Term 2 Holidays

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing staff for continuously going above and beyond to support our students and families.

As we near the upcoming school holidays, I wanted to emphasize the significance of taking a break to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. The school holidays present a valuable opportunity for both students and staff to step back from the busy school routine and refocus.

Taking time off from the demands of school life can truly benefit students by revitalizing their energy, enhancing their concentration, and fostering creativity. It is crucial to recognize that rest and leisure are essential for maintaining good mental well-being.

Throughout the break, I encourage students to participate in positive activities such as reading, outdoor exploration, and physical exercise. By exploring new hobbies and experiences, both students and adults may gain a fresh outlook on their education and personal development.

In essence, the school holidays provide a chance to strike a balance between academic responsibilities and the need for self-improvement and self-care. As we approach this break, I urge our school community to make the most of this time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and adventure.

I wish you all a peaceful and delightful holiday period, and I eagerly anticipate everyone returning refreshed and prepared to tackle new academic endeavours in Term 3.

Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum

I am excited to share that our school is currently working on further developing a guaranteed and viable curriculum. This type of curriculum ensures that all students receive high-quality instruction that is aligned with Victorian Curriculum standards and provides a clear path for learning. The purpose of this curriculum is to ensure consistency in what is taught across all Year levels and subjects, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

By implementing a guaranteed and viable curriculum in Year 7-10, we aim to support each student’s learning by providing them with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in VCE and beyond. This curriculum will help us better meet the diverse needs of our students and ensure that they are well-prepared for future challenges.

Mentoring Program

It was absolutely fantastic to have our Year 10 mentors running a series of activities for the Year 7 students in THRIVE. The Year 10 students developed and ran a total of six activities, demonstrating outstanding creativity and leadership. They did an exceptional job, exceeding all expectations.

We are eagerly looking forward to Year 10s being involved in our upcoming celebration final lesson for Term 2.

Term 3 new toilet process

We will be introducing a new toilet process to enhance the safety and supportiveness of our school environment. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that all students feel comfortable and secure when using the bathroom facilities.

More information will be sent out prior to the start of Term 3.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Minor Capital Works

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you some incredibly exciting news about the upcoming minor capital works at our school. In the very near future, we will be making significant improvements that include upgrading the Year 7 & 8 Courtyard with brand new seating spaces and basketball hoops. Additionally, we will be significantly enhancing the learning environment by introducing a complete set of new classroom furniture in the Year 7 classrooms and updating the furniture in the library.

These wonderful enhancements are aimed at creating a more engaging, comfortable, and inspiring space for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

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

Resource Learning Centre

As part of our School’s Reading Program, we encourage students to read different styles of books. The FHS Library has a large collection of graphic novels which are enjoyed daily by students. The reading of graphic novels not only helps improve language and literacy development in students but the use of illustrations provides valuable clues to the meaning of the written narrative. Some of our recently purchased graphic novels include the following:

Insomniacs After School

Insomniacs After School is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Ojiro. In the small city of Nanao, insomniac Ganta Nakami tries to catch a nap in his school’s abandoned astronomical observatory. There he stumbles upon a sociable and carefree girl named Isaki Magari. The two form an awkward friendship and re-establish their school’s defunct astronomy club. A beautiful series about friendship and being honest with each other.

Bash

BASH is an intergalactic game of basketball played by superstar athletes from across the Cosmos. Young Rudy comes from the poor neighbourhood of Nevilia but dreams of being a BASH star. Rudy’s got talent but talent is nothing without practice and so he sets out to become the best BASH player in the galaxy always training, always reaching for just one more dunk. While Rudy is starting to get noticed by the teams and the talent scouts, other more sinister forces have started to creep out from the shadows jealous of this rising young star. Bash is written by Minnesota Timberwolves player Rudy Gobert.

Hoops

A work of fiction inspired by a true story, Matt Tavares’s debut graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports. It is 1975 in Indiana, and the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team is in their rookie season. Despite being undefeated, they practice at night in the elementary school and play to empty bleachers. Unlike the boys’ team, the Lady Bears have no buses to deliver them to away games and no uniforms. With help from a committed female coach however, they push through to improbable victory after improbable victory.

Year 7 KIOSC

Recently our Year 7 students embarked on an out-of-this-world journey to KIOSC

Exploring the challenges of human existence on Mars, they dived into:

Mars Odyssey: Donning Oculus Rift Virtual Reality gear, they stepped onto the Martian surface, navigating harsh conditions and making repairs in a virtual space suit.

Robotic Engineering: Inspired by NASA’s achievements, students coded drones to mimic real missions, echoing the flights of Ingenuity on Mars.

Colonisation: Investigating materials to brave Mars’ frigid temperatures, they experimented with insulating materials using STELR housing and data logging, merging physics with junior science.

Here’s to igniting curiosity and fostering future explorers!

Year 9 Connect: Melbourne Botanical Gardens Scavenger Hunt

In an exciting precursor to our Year 9 City Experience, students recently embarked on a thrilling scavenger hunt at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. This engaging activity was designed not only to offer a fun and educational day out but also to build essential skills which will be vital for their upcoming city explorations.

The scavenger hunt required students to navigate through the vast and diverse landscapes of the Botanical Gardens, seeking out specific plants, landmarks, and hidden treasures. This activity encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students deciphered clues and mapped out their routes.

