I would like to welcome our school community to Fairhills this year. I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday with friends and families.

New Staff to Our Community

Welcome to the following staff who have made Fairhills their school.

Teachers

• Angela Kent – Food Technology
• Ben Li – Maths/Science
• Benedict Lee – Maths/Science
• Felicity Hadden – English & Humanities
• James Wilkins – English & Humanities
• Mark Ma – Maths/Science
• Nian Liu – Maths/Science
• Nicole Ward – English & Humanities

Education Support Staff

• June Ren – International Coordinator
• Kaye Walker – Wellbeing Coordinator
• Darcy Wilmott – Learning Assistant
• Jesmin Sellaiah – Learning Assistant
• Linda Andrews – Learning Assistant
• Malia Simunic – Learning Assistant
• Nick Delahunty – Learning Assistant
• Peter Medon – Learning Assistant
• Sarah Mendola – Learning Assistant

A warm welcome is key to helping new staff feel valued and supported. At Fairhills, we believe strong relationships foster a positive culture for both staff and students. By reaching out, offering support, and sharing our experiences, we create a welcoming environment where everyone thrives. Let’s make them feel at home!

School Improvement

I am pleased to announce the 2025 School Improvement Team (SIT). SIT’s core focus is to support all students to have high growth in their learning and wellbeing.

Principal – Mr Ian Van Schie
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing – Ms Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning – Mr Bill Exton
Assessment & Reporting Leader – Mr Todd Chamberlain
Learning Inclusion Leader – Ms Tess Errey
Literacy Leader – Ms Erin McGillicuddy
Pedagogy & Curriculum Leader – Dr Peter Morgan
School Enhancement Leader – Mrs Jenni Nansen
STEM Leader – Dr Dan Kilgore
VCE Improvement Leader – Ms Laura Blackson

Our key activities this year are:

• Support teachers in analysing student data to effectively differentiate instruction for all learners using the LEARN model.
• Support teachers in designing LEARN model lessons that integrate evidence-based writing strategies across all content areas to enhance students’ writing skills.
• Strengthen VCE teachers’ ability to deliver regular and effective exam skills and preparation lessons.
• Support teachers in delivering effective feedback to students by developing high-quality rubrics for assessment tasks in Years 7–10.
• Enhance staff capacity to deliver Tier 1–3 high-impact adjustments through lesson observations and a structured feedback process
• Build staff capacity to implement trauma-informed practices through ongoing professional development.
• Ensure the attendance process is consistently implemented across all year levels to a high standard, enhancing student engagement and learning.
• Begin implementing a schoolwide three-year Respectful Relationships program.

These activities will ensure we are continuing to enhance the learning and wellbeing growth of all students.

Parent/Carer Engagement at Fairhills High School

At Fairhills High School, we recognise that strong partnerships between school and home play a crucial role in student success. When parents and carers are actively engaged in their child’s education, students are more likely to feel supported, motivated, and confident in their learning.

One of the most valuable ways parents and carers can stay involved is through Learning Conferences, which provide a dedicated time to discuss progress, set goals, and strengthen communication between teachers, students, and families. These conversations ensure that each student receives the guidance they need to thrive.

Beyond the classroom, after-school activities offer fantastic opportunities for parents and carers to support their child’s personal development. Whether it’s attending performances, attending celebration nights, or encouraging participation in clubs, involvement in these activities fosters a sense of belonging and achievement.

Volunteering is another meaningful way to contribute. Joining the School Council for assisting with events strengthens our community and directly impacts the school’s direction.

We extend our sincere thanks to all parents and carers who attended the Return to School Interviews as well as the Year 7 transition morning. Your engagement helped ensure a smooth transition to school, reinforcing routines and setting students up for success in the year ahead.

Exciting Facility Upgrades Enhancing Our School Environment

At Fairhills High School, we take great pride in providing a modern, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for our students. Over the holidays, we have made several important improvements across the school, ensuring that our facilities reflect the high standards of teaching and learning we deliver every day.

