Principal - Jodie DobleCollege Council President - Heike ReichAssistant Principal - Jonathon RogersActing Assistant Principal - Janine McMahonBusiness Manager - Jayne Thompson

Emerald Secondary CollegeFortnightly NewsletterEmerald Secondary College is a Learning Community

Term 2 - 2019:3rd May 2019 - Issue 6Important Dates:Every Wednesday: Homework Club - Help is on Your Way 3.20pm - 4.30pm in the Library

MAY 2019Mon 6th - Fri 10th: Careers WeekWed 8th: Yr 7 Wellbeing DayThu 9th: Yr 9 Volleyball Team State Schools CupFri 10th: Interschool Cross CountryMon 13 - Thu 16th: Yr 11 Outdoor Ed Grampians CampTue 14th - Fri 17th: NAPLAN testingTue 14th: Yr 11 RYDA Road Safety ProgramTue 14th: Yr 12 PE Monash Uni ExcursionMon 20th - Wed 22nd: Yr 9 Outdoor Ed CampFri 24th: Yr 12 Outdoor Ed Caving Excursion

In this Issue:• From the Principal• Assistant Principals’ Report• Yr 12 Retreat Day #2 - Personal Best

and Managing Stress• Literacy News - NAPLAN• Interschool Equestrian State

Championships• VCE PE Excursion• Yr 11 VCAL• Homework Club• Cocktails on the Catwalk Returns• Pinnacle Upwey• Parenting Teens

From the PrincipalWelcome back to all our students, families and staff, I hope you all had a well-rested and enjoyable end of term break.

NAPLANOver the last two weeks, our Junior School have had a focus on the upcoming NAPLAN test period. A great deal of work has occurred prior to this period in classrooms with our leaders of literacy and numeracy supporting our staff to ensure we deliver the best possible curriculum and teaching for our students.

NAPLAN is directly linked to the VCE results and senior pathways for our students, and this year the Year 9 NAPLAN results will be used together with student class results in Course Counselling for students who request to accelerate a VCE subject.

NAPLAN tests of our Year 7 and Year 9 students will take place next week and I would like to encourage all our students to try their best in all the tests.

ANZACLast week it was with great pleasure to accompany the College Captains to the ANZAC dawn service held at the RSL in Emerald. Our captains spoke with passion and knowledge about our ANZACS and were a credit to our College. At the morning service, Ms McMahon, our Acting Assistant Principal, escorted our College Vice Captains and SRC members on the ANZAC walk to the morning service.

Again, our students were outstanding in the preparation and presenting of their ANZAC speeches. Thank you to all our SRC members for representing our College, and to our College Captains and Vice Captains: - Midas Van Den Bos, Maddison Hall, Felikss Baumanis and Isabella Trensky.

Earn and LearnEarn and Learn is back and we are encouraging parents who do shop at Woolworths to collect the stickers and bring them into school. All stickers can be posted in the box at the front office or they can be handed into the front office.

Every year, the school uses the credits gained through this program to purchase teaching and learning resources for our classes.

Staffing ChangesOver the break both Nik Smith and Sarah Trounson were successful in gaining new positions to continue their career. Whilst we wish them all the best in their career obviously it is very sad to farewell them.

Replacing Nik Smith, it is with pleasure to announce Shane Closter as our new Careers and Pathways coordinator. Mr Closter has a number of years’ experience in both the senior school and VCAL and VET pathways. Replacing Mr Closter as our VCAL and VET coordinator is Marion Donders. Again bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

We have advertised a replacement for Ms Trounson and we hope to finalise our new Maths teacher by next week.

Assistant Principal’s ReportANZAC Day CelebrationsEmerald Secondary College was represented by some staff and students at the Emerald RSL ANZAC Day parade. Our Captains did an amazing job speaking and laying a wreath on behalf of the college. This was followed up by a whole school assembly held on Friday. Our College Captains organised the entire assembly. I was very impressed by the respect shown by our entire cohort of students during this assembly.

