New staff to our community

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

Teachers

Brendon Szucs – English/Humanities
Rebecca Symes – Maths/Science
Kirstie Irish – Maths/Science
Liv Dingfelder – Maths/Science
Sarah Mendola – Maths/Science
Ethan Wright – PE/Health

Education Support Staff

Liam Alison – Learning Assistant
Niamh Coffey – Learning Assistant
Winnie Dawe – Learning Assistant
Jonathan Hendricks – Learning Assistant
Remi Simunic – Learning Assistant
Ray Qin – IT Technician
Kavindu Perera – IT Technician

We also welcome back the incredible Sarah Power who departed to another school for one year but missed our positive culture and connectedness so much she returned!

School improvement

I am pleased to announce the 2026 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 – Teaching & Learning Mr Bill Exton
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing Ms. Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal – Inclusion Mr David Hose
Literacy Leader – Ms Erin McGillicuddy
Pedagogy & Curriculum Leader – Dr. Peter Morgan
School Enhancement Leader – Mrs. Jenni Nansen
STEM Leader – Mr Todd Chamberlain
VCE Improvement Leader – Ms. Laura Blackson

This year we are continuing to strengthen learning and wellbeing across the school by supporting teachers to deliver engaging, meaningful lessons and provide clear feedback that helps students understand their progress and next steps. Senior students will receive structured weekly exam preparation to build confidence and readiness, while all students will use personalised dashboards from Term 2 to set goals and take greater ownership of their learning.

We are also refining our wellbeing programs to ensure a clear and supportive pathway from Year 7 through to Year 12, building staff expertise to meet the diverse needs of every student, and maintaining consistent approaches to behaviour that create safe, predictable classrooms where students are ready to learn.

These actions will ensure we are continuing to enhance the learning and wellbeing growth of all students and sustain and grow our high performing status.

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy – on the school website here , describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy – on the school website here

Child Safety and Wellbeing at Fairhills High School

At Fairhills High School, we are committed to providing an environment where every student is safe and feels safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to protecting children from harm and promoting their wellbeing.

Our child safety framework outlines the strategies, policies, and procedures we have in place to support a culture of child safety and care across the school. It includes:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Child Safety Code of Conduct
• Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedure
• Complaints Policy
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy
• Volunteers Policy
• Visitors Policy
• Digital Learning Policy
• Yard Duty and Supervision Policy

You can find all these policies on the Fairhills High School website.

Our students and their families are essential partners in ensuring a safe and supportive school community. We regularly share updates and reminders in our newsletters to keep our community informed about:

• Our ongoing commitment to child safety, and
• How you can provide feedback or raise concerns.

If you have a child safety concern at any time, please contact

• Silvana La Leggia Year 7-9 Assistant Principal

silvana.laleggia@education.vic.gov.au or 97585022

• Bill Exton Year 10-12 Assistant Principal

bill.exton@education.vic.gov.au or 97585022

All concerns or complaints are treated seriously and with care.

We also welcome your suggestions on how we can continue to strengthen our child safety approach. Thank you for partnering with us to make Fairhills High School a safe and supportive place for every student.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

Welcome Back to Term 1 – The Fairhills Way

As we begin Term 1, we warmly welcome our students and families back to Fairhills High School for another year of learning, growth, and connection. The start of the year is an important time to reset expectations, strengthen routines, and re-establish a strong sense of belonging for every student. At Fairhills, we are proud of our close-knit, family-focused community, where students are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

This term, our focus is on three key priorities that support student success and reflect the Fairhills Way.

SOLE – A Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

A Safe and Orderly Learning Environment (SOLE) is essential for effective teaching and learning. Across the school, staff are working consistently to ensure classrooms and shared spaces are calm, predictable, and supportive. Clear routines, consistent expectations, and positive behaviour support help students feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. When learning environments are safe and orderly, students can focus, engage, and do their best every day.

Living Our School Values – ABS

Our core values sit at the heart of everything we do at Fairhills:

• Act Responsibly – taking ownership of learning, behaviour, and choices
• Build Relationships – showing kindness, empathy, and teamwork
• Show Respect – for ourselves, others, and our environment

Students are explicitly taught and encouraged to demonstrate these values in classrooms, the yard, and the wider school community. When we consistently live our ABS values, we strengthen a positive culture where everyone feels valued, connected, and proud to belong to the Fairhills family.

Attendance – Every Day Counts

Regular school attendance plays a vital role in student learning, wellbeing, and connection. Being at school every day helps students build strong routines, maintain friendships, and stay engaged with their learning.