Students and staff have returned to upgraded learning spaces, now equipped with new tables, chairs, and contemporary furniture designed to enhance comfort and collaboration. The Resource Centre (Library) has been modernised, along with the creation of a dedicated space for our International Students, providing a more inclusive and dynamic study environment. The General Office has also undergone a refresh, creating a more inviting and efficient space for staff, students, and visitors. Externally, the school has received a fresh coat of paint, further enhancing our sense of school pride.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the installation of Premium BenQ 75-inch interactive TVs in 23 learning spaces, beginning in the Easter break. This upgrade will support innovative teaching and student engagement. The installation process will be carefully managed to minimise disruption to learning.

A huge thank you to all the staff who played a pivotal role in these enhancements. In particular, Toni Kirk (Business Manager) and Christ Presta (Facilities Manager) who turn my grandiose ideas into reality!

These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a school environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

School Council Elections

School Council elections are upon us again.

The School Council term of office is for two years with some members retiring each year but eligible for re-election. In 2025 we have some parent and community member positions available.

The School Council plays an integral role in shaping the school’s future. If you want to be actively involved in making positive changes I encourage you to nominate.

Timeline

• Call for nominations from Friday 14 February. Nomination forms can be obtained via the following email – fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au
• Call for nominations close Friday 7 March 2024 at 4pm.
• Monday 11 March Nominations displayed at Fairhills High School
• If there are more nominations than the vacancies an election will be held.
• Close of ballot 4.00pm. Votes counted. Friday 21 March
• School Council meeting with new members on Wednesday 26 March (7pm)

What is a school council and what does it do?

All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.

Who is on the school council?

There are three possible categories of membership:

• A mandated elected Parent category. More than one third of the total members must be from this category. Department of Education and Training (DET) employees can be Parent members at their child’s school as long as they are not employed at the school.
• A mandated elected DET employee category. Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members.
• An optional Community member category. Its members are appointed by a decision of the council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. DET employees are not eligible to be Community members.

The term of office for all members is two years. Half the members must retire each year, creating vacancies for the annual school council elections.

Why is Parent membership so important?

Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the school.

Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying in itself and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

How can you become involved?

The most obvious way is to vote in the elections, which are held in Term 1 each year. However, ballots are only held if more people nominate as candidates than there are positions vacant.

In view of this, you might seriously consider

• standing for election as a member of the school council
• encouraging another person to stand for election.

Do I need special experience to be on the school council?

No. What you do need is an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.

Remember

• Ask at the school for help if you would like to stand for election and not sure what to do
• Consider standing for election to council this year
• Be sure to vote in the elections
• Contact me for further information.

Term 1 2025 Dates

School Tours

To book a School Tour go to: https://www.trybooking.com/CXMGH

We look forward to welcoming you and showing you around our great school.

2025 Term Dates

Food Tech

It was an exciting week 2 in the kitchen, after completing their Food Safety and Hygiene updates, almost all of our classes were able to get into the kitchen and create something. The Year 7’s prepared fruit sticks with dipping sauce; the Year 9/10s Race Around the World crew will create a chicken and veggie stir-fry next week; the Year 9/10 Aesthetics of Food group got to practice their plating skills; Year 11s made an Ancient Grain salad with chicken; and the Year 12s made Chilli Concarne with Guacamole and rice, following a theoretical lesson on digestion. Yum!

Year 7 Induction: A Thrilling Start to High School Life!

As the newest members of our school community, Year 7 students have embarked on an exciting journey of discovery, learning, and friendship. The Year 7 Induction program has been packed with engaging activities designed to ease the transition into high school life, build teamwork, and instil positive behaviours that will serve students throughout their education.

One of the highlights of the induction program was the series of team-building activities, including the famous Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower challenge. Students worked together to construct the tallest and most stable structures using only marshmallows and spaghetti—a fun and creative exercise in problem-solving and collaboration. Another hands-on activity saw students crafting God’s Eyes, a traditional weaving project that encouraged patience, focus, and artistic expression.

Alongside these interactive sessions, students participated in School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) lessons. These lessons introduced explicit behavioural expectations, reinforcing respect, responsibility, and building relationships in all aspects of school life. Understanding and practicing these core values helps students foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

To equip students with essential skills for academic success, the induction program included sessions on how to navigate school systems efficiently. Students learned how to log in and use their school laptops effectively, organise their lockers, and read their timetables with confidence—ensuring they feel prepared and self-sufficient from day one. Additionally, students completed their PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) assessments, allowing teachers to tailor learning experiences to individual needs.

