As the Easter break approaches, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to our school community. I hope this time brings joy, rest, and moments of reflection. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones, embarking on new adventures, or simply taking a well-earned pause, may you make the most of this special time. Let’s return refreshed, re-energised, and ready for the term ahead. From our school family to yours, wishing you a peaceful and enjoyable Easter break.

Fairhills High School Open Night 2025 – A Resounding Success

Our 2025 Open Night on 22 March was a standout moment in our school’s journey, surpassing expectations and setting a new benchmark for engagement. With an incredible turnout – despite the rain, and the event showcased the strong support and enthusiasm of our local community.

Careful planning and innovative approaches made the night a truly immersive experience for prospective families. The introduction of staggered tours and smaller, more personalised presentations allowed attendees to explore our school in greater depth, fostering meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of what Fairhills High School has to offer.

This achievement was made possible through the dedication of many. A special acknowledgement goes to Silvana La Leggia, Michelle Hodson, Chris Presta and Learning Area Leaders who were instrumental in the event’s success. I also extend my gratitude to our staff and our 60+ volunteer students, who played a key role in guiding tours and showcasing the vibrant and welcoming culture of our school. Their enthusiasm and professionalism were a testament to the respectful and responsible values we uphold at Fairhills.

Our Open Night was a true reflection of the opportunities, experiences, and community spirit that define Fairhills High School. As we celebrate this success, we look forward to continuing to develop a school that empowers our community to be curious, creative and confident learners.

Be an Upstander: Take Action

At Fairhills High School, we encourage all students to be upstanders – people who see something wrong, act to make it right. We develop upstander skills via THRIVE classes. Bullying or harassment can happen anywhere unfortunately, and it’s important that we all play a part in creating a safe, inclusive environment for everyone.
If you see someone being treated unfairly, there are several ways you can make a difference:

1. Speak up – Let the person responsible know that their behaviour is not acceptable.
2. Offer support – Reach out to the person being targeted, listen, and be there for them.
3. Report concerns – If you’re not comfortable speaking directly, use Stymie, our anonymous online reporting tool that allows you to alert staff about bullying and harassment safely and confidentially.
4. Support the Victim – Sometimes, the best way to stand up against bullying is to simply be there for the person being targeted. Offer your friendship, sit with them at lunch, or invite them into a group activity to help them feel included and supported.
5. Encourage Positive Behaviour – Promote kindness and respect in your school community. Lead by example and encourage others to be kind, inclusive, and respectful toward everyone, regardless of differences.
6. Work with Your Peers – Organise or participate in activities that raise awareness about bullying, such as workshops, discussions, or campaigns. Working together as a group shows that standing up against bullying is important to everyone.

By taking action, you help build a school where everyone feels respected and valued. Stand up, speak out, and support each other!

Ian Van Schie
Principal

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

Food Tech

Our annual ‘Eeewwww Experiment’ is in full swing in the Food Studies Tech classroom. A few weeks ago, we asked 3 students to handle some bread to see whether washing your hands before handling food is really as necessary as they say. To begin, a student took a piece of bread from the loaf with their unwashed hands. They turned the slice over in their hands and then popped it in and sealed the plastic bag. Then the other two students repeated this process – one using tongs and the other handling the slice after washing their hands using the correct method for 20 seconds. Then, we popped the results up on a pinboard in our classroom to watch the horror unfold. Anyone fancy a sandwich?

Year 7 Humanities

In Year 7 Humanities this term students have been learning about Geography. They have been developing their skills by making their own maps. Students have had to create their own map, which included BOLTSS. Maps had to have a Boarder, a compass for Orientation, a Legend, a Title, Scale and a Source. Students have created some excellent and very creative maps.

Year 9 Hard Work and Well-Deserved Fun!

This week, our Year 9 students demonstrated outstanding dedication as they completed their NAPLAN tests online. These assessments provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate our students’ progress while fostering a growth mindset. We are eager to see how much they have developed since their last NAPLAN experience in 2023.

To reward their hard work and resilience, we wrapped up the week with a well-earned excursion to Tim Neville Arboretum. Students enjoyed a delicious sausage sizzle, explored the beautiful surroundings, and cooled off at the new water park—a fantastic way to unwind and celebrate their efforts.

A huge congratulations to our Year 9s for their perseverance during NAPLAN. We are so proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive throughout the year!

Year 9/10 Entrepreneurs

Year 9/10 Money, Work and Me students were challenged with organising and wrapping the prizes for the treasure hunt on Open Night.
No, this wasn’t slave labour!

The students have been learning about entrepreneurial businesses. What better way to refine their skills than being challenged with how they would organise good will gifts for a ‘business’?

Ms. Winstone the ‘supervisor’ watched their work ethic, team work, and initiative then provided them with feedback on how this would look in their own business. They worked effectively for 2 periods, with one student coordinating and overseeing the ‘job’.

Students could relate to this, because they have just designed and planned their own entrepreneurial businesses. We have some budding dog foster carers, plane livery designers, shell artists, and vegan Mexican food operators in the making.

Year 12 Art Excursion

Year 11 and Year 12 Art students recently visited the Top Arts Exhibition at the NGV Ian Potter Centre! They had the opportunity to explore the folios of Top Art students and gain insight into the creation of the incredible artworks on display. The day also included a visit to NGV Australia, where they admired some stunning Australian artworks, and a fun trip to ACMI, where they explored the history of the Moving Image – from the beginnings of animation to the evolution of video games and film production. A truly inspiring and creative experience for all!

Year 12 English

As part of our Unit 3 study students are currently practising writing text responses (essays) on their set text ‘Born A Crime’. The memoir, written by Trevor Noah (of ‘The Daily Show’ fame) explores growing up mixed race in South Africa under and post Apartheid.

In a recent lesson the focus was on the planning of a text response. Here students used Post-its to record and share their ideas. The Post-Its were organised into three main ideas areas that then became the beginning of a plan of three paragraphs for their practise SAC. As great discussion grew from each post it the whole class realised they needed to flesh out their concepts with quotes. It was easy to identify what else was required for the plan – at a glance. Students took charge of areas they were assigned and came back with freshly researched and written on Post-Its to add to the essay plan. Students will use this planning as a starting point for their practise task the following lesson. Another example of how collaboration is a valuable learning tool.

Year 12 VCE VM Students Visit Magic Garden Childcare

On Tuesday 18 March, our Year 12 VCE VM students visited Magic Garden Childcare Centre as part of their Personal Development program. This program aims to strengthen students’ social awareness and interpersonal skills while giving back to the community.

During the visit, students introduced themselves to the kinder students, observed their interactions, and saw first hand how teachers support the children’s development in social awareness and interpersonal skills. They observed an activity where the kinder students learned about empathy by showing facial expressions related to particular emotions and interpreting others’ feelings. Additionally, they saw how the children are taught to work together effectively.

As part of this partnership, our students are now planning a lesson to deliver to the kinder students on Tuesday 1 April. Working in small groups, they will design activities to help the younger children build their understanding of key social skills. This experience not only benefits the kinder students but also allows our VCE VM students to develop their communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.

3×3 Basketball

Recently, our U17 and U19 teams competed in 3×3 basketball tournaments. The U17 boys had three teams (one in Division 1 and two in Division 2), with the Division 1 team finishing 2nd in their pool after the grading stage. They advanced to the finals, where they played a great game but lost in overtime in the grand final. The other boys’ teams won a few games but didn’t make it to the finals.

Both U17 girls’ teams made it to the finals, with one team winning their match in the first stage. However, the first team lost in overtime in the semi finals but will still progress to the next level of competition.

Our U19 teams also competed in the senior 3×3 tournament. The first team won all but one of their pool games and advanced to the semi-finals, where they lost by one point in overtime, finishing 4th. The second team won a couple of pool games but just missed the finals.

All teams showed great effort, personal growth, and demonstrated our school values throughout the competition.

After School VCE English Club

After school VCE English Club has started!! We meet every Tuesday after school in S7 at 2:24 PM.

We work on anything related to VCE English. Our VCE teachers are there to help and provide us with valuable feedback.

Any VCE English student is welcome to along.

We hope to see you there!

Exciting Opportunity for Our STEM Superstars!

Do you have a passion for STEM? Have you built a ground breaking prototype, designed an innovative 3D model, or explored the mysteries of science? The 2025 STEM Communication Conference is your chance to showcase your project, sharpen your presentation skills, and inspire others!

• Date: Thursday 19 June 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Location: KIOSC

Students will present their work in an engaging 6-minute format, developing communication confidence and gaining valuable feedback. Whether it’s robotics, environmental science, or engineering, this is your chance to shine and connect with fellow innovators!

Why Participate?