UniformOnce again there are many variations of the uniform attempting to be worn by students. Please ensure that you speak to your students regarding the expectations of the uniform. Students will continue to be followed up if they are not wearing correct uniform items.

Cyber SafetyAs with all issues that confront young people it is vitally important that parents support both their kids and school in raising awareness of specific behaviours and how to manage them responsibly. Most young people have a phone and/or a laptop which has a camera and video capabilities, it is not uncommon for students to be using these devices long into the night. Cyber bullying is a type of bullying carried out through the various forms of technology. Comments or images can be shared quickly with a large number of people which can be dangerous or hurtful. Students across Junior School have sessions booked in next week to work with experts to increase their understanding of cyber safety. The following website has important information and a number of strategies that can be used by parents and kids. Hopefully this will be helpful should an issue arise. https://esafety.gov.au/

Estelle Alder was successful in gaining the Principal position at Monbulk Primary school, and I would like to thank her for her service to our College and wish her all the best in her new role. Janine McMahon will be our acting Assistant Principal for the remainder of the year and I would like to wish her all the best in her new role.

I would also like this time to thank Jonathon Rogers who has been acting in my absence and Ms McMahon, Ms Deer, Mr Peresso, Mr Smith, Mr Nelson and Ms Korsten for their supportive leadership due to my unforeseen illness and absence.

UniformWith the cold weather now upon us I would like to remind all our students and families that we are a uniform school. If any families have any issues with uniform supply please contact the College and we will assist where possible.

For students in Years 9-12, we hold some of the old uniform in stock here at the College. Please contact the main office for any of our School uniform items:

• School shorts• School Polo shirts• Summer dresses• Fleece jumpers• Winter jacket• Rugby jumper• Sports tops and shorts• We have some senior uniform items also but stock is limited.

Our Year 7 and 8 students must wear the full new PSW uniform:

• Winter skirts• Summer dress• White logo short sleeved shirt• White plain shirt• Woollen jumper• Navy school dress shorts• Navy school dress pants• School jacket• Sport top and shorts, school rugby top or track pants for PE and Sport only.

Please note, tracksuit pants, leggings, cargo shorts and pants, long sleeved T-shirts that are visible under the uniform are not uniform items and will not be accepted. Jodie Doble - Principal

Buildings Grounds and OHSI am sure that all members of the school community have seen the result of the planned burn that was conducted in the holidays. There will be another planned burn soon to complete the remainder of the forest on the eastern side of the school. Jonathon Rogers - Assistant Principal

ANZAC DayOn Anzac day I had the privilege of accompanying Emerald Secondary College students and Vice Captains as they marched in the ANZAC march in Emerald. There was a buzz in the air as we joined other Emerald community groups in the march. Our Vice Captains, Felikss Baumanis and Isabella Trensky gave a moving speech and often had to pause for planes flying overhead paying tribute to our fallen ANZACS. Thank you to our students for attending the 11am ANZAC service and representing our College.

The following day, the College held our annual ANZAC day assembly, led by our four College Captains. Peter Maloney from the RSL was a guest speaker and was once again able to share some of his personal experiences with the students. After the assembly the College captains laid a wreath in our ANZAC garden with Peter Maloney. As always, our students are to be commended for their respect shown during the ANZAC assembly

Upcoming NAPLAN tests.At the end of the term and the start of this term we have had practice NAPLAN tests for our Year 7 and 9 students. The first practice test was an Australia wide coordinated practice test for all schools undertaking online NAPLAN. There were many technical issues on this day, and some students were not able to access the online NAPLAN test, which were fed back to NAPLAN. It was due to these technical issues that the College organised a second practice.

During the second practice test, it was discovered that some Year 9 students were still having trouble accessing the NAPLAN tests using their own device. The College IT department will ensure that the College has devices available during the NAPLAN testing period.

The Importance of NAPLANStudents and Parents can use individual results to discuss progress with teachers. Teachers are able to use the results to identify students who may require extra support or further challenges in their learning. Schools can use NAPLAN results to identify strengths and weaknesses in the teaching and learning programs, and also for goal setting in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy.

The Year 9 NAPLAN results are becoming increasingly important as results will be used as part of the application to accelerate process, during Year 9 course selection. Only students who meet the required benchmarks in their Year 9 NAPLAN results will be considered for acceleration.

The NAPLAN testing period will run from 14th-24th May.Janine McMahon - Acting Assistant Principal

Year 12 Retreat Day #2 – Personal Best and Managing StressWith greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues and conditions such as depression and anxiety, there is a greater need to take care of our mental health with the same rigour as our physical health.

Year 12 can challenge even the most resilient students, with competing time pressures, varying workloads, as well as managing their expectations of themselves, their parents and their teachers. There is also the ever-approaching end date to their secondary schooling, which means they have to start making some decisions about what’s next.

It is with all this in mind that our second Retreat Day equipped students with some strategies for managing their mindset and self-talk, as well as managing stress while at school, but also in their future lives.

Period 2 – students attentively listened to a presentation about developing a growth mindset in order to stay focused on the big picture and push past bouts of procrastination. They also learned about the connections between the brain, exercise and memory.

Periods 3 & 4 – students selected different physical activities to participate in, with the aim of experiencing the benefits of exercise in managing stress. The activities on offer were Relaxation Massage, Meditation Yoga, Circuit Training, Boxing and a Walk at Emerald Lake Park.

Students participated with great enthusiasm and openness to new experiences. It also gave them the opportunity to mix with different students in their year level, outside their usual peer groups. Tanya Moran - Year 12 Engagement & Learning Leader

LITERACY NEWS - NAPLANMost of the College community will be aware that NAPLAN is fast approaching. This year, schools across Australia are moving to complete the NAPLAN tests in an online platform. All students in Year 7 & 9 will have been asked to conduct at least one Coordinated Practice Test in our effort to ensure our students are as familiar with and ready for NAPLAN as they can be, and that our systems and the platform itself are also ready.

All students complete 4 tests – Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy. They test the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life and give your children, their teachers and their parents a very clear assessment of their standard. They also give schools an opportunity to gain access to funding and programs to support or extend students.

Teachers across the College are currently focusing on some key NAPLAN criteria, particularly for Writing. These include sentence structure, paragraphing, spelling and vocabulary and punctuation.

Students are also being encouraged to engage in the demonstration tests which are available publicly – both at school and at home. You are able to access these tests via

https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site . You can then select the relevant year level and test and see how it all works and the types of questions asked.

The following is taken from Parenting Educator Michael Grose’s blog and offer parents helpful tips in regards to NAPLAN:

As a parent it helps your child if you take a positive view of the NAPLAN tests. It's better to see them as learning opportunities for kids as well as opportunities for them to overcome any anxieties or nerves that these tests may bring on.

It's also worth remembering that many children don't stress over these tests. The vast majority take them in their stride, wondering what all the fuss is about.

Whether your child stresses or take them in his stride here are some tips to help prepare your child or young person for the NAPLAN tests:

1. Take your cues from your child: If your child doesn't worry about them then neither should you. Be careful not to create a problem that doesn't exist by incessantly talking about, or worse, worrying about the test.

2. Focus on doing their best & trying hard: Choose your words carefully when you speak with your kids. As with all their learning activities place your focus squarely on effort rather than results. The only pressure on kids should be to try hard rather than to do well.

3. Listen to any concerns they have: If your child confesses to some nerves then validate their feelings, rather than shut them down with a ‘get over it' response. "Yes, sometimes tests can be a little scary, but they get easier every time you take them." Use this as an opportunity to develop some emotional smarts, which starts with recognising how kids feel.

