Education Support Day – May 16

I would like to emphasize the importance and impact of our dedicated Education Support (ES) staff here at Fairhills High School. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all students. They play a crucial role in providing personalized assistance, guidance, and resources that help our students thrive both academically and emotionally.

On ES Day, Fairhills High School teachers and students had the wonderful opportunity to recognise and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Education Support staff. The celebration included a delicious lunch and a heartfelt video message from teachers and students, expressing their gratitude.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing ES staff at our school.

Positive Behaviours

It’s crucial for students to recognise that their behaviour, both in and out of school, affects themselves, their peers, and the entire school community. As a school, we must consistently demonstrate respect, consideration, and responsibility in all our actions. Here are some expected behaviours for students at school and beyond.

1. Respect Others
   Respecting others is vital. This includes showing respect for people’s property, opinions, beliefs, and differences. Avoid making fun of others or saying hurtful things, as this can be damaging and hurtful.
2. Follow Rules
   Adhering to the rules set by our school and community is essential for safety and maintaining order. Rules help us understand acceptable behaviour and set clear boundaries.
3. Be Responsible
   Responsibility involves taking ownership of our actions and being accountable for the consequences. It also means taking care of our belongings, being punctual, and completing tasks to the best of our ability. Additionally, we should report any suspicious behaviour or unsafe situations we identify.
4. Show Kindness
   Kindness is important in both school and daily life. Simple acts like holding the door open, saying please and thank you, or smiling at someone who may be having a tough day can make a big difference.
5. Contribute Positively
   Strive to contribute positively to our community and make a difference in our school and neighbourhood. This can be done by volunteering, participating in community events, or even just picking up litter.
6. Be Courteous
   Being courteous means showing good manners and consideration for others. Use polite language, such as saying “excuse me” or “pardon me” when navigating crowded areas.

Understanding the impact of our actions on others and working to create a safe, welcoming environment is essential. By doing so, we can contribute to a positive and inclusive community for everyone.

Keeping Our School Community Healthy

Influenza (flu) symptoms can appear suddenly and last for several weeks. The best protection against the flu is vaccination. Annual flu vaccinations are recommended starting in mid-April each year and are free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of flu complications.

We encourage parents, carers, and students to practice the following prevention measures:

• Regularly wash and sanitize hands
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if unwell and consult a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as needed
• Stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Those at higher risk of flu complications are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.

COVID-19 booster

The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose.

You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.

Find Out More

For more information about flu prevention and immunisation, please refer to:

• Better Health Channel: Influenza (Flu) Immunisation Fact Sheet
• Getting Vaccinated Against Influenza

Let’s work together to keep our school community healthy and safe.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

Japanese Host Families

Fairhills High School is looking forward to our annual visit by Japanese students through our longstanding partnership with KSKK (a Japanese Government funded youth organisation).

This year the students will visit from Sunday 28 July to Saturday 10 August.

We are seeking host families for these students during this time. Requirements of host families are simple:

1. Students may share a room with a student of the same gender, but must have their own bed
2. All family members 18 or older must hold a current Victorian Working With Children Check. If you don’t have one you can apply at the link below. Because you would be applying as a volunteer there is no cost. https://www.vic.gov.au/working-with-children-check
3. Provide 3 meals a day
4. You don’t have to plan anything super expensive to do with the student. Your daily activities such as sports, family events, etc. are so different for them. We take them on a number of excursions.

Host families will be paid a stipend of $700 to help cover costs.

This is what it’s like to host a Japanese student:

• You make friends.
• You enjoy activities together.
• You learn a lot.

If you are interested in hosting, or have further questions please do not hesitate to contact Jessica Winstone the Integrated Learning Area Coordinator – Languages at Jessica.Winstone@education.vic.gov.au or on 9758 5022. Application forms are available from her.

Jessica Winstone
Integrated Learning Area Coordinator – Languages

2024 JLTAV Events Poster Competition

Are you creative and love Japanese culture? Then this is the competition for you!