Parents and carers are key partners in supporting attendance. Please ensure absences are explained promptly through Compass and communicate with the school if your child is experiencing difficulties attending. We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances occur, and we are always here to work alongside families to support students back into regular attendance as soon as possible.

We look forward to working in partnership with our families throughout Term 1 to ensure all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for your continued support as we begin the year together and celebrate what it means to be part of the Fairhills Way and family.

Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal- Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Teaching & Learning

It has been wonderful to see students return to Fairhills with such a positive start to the year. The first few weeks are always an important time to reset routines, reconnect with learning and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

At Fairhills, we focus on creating calm, purposeful classrooms where students know what is expected and feel supported to do their best. Clear learning routines, consistent expectations and strong relationships help students feel confident as they begin the year.

Thank you to our families for the support you have already shown. When students see school and home working together, it makes a real difference to their confidence and readiness to learn.

Return to School Interviews

Our Return to School Interviews on the first day of term were a fantastic way to begin 2026. These short meetings between students, families and teachers provide an opportunity to set the tone for the year ahead.

During each 15-minute conversation, teachers worked with families to discuss key expectations such as uniform, classroom routines, technology set-up and learning habits. Students also received their year level handbook, helping them stay organised and prepared from the start.

Most importantly, these conversations help build strong relationships. Taking the time to sit down together sends a clear message to students that learning is a shared responsibility between school and home. Thank you to the many families who attended and helped create such a positive start to the year.

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) – Why We Do It

Over the coming weeks, students will complete their first round of PAT Reading and PAT Maths testing. These are not exams and students do not need to study beforehand. Instead, they give us a helpful snapshot of where students are currently at in their learning.

For our new Year 7 students, PAT testing provides valuable baseline information as they begin secondary school. Across all year levels, completing two tests each year allows us to track growth over time and better understand how students are progressing.

The goal is simple. The information helps teachers identify each student’s point of need so learning can be adjusted and support can be targeted where it is needed most. It is one of the ways we ensure students are challenged, supported and continuing to grow.

Looking Ahead

As the term continues, our focus remains on supporting every student to feel confident, curious and ready to learn each day. Thank you for the positive way you continue to work in partnership with us. Together, we can create the consistency and encouragement that helps young people thrive.

Mr Exton
Assistant Principal – Senior School

Learning Inclusion

Fairhills High School is proud to introduce its new Learning Inclusion space — a welcoming and supportive environment designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Created to provide a calm and inclusive setting, Learning Inclusion offers a quiet retreat for students who may be experiencing anxiety, sensory overload, or feeling overwhelmed at any point during the school day. The space has been thoughtfully designed to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to re-engage with their learning.

The area features a wide range of resources, many of which were generously donated by members of our school community at the end of 2025. These include card and board games, puzzles, mindful colouring books, LEGO, and a variety of fidget tools to support regulation and focus. Comfortable seating such as a Kloudsac allows students to relax and reset, while designated tables and chairs provide an appropriate environment for students completing assessments under Special Assessment Arrangements. Lockers have also been installed for select students to support organisation and independence.

Learning Inclusion is home to all of our Learning Assistants and is supervised by Learning Inclusion Leader, Angela Hammond, alongside Learning Inclusion Assistant, Julia Newnham. Together, the team works closely with students to provide guidance, encouragement, and individualised support throughout the school day.

This new space reflects Fairhills High School’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and student wellbeing. By providing a dedicated environment that recognises and responds to individual learning and sensory needs, Learning Inclusion helps ensure every student has the opportunity to feel connected, supported, and successful at school.

David Hose
Assistant Principal – Learning Inclusion

Term 1 2026 Dates

School Tours

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

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

2026 Term Dates

Year 7 Induction Program: A Confident Start the Fairhills Way

Our Year 7 Induction Program was a vibrant and carefully designed introduction to secondary school life at Fairhills High School. Across three engaging days, students were welcomed into our community, introduced to high expectations, and supported to build connections, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging

From the very beginning, students were immersed in “The Fairhills Way”, learning about our school values of Act Responsibly, Build Relationships and Show Respect, alongside clear routines and expectations that support a safe and orderly learning environment. These foundations set students up for a positive transition and a successful start to their secondary school journey.

A highlight of the program was the focus on connection and teamwork. The ever-popular Marshmallow Spaghetti Tree Challenge had students working collaboratively, problem-solving, communicating, and having plenty of fun as they built the tallest structures they could. This activity sparked laughter, creativity, and early friendships, while reinforcing the importance of working together positively.

