Term 3 Newsletter, 2025

Excursions and Events 
There are a number of School Events planned for Term 3. 

Parents/Carers will be emailed with details of each event. Where permission is required, we ask that you give permission through the Compass Portal as instructed. This will ensure that your response goes directly to the staff member who is responsible for that event. 

Students without parent/carer consent provided cannot be included in the event. Phone calls, handwritten notes and texts are not acceptable unless a prior agreement has been made with the Assistant or Deputy Principal. Some events will be limited due to transport or other considerations, so getting in early will be important, once you are notified those bookings are open. 

Year 9 Taronga Zoo Visit 

When: Thursday 31st July – Friday 1st August 2025
Where: Taronga Park Zoo 

Year 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in an overnight stay at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. This excursion will help to consolidate the content they will be studying in Science and English. Students will be participating in workshops at the zoo related to sustainability and ecosystems which will help them further explore and understand Science and English units. 

The permission note has already been sent home so please check your Compass Portal or ring the school for any assistance. Spots are limited, so please RSVP ASAP.

Cooinda AECG Awards

When: Monday 4th August 2025
Where: Narara Valley High School 

The Cooinda AECG Awards recognise outstanding contributions to Aboriginal education and community engagement. This event highlights the achievements of students, staff, and community members who inspire and lead with pride. This year, 5 of our ETASC First Nations students have been nominated. 

More information will be emailed to parents/carers of the students nominated closer to the event. 

Years 12 Elevate Revision Workshops  

When: Monday 4th August, Wednesday 3rd September, & Wednesday 10th September
Where: On Campus 

A variety of Elevate workshops have been planned for Year 12 students in Term 3.  

• English – 04.08.25 

• Business Studies – 03.09.25 

• Biology – 10.09.25 

These workshops are run by Elevate and are personalised to the subject specific needs of our students. Students will receive a course guide summarising the entire course.  

Key Dates for Term 3 2025
The first day of Term 3 for all students is Tuesday 22nd July 2025
The last day of Term 3 for all students is Thursday 25th September 2025*

*This will be a half day for Years 7-10 students. 

Parents/Carers are requested to review and update their contact details in Compass. If you need help accessing your Compass account, please contact the school on 4323 1233. 

School Starting Times and First Day of Term Arrangements

• Years 7 and 8 students are required to be on campus at 8:55am for a 9:00am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am. 
• Years 9 and 10 students are required to be at school at 9:05am for a 9:10am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am. 

• Years 11 and 12 students are required to be on campus at 8:40am for an 8:45am start time every school day. Students enter via the school reception located in the driveway of 125 Donnison Street, Gosford. For those students who arrive before 8:40am, students are welcome to use the student common area from 8:30am. 

• If a student arrives late to school without a valid reason, they are required to surrender their mobile phone to reception for the day. Failure to do so will result in the student having to surrender their phone to the Assistant or Deputy Principal every day for a period of 10 weeks. 

Withdrawal from school

ETASC requires four weeks’ notice of withdrawal of a student from school. 

Parents/Carers are liable for school fees up to the withdrawal date or four weeks after notice is given, whichever is the latest. 

Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to the Deputy Principal. 

Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students

A reminder to parents/carers that for their child to continue their enrolment at the College, students need to maintain a consistent pattern of attendance. 

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all students to have a minimum attendance percentage of 85% throughout the year. 

This means the College expects every student to attend school every day unless they are too sick to attend. In the event of absence caused by illness, the College requires an explanation of the absence within 24 hours of the student’s absence. Notification can be provided via the Compass Portal, email, or phone call. In the event of three or more consecutive days off, the College can request a medical certificate to support the provided reasons. If you have other reasons for a student being absent for the day (family emergency for example) please provide the College office with an explanation so we can account for the student’s absence. 

For more information on school attendance please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you: 

Years 7 to 10 College Handbook 
Years 11 and 12 College Handbook  

Reporting a Student’s Absence  

It is a government requirement for parents/carers to notify and provide a reason for their child’s absence from school on every occasion. To ensure notifications are always received and recorded by the appropriate staff members, a generic email address can be used for absentee notifications. We request this email address be used rather than emailing individual staff members. This will ensure the notification is received by the Reception staff, regardless of who is working on the day. Where an explanation has not been received within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence, the school will record this as unexplained on the student’s record. 

Methods for notifying the school of absences are:
Email: attendance@etaustralia.com
Phone: 02 4323 1233 after 8:30am
Via the Compass App
When your child is absent from school and we have not been notified, an email and push notification via Compass will be sent to inform you of their absence which you are able to reply to. Parents/Carers can sign into the Compass Portal and enter an attendance note for their child for future and past absences.  

