Music Learning Hub

The Music Learning Hub will be ready for action at the start of Term 2 2024. Our Music teachers are very excited to start teaching in this amazing space. Some of our music teachers recently had the opportunity to walk through the Hub and below is some of their feedback:

• I’ve been lucky enough to work at two schools with new music departments in my career and this is by far the standout.
• It blew me away. The space, the attention to detail and the well thought out layout, it’s certainly going to be exciting times ahead
• It’s everything we asked for and wanted!

It’s great to see that the new Music Learning Hub has the seal of approval from our passionate music staff. I am looking forward to seeing the students inspired by our incredible music learning hub.

Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

The AIP supports the school to achieve its strategic plan’s targets. Below are the key activities the school will undertake to support all students in 2024 and beyond.

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 ES10-Photographing-Filming-and-Recording-Students-Policy.pdf (fairhillshs.vic.edu.au), 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 The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.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 Microsoft 365/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 Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages: Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Gujarati, Mandarin, Somali, Sudanese, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese.

Respectful Behaviours in Schools

One of our school’s primary missions is to nurture a safe, caring, and orderly learning environment that supports all students. In keeping with that goal, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of fostering and maintaining healthy, respectful relationships in the school community.

Our aim is to foster a culture of respect and acceptance, which means that everyone in our community should feel heard and valued. We urge parents/carers to talk to their children about treating others with kindness (respect in action), understanding and empathy. If we explicitly model our values and expected behaviours it will help our students recognise the importance of positive actions (being an Upstander) that promote cooperation and mutual support.

A web page has been created for parents/carers, linking Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy and with additional information and resources to support parents to engage positively with school staff, including the appropriate pathways for raising concerns or complaints with schools and other useful resources for parents.

The laws introduced by the Labor Government in 2022 strengthen protections for school staff against parent and carer aggression by empowering authorised persons, such as principals, to issue School Community Safety Orders in response to harmful, threatening, abusive or disruptive behaviour at work. The School Community Safety Order scheme was introduced to all schools in mid-2022.

Violent and aggressive behaviour has no place in today’s society, particularly in an educational setting such as Fairhills High School. Staff should not feel that being subjected to violence and aggression is part of the job and are encouraged to report any risks or incidents of violence and aggression to a member of the Principal class.

The vast majority of our school community Shows Respect (school value) on a day-to-day basis to the amazing staff at Fairhills High School. We are pleased that the Department has taken a strong stance on unacceptable behaviours.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

Dear Parent/carers and students,

Year 7 Camp at Iluka Retreat Shoreham was an unforgettable experience filled with outdoor adventures and team-building activities. From tree climbing to water raft building, the students were pushed out of their comfort zones and challenged to work together to overcome obstacles.

One of the highlights of the camp was stand-up paddle boarding, where the students navigated through the serene waters, testing their balance and coordination. They also tried their hand at bush cooking, learning how to prepare meals using only basic ingredients and open flames.

The camp provided a perfect opportunity for students to bond with their peers and develop important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and resilience. As they returned home with memories of laughter, friendship, and newfound confidence, they knew that Year 7 Camp had been a truly transformative experience. We owe a huge thank you to Ms Sarah Power and her dedicated team for organising such a fantastic trip.

Silvana La Leggia
Middle School Leader

Year 9 Connect – TOM Disability Inclusion Incursion

On 28 February, TOM Disability Inclusion Incursion took place, marking a significant step towards promoting diversity and equality in our society. The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and to encourage inclusion in all aspects of life. Through various activities and discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of creating a more accessible and inclusive world for everyone. TOM Disability Inclusion Incursion served as a reminder that we must strive for a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected.

NAPLAN Testing Schedule: 13-22 March

NAPLAN is the national testing program that all students in Year 7 and 9 undertake each year. The data is used to inform what happens at a National, State, School and indeed at the individual level. NAPLAN will be conducted online and will assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy with results of the tests providing information for students, parents and teachers relating to overall student achievement.

The test is tailored to the students ability. This means that students will be given a series of questions which if they get all correct they will given another set that is more complex or indeed less complex so that they can show what they are capable of not just against the standards.
This means students will get a different sets of questions to their peers. We have been working with students to familiarise them with the process and the platform. In particular working with students so they do their best at whatever level they are.

For more details about the Tailored Assessment process
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/understanding-online-assessment/tailored-tests
NAPLAN Online – tailored testing

What can I do to support my child?

Ask them to share what they understand by NAPLAN

Ask them to logon to the test site https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site and show you how the different tools work.

Share with them that you simply want them to try their very best.

Talk with them about their anxieties and normalise those feelings.

Encourage them to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.

On the day of the test support them to bring

• Laptop
• Charger
• Headphones- Wired (No wireless allowed)
• Positive attitude

What to do if my child is unable to attend school?

Login the absence as normal through Compass.

A catch up test will be offered during the testing window [13-22 March] this will be communicated to you and them via a Compass Event that will appear on their Compass schedule.

Please reach out to your child’s Year level coordinator or peter.morgan3@education.vic.gov.au if you have any questions.

