Welcome back

The start of the term has been positive for our school community. The warmer weather (well most of the time…) and longer days has put an extra spring in our proverbial step. It has been a challenging year at times so I know many of us a looking forward to the Christmas break. However, we also need to remember that there are still 8 weeks of learning prior to the holidays. Let’s ensure we continue to have high expectations of ourselves and others. Every day of learning counts!

Sod turn of the new build

Thursday 6 October was our official sod turn. For those who are unsure what a sod turn is, it is a traditional ceremony that celebrates the first day of construction for a building. The sod (soil) is lifted from the ground for the first time. This is often completed by a member of parliament. We were fortunate to have Jackson Taylor (local member for Baywater) come out to do the sod turn with the support of some of our excited students. It was a great day for the school. Although, we received the funding 18 months ago, a sod turn is a sign to the local community that building has started.

Building is now underway and May Construction have removed the asbestos and are beginning to gut the existing G block building. We will keep you up-to-date with the progress on our school website: https://fairhillshs.vic.edu.au/our-school/capital-works-and-building-plans/

School Wide Positive Behaviours pilot program

Currently we are trialling a token program with one of our Year 7 classes. I received inspiration after visiting Knox Park primary and seeing the great work they are doing around rewarding positive behaviours. I would like to thank the Principal Mr Hanson for being so accommodating.

By showing positive school values behaviours in core classes, students earn purple tokens. When students receive five purple tokens (individual rewards) they receive a gold token (class rewards).

I would like to recognise the following students for earning 100 purple tokens:

• Jack J
• Harry J
• Georgia K

They also received a $10 voucher from Tasty Trucks and will be presented a certificate at a whole school assembly from Ms La Leggia. Great job!

7C students are only:

• 1 gold token from having a pizza and movie afternoon (students can choose the day)
• 51 gold tokens away from going to their chose destination – Gumbuya World.

In the next few weeks we will evaluate the token system to gauge its effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Our plan is to implement a positive behaviours program across the school in 2023.

Activities day 31 October

Just a reminder that as 31 October is a school day prior to the Melbourne Cup, we will be running a different schedule for Year 7-10 students on the day.

Session 1
8:50am-10:35am
Activities
English, Humanities & Languages

Session 2
11:00am-12:45pm
Activities
Maths & Science

Session 3
1:20pm – 3:05pm
PE, Arts & Technology

Tasty Trucks will not run on the day.

Thank you to all those parents/cares who filled out the Google form to help us provide the appropriate resources.

Ian Van Schie
Principal