks of class time, are important in improving outcomes under exam conditions. As such, we ask that families do not plan holidays in this time.

CongratulationstoallStudentsfromtheClassof2018It was great to celebrate with students of Emerald Secondary College who received an ATAR of 90 or above today. Kiya, James, Luke, Marley, Chloe, Alicia, Erin and Tiffany, participated in a diverse collection of subjects during their VCE. The common thread among all of them, was their persistence to consistently challenge themselves, not just work hard in spurts. They also sought out feedback regularly from their teachers to extend their understanding further. These students are now in a position where they can decide between tertiary courses and institutions they wish to further their learning at. Most have been offered scholarships, including Kiya who has been offered one to undertake a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours and a Master of Advanced Engineering Pathway Program (Monash University), valued at over $30,000.

Our College Dux, Chloe Nicholas, achieved an ATAR of 98.1, including study scores of 49, 48 and 47. Chloe completed studies in English, Business Management, Legal Studies, Further Maths, Ancient History and Literature. She is currently reconsidering her further study options and may yet pursue a pathway into becoming a Psychologist.

The College was thrilled that 7.7% of all Year 12 Study scores were above 40 and that 23% of students ATARs were 80 or above. This will open up many different opportunities.

Well done again to all of our students on such fantastic results.Jason Nicholas - Senior School Leader

Uniform RemindersPlease ensure that students have all correct uniform items ready for the commencement of 2019. Particular items of concern in recent times include:• Girls’ Pants – tights and stretchy pants are not permitted, track pants are not permitted (and pants should not be tucked into socks)• Boys’ pants – jeans and chinos are not permitted, cargo pants and shorts are not permitted, track pants are not permitted• Socks – should be black, grey or white only• Shoes – black only (including logos and trim)• Senior School Hoodies are only to be worn as outer-garments, not beneath the Year 12 tops.

We wish all families a safe and happy holiday period and look forward to all that awaits the class of 2019.Tanya Moran - Year 12 Coordinator Jason Nicholas - Senior School Leader

Primary School AFL ClinicsSince the beginning of Term 4, Grade 5 students from our surrounding local primary schools have enjoyed participating in AFL clinics run by Jarrad Donders with assistance from senior students. The clinics precede the launch of the ESC AFL Academy in 2020, and were run in partnership with Macclesfield PS, Emerald PS, Cockatoo PS, Menzies Creek PS and Gembrook PS. The fun and engaging sessions provided students with an opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge through the game of AFL while communicating the outline of the academy. All Grade 5 students will have the opportunity in 2020 to be a part of this up and coming program.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic, energetic, passionate and motivated students on my visits to each primary school. There is so much potential and talent in our local community which is very exciting for the academy but also for the surrounding region with the expansion of the AFL Outer East Junior Football League.

We will be holding an information night on Tuesday 26th March 2019 at the College open night and applications have opened. For any further information please direct any queries to Jarrad Donders at Emerald Secondary College.

P: (03) 5968 5388

E: Donders.jarrad.s@edumail.vic.gov.au

www.facebook.com/ESCAFLAcademy

Orientation Day The move from Primary School to Secondary School is a huge milestone for students. They are moving from being the eldest students in the school to the youngest and are faced with the challenge of fitting into a new learning culture. Generally, this change is met with mixed emotions for both students and parents alike. Tuesday 11th December saw our newest Emerald Secondary students have their first taste of High School. Our aim was for our youngest learners to feel comfortable and safe in their new environment.

The day was spent getting a taste of a range of subjects offered in Year 7. Students undertook activities like observing an exciting Science experiment called Elephant’s Toothpaste, taking a school tour or playing games in the Gym to begin building their team working skills.

Our student hosts enhanced the running of the day; they did a great job of answering questions and guiding the new cohort around to their classes. Thank you India Fitzallen, Lily Quadling, Courtney Fotia, Piper Chapman, Ebony Elder, Jasmine Roberts, Kaileigh Dyas-Palmer, Taylah Grace, Kai Hughes, Zara Pilcher-Crowe, Charlotte Nielsen and Nikita Hosemans for your time and leadership.