The following link has information in a range of languages for Parents and Carers Pages – Information for Parents

It has been a busy few weeks for our senior school students. Our Year 12 Biology students attended an excursion at the Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KIOSC), to undertake practical work for their Unit 3 study. KIOSC is located at Swinburne University (Wantirna) and is recognised as our second campus. Additionally, our Year 11 and 12 Physics students attended an excursion to Luna Park, to gain some hands-on experience of force and motion. I’m not ‘fission’ for laughs, but we asked our students to pretend they were photon’s and travel light!

On Tuesday 5 March, our Year 11 and Year 12 students attended a Wellbeing Day as part of the delivery of the Respectful Relationships curriculum. The students listened to presentations and took part in activities led by the ‘Reach Foundation’ and ‘FVREE’. The purpose of the workshops were to allow young people to unpack their own definition of success and the leadership they want to embody before graduation. Students were encouraged to look at what they value, reflect on where they are now, and celebrate how far they have come. The workshops also focused on working with our students to support them to foster safe and respectful relationships with peers and family members.

Finally, a reminder to please check Compass ‘Learning Tasks’ for any upcoming assessment (Common Assessment Tasks – CATs and School Assessed Coursework – SACs). A reminder that ‘Coursework’ tasks are a requirement for students studying Unit 1 & 3 and must be completed at least 48 hours prior to SACs. Please contact either Ms Kuhne (Year 10 Team Leader) or Ms Henderson (Year 11 & Year 12 Team Leader) if you have any questions regarding assessment.

Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal

VCE Biology visit to KIOSC

Its not every day you can make bacteria glow in the dark. Unit 3 Biology students visited KIOSC to learn about the techniques used to recombinant DNA technology to combine bacterial DNA with a human insulin gene. They then used a variety of genetic tools to confirm whether they were successful in combining the DNA. These tools are the same as those used in industry, which gives students hands-on, practical learning experiences. This process replicates the process used by pharmaceutical companies to produce human insulin using genetically-modified bacteria for people with Type I diabetes. This is an alternative to the historical way of sourcing insulin from cows and pigs, which has many ethical challenges. The techniques and the ethical challenges will be a great anchoring point for their learning about the concepts of DNA manipulation. All involved truly lived our values as a school of being respectful, acting responsibly and building relationships with the educators at KIOSC and students from Scoresby and Wantirna. It was a real honour to accompany them.

Fairhills High School Open Night

Join us on Open Night for an enriching experience! It’s the perfect opportunity for prospective students and parents to connect with our Principal, dedicated teachers, and enthusiastic current students. Discover firsthand insights about our programs, curriculum, and the vibrant learning community we offer. We look forward to welcoming you and providing all the information you need to make an informed decision about your educational journey.

Thursday 21 March 2024

Meet our Principal, Mr Ian Van Schie, followed by a “treasure hunt” around Fairhills.

Sessions will start in the new STEM Centre at the following times:

6.00pm
6.30pm
7.00pm
7.30pm

Bookings are essential as places are limited: https://www.trybooking.com/CMYSI

**Book today to go in the draw to win a Play Station 5, and a chance to win a $100 gift voucher**

The winners of the draw must be present on the night to collect their prize, otherwise there will be a re-draw.

We look forward to seeing you on the night.

School Tours

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

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

2024 Term Dates

2024 Parent Contributions

2024 student charges are now listed on Compass under Payment Centre.  Parent payment contributions can be made through this area at any time.

2024 CSEF Applications

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.  If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families.

If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, please complete the 2024 CSEF application form.

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 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 should report to the General Office to receive a late pass.

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.

Dandy Schoolwear

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

Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:30am to 2:00pm

Uniform details

Uniform Price List

2024 Fairhills High School Student Dress Code

2024 Bell Times

Two different bell times run during the week:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
• Monday and Thursday (includes House Group)

2024 Team Leaders

Performance at the Awards Assembly

Congratulations to the vocal quartet singing at the awards assembly. A terrific performance so early in the year – Maddison, Audrey, Cas and Ella.

Year 7 instrumental music program

All year 7 students are participating in weekly instrumental music lessons. It is exciting to see students enjoying the program. Instrument choices are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, voice, drums and guitar.

Year 8-12 Instrumental Music Program

Lessons have begun for all students who have enrolled in weekly lessons.

New Music Centre

In the next few weeks, the music department will be moving into the new Music Centre. Staff have had a tour, and it is an exceptional learning space. A wonderful complex for music learning.

Open Night

Students are preparing for Open Night performances on the evening of Thursday 21 March.
During the school tours the VCE band, Concert Band, Choir, and music lessons will all be in action in the new Music Centre complex.

If any students would like to be involved in weekly music lessons for flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, singing, guitar or drums please email nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

Independent Reading

The Year 7 and 8 English teachers and Library staff have recently been working with students to foster independent reading in class.
Independent reading is about:

1. Choosing a text that is right for you
2. Spending time reading the text
3. Using strategies to understand the text
4. Reflecting on your reading of the text
5. Talking to others about the text
6. Improving reading skills

These strategies can be used by all students in their reading. Favourite books selected by our Year 7 and 8 students to read in class include:

• The One of Us is Lying Series by Karen McManus
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series by Jeff Kinney
• Amulet Series (Graphic Novel) by Kazu Kibushi
• Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
• Wings of Fire Series (Graphic Novel) by Tui Sutherland
• Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien