I took Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of Term 4 and would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our Silvana La Leggia and Bill Exton (Assistant Principal) for stepping up to support the school community in my absence. Their dedication ensured the smooth running of the school and continued our commitment to excellence. I’m grateful for their hard work and the support of our wonderful community during that time. It’s great to be back (I do miss the infinity pool….), refreshed and ready for the term ahead.
Year 12 celebrations
We recently had the privilege of farewelling our Year 12 students with a series of wonderful events, including a remarkable assembly and an unforgettable valedictory dinner. Both occasions were a true celebration of our students’ hard work, growth, and achievements throughout their years at Fairhills. I want to commend our Year 12s for the way they carried themselves—respectful, mature, and proud—which made these moments truly special for students, families, and staff alike.
For those now entering the final stretch with exams, I wish you every success. This period is crucial, and I encourage you to maintain focus, put in consistent effort, and make the most of your preparation. Completing as many past exam questions as possible is one of the most effective ways to deepen your understanding and sharpen your skills. I also urge you to actively seek feedback from your teachers, who are here to support you in fine-tuning your performance and maximising your potential.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Senior School leadership team, Bill Exton, Leanne Henderson, Todd Chamberlain and Laura Blackson and our dedicated VCE teachers for their commitment and tireless efforts throughout the year. Your guidance, encouragement, and expertise have been instrumental in preparing our students for this significant milestone.
Parent corner – What Should I Do If I’m Concerned About My Child’s Lifestyle?
If you’re worried about your child’s lifestyle, the steps you take will depend on the nature of your concern and your relationship with your child. Here’s what you can do:
Communicate: Try to talk directly to your child about your concerns to understand their situation better. Open and honest communication can be very effective.
Consult the School Wellbeing team: If you feel it’s needed, speak to the Wellbeing team and ask them to have a conversation with your child.
Involve Teachers: Consider discussing your concerns with your child’s teachers to gain more insights into their behaviour and performance at school.
Collaborate with the Sub School Assistant Principal: If the concern is significant, discuss the best course of action with them.
Avoid Inaction: Never ignore the situation or take unconsidered action. Always think carefully and consult with other professionals to determine the best approach.
Our Year 10B students have been diving into the fascinating world of psychology this term, and today they took their learning to the next level with a sheep brain dissection!
Check out the attached photos showcasing their hands-on experience.
Here are some thoughts from our budding neuroscientists:
Jess: “I was able to look and feel, but didn’t like the smell. I am really glad I did it.”
Will: “It was fascinating.”
Great job, 10B! Keep up the amazing work as you explore the wonders of the brain!
Year 11 VM Fundraiser
The Year 11 VM class ran a range of fundraiser events on Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 October, to raise funds for their chosen charities and causes. From guessing how many lollies were in the jar to guessing staff baby photos, seeing who could kick a footy the furthest and eating up a storm at the sausage sizzle and bake sales, our school community raised $519. Your generosity has helped raise money for;
Beyond Blue
Black Dog Institute for mental health
RSPCA Victoria
The Smith Family
FHS Basketball team
FHS Sport equipment
We would like to thank all students and staff who came along and supported these events.
On Thursday 24 October, Fairhills High School proudly celebrated Mental Health Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing. This event encourages everyone to reflect on their mental health, regardless of whether they have experienced mental illness or not. It’s also a reminder of the importance of looking after our mental health in daily life and reaching out for support when needed.
To mark the occasion, we teamed up with local support services to bring a fun, interactive day to the school! Throughout the day, students explored open booths, participated in activities, and joined in a scavenger hunt with prizes like chocolate, lollies, and fidget toys.
We welcomed the following organisations:
Knox Youth Services
Knox Youth Services offers a range of programs for young people aged 10 to 25 years and their families within the City of Knox. Programs include art groups, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Crafternoon, tabletop games club, counselling, and even a learner driver mentor program (L2P). Most programs are free, and they also organise special activities during school holidays.