Design a poster for the front cover of the Year 12 Japanese morning booklet. You could win a Daiso goods package!

The due date for entries is Thursday 20 June, 2024. Please refer to the information in the link below.

https://jltav.org.au/events/#!event/2024/4/3/2024-jltav-events-poster-competition

If you have any questions please see Winstone sensei, or email her at
jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au

Our Teachers Goals

At our Professional Learning sessions we use the same LEARN model as we do in our classrooms. As a Lean in activity we asked staff to identify their goals as educators and our school’s goals. There was a lovely synergy between the two but I am hoping you agree with me that it is heart warming to read teachers personal goals.

Dr Peter Morgan

Pedagogy and Curriculum Leader 7-10

peter.morgan3@education.vic.gov.au

Trade Tech Expo – Year 9 & 10 Females and Gender diverse students

On Thursday 9 May a small group of Year 10 females and gender diverse students attended the amazing Trade Tech Expo at the exhibition buildings.

There were so many fantastic hands-on experiences for the attendees to participate in and a diverse range of industries and companies and talk too. This event provided the opportunity for students to broaden their understanding of Trades and Technical careers available to them.

I would like to congratulate our students for the way they immersed themselves and used the event to build their knowledge and understanding of the trades and technical careers.

Year 7 & 8 PE

In Term 2, our Year 7 and 8’s are underway with their ‘Invasion’ sports & games unit, focusing on games and activities within the sports of AFL, soccer, basketball and netball. Some of Year 7’s took advantage of a rare sunny and somewhat dry day to get out and practice their drop punt kicking seen in AFL, showing off their newfound skills in kicking in groups before going onto play a game of Footy Tennis. Fingers crossed for more days like this.

Year 8 Science

Shoutout to our incredible Year 8 Science enthusiasts! They’ve been diving deep into the world of robotics
For the past few weeks, 8B has been on a mission, crafting and coding their robots for an epic tug of war showdown. In the end, Ruby and Alex emerged victorious, showcasing their stellar engineering skills. Their strategic gear train and clever addition of extra weight gave them the edge they needed to clinch the win!

Year 11 VM KIOSC

What type of studio apartment or granny flat can you build with $20,000?

This was the question posed to the Year 11 VM class at KIOSC last week. The students spent the day budgeting their apartment from the concrete slab to the painting of the walls, tweaking their dimensions to fit within budget and council regulations. They then used the program Tinkercad to design their apartment and with the use of a merge cube (a type of QR code) they were able to then view their apartment in 3D augmented reality. Students finished the day designing a keychain that will be printed on the KIOSC 3D printers and given to the students as a take home memento.

Education Week and Special Days

Last Thursday, we recognized two significant events:

• IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia)
• International Education Support Day

These days provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and acknowledge the vital contributions of our educational support staff.

National Reconciliation Week

We are excited to host a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by an Aboriginal Elder on Tuesday 28 May. This event is a significant step in our commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous culture and history.

Middle School Report

In the midst of all that is going on this term, our wonderful Middle School team continues to work tirelessly, supporting our students with their wellbeing, attendance, individual education plans, and encouraging engagement through various lunchtime clubs.

We’re thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Art Club, the continued interest in the ever-popular Dungeons and Dragons sessions every Friday afternoon and robotics solar car challenge on Tuesday afternoon.

These clubs offer a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build friendships.

Careers Program

This term, the Careers Program has been a significant focus, providing our Middle School students with the tools and knowledge to make informed career decisions and prepare for the world of work. Our Years 7 and 8 students have been introduced to the DET Careers Program, while Year 9 students have begun the Morrisby Program. A big thank you to our Careers and Pathways Coordinator, Elizabeth Rundle, for her dedication and expertise in providing the necessary resources to both students and staff. Elizabeth’s guidance has been invaluable in helping our Middle School students develop their career action plans and set goals for their futures.

Year 9 Career Insights / Morrisby Profiling

On the 29 April and 2 May the Year 9 students began their Career insights program by completing the online profile quiz. To date 32 of the 67 students in Year 9 have completed the quiz and are ready for their one on one interview in June.