The culmination of the Year 7 Induction program is the much-anticipated Year 7 Camp, which students will be heading off to this week! This exciting adventure offers students an opportunity to put their newly acquired teamwork and independence skills into practice while forging lasting friendships and creating unforgettable memories. As they embark on this experience, students will continue to develop as curious, creative, and confident learners—core elements of our school vision.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students for their enthusiasm, adaptability, and eagerness to embrace new challenges. The induction program has set the foundation for a fantastic year ahead, and we can’t wait to see our students continue to grow and thrive!

Year 12 VCE Conference

On Friday 7 February, the Year 12 VCE students visited the fabulous buildings and grounds of Deakin University. This was to give them a taste of what they can do after they finish Year 12 and they realised the opportunities available to them are almost endless. While on the grounds our students were given some excellent advice on how to be successful students during the year and in preparation for their exams.

Year 12 VCE Vocational Major – TAFE Experience

On Friday 7 February the year 12 VCE VM class visited two of Melbourne’s big TAFE providers- Holmesglen Chadstone campus and Box Hill Elgar campus.

This was an amazing opportunity for students to see some of the lesser-known trades and all the fantastic facilities available to them. The day was inspiring and help to sew the seeds ready for the transition into the community.

FHS Japan Club

We will be starting up a Japan Club. This is an opportunity to engage with Japanese language and culture in a different way outside the classroom.
It will be held every Week 1 Thursday lunchtime. Don’t worry, we will provide reminders on Compass when these sessions will run!
So as we can run the club to the best of our ability, please complete the form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOF_zwUURmqNyufNoRD0yyMR1KI7LLb6UVm6L7-TTRxhEuPA/viewform?usp=sharing

Please answer in English.

Ma sensei and Winstone sensei

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music lessons are now underway, with students beginning their journey on their instruments this week. A big congratulations to all our Year 7s for making a fantastic start! Our school concert band will also begin rehearsals soon, preparing for an exciting performance at Open Night later this term.

We’re thrilled to share that Fairhills High School has reached a new milestone, with over 105 students now enrolled in the instrumental music program—our highest number yet!

Lessons are available to all students on the following instruments:

• Flute
• clarinet
• saxophone
• trumpet
• trombone
• tuba
• voice
• guitar
• bass guitar
• drums/percussion.

If you have any questions about the music program, please contact Nicole McAlister via email Nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

STEM Opportunities

In 2025, we have exciting extra-curricular STEM opportunities for all year levels.

VEX Robotics Teams: Students can join teams to design, build, and compete in VEX Robotics competitions throughout the year. Top teams can advance to national competitions, with the possibility of representing Australia at the World VEX Robotics Championship in the USA. This program develops skills in robotics, coding, teamwork, and communication.

Hydrogen Car Grand Prix: After last year’s success, we are entering two teams in this competition, where students design and race hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars in a 4-hour endurance event. The winner competes at the World Grand Prix. This program is perfect for students interested in cars, engineering, and racing.

With the expansion of these programs in 2025 we also now have a dedicated space for these teams to design, create, modify, and compete. The old music has been converted into an innovation and competition space.

If you’re interested in being part of either of these programs, please contact Dr Kilgore or Ms Redhu.

The Resource Learning Hub

Welcome to our Resource Learning Hub. Over the summer holidays we have had a refurbishment and it has been wonderful seeing students onsite again enjoying our upgraded surroundings. We now have a range of comfy seating, a new classroom area, updated desktop computers and modern accessible non-fiction shelving.

The Hub is open daily for classes and at recess/lunchtimes. Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Students are welcome to borrow books, study, use our desktops/ipads/chargers and play board games at lunchtimes. Library staff are available to assist with all student enquiries and information needs. Co-located in the Hub are also IT services and the International study room. Middle School students also obtain the bathroom key from the Circulation Desk during classtime.

General Rules

• Students may borrow a maximum of 4 books each and have them for up to 2 weeks.
• Students will be provided with an ID card which also acts as their Library Borrowing Card. Please do not lose this card as there is a charge to replace it.
• A chute is provided in the Library foyer for out of hours returns
• Whilst in the Hub, please do not consume food and drink other than water

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable three-day adventure at The Summit, tackling a series of thrilling challenges straight out of Survivor and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Divided into six tribes—Care Bears, Berries and Cream, Pickle Pickers, Scouts, Mud Pigs, and Dingle Berries—they faced high-flying leaps in Bag Blitz, a nerve-testing bush challenge, and a wet-and-wild water challenge in the Monster Course.

Braving the dark depths of cave exploration and the dizzying heights of the High Wire, students embraced the five core values: Have Fun, Play All In, Don’t Go Home Wondering ‘What If?’, Make Lots of Mistakes, and Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Pushing past their limits, forming unbreakable bonds, and stepping outside their comfort zones, they emerged stronger, braver, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

A huge thank you to The Summit for an epic experience—we can’t wait for the next adventure!

A very big thank you to Mr. Baker, the Year 7 team leader, and the camp team for all their efforts.

VET 2025

All students undertaking a VET in School program for 2025 will have had their first class for the year as of last week.

If you have any concerns, please in relation to VET programs please don’t hesitate in contacting Liz Rundle – VET Coordinator.

All VET programs will be locked in as of the end of February. Any changes must be actioned before this date.

VET is a fantastic way for students to gain insight into an Industry and gain basic skills ready for the future.

Given that VET runs once a week, it is critical that students attend every week. If they are unable to attend due to illness, they must contact both their training provider and the school.

Students in VCE Mainstream will have timetabled classes on a Wednesday and it is their responsibility to catch up on work missed. Students should organise their transport to and from VET to ensure that they stay at school for as many classes as possible in the AM and return to school for Period 5 where possible.

Up coming Career Event

Year 10 Careers Expo – 20 March – all Year 10 students

Aviation Careers –  Avalon airport – 28 March – for all students years 10+ interested in Aviation Careers https://airshow.com.au/get-involved/participate/careers-program/

Accessing Support through Wellbeing for Students

The Wellbeing Team can support students to navigate challenges that may be impacting on their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. This can include: transitions and adjusting to change, family or relationship difficulties, grief and loss, mental health concerns, drug and alcohol concerns, and many other challenges that young people encounter.

An initial appointment with a member of the wellbeing team will be an assessment of need with the student or family which will help to decide the best support option for the student. Support options available through the Wellbeing Team are:

• Individual short-term counselling, psychoeducation and skills development
• Group programs
• Referrals to external support agencies.
• Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources.

Referrals to see someone from the team are made through year level leaders. Parents, students or teachers with concerns are encouraged to speak to their year level leader. Students or parents can also make an appointment directly with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre, calling the school office or contacting us via email at wellbeing@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Year level leaders who are made aware of concerns by a teacher will always endeavour to make contact with parents before referring a student to the Wellbeing team.
All counselling sessions with students are confidential and information is only shared if a student is deemed to be at risk of harm.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact KidsHelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page

What’s on in Wellbeing?

The Wellbeing Centre is open at recess and lunchtime for students who need a quiet, safe place to regulate or access support. The centre is also used for lunchtime group programs which are advertised through compass or on notice boards.

Accessing Support for Families

Many families, at some stage, need a little extra support to manage the normal challenges of life as well as the more difficult situations that arise. If you are experiencing hardship, stress or circumstances that are impacting on the wellbeing of your family life or your ability to cope, the Wellbeing Team can help to connect you with community services that can provide support. Please contact the Wellbeing Team via the school phone number or via email at wellbeing@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Clothing Support: Thread Together

We recently partnered with Thread Together to provide free and brand clothing for students in need. Thread Together collects brand new unsold clothing from all around the country, saving it from landfill. Thread Together believe that people in need deserve the dignity and choice of new clothing, without judgement. If your children need any help with clothing, please contact the Wellbeing team for further assistance.

Breakfast Club

With the support of volunteers from local churches- Knox Baptist and Hillsong Church we are able to provide a breakfast club 4 days a week for our students
Mon/Tues – recess time
Wed/Fri- before school 8:15am-8:40am

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:48pm- 3:08pm we have food support available for families who may be in need, for whatever reason. We have a selection of frozen meals and pantry items that families can collect from the former school canteen area without question or judgement. We know that access to food can be a real challenge for some families and we feel strongly about supporting the basic needs of our students and families. Watch out for compass posts each fortnight.

External Food Support Options

The following community agencies provide food support for families in need.

Staff Profile: Mr Ian Van Schie

What is your Role at Fairhills High School?

Principal

How long have you been at Fairhills High School?

This is my 5th year. Time flies when your having fun!

What do you enjoy most about working at Fairhills High School?

What I enjoy most is seeing progress—whether it’s a student gaining confidence, a teacher trying a new approach, or a school initiative making a real impact. Every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.

What is one interesting fact about yourself that people might not know?

Before I got into education in my early 30s, I had different jobs including marketing and sales. I sold cars for two years! One of the cars was a Daewoo. If you could sell a Daewoo you could sell anything. Yes, I was a used car salesman!

What inspires you in your role?

Seeing students grow, overcome challenges, and develop into confident, capable individuals inspires me every day. Watching their ‘lightbulb moments’ and knowing that Fairhills plays a role in shaping their future is incredibly rewarding

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

I’m actually a bit of a gamer—I have a PS5 and love playing sandbox games in my downtime. But I always make sure that it doesn’t impact other areas of my life e.g. spending time with family. I steer clear of online games—they’re too chaotic and just remind me how bad I am!

What’s a favourite book, movie, or TV show you would recommend?

One of my all time favourite non-fiction books is Magician by Raymond Feist. The writing in it is superlative. A TV show I would recommend (for people over 15) is Breaking Bad. Great for a binge watch. Luckily our chemistry teachers are nothing like Walter White!

What advice would you give to students or parents?

Fail fast, learn faster, and keep moving forward.

What’s a memorable moment you’ve had at the school?

One of my most memorable moment was when students first stepped into the Senior & STEM Learning Centre. Seeing their faces light up made the challenges of the past three years—planning, setbacks, and construction hurdles—completely worthwhile.

What’s your favourite part of the school day?

Walking around the school and speaking to students and staff.

General Office Details

The General Office hours are: 8.00am-4.00pm

Telephone: 9758 5022
Email: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Parents, contractors, visitors and volunteers should always make contact with the General Office first when visiting the school or requiring to make contact with their child.

Appointments with teachers must be made via telephone or email.

Compass

Compass is the communication portal for Fairhills – https://fairhillshs-vic.compass.education/

Parents/carers are provided with log in details. For any questions or trouble logging in please contact the General Office. Using Compass allows parents/carers to have access to up-to-date information and the following features:

• Monitor attendance, and enter an explanation for absence or lateness
• Communicate with teachers
• Update contact details
• View their child’s timetable and the school calendar
• Monitor homework and assessment tasks
• Download and view semester reports
• Book parent-teacher-student interviews each semester
• Pay and provide consent for events and school contributions

Compass Events / Payment Centre / Course Confirmation

Please check Events regularly as these need to be consented/paid by the due date for your child to attend.  Also check out the Payment Centre and Course Confirmation sections.

Click here for the Compass Parent Guide

Student Absences

If your child will be absent or late due to illness or for any other reason, parents/guardians are able to:

• Mark their absence on Compass / or
• Send an email to the school: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au / or
• Phone the absence hotline on 9758 5022. Leave a message after the prompt. The absence hotline is operational 24hrs a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Student’s arriving to school late are required to sign in (using their Student ID Card) on the Compass Kiosk machine at the General Office.

If a student is required to leave school early for any reason they should bring a note from their parent/guardian and record this on Compass. All students are required to sign out from the General Office.  If they need to call home, they should come to the office.  Students should not use their mobiles.

Asthma / Diabetes / Anaphylaxis / Epilepsy

ASTHMA, DIABETES, ANAPHYLAXIS, EPILEPSY or an ALLERGY management plans are required to be updated and submitted to the school every 12 months. Please ensure you have provided this to the office in the best interest of your child.

If you require any assistance, do not hesitate to contact the office on 03 9758 5022.

Parent Carpark – pick up and drop off

If you drop/pick up your children please ensure you:

• use the parent car park – not the staff/guest car park, except for those with a disability parking permit
• pull into a parent parking spot to let your child out/pick them up
• when exiting turn left onto Scoresby road (as per the sign)

Uniform Shop

The purchase of School Uniforms are now through Bob Stewart (formerly Buxwear/Dandy Sportswear) in Dandenong.

Bob Stewart

Factory 8, 169 Cheltenham Road, Dandenong
(03) 9792 0424

Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 1:00pm

Uniform details

Uniform Price List

Fairhills High School Student Dress Code

2025 Bell Times

2025 Team Leaders