Headspace Knox
Headspace Knox provides free, confidential mental health support for young people aged 12-25. With a team of friendly professionals, Headspace offers a safe space for youth to discuss their wellbeing and access support and health advice.
Satellite Foundation
Satellite Foundation empowers children and young people who have a family member living with mental health challenges. Their programs focus on creativity, communication, and building supportive friendships. Satellite offers both in-person and online programs and is passionate about using lived experiences to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing.
A big thank you to Mariani Lim for organising these incredible activities and bringing together such valuable resources for our school community.
This was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the local services available and to engage in a day filled with positivity, connection, and awareness. Let’s come together as a school community to prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
Positive Use of Social Media for Student Communications
In today’s digital age, social media can serve as a valuable tool for student communication and connection. We encourage our students to use these platforms positively and responsibly to enhance their friendships and engage in school activities. However, it’s crucial for both students and parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with social media use, particularly on apps like Snapchat.
Monitoring and Appropriate Use:
Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s social media activities and discuss the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe online presence. Snapchat groups can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or inappropriate interactions, so it’s essential to talk to your child about the potential dangers and the importance of reporting any concerning content or behaviour.
By fostering open communication about social media use, we can help students navigate these platforms safely and responsibly.
SWPBS Shop Update and Behaviour Reminders
This term, students have been enthusiastically participating in our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) program, accumulating points by demonstrating positive behaviour in line with the school’s values. These points can be exchanged for rewards at the SWPBS Shop, which has become a highlight for students!
Popular Items in the SWPBS Shop: The SWPBS Shop offers a range of exciting items that students can redeem with their hard-earned points. Some of the most popular items include:
Sporting equipment (footballs, basketballs)
LEGO kits for creative builders
Portable speakers
Stickers for personalization
Fidget toys for focus and fun
Lollies and treats
The SWPBS Shop is a great way to encourage positive behaviour while rewarding students for their efforts in maintaining a respectful and positive learning environment.
A heartfelt thank you to Emma O’Connor for organising and running the SWPBS Shop with the help of our student volunteers. Your hard work and dedication make a significant difference in our school community!
The 4-R Positive Classroom Behaviour Process
To support a positive learning environment, we follow the 4-R Positive Classroom Behaviour Process. This process helps manage classroom behaviour while giving students the opportunity to correct their actions and re-engage in learning.
Level 1 – Remind/Redirect Learning:
The teacher will remind the student of the expected behaviour and guide them back to their learning.
Level 2 – Relocate/Recall:
If a student continues to disengage, they will be relocated to another seat or outside the classroom for 2-3 minutes. During this time, the student is encouraged to reflect on their behaviour and agree to follow classroom expectations.
Level 3 – Remove to Another Class:
For more serious disruptions, the teacher will use a Red Card to signal the need for removal. A responsible student will notify the office, and a member of the leadership team will escort the student to another classroom. The student will then complete a restore and re-entry agreement to ensure they understand the behaviour expectations before returning. The removal will be documented by the teacher on Compass as a red post.
Level 4 – Restore Prior to Returning to Class:
Before re-entering class, the teacher and student will meet to agree on expected behaviours moving forward. This conversation will be documented on Compass.
Non-Negotiables – Immediate Red Card Removals:
Certain behaviours result in immediate removal from the classroom through the Red Card system.
These Non-Negotiables include:
Bullying & harassment
Dangerous or violent behaviour
Destruction of property
Repeated refusal to follow instructions
Swearing or threatening behaviour towards others
Consequences for major behaviours will be applied in line with the FHS consequence matrix.
Keep up the positive work, Middle School! Remember that showing respect and responsibility not only helps you grow but also earns you points to spend at the SWPBS Shop!
Term 3 House Points
Congratulations to Blue House for winning the Term 3 points competition. Students earned points for excellent behaviour, values and work ethic, along with participation in Diversity Week and other school activities.
It was a lovely day for Blue House students to receive their free bbq lunch.