For students to have a one on one interview and receive a copy of their report they must have parent permission to be part of the program. Parents can still provide permission on compass or you can do this by sending an email to Liz Rundle in Pathways- Liz.Rundle@education.vic.gov.au

Can I also please ask that parents encourage their student to complete the quiz online so that they can access this amazingly insightful program.

Anzac Day Tribute

To honour Anzac Day, Year 9 students took part in a meaningful history lesson by walking the 1000 Steps Kokoda Trail. This challenging trek not only provided a physical test but also served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War II. It was an enlightening and moving experience for all involved.

We are immensely proud of our Middle School team and students for their ongoing dedication, enthusiasm, and achievements. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as we continue through this busy and rewarding term.

Silvana La Leggia
Middle School Leader

Official Opening of the STEM Centre and Music Hub

We are excited to share that our new STEM and Music Hub facilities are officially open! Thanks to the generous funding received, students now have cutting-edge spaces to dive into the worlds of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and music. We celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by Jackson Taylor MP. Even Scout was impressed by the festivities!

Here’s to a future filled with innovation, creativity, and endless possibilities.

Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal

Year 12 Formal

Last Friday 17 June, our Year 12 students lit up the night as they celebrated in style at the picturesque Southern Golf Club in Keysborough!

It was fantastic night as our students, joined by their amazing teachers, came together to celebrate their incredible journey to Year 12.  All students looked stunning in their dresses and suits.

Year 10 Careers Expo and Swinburne Hawthorn Campus Tour

On Friday 17 May, Year 10 students attended the VCE Careers expo at the Melbourne Show grounds followed by a tour of Swinburne Hawthorn Campus.

The expo provided them with the opportunity to talk to and collect information for tertiary providers, Industry groups and the ADF about opportunities post school.

Students embraced this event with gusto collecting lots of resources and having many fruitful conversations to assist in their future planning.

At Swinburne, students were given the opportunity to see what tertiary providers have to offer first hand. Both the tour and presentation provided information about pathway options, either TAFE, Apprenticeships or University.

Our students were respectful, inquisitive and engaged, making the most of this opportunity.

Year 10 Work Experience 24 – 28 June

The countdown is on!

Year 10 Work Experience documents need to be completed and a placement secured by the 10 June. Two weeks time!!!!!

Students are required to:

• Complete the Placement Form
• Complete the Safe@work certificate on the Careers website: fairhillscareers.com
• Hand both Placement Form and Safe@work Certificate to the Pathways Office

Any students who are yet to confirm their placement and need assistance are encouraged to come to Pathways office for support.

All required documents are available in the students THRIVE class resource folder.

Let’s get to work!!!

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 Contributions Fees

2024 student charges are listed on Compass under Payment Centre.  Contribution payments 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 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 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

Instrumental Music

The NEVR Concert Band Rehearsal Day on 9 May at Ashwood Secondary College was a resounding success, with six talented students from Fairhills High School joining the impressive 80-piece ensemble. It was an enriching experience for them, as they not only had a great time but also learned a tremendous amount from the collaboration. Playing alongside peers from various government schools highlighted the value of diversity and unity within music education. The students left feeling inspired and eagerly anticipate their upcoming performance at Hamer Hall later this month. Congratulations to all involved for making this musical journey so rewarding and memorable.

Mr James – Brass, Percussion, Guitar Teacher

Abby – Flute
Caine – Clarinet
Anja – Clarinet
Tayla – Clarinet
Cheryl – Clarinet
Isabelle – Trumpet

If you have any questions regarding the instrumental music program or enrolling your child into lessons please email me at nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

District Cross Country

Tuesday 22 May was the District Cross Country at Kings Park. Fairhills High School had 21 participants across three age groups. Jake from Year 9 and Isabelle from Year 8 are both through to Eastern Zone coming 6th and 15th respectively.

The students were excellent and tried hard against very tough competition.