COVID-19, Other Illnesses and School Attendance

ET Australia follows NSW Health guidelines to minimise COVID-19 transmission, keeping schools open and the community safe.  

NSW Health advice is that if a student is unwell and has any symptoms, they should always test for COVID-19. If the test comes back negative for COVID-19, the student should still not return to school until the student no longer has any symptoms. NSW Health advises that it is important that students do not attend school if they are unwell. Covid-19, other viruses, influenza, common colds, and stomach bugs can all be contagious. Health advice is that students who are sick should always stay home to rest and recover and avoid putting other students and staff at risk of getting sick. Students who present with symptoms at school will be sent home immediately and will not be able to return to school until they no longer have symptoms. 

Request for Student Leave

The Department of Education’s requirement for school attendance also affects opportunities for families to take holidays during school terms. Some schools are withdrawing the option of families taking students out of school for holidays. ETASC is flexible, but the Minister for Education requires us to ensure all student leave during term time be approved by the College Principal in advance. A Student Leave Request form is available from reception and needs to be completed 4 weeks prior to the planned absence from school.

Please contact the College office on 02 4323 1233 if you have any further queries about holidays during school terms. 

ET Australia Secondary College – A non-smoking High School

ETASC is a non-smoking Secondary College for ALL students and staff – this includes the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes. 

Students who are caught smoking cigarettes or using vape pens or e-cigarettes during school hours will have their cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigarettes confiscated and destroyed. Parents/Carers will be contacted to inform them of this behaviour. 

Advice from NSW Health clearly outlines that it is illegal to sell cigarettes, vape pens and e-cigarettes or accessories to, or buy these products on behalf of, a person under 18 years of age. 

Please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx for more information from NSW Health. 

Any student smoking during school hours will be in breach of school rules and will be treated the same way as any other breach of school rules. Repeat offenders will be placed on a school contract that will stipulate the behaviour required to maintain their enrolment at the College. The school contract with the student will include the provision of access to quit smoking programs and access to the College psychologist to develop strategies to use instead of smoking during the school day. Breaching the school contract will result in the student’s expulsion from the College. 

Banned items – Reminder

Students are prohibited from bringing certain items to school: 

• Chewing gum 

• Aerosol cans – deodorant etc. 

• Knives 

• Liquid paper 

• Permanent markers 

• Laser devices 

• Metal or opaque drink bottles 

• Cigarettes 

• e-cigarettes or vapes 

• Cigarette lighters or matches 

• Gel Blaster/Gel Gun 

If students bring these items to school, they will be confiscated.

If students continue to bring these items to school, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the consequences for breaches of the expected behaviours outlined at enrolment and in the Years 7 to 10 College Handbook and Years 11 and 12 College Handbook. 

Medication Taken at School

In accordance with our First Aid and Medications Policy, parents/carers are required to complete an Authorisation for Administration of Student Medication form for any medication that is required to be dispensed during school hours. 

Parents/Carers will also be required to provide the medication in its original packaging which has the Doctor’s instructions on the label. 

Please contact the school office if you would like any further information or require a form to be sent home. 

For more information on medication taken at school please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you: 

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook 
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook 

School Lockers

Lockers are provided at no cost for students to store their school bags to improve security, and work, health and safety. Students are asked to clean out their lockers at the end of every term. Items left in lockers at the end of each term will be discarded. If you value the contents of your locker, please take it with you. 

Students are encouraged to keep lockers always locked, even when empty. We are keen to prevent unauthorised access to lockers and/or to have other people placing objects in lockers that do not belong there. 

Enrolments

Enrolment places are still available for the current year groups in 2025: 

• Year 7 

• Year 9  

• Year 10 

• Year 11 

Places are not available in our other year groups, and a waiting list is in place. 

Please contact the school office if you would like to make an enrolment enquiry or would like more information. 

Lunch Orders – Lunch Options for 2025

Students in Years 7 and 8 will have the following lunch order options in 2025:  

Monday – McDonald’s 
Tuesday – Subway
Wednesday – Sushi
Thursday – Subway
Friday – Hot chips 

Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 students have permission to buy food from the food court in the Imperial Centre for the first 15 minutes of each break every day. The school staff provide student supervision in the food court during breaks.  

As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff.  

Students will only be permitted to enter the food court if they are purchasing food or drinks. If students go to the food court and do not purchase food or drinks, they will be banned from accessing this privilege.  

Years 11 and 12 students are also permitted to go to Shop 3 Café unsupervised to buy food and drinks during breaks. As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff.  