Final results-
Blue – 2353
Red – 2242
Yellow – 2189
Green – 1656
Term 3 School Wide Positive Behaviour Points
Congratulations to Lachie for winning this Terms SWPB points shop Raffle.
As I write this newsletter, our middle school students have just attended the Year 12 Final Assembly, where we celebrated the journey and accomplishments of our graduating year 12’s. I am proud to say that our students behaved exceptionally well, demonstrating utmost respect and embodying our school values during this important event.
Year 9 Connect Excursion: A Journey Through Melbourne’s Dark Past
Last week, Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable journey into Melbourne’s rich and dark history with a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol. The excursion was not only a thrilling experience but also an eye-opening opportunity to explore the city’s notorious criminal past.
Students were immersed in the stories of infamous criminals once held within the gaol’s walls, gaining a deep understanding of the justice system in 19th-century Australia. The highlight of the day was the Culpable Driving Experience, a dramatic courtroom re-enactment where students stepped into the shoes of both the accused and the jury, grappling with the complexities of real-life legal cases. This engaging experience challenged students to think critically about the justice system and its impact on individuals and society.
With guided tours, interactive displays, and the courtroom drama, students learned about the harsh realities of life behind bars and the dramatic contrasts between historical and modern justice practices. The excursion provided a captivating look into Melbourne’s past, leaving students with much to reflect on.
Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal – Middle School
As we head into Term 4 spring is in the air and this means our Year 12 Students are looking towards the end of their formal classes and getting ready for their end of year exams. Their preparations started last term with students undertaking practice exams in all subjects on the last day of Term 3 and also during the school holidays.
Additionally, students attended exam ‘skills sessions’ at the Knox Community Centre in the first week of the holidays, delivered by Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) examination assessors. It was pleasing to see students approaching these exams and skills sessions with a positive attitude and being well prepared. This is the attitude we expect from Fairhills students, and it also means the learning experience of practicing exams and revising is more impactful.
Over the past two weeks Year 12 students have had their final classes and are beginning the process of reflecting on and celebrating their school years. Students have been enjoying dress-up days and last Tuesday morning they enjoyed their end of year breakfast and shirt signing, with Mr Burrows and Mr Chamberlain cooking up a storm on the barbeque! Their last formal assembly took place after the breakfast, with the whole school having the opportunity to say goodbye.
On Tuesday 22 October our Year 12 students and families attended the Valedictory Evening at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood. This evening recognised the 13 years of schooling these students have now completed, symbolised by students ‘crossing the stage’ in front of their family and friends. The highlights of the evening were speeches from Ameisha, the Dux of 2023 and also Glenda Harry, a student from the 1980s. Glenda reflected on her time at Fairhills, the fond memories she holds and the journey she has taken since leaving high school. I would like to thank Mr Chamberlain and Ms Hodson for their organisation of this significant event. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes and without their dedication, the evening would not have been the success that it was!
The Class of 2024 has been a wonderful group. From their very first days as nervous Year 7s, they have shown us not only their dedication and commitment to their education but have also embraced our school values of acting responsibly, building relationships and showing respect. They have contributed to our school community in countless ways, whether through academic accomplishments, sports, arts, leadership roles, or community service. Their presence has enriched our school, and they have set an excellent example for younger students to follow.
Our Year 12 Student Leadership Team, led by our school co-captains Elissa and Tyson, have been outstanding in their leadership and commitment to our school this year. They have lived out our school values and demonstrated to all what it means to act responsibly. On behalf of the Fairhills community I thank them for their dedication to their roles and for always supporting and encouraging their fellow students to be their best.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Henderson, our illustrious Year 12 Team Leader. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ms Henderson this year, to support our awesome Year 12 students. Her passion and dedication to her role as Year 12 Team Leader is second to none and she has helped shape these young adults into who they are today. Congratulations on a great job!
