Virtual School Tour

I am pleased to announce that we now have a virtual school tour which can be accessed on the school’s website here. There are 20 360 degree photos of the school that capture some of the amazing facilities we use on a daily basis.

So why do we need a virtual tour? A virtual school tour allows families to explore the school from anywhere, making it accessible and convenient. It provides insight into facilities, programs, and culture, helping students feel familiar before starting. A virtual tour also supports informed decision-making, ensuring the school is the right fit for each student’s needs. The aim is that it is a call to action to attend the school for a tour or on Open Night.

Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

Our AIP was endorsed by the School Council on February 26. 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 2025 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 can be found on the school website here – https://fairhillshs.vic.edu.au/our-school/policies-and-documents/. It 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 The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.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 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 — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Fostering a Safe and Respectful School Community

At Fairhills High School, we are committed to maintaining a safe, caring, and orderly learning environment where all students feel supported. As part of this commitment, we encourage everyone in our school community to foster and maintain healthy, respectful relationships that promote a culture of inclusivity and understanding.

Respect and acceptance are at the heart of our school values. We ask parents and carers to talk with their children about treating others with kindness, empathy, and understanding—in other words, putting respect into action. By modelling positive behaviours, we help students recognise the importance of being Upstanders who contribute to a cooperative and supportive school environment.

To assist parents and carers, a dedicated web page has been created with links to the Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy and resources that support positive engagement with school staff. It also outlines the appropriate pathways for raising concerns or complaints in a constructive manner.

Since mid-2022, the School Community Safety Order scheme, introduced by the Victorian Government, has empowered school leaders to take action against harmful, threatening, or disruptive behaviours. This reinforces that violent or aggressive behaviour has no place in schools. Our staff should never feel that aggression is part of their job, and we encourage them to report any incidents to the Principal team.

The vast majority of our school community consistently Shows Respect—one of our core values—towards the incredible staff at Fairhills High School. We appreciate the Department’s firm stance on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

School Council Elections

Last newsletter I wrote an article on the importance of the School Council and called for nominations. Please see the timeline below – (the first two points have now expired).

Timeline

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

What is a school council and what does it do?

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

Who is on the school council?

There are three possible categories of membership:

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

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

Why is Parent membership so important?

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

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

How can you become involved?

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

In view of this, you might seriously consider

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

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

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

Remember

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

Join Us for an Unforgettable Night of Discovery and Excitement!

We are thrilled to invite you to Fairhills High School’s Open Night on Wednesday, 20 March 2025! This is an evening you won’t want to miss, packed with exciting opportunities to discover what makes our school a dynamic place to learn and grow.

Date: Thursday 20 March 2025
Session Times: 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM | 6:30 PM
Location: Fairhills High School, 330 Scoresby Road, Knoxfield

Kick off the night with a thrilling Treasure Hunt and embark on an exciting journey through our dynamic learning spaces, specialist programs, and student success stories. From STEM to music, and sports to academics, we’ll show you how we empower our school community to be curious, creative, and confident learners.

Here’s just a sneak peek of what you can look forward to:

🔬 STEM Academy – Dive into hands-on science, technology, engineering, and maths challenges that ignite the imagination of future innovators.
🏀 Basketball Academy – Watch students develop elite skills on the court while excelling academically.
🎶 Music Hub – Discover our state-of-the-art music hub and witness the nurturing of talented, aspiring musicians.

We’re also proud to highlight Fairhills High School’s achievements in Numeracy and Literacy. In 2024, we ranked second-highest for numeracy improvement in the Outer East, and our strong focus on English and Maths ensures every student builds the essential skills they need to succeed.

BOOK NOW – Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out! Secure your spot today at www.trybooking.com/CWRUQ and join us for an unforgettable evening at Fairhills High School!

We can’t wait to show you all the exciting things happening at Fairhills! See you there! 🎉👋

Term 1 2025 Dates

School Tours

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

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

2025 Term Dates

Year 9 ‘Learning by Doing’ Incursion: Building a Sustainable Future

On Wednesday 26 February, our Year 9 students took part in an inspiring Learning by Doing incursion, focused on sustainability and hands-on design. Led by the learning by doing group, the workshop provided students with the opportunity to construct their own wooden wind turbines using hand tools and woodworking benches.

A big thank you to Johnathon for guiding students through this engaging experience. The activity not only reinforced sustainability principles but also encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical design skills. Students responded with enthusiasm, taking pride in their creations and deepening their understanding of renewable energy.

This incursion was a fantastic example of learning beyond the classroom, demonstrating how hands-on experiences can enhance education in meaningful ways. Well done to all involved!

Homework Club

Homework Club has started at FHS. We meet every Wednesday after school to work on classwork or homework.

All students are welcome and encouraged to attend! It is a great way to get some homework done in a supportive, calm and inviting environment.

