Hydrogen Car Grand Prix
We are excited to share the fantastic results from the Hydrogen Car Grand Prix held at the Toyota Centre of Excellence in Altona on Tuesday 23 July. Out of 17 schools from Victoria and NSW, Fairhills High School secured a brilliant 6th place overall and an impressive 3rd place among Victorian schools!
Over the past 6 months, our students have been hard at work designing, building and perfecting their hydrogen-powered remote-control car. They competed in a gruelling 4-hour endurance race, overcoming numerous mechanical issues and a major setback. Thanks to their determination and teamwork, they managed to get back on track and were among just 6 teams to successfully finish. At the end of the race, the team had completed a total of 404 laps—just 18 laps less than the team in first place.
A huge shout out to Seth, Diesel, Wyatt, Charles, Elissa and Mitchelle for their outstanding performance, and a big thanks to Mr. Luo for his support. Well done, team Fairhills!
NAPLAN Results
Each year students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia undertake the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The results of these assessments give parents/carers and teachers an indication of how students are progressing over time. They also allow schools the opportunity to identify areas of strength and improvement for both individual students and year levels.
At Fairhills High School NAPLAN results are used by teachers, alongside frequent school assessments, classwork and Progressive Achievement Tests to measure learning growth and inform teacher planning for their students, so they are best able to meet their needs.
From a whole school perspective, NAPLAN is used as one of our indicators of the impact of our school improvement work and implementation of the Fairhills Instructional LEARN Model. Once again, this year our NAPLAN results are very encouraging and show that our students are achieving growth in their learning.
People’s Choice Award
We are thrilled to share the amazing achievement of Seb, Kai, and Alfie from Year 8 who participated in the KIOSC STEM Communication Conference on 27 June. This conference brought together students from across the Knox area to showcase their STEM projects, and our students truly shined!
Seb, Kai, and Alfie presented their innovative work on VEX robots, a new addition to our Year 8 curriculum this term. Their presentation highlighted the goals of their project, their scientific research, and how they utilised robotics and coding to solve challenges. They impressed the audience not only with their knowledge but also with live demonstrations of their robots’ capabilities.
Throughout the day, our students engaged confidently with approximately 130 visitors, explaining their project’s intricacies and sharing their passion for STEM. Their hard work paid off tremendously as they were awarded the “People’s Choice Award” for the most engaging and interesting presentation!
Seb, Kai, and Alfie, you have demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent both in the classroom and at the conference. Your achievement reflects your commitment to learning and innovation. Well done!
Resource Learning Hub
Olympics time is always a fun time in the Library. Students have been enjoying our displays promoting our extensive sport and exercise book collection as well as a range of new graphic novels based on various sports including soccer, basketball, BMX and surfing. At lunchtime, we have also been watching highlights and replays of the Games.
Staff Professional Learning Day
Monday 22 July was a pupil free day to allow staff to work together on Curriculum planning and documentation. The day also involved a workshop from Resolution Education who work with schools across Australia on various wellbeing topics and strategies.
I would like to thank our Teaching and Learning Excellence Team at Fairhills for their preparation and planning that led to a productive day for all Learning Areas.
Year 7 Ready Steady Cook
As the weather cools down, our Year 7 Ready, Steady, Cook students have been heating things up in the kitchen! Class 7A recently prepared their first main meal. From mastering meat preparation to cooking al dente pasta and collaborating as a team, every lesson has been bustling with activity! They’ve been having a blast while learning valuable culinary skills!
Year 9 City Experience
From 24 to 26 July, our Year 9 students embarked on the city experience that promised adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories. This three-day event was a perfect blend of education and fun, providing our students with a unique opportunity to explore and experience the vibrant city life.
The adventure began on Wednesday, with students eagerly setting off to explore the city’s renowned landmarks. The students were tasked with taking photos of landmarks around the city from a monopoly board in order to win an amazing prize
On the second day, students enjoyed a packed schedule of activities. The morning started with a visit to the Eureka Skydeck, where students marvelled at the breathtaking panoramic views from the tallest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere and an interactive and inspiring visit to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), where students delved into the world of digital art, film, and creative storytelling.
The day concluded on a high note with an ice skating session. For many, it was their first time on the ice, and the rink was filled with laughter, excitement, and a few playful tumbles. The ice skating experience was a fantastic way for students to bond and support each other, creating lasting memories.
The final day the students headed into Melbourne Zoo to explore the activities provided to them. This included watching the seals being trained, watching the orangutangs being fed and seeing some of the native animals including platypus and dingos. This was added to by their pre-excursion learning about endangered species and how the zoos can assist with these.
Throughout the three days, our Year 9 students displayed exemplary behaviour, curiosity, and enthusiasm. The trip was a resounding success, thanks to the meticulous planning and dedication of our staff and the positive attitude of our students. This excursion has undoubtedly broadened their horizons and provided them with experiences that will be cherished for years to come.
Year 9 Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
On Wednesday 31 July, our Year 9 students set off on an exciting botanical journey to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. This excursion was designed to immerse the students in the natural beauty and biodiversity of one of Australia’s most significant native plant gardens.
Upon arrival, the students were greeted by the stunning landscapes of the Cranbourne Gardens, renowned for their collection of Australian native plants. They had a chance to explore a variety of themed gardens, including the Red Sand Garden, the Eucalypt Walk, and the Weird and Wonderful Garden. Each area showcased unique plant species adapted to Australia’s diverse climates and soils.
Throughout the day, the students reflected on the role of plants in our ecosystem and the importance of preserving native species. They discussed the challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss, and how initiatives like the Royal Botanic Gardens play a crucial role in conservation efforts. This excursion not only enriched their botanical knowledge but also inspired a sense of environmental stewardship.
In addition to their exploration of native flora, the Year 9 students delved into the diverse biomes represented within the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. They traversed landscapes mimicking arid deserts, lush rainforests, and temperate woodlands, gaining insights into the unique plant communities and ecosystems that define each biome. By observing the distinct characteristics and adaptations of plants in these varied environments, the students developed a comprehensive understanding of how different biomes support a wide array of plant life. This hands-on experience brought their classroom lessons to life, reinforcing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
The visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne was a memorable and enriching experience for our Year 9 students. It provided them with a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about Australia’s native flora, and understand the significance of conservation. This exploration of the native Australian landscape will be continued in two weeks when we visit Wallin Warrin exploring indigenous culture.
Year 9/10 Aesthetics of Food
Our Aesthetics of Food students really nailed their assignment! They were tasked with designing an entire birthday party, including theme, menu, decorations, budget, and baking a cake to match their vision. Here’s a sneak peek of their yummy cakes they created!
Year 12 Food Studies
Evaluating the Nutritional Efficacy of the Mediterranean diet.
A delicious learning opportunity.
