June 11 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

12-14 Year 8 Taskworks

12-14 Year 12 Exams

13 School Council Meeting 7.30

14 GAT - Year 12 & Year 11 3/4 students.

Student free day for all other Year 11’s.

Year 7 Boys AFL/Netball

15 REPORT WRITING DAY - STUDENT FREE DAY

Year 12 Formal @ Lunica Receptions 7pm

19 Yr 12 PE Excursion to RMIT Bundoora

Year 7 Badminton

20 Mid Year Music Concert - 7.30pm School Hall

21 Intermediate AFL Football & Netball

22 EMR Cross Country

25 Parents & Friends Meeting 7.30pm

26 Year 8 Soccer & Badminton

27 Year 10 Swinburne Uni/TAFE Open Day

Music Soiree - AMEB Solo performances

28 Year 7 Soccer & Badminton

29 Last Day Term 2 - 2.30pm dismissal

July 16 First Day Term 3

18 EDSC Careers Expo Year 10-Period 2,

Year 11-Period 3, Year 12-Period 4

24 Year 12 VTAC Information Night for Parents & Students 7.30-8.30

27 Year 10 Swinburne University/TAFE experience day - Lilydale campus. ALL DAY

Sept 20 Round 3 - Year 7 immunisations

Teacher Quality linked to Student Outcomes In this current media and political climate of implied criticism of teacher capability and teacher preparedness to work hard, it is interesting to reflect on the capacity of and preparedness of our teachers at East Doncaster to do what it takes to make a difference for their students.

I know full well that expectations of high performance and considerable effort are communicated to our teachers either directly by me as School Principal or indirectly through implied parent and community expectation. However, this is in the context of what is achievable and what we agree at a local level about how to prioritise our time.

In our School Strategic Plan we identified a range of actions that would add value to the quality of teaching and learning at our school. With the introduction of personalised digital technology our teachers are developing meaningful curriculum with a focus on improving levels of student engagement whilst maintaining high expectations of student performance. Teachers are supporting and inspiring each other with innovative approaches to the use of iPads and Notebooks, and are embracing our theme of “Creating a Culture of Curiosity”.

Hence, teachers are working in Professional Learning Teams to ensure consistency of practice, common understandings of what constitutes high quality teaching, and are sharing both the triumphs and challenges in a mutually supportive way. In essence the degree of internal accountability is increasing.

We have identified students performing above and below expectation in Literacy and Numeracy. Each teacher has prioritised these students for targeted intervention as required. Learning programs are being modified to ensure there is appropriate challenge for more capable students, and the necessary interventions for those in need additional help.

Cont’d ...

John Handley Principal

Particularly at VCE level, teachers are going to extraordinary lengths to improve the frequency and quality of feedback to students on their performance; in effect using on-going assessment to inform their own teaching practices as well as guiding the students into areas to refine understanding. Teachers are marking each other’s papers, sharing expectations of what’s expected with students, striving to maximise student performance.

A big group of teachers representing a broad cross section of staff is undertaking an extended “Leadership Development Program” in their own time with the intent to be more capable of being effective leaders in our school.

Another group of teachers has successfully applied to represent the school in the next stage of our Internationalising Education Agenda. Each teacher has designed a professional learning project relating to classroom practice and will work with teachers at our sister school in Suzhou to establish links across the areas of Music, Humanities, Maths and Science and Community Building. Teachers are supporting students across the school through voluntary supervision and support of our school-wide Homework Club.

In early term three, another large group of teachers will embark on a comprehensive “English as an Additional Language for Mainstream Classrooms” professional learning program after school. Our intent is to improve our capacity to maximise our intercultural understanding of our community and to be better placed to understand how best to ensure the nuances of learning in each subject are understood by all students.

Analysis of the recently publicised “On Track” data about post school outcomes for students showed 99% of our applicants gaining tertiary places. Again this is testament to the highly professional and committed work undertaken to ensure each student is supported through this transitionary phase. I haven’t even mentioned the commitment of teachers to large scale activities like the recent School Production, Interschool Debating or Sport.

