From Fairhills to the Future—Empowered to Succeed

We recently celebrated our Year 12 students with two memorable events: a heartfelt final assembly and a wonderful Valedictory Dinner. These occasions reflected our school vision, ‘Empowering our community to be curious, creative and confident learners’. Our students demonstrated curiosity through their perseverance, creativity in how they approached challenges, and confidence in the way they carried themselves with pride, respect and maturity. It was a pleasure to acknowledge their journey and achievements alongside families, staff, and friends of Fairhills.

As our Year 12 VCE-mainstream students enter their examination period, I encourage them to continue demonstrating our school values of Acting Responsibly, Building Relationships, and Showing Respect by preparing thoughtfully, supporting one another, and seeking feedback from their teachers to further strengthen their performance.

I extend my sincere thanks to the Senior School leadership team, Bill Exton, Leanne Henderson and Laura Blackson, and to our dedicated VCE teachers for their professionalism, commitment and care. Their collective efforts ensure our students leave Fairhills ready to thrive in the next stage of their learning and lives.

Parent corner – Guiding Our Young People in Their Online Lives

As our students grow, their online lives are becoming a key part of their social and personal development. Social media brings many positive opportunities—but it also presents risks that require support from both school and home.

We can work together to help our children become safe, responsible digital citizens. To do that:

Talk regularly with your child about what they do online, what they see, and how it makes them feel. Encourage open and honest conversations—let them know they can talk to you without fear of judgment.

Set clear family rules around social media use—such as screen-free times, device-free bedrooms, or agreed time limits.

Review privacy settings together and remind your child that once something is posted online, it can be hard to remove.

It’s also important to be aware of the new federal law coming into effect: from 10 December 2025, social media platforms will be required to prevent children under 16 years old from holding accounts. eSafety Commissioner+2ABC+2 While the law won’t penalise children or families, it places responsibility on platforms to act.

By modelling positive online habits and keeping the conversation open, we empower our students to make thoughtful, confident choices online. Working together, we can equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.

Melbourne Cup Eve- Alternative program

A reminder that Monday 3 November is a normal school day prior to the Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 4 November.

We understand that some families may choose to take the opportunity for an extended long weekend. While it is not a pupil-free day, we recognise that attendance may be lower than usual.

To ensure meaningful learning continues, we will run an alternative learning program for onsite Year 7–10 students.
Tasty Trucks will not operate on this day.

If your child (Year 7–10) will be attending, please complete the Alternative Learning Day form by Monday 27 October. It only takes 1–2 minutes to fill out.

👉 Alternative Learning Day Form – Click Here

• Year 11 VCE students should study from home in preparation for their upcoming exams in Week 7.
• Year 11 VCE-VM students may wish to attend an additional day at their workplace structured learning.

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 97505022

• 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

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

As Term 4 unfolds and spring blossoms around us, our Year 12 students are approaching the final stages of their formal classes and gearing up for their end-of-year exams. Their exam preparation began last term with practice exams held on the final day of Term 3 and continued throughout the school holidays. During the first week of the break, students also participated in valuable exam skills sessions at the Knox Community Centre, led by assessors from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). It was wonderful to see students approach these sessions with enthusiasm and a positive mindset—an attitude we proudly expect from Fairhills students. This dedication ensures their revision and practice have the greatest impact.

Over the past two weeks, Year 12 students have wrapped up their final classes and started reflecting on their time at school. They have enjoyed fun dress-up days, and last Tuesday morning featured a special end-of-year breakfast and shirt signing event, with Mr Burrows and Ms Blackson cooking up a delicious barbeque feast! Following the breakfast, the last formal assembly gave the entire school the chance to say a heartfelt goodbye.

On Tuesday, 21 October, Year 12 students and their families gathered at the Gardners Run Golf Course for the memorable Valedictory Evening. This special occasion celebrated the culmination of 13 years of schooling, marked by students ‘crossing the stage’ in front of loved ones. Highlights included inspiring speeches from alumni Felicity (Class of ’23) and Beatriz (Class of ’24), who shared fond memories of their time at Fairhills and reflected on their journeys since graduation. A huge thank you to Ms Blackson and Ms Hodson for their outstanding organisation—your hard work behind the scenes made the event truly unforgettable!

The Class of 2025 has been exceptional. From their first tentative steps as Year 7 students, they have demonstrated dedication, commitment, and a strong embrace of our school values—responsibility, respect, and relationship-building. Their contributions have enriched our community through academic achievements, sports, arts, leadership, and service. They have set a shining example for younger students to follow.

Special recognition goes to our Year 12 Student Leadership Team, led by school co-captains Audrey and Hayden. Their leadership has embodied our values and inspired their peers throughout the year. On behalf of the entire Fairhills community, thank you for your commitment and support.

I would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Ms Henderson, our remarkable Year 12 Team Leader. It has been a pleasure working alongside her this year. Her passion and dedication have been instrumental in guiding and shaping our students into the young adults they are today. Congratulations on a fantastic job!

Finally, I wish all Year 12 students the very best for their upcoming exams, interviews, and next steps—whether further study or employment. Ms Rundle remains available to support students with their pathway decisions as they move forward.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and look forward to witnessing your future successes, happiness, and fulfilment.