Students also took part in a scavenger hunt around the school, helping them become familiar with key spaces such as the library, community courtyard, learning hubs, and wellbeing areas. This practical experience helped students feel more confident navigating the school and knowing where to go for help.

Creativity and reflection played a strong role in the program. During the God’s Eye activity, students created colourful woven designs that symbolised connection, care, and perspective, an opportunity to slow down, be mindful, and express themselves creatively. These pieces now serve as a reminder of the relationships formed during induction.

One of the most meaningful moments came through the Time Capsule and Future Letters activity. Students wrote letters to their future selves, reflecting on their hopes, goals, and feelings as they begin Year 7. These letters, along with artefacts from the week, were placed into a time capsule to be revisited later in their secondary schooling, capturing this important milestone in their journey.

Across the three days, students were also introduced to key systems such as Compass, laptops and digital learning, lockers, timetables, wellbeing supports, and safety procedures. Importantly, these sessions were interactive and student-focused, allowing plenty of time to practise routines and ask questions.

The Year 7 Induction Program was a wonderful start to the year, filled with learning, laughter, creativity, and connection. We are incredibly proud of how our newest students embraced the experience and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow into curious, creative, and confident learners at Fairhills High School.

Independent Reading in Year 7 and 8 English Classes

Independent Reading has started again at Fairhills High School across all Year 7 and Year 8 English classes for 2026. This initiative is designed to build students’ reading confidence, improve literacy skills, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

During Independent Reading time, students will have the opportunity to choose books that interest them and read in a calm, focused environment. By allowing students to select their own texts, we aim to encourage engagement, enjoyment, and a positive attitude towards reading.

Research shows that regular reading for pleasure supports vocabulary development, comprehension, spelling, and writing skills across all learning areas. Independent Reading also helps students develop concentration, resilience, and independence in their learning.

Teachers will support students to find texts suited to their interests and reading levels, and the school library will play a key role in providing a wide range of engaging and accessible books. Students will also practice key reading skills during their Independent Reading time such as visualisation, monitoring comprehension, making connections and questioning.

We look forward to seeing our Year 7 and 8 students grow in confidence and capability as readers through this exciting program.

Year 8 Library Leadership

This year, we are pleased to continue and expand a student leadership initiative based in our school library. In partnership with the Library staff, Ms La Leggia and Mr Baker are working together to select students who demonstrate our school values of Act Responsibly, Build Relationships and Show Kindness.

The program was successfully piloted toward the end of last year, with students taking on small but meaningful roles to support the daily operation of the library. These students showed enthusiasm, reliability, and pride in contributing to the school community, making the pilot a very positive experience for both staff and students.

In 2026, we are excited to build on this success by offering the opportunity to more students. By working in the library, students are developing important leadership skills such as communication, organisation, teamwork, and initiative, while also modelling positive learning behaviours to their peers.

This program is designed not only to support the library but to provide students with a chance to grow in confidence, take responsibility, and contribute to the wider school environment in a constructive way. We look forward to seeing this initiative continue to develop and to celebrating the students who take part throughout the year.

Year 9 Connect – Tree Project

Year 9 connect students had the opportunity to literally get their hands dirty and support the volunteer efforts of Dr Morgan who is volunteer grower with the Tree Project. https://treeproject.org.au/

Students helped fill just over 1000 tubes and plant native seeds for revegetation programs in the local area. The hope is students can help with the actual planting out while learning about the importance of making small but meaningful contributions to make a better world.

Hydrogen Grand Prix Team – KIOSC

Hydrogen Grand Prix team met at KIOSC to launch the 2026 attempt. Having placed 2nd last year. The hope is the team can build on the experience of old members and the enthusiasm and new ideas of new ones to finish on top of the ladder. Regardless of the outcome the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity for students to work as a team and explore their potential consistent with our vision of empowering our community to be curious, creative and confident.

VM Numeracy – how many lollies fit?

What better way to study measurement than finding out how many lollies will fit into 2 different containers. The Year 11 VM class have been exploring units of measurement, including; perimeter, area and volume, along with 3D geometry. On Monday they worked collaboratively in groups to carefully measure the dimensions of 2 plastic containers and 4 different lollies/chocolates. Each group made predictions of how many lollies would fit vs the calculated volumes using their measurements. The number of lollies that could have fitted in each container would make a Dentist rich.

A Great Start to our Year 10 Students

The Year 10’s are off to a fantastic start and have transitioned smoothly into senior school life. It has been great to see how positively they are engaging across all their classes.

In English, students have been enthusiastic while studying 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose, or, as it became in one classroom, 17 Engaged Students! as they role played the scenes from the script.