Not one of these examples could occur in such a widespread way without teachers devoting many hours throughout the year above the “standard school hours” as stated in advertised Teacher Working Conditions.

I know there are many more examples of teacher devotion to making a difference for our students.

So what is my point? I ask parents, students and

community members to reflect on what is occurring at our school, and how so much of this is about teacher capacity and commitment. It is something we should encourage and celebrate.

We know the most important influence on the learner in the classroom is the teacher. We need great teachers; we need teachers continuing to learn themselves; we need teachers to have the time and energy to make the difference they strive to make. We need to value our teachers.

On the eve of the busy mid-year exam period, our year 12 students participated last week in a workshop on the issues of dealing with anxiety and stress related conditions that may impact upon senior school students – especially in the VCE sector.

The workshops, conducted by local Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr James Courtney, gave students an insight into some of the common causes of anxiety with students and, importantly, offered a range of specific and practical strategies to assist students in dealing with these causal factors.

As Dr Courtney shared with our students, it is important to recognise that anxiety issues in Australian schools run at around 10 – 12 percent, which means that this is a common (and treatable) area of concern.

The feedback gathered from our students was uniformly positive and it is certainly hoped that the session was a useful tool in assisting students to deal successfully with the rigours of their VCE studies.

I would encourage parents to discuss the nature and information of this workshop with their children – it was both interesting and informative.

John Roberts Head of Senior School

Student Absence Hotline All absences and lateness - Phone: 9842 2244

(dial option 1)

IT’S NOT OK TO BE AWAY! If a student is unable to attend school, parents are

asked to call before 8.30am on the day of the absence.

Any unexplained absences will be followed up with an

SMS or phone call from the school.

Next week marks the mid-year exam period for students undertaking a selection of Unit 3 and 4 VCE subjects. Students involved in Unit 3 and 4 subjects only have an examination to complete at the mid-year stage if they are undertaking studies in the following subjects: Biology – 9.00am to 10.45am Tuesday 12 June in The John Landy Centre Physics – 11.45am to 1.30pm Tuesday 12 June in The John Landy Centre Accounting – 2.45pm to 4.30pm Tuesday 12 June in The John Landy Centre Psychology – 9.00am to 10.45am Wednesday 13 June in The John Landy Centre Chemistry – 11.45am to 1.30pm Wednesday 35 June in The John Landy Centre ALL students undertaking a Unit 3 and 4 VCE subject are required to undertake the GAT (General Achievement Test) on Thursday 14 June from 10.00am to 1.15pm. Students undertaking a Year 12 examination or the GAT are not required to wear school uniform for these examinations. To prepare our Year 11 and 12 students for the procedures and protocols of VCE examinations, the Senior School Coordinators conducted an assembly last week. At this assembly the students were addressed by the Chief Exam Supervisor at the College, Mr Ron Mannix, and received a copy of the VCAA 2012 Exam Navigator Booklet. This booklet contains information on examination rules, timetables, special provision and the approved materials and equipment students may take into the examination room. I would strongly recommend that parents ask their child to bring this booklet home so that they are able to go through the contents with them and avoid potential problems during the crucial examination period both in the mid and end of year examinations. The Senior School Coordinators wish all students all the very best in their examinations.

John Roberts Head of Senior School

On Friday 25 March 2012, 8E Food Technology students participated in a design activity. Year 8E students worked collaboratively in groups of 4 to design and produce a healthy breakfast food item for a multi-cultural breakfast banquet. Australia is a very multi-cultural country and EDSC students represent over 40 different cultures from around the world. What we eat for breakfast varies hugely depending on our culture. Foods produced were French toast, pancakes and fresh fruit, Belgian apple cake, omelette, Korean spicy beef and rice cakes, fried rice, strawberry smoothies, English muffins with ham, tomato, cheese and egg, waffles, Koulourakia and frappes. The students were responsible for researching a recipe, decision making and ordering their ingredients, sharing food preparation and kitchen management tasks and taste testing the products. Students used their iPad to photograph products for their e-Folio. It was rewarding to see the students highly motivated and engaged. Satisfied students asked; “When can we do this again.” Students’ reflection of the design activity was positive and they expressed their enjoyment about the learning outcomes they experienced doing this Food Technology design activity.