Mr Exton
Assistant Principal – Senior School

Term 3 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

Year 9 Students Connect with Culture at Willum Warrain

As part of their Connect program, our Year 9 students recently visited the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings, where they engaged in a meaningful cultural immersion led by local Aboriginal community members.

Stepping beyond the classroom, students had the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal perspectives, traditions, and deep connections to Country. The day included exploring bush tucker plants, listening to cultural stories, and taking part in hands-on workshops focused on caring for the environment and honouring cultural heritage.

This enriching experience encouraged students to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and reconciliation, while deepening their appreciation for First Nations knowledge and the strength of community.

Cracking the Crime Scene – Year 9/10 Forensic Science Excursion

Last week, our Year 9 and Year 10 students enjoyed an immersive excursion to the KIOSC STEM Discovery Centre at Wantirna to participate in the “Discovery: Forensic Science – Major Crime” program. This exciting learning experience challenged our budding forensic investigators to step into the shoes of crime-scene detectives, applying hands-on science and rigorous thinking to solve a complex homicide case.

Under the expert guidance of KIOSC instructors, students began their day in Field Operations, where they examined virtual 360° crime-scene photos, recovered fingerprints, and conducted suspect interviews to build alibis and piece together the timeline of events.

From there they moved into Lab Operations: Biometrics, exploring techniques such as electrophoresis (DNA fingerprinting), blood typing and polygraph/datalogging technologies — all instrumental tools in forensic investigations.

Next, in Lab Operations: Analytical Services, students analysed the collected evidence using advanced methods: UV spectrophotometry, chromatography, weapons analysis and more — turning raw data into meaningful conclusions.

Throughout the day, the emphasis was on developing critical thinking, scientific method, teamwork and communication. Students had to interpret evidence, make justified decisions and present their findings in a mock-case resolution. It was engaging, challenging and highly relevant to real-world science and industry.

Highlights of the excursion included:

• Students witnessing how fingerprints, blood samples and chemical traces can point to suspects.
• Use of virtual reality crime-scene imagery to heighten realism.
• Working collaboratively to build an evidence-based argument for who committed the crime and how.
• Linking classroom science concepts (chemistry, biology, physics, maths) to a dramatic applied scenario.

Congratulations to Our Hiragana Belt Holders!

Last week in Japanese Club, Erica, Ebony, Jake, Vukota, and Chanelle showcased their impressive skills by reading a series of words in hiragana with 100% accuracy. While these aren’t karate belts, their “hiragana belts” represent a significant achievement in their Japanese language learning journey.

We are inspired by their dedication and look forward to cheering them on as they strive for their next belt challenges!

Celebrating Mental Health Week at Fairhills High School

On Tuesday, 14 October, the Fairhills High School community came together in the Canteen Courtyard to celebrate Mental Health Week as part of Mental Health Month 2025. The event brought students and staff together to focus on wellbeing, connection, and the importance of caring for both mind and body.

The day created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where students learned more about mental health, discovered strategies to manage stress, and connected with community support services.

Several external organisations joined the event, including Knox Youth Services, Headspace, and YSAS, offering valuable information, activities, and resources to support young people’s mental wellbeing.

Event Highlights:

• The Wellbeing Booth featured an interactive stress-recognition display and a “Take What You Need” affirmation wall.
• The ever-popular Bike n’ Blend smoothie station, kindly supported by Hillsong Volunteers and our Breakfast Club.
• A variety of games, food stalls, and social activities that encouraged students to engage, have fun, and promote positive mental health messages.

With one in four young Australians experiencing mental health challenges each year — and most conditions emerging before the age of 25 — events like this play a vital role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting students with support early on.

This day was about fostering a culture where reaching out for help and supporting each other is seen as normal and encouraged.

“Mental Health Week reminds us that it’s okay to talk about how we’re feeling, to ask for help, and to look after our wellbeing — not just in October, but every day of the year,” said a Fairhills staff member.

The event aligned with the 2025 Mental Health Month theme, “Mind. Body. Environment.”, which recognises how our mental health is influenced by the way we think, move, and interact with the world around us.

As a community, Fairhills High School remains committed to promoting mental health awareness, encouraging early help-seeking, and building positive connections. Families are encouraged to continue these important conversations at home — recognising stress, supporting each other, and knowing where to find help.

For more information and helpful resources, visit:
🔗 Mental Health Month Victoria – Mind. Body. Environment.

Library Lego Club

We are excited to announce that, thanks to the donation of some Lego from Ms Kent, our Food Tech Teacher, we have been able to begin a Library Lego club. We have a range of sets available including items from Lego Friends, Lego City and Lego Creator. These sets are available for use during Recess and Lunchtimes so come along and share your Lego building skills and make new friends.

We would love to continue to build our Lego collection and would welcome further donations from families of gently used Lego. If you’re interested in donating, please drop off your contributions at the school’s front office.

Noah with his newly built Lego Hospital and ambulance.

Fairhills High School Needs Your Help!