Teaching Staff

Contact details for all members of school staff are in the College Handbook relevant to you: 

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook 

Years 7 to 10 Parent/Carer, Student & Teacher Interviews 

When: Monday 28th July & Wednesday 30th July 2025
Where: Years 7 to 10 Campus 

Parent/Carer, Student, and Teacher interviews for Years 7 to 10 will be held at the beginning of Term 3 on Monday 28th July and Wednesday 30th July. 

Interviews will be held onsite, providing many parents/carers the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom. 

Parents/Carers have already been sent an email advising them of the session times and how to access the booking page on the Compass Portal. 

If you miss out on booking one of the scheduled sessions or would prefer a phone or Zoom interview, you can request an interview with your child’s teachers at a mutually convenient time by emailing or phoning the college. 

Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you require assistance with booking an interview. 

Years 7 – 10 Individual Education Plans (IEPs)  

Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings will continue in Term 3 for students who have recently enrolled at the college. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss the students’ individual learning needs and plan for reasonable adjustments that ETASC can make to provide targeted support for your child. An email will be sent inviting you to book via the Compass Portal by clicking on ‘Parent Student Teacher Conference’.   

Please bring to the meeting any diagnostic paperwork or specialist reports that you have not previously provided to the school. The meetings will be with either Jasmyn du Plessis, ETASC’s Student Learning Support and Careers Coordinator, or Olivia Whiting, ETASC’s Assistant Student Learning Support and Careers Coordinator.   

If the time slots are not suitable, please email Jasmyn.duPlessis@etaustralia.com so an alternative time can be arranged.  

The Push Up Challenge and R U OK day 

This term, during practical PDHPE lessons, students will be participating in an in-house push up challenge during the month prior to R U OK day (Thursday 11th of September). We will be challenging the students to complete as many push ups as they can in a set time limit as part of their practical warmup and their teacher will be keeping count. The class with the most push ups will be announced as the winners on R U OK day. Students will be reminded of the importance physical movement has for their mental health and wellbeing.  

Learning Enrichment Opportunities
ETASC offers free tutoring for all students. 

For students who are identified as needing extra assistance with: 

• Reading – ETASC offers the MacqLit reading program. 

• Mathematics – ETASC offers the QuickSmart program. We also offer consolidation of classwork and after school tutoring. 

• Writing – ETASC offers English tutoring and consolidation of classwork. 

Stage 4 Spelling and DEAR

Years 7 and 8 students will participate in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) during Term 3. Please encourage students to bring in a novel of their choice or to borrow one from the Knowledge Hub. 

Entering Year 11 in 2026 – Parent/Carer Information Sessions   

When: Wednesday 30th July 2025 (5:30pm – 6:30pm)  
Where: Years 11 & 12 campus   

 Parents/Carers of Year 10 students are invited to attend an evening information session being held on Wednesday 30 July 2025.    

The event will be held at the Years 11 & 12 campus, 125 Donnison Street, Gosford and run from 5:30pm to approximately 6:30pm.   

Parents/Carers and students will be provided with an overview of what ETASC offers Years 11 & 12 students including:   

• A chance to meet the classroom teachers   

• An overview of the ATAR focused curriculum offered in Years 11 & 12    

• Distance education subjects and application process   

• Outline of the levels of support available    

• Feedback from current students    

• A tour of the Years 11 & 12 campus   

The information session is being held on the same night as the Years 7-10 Parent/Carer, Student & Teacher interviews. Parents/Carers are encouraged to attend the information session at the Years 11 & 12 campus during the dinner break at the Years 7-10 campus.   

All Year 10 students have already attended the same information session but are welcome to accompany parents/carers again to the evening session.    

Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you would like more information or if you would like to confirm your attendance. 

Year 10 Extension Tutorials – English, Mathematics & Science 

ETASC is providing Year 10 students with the opportunity to participate in after school extension classes in Term 3 and Term 4. 

These classes are designed to provide our Year 10 students with extra-curricular opportunities in English, Mathematics and Science, to prepare students for Years 11 and 12. 

Sessions will start at 2:30pm and conclude at 3:30pm with the following teachers.  

Mondays: Maths – Angus
Tuesdays: Science – Trisha
Thursdays: English – Lauren 

All Year 10 students who intend on continuing to Year 11 next year are strongly encouraged to attend. 

More information will be made available to Year 10 parents and carers at the beginning of Term 3. 

Year 9 Rock & Water Program (PDHPE) 

During Term 3, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to learn the principles of Rock and Water through physical exercises and games, many of which have origins in martial arts. The training will be delivered by professional martial artists from Black Belt Martial Arts. Students will participate in 6 sessions across the term.  

Students will learn to work with the different Rock & Water principles developing self-confidence and communication skills. 

They learn to find balance between empathy and living together with loved ones without losing their own individuality and personal path in life. 