4. Give them some relaxation ideas: Anxious or nervous kids will benefit from some simple relaxation strategies. Taking some deep breaths, changing their thinking and exercising the morning of the test are some simple ways to help kids get some feeling of control.

5. Help them retain their perspective: One way to help children who become excessively anxious about an event is to ask what's the worst thing that could happen? Okay, they may not do as well as they would like but the sun will still rise tomorrow, if they don't do as well as they'd like. Keeping perspective is a life skill that we all need to practise.

A positive, caring parent attitude is one of the best gifts you can give a child when they are apprehensive or nervous about approaching any different situation whether it's going on school camp, joining a new club or sitting a NAPLAN test.

Tanja Korsten - Literacy Specialist

VCE PE ExcursionOn Tuesday 30th April all VCE PE students in Years 11 & 12 studying Units 1-4 got the opportunity to visit, tour and participate in practical and theoretical programs at Richmond FC. This included access to a closed training session, a tour of Richmond’s facilities and a leadership presentation outlining potential career options in the sporting industry with the Richmond Institute.

The day also included a tour of Melbourne FC with James Harmes, meeting players and staff. The students got a great insight into a professional sporting environment at the elite level. This included watching the Melbourne Storm players train in the gym, looking at the pool and ice bath facilities, a full run down of the medical/physio room and a look into the player’s locker room where we got to meet Max Gawn, Steven May & Nathan Jones.

The day not only enhanced students’ knowledge of the P.E curriculum but also gave them a great insight into professional sport and pathways in this industry.Jarrad Donders

Interschool Equestrian State ChampionshipsFrom the 10th – 14th April one of E.S.C’s very own represented the school at the Interschool Equestrian State Championships. Bella Lloyd spent 4 days over the holidays at Werribee Park Equestrian Centre competing in several different events on her 2 horses, Sydney and Bashboy. She placed in each of her classes, finishing 4th overall in the 110cm class. This leaves her as a reserve for the National Championships, later this year.

Well done Bella!Tom Watson – Sports Co-Ordinator

Year 11 VCALYear 11 VCAL spent Tuesday helping with the EDEC cross country run event at Lilydale Lake. As a part of VCAL students get the opportunity to connect with the community. Students took up position on checkpoints and cheered and encouraged the local primary school students to run the course. Students worked diligently all day and did Emerald Secondary proud. Well done!Marion Donders - VCAL/VET Co-Ordinator

CocktailsOn the Catwalk ReturnsBrought to you byThe Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc

Saturday 25th May 2019Gemco Theatre, Emerald

6.45 for 7pm start

Ladies Fashions by Jenny’s Shoppe, Monbulk

Men’s Beach Wear Fashion byFunky Trunks

Join us for a night of elegance, fashion and funRaising funds to support your local community

Tickets $40 per person

IncludesA cocktail and selection of canapes on arrival

Additional Drinks and cocktails on sale

Tickets can be purchased @

https://www.trybooking.com/BBNWHTel: 0417 038 707 or 0412 399 001Pay offline via Barry Plant Emerald

Wednesdays for 6 weeks 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 5 & 12 June 2019 6.00pm - 8.30pm Emerald Secondary College 425 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd,  Emerald  Vic  3782

DATES:

TIME:WHERE:

COST:BOOKINGS: For bookings and enquiries contact:

ARE YOU TIRED OF YELLING?How to get your teenager to listen, without having to yellDEALING WITH ANGERRecognising the causes and triggers for anger

UNDERSTAND THE TEEN'S BRAINKnow about Ages and Stages of teenage learning

REALTIONSHIPSHow can parents build a better relationship with their teens?STRATEGIESDiscuss and share strategies that work

FREE: Bookings essential

Felicity Wooden - Well Being Leader - 5968 5388 Email: wooden.felicity.f@edumail.vic.gov.au  or Jasbir Singh at Parentzone on 0431 203 177,  Email: jasbir.suropada@anglicarevic.org.au