We are excited to share that our school is setting up a new Inclusion Support Room — a safe, supportive space where students who might be struggling in the classroom can take a break, get extra help, and re-engage with their learning.

To make this room as welcoming and engaging as possible, we’re asking for donations from our amazing school community. If you have any of the following items that you could donate, we would be incredibly grateful:

• Lego sets
• 250–500 piece jigsaw puzzles
• Connect Four games
• Guess Who games
• Uno cards
• Chessboards and pieces
• Markers and texters
• Mindfulness coloring books
• Wool
• Floor lamps

We are also looking for donations of paint and, if possible, someone or a few people who could paint the room for us as a donation. If you are creative and able to, we would love for someone to paint a mural on the wall to make the space even more inspiring for our students.

Every donation helps make a difference and creates a space where all students can feel supported and included.

If you are able to donate, or can help with painting, please drop items off at the Fairhills High School front office or send and email to fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Thank you for helping us make our Inclusion Support Room a safe, fun, and welcoming place for all students!

Fairhills High School Clubs & Activities

After School VCE English Club

When: Tuesdays, 2:24 PM
Where: Room S7

If you’re studying VCE English, join us for focused sessions with support from our VCE teachers. Get help with essays, SAC prep, and more — plus valuable feedback to improve your work.

Open to all VCE English students.  We hope to see you there!

Homework Club

When: Wednesdays, 2:45 – 4:00 PM
Where: Room S11

Get help with your homework in a calm, supportive space.

All students are welcome — bring your books, questions, and motivation! Great way to stay on top of schoolwork with guidance from staff.

Japanese Club（日本部）

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

Love Japanese culture? Curious about the language? Whether you’re a fan of anime, origami, or just want to learn, this is your place!
Have Japanese cultural or language skills? Contact Winstone-sensei at jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au
Parents with skills to share are also welcome!

楽しみにしています！See you there!

VEX Robotics Competition Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Where: Room I03

The VEX Robotics Competition is an engaging, hands-on STEM program where students design, build, and code their own robots to complete specific challenges. It fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation as students compete against other schools in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Hydrogen Car Grand Prix Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Where: Room I03

The Hydrogen Car Grand Prix introduces students to renewable energy and sustainable engineering. Teams design, build, and race model cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells, learning about clean energy technologies, aerodynamics, and mechanical systems in a fun and practical way.

Q Squad

When: Thursday lunchtime
Where: Room I07

Q Squad is a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for students of all identities to come together, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusion. We host discussions, and activities that raise awareness and foster acceptance throughout the school community.

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

Mullum VET Cluster Awards 2025

Vocational Education and Training (VET) equips students with practical skills and industry knowledge to smoothly transition into their chosen careers. Focused on applied learning, VET emphasizes hands-on experience and strong connections to specific industries, giving students a real taste of the work environment.

Through VET, students can begin their industry training as part of their senior school program. Delivered in alternative venues, these programs also help build confidence, independence, and resilience.

Fairhills is proud to be part of the Mullum VET Cluster, where over 1,000 students participate in VET programs annually. Each year, the cluster celebrates the dedication and achievements of its VET students through the Mullum VET Cluster Awards.

Award Categories:

• Merit: Recognizes excellence in attitude and effort
• Excellence: Recognizes outstanding attitude, effort, and top academic performance across the program

Congratulations to our 2025 VET Award recipients:

• Natalie – Certificate II in Cookery (Merit)
• Ella – Certificate II in Music Sound Production (Merit)
• Lehansa – Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (Merit)
• Joel – Certificate II in Cookery (Excellence)

We celebrate their hard work and commitment to their vocational learning journeys. Well done to all!

Empowering Parents: Help Your Child Become a More Effective Learner!

Looking for ways to support your child’s learning and boost their academic success? You’re in luck! Our school has partnered with Elevate Education, an award-winning organisation renowned for helping students develop essential study skills like self-motivation, time management, and effective preparation.

As part of this partnership, we’re excited to invite parents to Elevate’s exclusive webinar series – designed to equip you with practical tools to support your child at home.

Upcoming Parent Webinars:

• How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking
  September 3, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams
  September 17, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and strategies directly from education experts.

Register now and learn more:
https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

Let’s work together to help our students thrive this year and beyond!

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 are able to provide a breakfast club 4 days a week for our students:

• Mon/Tues – recess time
• Wed/Fri- before school 8:15 AM-8:40 AM

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:48 PM- 3:08 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.

External Food Support Options

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

What’s on

Staff Profile: Mr Benedict Lee

What is your Role at Fairhills High School?

Mathematics and Science Teacher

How long have you been at Fairhills High School?

1 year

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

Teaching with students.

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

I can do magic.

What inspires you in your role?

Doing a meaningful job in my life.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

I like cycling, swimming, hiking and cooking.

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

Movie: War Room (2015), prayer is a powerful weapon.

What advice would you give to students or parents?

Learning is a journey. Gaining bit by bit from your friends, teachers, parents and people around you. Everyone say positive words to people you meet. You will change the World.

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

When I heard students say: “Oh! I see.”, “Ah ha”, “I got it.”

What’s your favourite part of the school day?

The moment of greeting when entering and exiting the class.