Janice Marsom Food Technology Coordinator

WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE - 7.30PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL The Music Department is preparing intensely for the first major concert of 2012, the Mid Year Concert. All EDSC music ensembles will be performing on the night, including the "World Premiere" of this year's Beginner Band and Junior Strings ensembles. These ensembles consist of students who started learning their instruments this year, and are mostly in Year 7. They are very excited about playing in their ensembles to parents for the first time. Also featured will be our other concert bands, string ensembles, vocal groups and some VCE solo items. Light supper will be provided after the concert. The students and staff of the Music Department look forward to seeing you on the evening to show your support for all the hard work that has been going on during first semester.

Carl Williams Music Department

Senior Boys Football Results - 29 May 2012 Game One EDSC 13.8 defeated Box Hill HS 2.2

Goal Kickers: Jarrod Leonard 4, Bill Asaad 3, Matt Williams, Jacob Ballard, Jake Wintle, Bram Liu, Zach Ballard, Tristian MacHutchison Best Players: Zach Ballard, Jacob Ballard, Jarrod Leonard, Bill Asaad, Daniel Mifsud

Game Two EDSC 5.6 defeated by Koonung SC 7.8

Goal Kickers: Jarrod Leonard, James Munks, Matt Williams, Jacob Ballard, James Munks Best Players: Jacob Ballard, Zach Ballard, Jake Wintle, James Munks, James Lester

Highlights Physical attack on the ball and all-round skill of Jacob and Zach Ballard. Jarrod Leonard’s forward line dominance against Box Hill. Jake Wintle’s rucking and contesting against Koonung.

Adam Palma Interschool Sport Coordinator

THE NEW 2012/2013 ENTERTAINMENT BOOK IS AVAILABLE NOW – WIN A $30.00 JB HI FI GIFT CARD!

The new Entertainment Book is now available through the College. Entertainment™ Books are packed with hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for the best restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, attractions, services and activities around Melbourne.

At only $65 the book is really great value, and $13 of each book purchased goes to the College. You will find an order form on the back of this newsletter.

PLUS - The family that sells the most Entertainment Books between now and September will receive a $30.00 JB HIFI Gift Card!

MOBILE PHONE FUNDRAISER – BRING YOUR OLD PHONES IN FOR RECYCLING

Parents and Friends are launching a new fundraising activity which involves collecting old, unused mobile phones from the school community, family and friends. For every mobile phone collected the college will receive $3.00. These mobile phones will be either refurbished or used for parts. So start hunting out those old phones and bring them along to place in the specially marked box in the main office building. NB: Please ensure that all personal data has been removed/cleared from the phone.

PFA COMMUNITY FORUM

From time to time the PFA holds a ‘community forum’ for the college community and wider, usually on a particular topic that is of interest to a broad group. We currently have our thinking hats on as to what our next forum will be and would welcome suggestions from the college community of topics, speakers etc you would find of interest. Please email secretary Ali Forgione at alijoe@optusnet.com.au with your suggestions.

Parents & Friends

If you would like to receive the newsletter link via email every fortnight as a reminder please send an email to east.doncaster.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au including your name and your child’s name and form. We will include your email address on our distribution list.

Dear Parents of Years 7-10 Students, Thank you for your support in the purchase of PSW uniforms and the move to the Kew store last year - we hope you find it more convenient and accessi-ble. We would like to communicate an issue around royal blue jumpers that were purchased through the 2011 calendar year. After consultation with the Col-lege late last year and examining batches of royal blue jumpers, we have found that two batches of jumpers have been affected in the dyeing process, resulting in the royal jumpers fading excessively. If you notice any discolouration of your jumper, please return it to our PSW Kew Store for examination and if found to be affected, a replacement jumper will be issued. We apologise in advance for the inconvenience this may cause and our intention is to continue to supply your community with quality uniforms and excellent service. Your Sincerely, Team at PSW PSW Kew Store 12 Strathalbyn Street East Kew, VIC 3102 03 9819 7809