• Present real-world STEM solutions
• Improve public speaking and teamwork skills
• Get expert feedback and recognition

Register now with your STEM Coordinator! (nitika.redhu@education.vic.gov.au) Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to share your passion for STEM!

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 PM until 4:00 PM!

Hope to see you all there!

Hydrogen Car Team – Fairhills Fliers Take a Big Step Forward.

On Thursday 13 March, our Hydrogen Car Team, the Fairhills Fliers, visited RC Garage, a remote-controlled hobby shop in Boronia. This visit had been months in the making, as the team worked hard to identify and source critical upgrades for their car.

The trip was a huge success! Our students represented themselves and the school with pride, impressing the RC Garage staff with their knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm. They engaged in detailed discussions about key upgrades and modifications, walking away with both valuable insights into the RC car world and some high-spec parts to enhance their performance.

The RC Garage staff praised the students for being engaged, respectful, and incredibly knowledgeable—a fantastic reflection of our school values.

Congratulations to Diesel, Angus, Cooper, and Toby! You demonstrated outstanding teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. We’re proud of you!

Instrumental Music

Congratulations to all members of the concert band. Students performed to all visitors as part of the Open Night tours. Mr James and Mrs McAlister were very proud of the way you represented the school and especially the music department. Well done.

All instrumental music students are focusing on completing their term 1 CAT assessments which are based on technical skills specific to their instrument.

Any queries regarding the instrumental music program please email Nicole.mcalister@education.vic.giv.au

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated every 8 March to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout history and today! Fairhills High School Wellbeing team and Wellbeing Captains organised the campaign and celebrated this day on Thursday 6 March with a series of activities, including scavenger hunt, interactive collage, and Compass post to share the great inspirational achievement of women around the world. These activities all centred around this year’s theme: “Accelerate Action.”

This event is a chance for students, staff, and the community to come together and honour the strength, resilience, and creativity of women from all walks of life. Let’s unite to learn, grow, and inspire change as we work toward a more inclusive and equal world for all.

STEM Club Updates.

Preparations are well underway for our teams competing in both the VEX Robotics competitions and the 2025 Hydrogen Car Grand Prix! Our dedicated Innovation Hub is buzzing with activity every Wednesday afternoon and Friday lunchtime as teams gear up for these exciting challenges.

In 2025, we’ll have two Hydrogen Car teams, along with three VEX IQ teams and a VEX V5 team representing us. There’s still room for more participants!

If you’re passionate about STEM, eager to compete against other schools, thrive in a team environment, and love innovation and creativity—we want you on board! Come and join us on this exciting journey.

School Student Broadband Initiative: information for parents and carers

The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) offers eligible students free internet at home until Friday 30 June 2028.

To be eligible for SSBI, families must:

• have a child living at home who is enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep)
• not have an active NBN network internet service at home (excludes mobile internet services)
• live in a premises that can access the NBN network via a standard connection (NBN will confirm this)
• not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days.

How to get started

To be assessed, contact NBN National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet to request a call back.

Please note:

• NBN will check your nominated home address for an active NBN connection
• You do not need to provide financial information
• Translation and interpretation services are available.

For more information:

https://www.vic.gov.au/school-student-broadband-initiative-information-parents-carers

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 8:15 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.

Staff Profile: Ms June Ren

What is your Role at Fairhills High School?

International Student Coordinator

How long have you been at Fairhills High School?

I started at the start of this year

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

What I enjoy most about working at a Fairhills High school is the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives during such an important and transformative time. It’s rewarding to help them develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Being part of a community where I can support their growth, see their progress is incredibly fulfilling.

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

One interesting fact about me is that I can speak Mandarin. It’s a fun skill that helps me connect with a whole different culture and community.

What inspires you in your role?

What inspires me most in the International Student Coordinator role is the opportunity to help students from all around the world feel welcomed and supported as they navigate their academic journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them thrive in a new environment, learn about different cultures, and build connections that last beyond their time at the school.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Watching TV and listening music.

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

Movie: The Farewell

What advice would you give to students or parents?

To Students: Embrace the learning process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every experience, whether good or challenging, is an opportunity to grow.

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

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had at the school was during an international student welcome event. We had students from all over the world sharing their cultural traditions, and it was amazing to see how excited they were to teach others about their backgrounds.

What’s your favourite part of the school day?

My favourite part of the school day is meeting students and staff and engaging with them. It’s always energizing to connect with everyone, share ideas, and build relationships.