We hope all our students have a fabulous break, enjoy their upcoming graduations and we warmly welcome you to Emerald Secondary CollegeRebecca Holmes - Year 7 Coordinator

Buy and SellSecond-hand Textbooks

Helpful tips

• Be patient many new items are listed each day

• Listing Wanted and For Sale Ads gets results

• Our unique Ad Matching Service shows you who to transact with, and will save you lots of time

• Be realistic when pricing items

• Telephoning sellers provides a quicker response as many people do not regularly check their emails

• Pre-arrange who to transact with if your items are still being used and write the availability date in your Ad

• Respect other browsers and remember to Delist your Ads promptly when no longer needed

• Meet somewhere convenient to transact, don’t make special trips and just fit it in to your normal activities

• Register on the Sustainable School Shop website - www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

Simply

• List Wanted & For Sale Ads (Browsers tell each other what they require and what they have to sell).

• The school’s booklists are loaded into the system to make the Ad listing process easy, fast and accurate.

• Our Ad Matching service shows you - Exactly the right items to buy - Who has the most items you need - The cheapest items

• Assistance is provided to accurately price items.

• Buyers contact Sellers, and arrange where and when to transact.

• Excellent email and telephone helplines are provided: 0438 743 444

Second-hand textbook trading system

www.sustainableschoolshop.com.auABN 55 114 136 211

• Calculators• Sporting items• Musical items• Electronics & DVD’s• Stationery

Also Buy & Sell

• Like New 70%• Excellent 60%• Very Good 50%• Good 40%

Pricing Guide

• Browse and search the for sale ads for free• Single items can be advertised for $1.50• Annual subscriptions $21.95 (includes Ad Matching)

Cost

Second-hand Textbook Trading End of year is fast arriving and it’s time to look for second-hand textbooks.

Second-hand textbooks in relation to the college are traded via the Sustainable School Shop website:

www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

This service provides access to second-hand textbooks, calculators, musical equipment, etc all year

For the best results:• Register on the Sustainable School Shop website• List your second-hand books for sale• List wanted ads for those items you are looking to buy, including the ISBN which can be found on the link https://www.emeraldsc.vic.edu.au/site/assets/files/7053/eme_isbn_list_2019.xlsx• The college’s book lists are loaded into the system to make listing ads easy• The system matches the ads of buyers with sellers and notifies the buyer via email• Buyers contact sellers and arrange where and when to trade• The school is not involved in the transaction• Parents are well supported via Sustainable School Shop’s telephone (0438 743 444) and email help lines• The system is simple and easy to use - If you don’t have a computer, internet access or an email address, please call the Sustainable School Shop for assistance

If you have books, calculators etc. that you no longer need and are in good condition or better, then list them for sale on the website as this will help another family that is looking to buy.

*Booking forms are required for all activities Transport details can be found on the Bustimetable and Things you need to know forms.

For young people 12-17 yearsBookings open on Monday 10 December and close on Friday 11 January

Wednesday 16 January Thursday 17 January Friday 18 January

Tuesday 22 January Wednesday 23 January Thursday 24 January Friday 25 January

Beach day

Phillip Island

Grab your towel and bathers for a fun filled day at Cowes beach. Cost: $10 Time: See bus timetable

Blindfold taste test

My Place youth facility

Cover your eyes and guess the flavour! Are you brave enough to eat blind folded?

Cost: Free Time: 1.30–3.30pm

Games day My Place youth facility

Get your game face on and win some awesome prizes.

Cost: Free Time: 1.30–3.30pm

Mini Golf

Bunyip Oval

Score birdy, an eagle or even a hole in one and take out the prize.

Cost: $5 Time: See bus timetable

Teen fitness Cardinia Life Enjoy a boxing circuit and a virtual cycling class with a qualified instructor.

Cost: $5 Time: 1.30–3.30pm

Gumbuya World Tynong Feel the adrenalin whilst you rush down the water slides or mozy down the lazy river. Cost: $30 Time: 10.45am–3.15pm

Melbourne Zoo Parkville Get up close to the animals and enjoy a day out at Melbourne Zoo. Cost: $5 Time: See bus timetable

Cupcake decorating

Bunyip Hall

Be inspired and create your own edible masterpiece!

Cost: Free Time: See bus timetable

Emoji pillows

Lang Lang

If you love emoji’s as much as we do, then why not turn them into a pillow?!

Cost: Free Time: See bus timetable

Resin art

Gembrook

Make mesmerising swirls of colour to create your own resin art masterpiece. Cost: $5 Time: See bus timetable

Booking forms available at My Place (5–7 Main Street, Pakenham)online www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/youth or call 1800 4 YOUTH (1800 496 884)

SchoolHolidayProgram

Tuesday 15 January

Cardinia Shire Council’s Youth Services presents

2019

Pakenham Lock in Pakenham Library

Chill at the library with a range of activities, games and free pizza.

Cost: Free Time: 6.30–8.30pm

NO ACTIVITY

Swimming day

Koo Wee Rup

Grab your towel and bathers an enjoy a day in the sun at Koo Wee Rup pool.

Cost: $5 Time: See bus timetable

Art Jam The Church Join us for a BBQ and a range of art workshops including dance and craft activities. Cost: Free Time: 3–7pm

NO ACTIVITY

Scavenger hunt

Emerald Lake

Join the hunt and work as a team to be the first to complete all the challenges.

Cost: Free Time: See bus timetable

GIRL GUIDE POP UP DAY

Drop off all non-perishable food items, new toiletries & new toys by 15th December

to Barry Plant Emerald.

We’re proud to be working alongside community groups & helping out local

families in need this Christmas!

A Project of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc

2019 Debutante Ball

SATURDAY 15th June 2019

For further information and to download an application form, go to

www.emeraldrotary.org.au

Shoes with a Purpose.

$45

$65

$65

$65

AKA Embroidery8/10 Norton Drive, Melton VIC 3337Tel: (03) 9747 3885

Premiere Group15 Goodyear Drive, Thomastown VIC 3074Tel: (03) 9466 4250

Beleza Ballarat22 Doveton St South, Ballarat VIC 3350Tel: (03) 5332 4320

Beleza BoroniaShop 4, 216 Dorset Rd, Boronia VIC 3155Tel: (03) 9761 2438

Beleza Dandenong162 Cheltenham Rd, Dandenong VIC 3175Tel: (03) 5126 2165

Beleza Forest Hill423-524 Springvale Rd, Forest Hill VIC 3131Tel: (03) 9878 2211

Beleza Geelong136 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220Tel: (03) 5221 8545

Beleza Gisborne42C Aitken St, Gisborne VIC 3437Tel: (03) 5428 1285

Beleza HallamShop 7/151-152 Princes Hwy, Hallam VIC 3803Tel: (03) 9702 3181

Beleza Moe26B George Street, Moe VIC 3825Tel: (03) 5126 2165

Beleza Pakenham7/99 Bald Hill Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810Tel: (03) 5941 4989

Beleza Somerville8/13 Eramosa Rd West, Somerville VIC 3912Tel: (03) 5977 5277

Beleza Traralgon16A Seymour St, Traralgon VIC 3844Tel: (03) 5176 5077

Beleza WarragulShop 5-6 William Square, Warragul VIC 3820Tel: (03) 5622 2930

Beleza Wodonga94 High St, Wodonga VIC 3690Tel: (03) 6056 9402

State Schools’ Relief1/8 Johnston Crt, Dandenong South VIC 3175Tel: (03) 8769 8400

With every pair of Student’s Choice school shoes sold, you’re helping State Schools’ Relief to provide assistance to tens of thousands of Victorian students that need our help every year.

Our quality leather shoes can now be purchased online at www.ssr.net.au/shop and directly from 16 retail stores and outlets across Melbourne. All profits from the sales of these shoes are returned to the organisation to further benefit underprivileged students.

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Quality Leather School Shoes At Affordable Prices

January 29th – Tennis Clinic 9am to 3pm at Cockatoo Tennis Courts. Cost $50. Lunch and snacks supplied. For all ages and abilities. To book your spot contact Deb Carr on 0433 820 088

February 4th to 7th D.C Tennis are running free classes in the first week of February for anyone new wanting to trial a Coaching or Cardio class. All abilities and ages welcome. Come down and meet the Coach and give a class a go. Bookings are essential for all classes - contact Deb Carr on 0433 820 088

February 10th – Open Day Sunday 11:00 am to 1pm – Free Coaching/lessons and activities. 2:00pm to 4:00pm - Round Robin – Register your interest by contacting Deb Carr on 0433 820 088.

Free Court Friday Cockatoo Tennis Club will be opening their courts up to the public for free every Friday in February - 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Monday 4th Tuesday 5th Wednesday 6th Thursday 7th Friday 8th

4:00pm – Juniors 4:45pm – Juniors 5:30pm –Juniors (advanced) 7:00pm – Cardio Adults (no tennis skills required)

4:15pm – Juniors 5:00pm – Juniors 10 to 14 yrs (Intermediate) 6:00pm – Adult lesson

6:00pm – Juniors 13 to 18 yrs 7:00pm – Squad Juniors (Advanced) 8:00pm - Cardio Adults (no tennis skills required)

5:00pm – Juniors 10 to 14 yrs 6:00pm – Adult lesson

5:30pm to 7:30pm Free Court Hire

Courts will be opened to the public

2019 Events

Cockatoo Tennis Club