This training supports participants on their journey to becoming powerful individuals. Working with these themes teaches them to connect with their body, inner feelings, and strength, and from there, connect with the environment. 

The Rock aspect supports young people in believing in their own strength and increasing their self-confidence. The Water aspect provides the tools to translate this newfound strength into communication with others. 

HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests 

Year 10 will be participating in their second opportunity of HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests. These tests are used to show the level of numeracy and literacy achievements of students before they exit the school system, whether it be in Year 10, Year 11 or Year 12. Students who acquire a level 3 in each of the standard tests have reached the state level of achievement and do not need to continue the testing process. Students are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to acquire a level 3. ETASC students will be participating in the second round of testing during Week 3. For more information please see the website https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard.  

Any questions, please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler. 

SYNC – Skills You Need Consolidating 

This year ETASC will continue with SYNC for Years 9 and 10 students. Each lesson aims to help students establish and practise the fundamental skills necessary for further education and work. These practical skills enable students to practise problem solving, critical thinking and group work. 

Classes include:  

• Nutrition – properly reading food labels, budgeting, planning, food wastage and cooking skills; 

• Computer Skills – desktop usage, using Microsoft Office, typing skills, film editing and website building; 

• Careers – resume writing, cover letters, how to research jobs, skills selection and how to apply for jobs; 

• Independence Days – car maintenance, practical living skills and household upkeep. 

These units will help to round out the students’ employability skills. 

Curriculum Update

Term 3 is going to be a busy and very important term for all our students. On completion of the term, there will be many celebrations for students. 

Year 12 Trial HSC  

When: Weeks 3, 4 & 5 (Wednesday 6th August to Thursday 21st August 2025) 

Trial HSC exams commence on 6th August for the duration of weeks 3, 4 and 5 of Term 3. They are held on site at ETASC. Students are encouraged to make summary notes, memorise the syllabus/quotes/formulas and complete practice HSC questions. The key is to get feedback from teachers so the student can be assisted in knowing how to improve their answers. During the Trial HSC students are expected to be at school on days when they do not have exams. On the days students have exams they can either study at school or at home. If a student is absent on the day of the exam, please ensure the illness misadventure form is completed, with documentary evidence and emailed to christina.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours. 

Year 11 Yearly Exams  

When: Weeks 6 & 7 

In Term 3 students need to begin studying and revising for their yearly exams. These exams will take place in weeks 6 & 7 (starting 29th August to 5th September) and cover the content of everything taught since the beginning of the year. This will be the first time some of our students have experienced being tested on such a large volume of content. At the start of Term 3 students will participate in two seminars that teach tips on how to ace their exams and memorise content. Students will benefit from applying the tools learnt at these seminars. The presenter will encourage students to make summary notes, memorise the content and complete practice questions. Teachers will continue to be available in the study sessions after school between 3-4pm to assist students with their revision. If a student is absent on the day of the exam, please ensure the illness misadventure form  is completed, with documentary evidence and emailed to christina.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours. 

Elevate is the name of the company who run the study seminar workshops. Students have access to online resources to help them study at www.elevateeducation.com  They also provide free parent resources at https://elevatecoaching.info/parent-resources/ 

HSC Minimum Standards 

In order to receive the HSC all students need to receive a level 3 in the HSC Minimum Standards Test. There are three tests, reading, writing and numeracy. Last term students were given the chance to complete these tests. Any students who did not receive a level 3 will be given another opportunity, towards the end of Term 3, to sit the HSC Minimum Standards Test. These students are also provided with additional support and intervention to help increase their literacy and numeracy skills. 

Reports  

Student reports will be emailed out through our school administration platform Compass. Students will receive comments on their achievements and how to improve their academic progress. Years 11 and 12 students will receive their yearly reports at the end of Term 3.   

Year 12 Mentorship Program 

Each Year 12 student has been assigned a staff member to be their mentor. Students receive a booklet to record their academic goals for the term and meet with their mentor to plan steps to help them achieve it. Mentors meet with the students to encourage them to keep working on those steps. They also help students to reflect on what strategies are helping them and what things need to change to ensure they meet their academic goals. These meetings will be crucial in the last term of their schooling. 

Year 11 Pathway Plans

Year 11 student Pathway Plans will continue throughout Term 3. These meetings focus on identifying any support the school can provide to help students transition into Year 12 and achieve their study and employment goals. 

Year 11 parent/carer meetings with the Student Learning Support Coordinator and Principal will be on a targeted, individual basis. Parent/carers who feel this meeting would be beneficial are encouraged to email Elissa on Elissa.Cosentino@etaustralia.com to discuss booking a meeting.  

Years 7 to 10 Student Handbook
Stage 6 Student Handbook