Homework Club meets on Wednesdays in S11 from 2:45 until 4!

Hope to see you all there!

Instrumental Music

On Friday 14 February the entire school celebrated student achievements for the 2024 school year. The vocal quartet perform the song “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. Congratulations to Audrey, Cas, Kiara and Maddi for their vocal performance. Well done.

Any queries regarding instrumental music lessons or participation in the program please email Nicole McAlister Nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

School Captains’ Report

Audrey and I would like to give a warm welcome back to all our returning students and staff for another great year of learning. We’d also like to extend a special welcome to our new students and staff joining the Fairhills High School community.
Hayden’s report:
The senior school has settled back in smoothly, and everyone is getting into the swing of things, whether in mainstream or vocational studies. A big shout-out to the Year 12s – good luck as you head into the final stretch, and we hope all your studies go well. To the Year 11s starting your VCE mainstream or vocational courses, best of luck! Make the most of these next two years.

Audrey’s report:
Our middle school has adapted well to the new year, all year 7s, 8s and 9s. The year 7s have had their camp- it’s great to see all the new friendships forming. Additionally, last week we hosted a ‘Meet and Greet BBQ’ that went incredibly well! Super happy to see all the new students bonding with each other, and getting to know the school grounds.

General report:
This year, our award assembly was held on the February 14 2025, and we had a fantastic turnout with 70 parents attending, along with all Year 7-12 students. A big congratulations to everyone who received awards, and special shout-out to the Year 12’s in senior school who were recognised with their leadership badges. Well done, everyone!

Thanks
Hayden Bence and Audrey Stanbrough
School captains

Victorian State Schools Spectacular – First Rehearsal!

On Monday 24 February, 16 of our talented students embarked on an exciting journey to The Basin Primary School for their first rehearsal for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Throughout the day, they trained alongside students from eight other schools, learning a variety of dance routines under the guidance of industry professionals.
We can’t wait to see all their hard work come to life on stage! Stay tuned for more details about their upcoming performance at John Cain Arena on Saturday 13 September—it’s sure to be a show to remember.

Year 7 Meet & Greet BBQ

A fantastic evening was had at our Year 7 Meet & Greet BBQ, where parents and students came together to enjoy delicious sausages and refreshing Zooper Doopers on a warm, balmy night.

The turnout was amazing, and the vibe was even better—plenty of laughs, great conversations, and a wonderful sense of community. The night wrapped up with a spontaneous and exciting game of giant treasure hunt, bringing smiles all around!

On Friday 14 February, we held an Awards Assembly to recognize our 2024 outstanding achievers. The awards presented were a celebration of academics, learning growth in PAT testing, positive learning habits and exemplary attendance across year 7 to year 11. The Year 10 Long Tan Leadership award, Year 10 ADF Future Innovators (STEM) Award and the Art Acquisition award were also presented. Our 2024 Year 12 DUX, Timmy, was recognised for his achievements, and he addressed the audience via video from Vietnam.

Throughout the ceremony all students acted responsibly and showed respect to the recipients of the awards. The celebrations wrapped up with a morning tea, bringing together parents and awardees to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments.

Celebrating success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about recognising progress, effort, and determination. Every step forward matters, and we are incredibly proud of our students’ journey. It’s not where you start, but where you end that matters. At Fairhills High School growth equals success.

Congratulations to all of our 2024 awards recipients.

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

Accessing Support through Wellbeing for Students

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

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

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

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

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

What’s on in Wellbeing?

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

Accessing Support for Families

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

Clothing Support: Thread Together

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

Breakfast Club

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

Food Support for families in need

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

External Food Support Options

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

Staff Profile: Mr Bill Exton

What is your Role at Fairhills High School?

Assistant Principal – Senior School

How long have you been at Fairhills High School?

Two years

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

Seeing the face of a student when I tell them a really funny joke and they laugh uncontrollably. It doesn’t happen very often! Seriously though…when a student says “hi” to me…that happens a lot and it shows how awesome and polite our students are.

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

Once, when I had hair, I went backpacking around South East Asia. I love travelling. If I had the choice I would be a permanent traveller.

What inspires you in your role?

The colleagues I work closely with every day

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Yes! I love anything to do with Star Wars. I also love spending time with my two teenage children. It sounds a bit cliche to say that, but I really mean it. They make me laugh and I am very proud of both of them.

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

The Shawshank Redemption. Hands down the best film ever made!

What advice would you give to students or parents?

To students I would say “believe in yourself” You can achieve anything if you have the right mindset.

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

Easy…getting ‘bedazzled’ by the 2024 Year 12 students on their last day.

What’s your favourite part of the school day?

The morning. I get to school very early. I enjoy the peace of the morning, listening to the birds. That sounds weird! But it’s true!