A reminder to all Year 10 students to begin thinking about possible work experience opportunities for Week 10 of Term 2. If you require any support or guidance in organising work experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Liz Rundle.

We wish all of our Year 10 students of 2026 continued success as the year unfolds.

Breakfast Club Off to a Sensational Start!

Our Breakfast Club has kicked off the year with an absolutely sensational start, now running every morning before school in its freshly refreshed canteen space. Following a fresh coat of paint and a move into a new area, the space has quickly become a welcoming hub for students to start their day in a positive way.

We’ve seen a steady stream of students coming through each morning, enjoying not just a nutritious breakfast but also the chance to sit, chat, and connect around the tables and chairs. It’s been wonderful to see students taking pride in the space too — including washing their own dishes and helping keep the area welcoming for everyone.

Food is available each day before school, with additional access at lunchtime to fridges stocked with fresh apples and mini milks. Thanks to the generous support of Tasty Truck donations, students can also enjoy free sandwiches, which have been very popular.

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers, whose time, care, and commitment make Breakfast Club such a success. We simply couldn’t do it without them.

It’s been fantastic to see students enjoying a nutritious start to the day in such a positive, social environment — a truly great way to begin the year!

Instrumental Music

The Music Department is officially firing up for another fantastic year! It has been wonderful to hear the halls filled with sound again—from our new students creating their very first notes to our returning musicians preparing for the year ahead.

Lessons are available for all students in the following instruments –
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Singing
Drums
Bass guitar
Guitar

If you have any queries about instrumental lessons or ensemble rehearsals, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nicole McAlister at Nicole.Mcalister@education.vic.gov.au.

We can’t wait to see what our students achieve this year!

Student Leadership Team

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our 2026 Senior Student Leadership Team at Fairhills High School.

Leading the team as School Captains are Jess (Art) and Lehansa (Community Development). They will be supported by an outstanding group of student leaders who bring a wide range of strengths, passions, and perspectives to their roles.

Our Senior School Leaders for 2026 are Pepper and Jordana, while Abby will lead in Wellbeing, Eva in Art, and Seth representing VM. Keanna will take on the role of Middle School Leader, and Will takes on the lead in Sport.

We congratulate all students on this achievement and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our school community in 2026.

Year 12 Jackets Arrive

There was plenty of excitement around the school this week as our Year 12 students received their new jackets. For many students, the jackets represent an important milestone — marking their final year of secondary school and the leadership role they now hold within the Fairhills community.

Worn with pride, the Year 12 jackets symbolise resilience, growth, and the journey our students have taken to reach this point. They also serve as a reminder of the responsibility Year 12 students carry as role models for younger students across the school.

We look forward to seeing our Year 12s wearing their jackets throughout the year as they lead, support one another, and make the most of their final year at Fairhills.

Fairhills High School Clubs & Activities

After School VCE English Club

When: Tuesdays after school until 4pm
Where: Room S7

VCE English Club is back for 2026. If you want extra help with everything English this is the place to come! You can get help from experienced VCE English teachers and smash English in 2026!

Homework Club

When: Wednesdays, 2:45 – 4:00 PM
Where: Resource Learning Hub

Join us every Wednesday after school in a welcoming space where students can work on homework or class tasks with support available.
All students are encouraged to attend. Homework Club is a great opportunity to stay on top of your learning in a calm, supportive, and inviting environment.

Japanese Club（日本部）

When: Every second (Week B) Thursday at lunchtime
Where: Room M03

Japanese Club is a place where you can be a curious, creative and confident learner about all things Japanese culture and language.

We are particularly looking for anyone with skills in anything Japanese, so please if you have a skill contact Winstone sensei at jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au. Parents very welcome to come share Japanese cultural or language skills if you have them!

However, to come to Japanese Club you don’t need anything but enthusiasm.

The first Japanese Club will run on Thursday March 5 at lunchtime in M03. After that it will run every second Thursday.

楽しみにしています！See you there！

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

For further information please go to https://fairhillshs.vic.edu.au/enrolment/uniform/

2026 Bell Times

2026 Team Leaders

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

Breakfast Club

With the support of volunteers from local churches- Knox Baptist and Hillsong Church we provide breakfast club 5 days a week for our students from 8:15-8:40am. There are a range of healthy breakfast options available including cereals, toast, cheese toasties and fruit. Students are also able to access mini-milk drinks, fruit and free Tasty Truck (day old) sandwiches at Breakfast Club and at lunch time.

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:40 PM- 3:00 PM 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.