Finally, I wish every Year 12 student all the very best for their upcoming examinations, interviews and/or commencement of new courses of study or employment and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the weeks, months, and years ahead! Ms Rundle is only a phone call away and she has been a huge help to all our students, helping them navigate their their pathway decisions.
Congratulations Class of 2024! May your future be filled with success, happiness, and fulfilment. We are immensely proud of each and every one of you.
Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal
Farewell from Elissa 2024 School Captain
It has been the greatest pleasure to have met so many amazing individuals along the journey at Fairhills and the memories and experiences will forever be cherished. Thank you so much to the teachers and staff for all of their hard work in the last years, without you all Fairhills would not shine as brightly as it does despite its bright purple colour. To the year 7’s – 11’s enjoy the rest of your high school journeys and don’t be afraid to experience, challenge and make mistakes. Cherish your time with friends and teachers, and good luck!
Thank you, Fairhills Family.
Mullum VET Cluster Awards 2024
Vocational Education and Training or VET is designed to teach students knowledge and specific practical skills to help them transition into their chosen industry.
VET is applied learning, it’s about doing, and maintains strong links to specific industry areas. It enables students to gain real experience and understanding of specific work environments.
It enables students to start on their Industry training as part of the senior program.
Delivered at alternative venues VET also builds confidence, independence and resilience.
Fairhills is a member of the Mullum VET cluster. Across the cluster over 1200 students enrol in VET programs. Every year the cluster recognises the efforts and talents of VET students.
The Mullum VET Cluster awards recognise:
Excellence award – attitude, effort and achieving top marks across their program.
Merit award – for attitude and effort
We are excited to announce the following Fairhills VET students have received the following awards:
Excellence Awards
Jayden
AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
Year 1
Ringwood Training
Corey
22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) Pre-apprenticeship
Year 1
Swinburne University of Technology
Nikolas
BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills (with selected units from Certificate III in Business)
Year 2
Swinburne University of Technology
Merit Awards
Joshua
ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity) (Partial Completion)
Year 1
Ringwood Training
Ella
CUA30920 Certificate III in Music (Sound Production)
Year 1
Melba College
Jovo
BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills
Year 1
Fairhills High School
Karylle
BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills (with selected units from Certificate III in Business)
Year 2
Swinburne University of Technology
Matthew
SIS30115 Certificate III in Sport and Recreation (Personal Fitness Industry focus)
Year 2
Scoresby Secondary College
Mius Maximus
CUA30920 Certificate III in Music (Performance)
Year 2
Scoresby Secondary College
Scarlett
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Year 2
Cire Services
The School Saving Bonus for Government school students can be accessed via the School Saving Bonus online system in November 2024.
Families can choose how they spend the School Saving Bonus. It can be used towards 2025 school costs, which may include:
camps, trips, excursions and incursions
swimming and sporting programs
outdoor education programs
graduations
school uniforms
textbooks
The School Saving Bonus will be emailed directly to parents and carers in November 2024. Please check your junk folder if you cannot locate the email. If you do not receive information by 25 November 2024, please contact your school for support.
Families can allocate all or part of the bonus to help with the cost of school activities. This allocation will be made within the online system.
The bonus can also be used at your school’s designated textbook or uniform suppliers in-store or online until 30 June 2025.
If any amount allocated to textbooks or uniforms is unspent as at 1 July 2025, it will become a school activities credit for you to use through your school.
Student eligibility
The School Saving Bonus is available for parents and carers of each Victorian government school student from Prep to Year 12 in 2025, except for full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.
There is no application required for eligible government school parents to receive the School Saving Bonus, however there are a few required actions for parents and carers.
Actions for parents and carers
To receive the School Saving Bonus, parents and carers of children who are attending a Victorian government school in 2025 are required to do the following by Friday 18 October 2024:
Check your contact information: Ensure your phone number and email address is up to date with your school.
You need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:
in October, to verify your email address
in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus. You will be able to access it via an online system.
Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.
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.
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.
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 Dandy Schoolwear in Dandenong.