Moreover, the event was an excellent opportunity for students to practice using public transport, as they had to plan their journey to and from the gardens. This real-world experience is a crucial step in developing their confidence and competence in navigating the city’s transport system, a skill they will rely on during the City Experience.

Overall, the Melbourne Botanical Gardens Scavenger Hunt was a fantastic blend of adventure, learning, and preparation, setting the stage for a successful and independent exploration of Melbourne’s urban landscape. We look forward to seeing our Year 9 students apply these skills in their forthcoming city adventures.

Year 10 Genetics

Our Year 10 Students are reaching for the stars with their Genetics studies!

From mastering Punnet Squares to predicting inherited traits, our students have been on an intergalactic journey exploring the mysteries of Genetics.

In a galaxy not so far away, our budding scientists paired up to create their own Alien Babies, using Punnet Squares to decipher their inherited characteristics.

It’s been a blast watching them apply their knowledge in such a creative way!

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Our students are now on a mission to explore Genetic Disorders. Who knows what discoveries await them as they delve deeper into the fascinating world of Genetics?

Combating Bullying

Events like the Smoking Ceremony also educate students on the importance of diversity and inclusion, helping to prevent bullying by promoting respect for all individuals.
Educating students about racism and discrimination empowers them to stand up against bullying and support their peers- by being a strong upstander. At Fairhills a number one priority is to create SOLE (Safe Orderly Learning Environment) a school culture where bullying is not tolerated, and all students feel safe and respected.

Throughout our level assemblies, house groups and Thrive classes this term we have continued our emphasis in growing connections, to help prevent bullying and being an upstander.

People all over the world are taking up the challenge of the upstander movement, in particular young students who want to see changes in their school. This is no different at Fairhills where we have seen many students/parents come forward to report harmful behaviours. I am so proud of the students that continue to call bullying out.

When you see any kind of harm say something by reporting it to your team leader or through Stymie at www.stymie.com.au

National Reconciliation Week.

Fairhills High School proudly recognized National Reconciliation Week by holding a significant and culturally enriching event—a Smoking Ceremony. Uncle Colin Hunter Jr, a proud Wurundjeri man, led this important ceremony.

A Smoking Ceremony is a traditional Aboriginal custom that involves burning native plants to produce smoke. This smoke is used for various purposes, such as cleansing an area, warding off bad spirits, and promoting the well-being of participants. It holds deep cultural significance and is often conducted to mark the beginning of important events and gatherings.

It was symbolic that the ceremony took place in our community courtyard outside the new Senior School and Learning Centre – as these new facilities start our students on an amazing learning journey. Participants were immersed in the ritual and the rich storytelling by Uncle Colin. This ceremony provided a meaningful start to National Reconciliation Week, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

The ceremony provided students and staff with a first hand experience of an Aboriginal cultural practice, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. It is an opportunity for learning about the meaning and significance of the ceremony and the role it plays in Aboriginal traditions.

Inviting Uncle Colin Hunter Jr, a respected Wurundjeri elder, to lead the ceremony, strengthens the school’s connection with the local Indigenous community. It shows a commitment to building relationships (one of our core values) and learning directly from Aboriginal knowledge holders.

Dear all,

As we head into the winter break, the Middle School staff would like to thank all our parents and students for their support in term 2.  As ever, the strength of our school community remains strong.

Term 2, 2024 saw a continuation of the plethora of co-curricular opportunities on offer at school. There have been high levels of student engagement in these additional programs running before school, during recess and lunch and afterschool. It is also important to acknowledge the efforts of our school’s great teachers and support staff who devote large amounts of discretionary time to organise and deliver these programs.

Students at all year levels are strongly encouraged to seek ways to become involved in our school’s co-curricular offerings. Programs include Dungeon and Dragons, Art, Q-Squad, State School Spectacular, school musical, Hydrogen car challenge and Basketball Academy.

Congratulations to all students on the successful completion of Semester 1, 2024. Best wishes to students and families for a safe and restful holiday break.

Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal – Middle School

As we approach the end of Term 2, our Year 11 and 12 VCE students are fully immersed in their exams this week. Last month, they tackled their practice General Achievement Test (GAT) on 21 May, gearing up for the official GAT scheduled for Tuesday 18 June (details below). We’re proud to see their dedication and hard work.

Meanwhile, our Year 10 students are diving into their work experience program, set to run during the final week of term from 24 to 28 June. In addition, Year 10 core exams are scheduled for Friday 14 June and Monday 17 June.

GAT Information

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a compulsory for all students completing VCE/VM Units 3 & 4.

Test Date

Tuesday 18 June

Time

Students to arrive at the gym foyer at 8:30am
Concludes at 3:00pm

Dress

Full school uniform

Details

Students to bring the following items:

• scientific calculator
• pens, pencils and an eraser
• clear water bottle only
• clear pencil case only

Please Note

Students opting for an unscored VCE still need to sit the entire GAT.

VM students are only required for the first session which concludes at 11.15am (unless they are sitting a scored VET subject).

There will be a break for lunch from 11.15am – 1.15pm so students are advised to bring their lunch.

For more information see the brochure below:

2024 GAT Brochure

Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal

Year 10 Work Experience – 24-28 June

The last week of Term 2 is allocated for year 10 work experience. Normal classes will not be operating.

Students must submit their paperwork to the Pathways or General Office by the 17 June so that they can be processed.

Paperwork must be in place before students enter the work place.

Any student who has not organised placement will be required to attend school and undertake a Virtual Work Experience project.

If an employer can only offer placement at an alternative date please contact Liz Rundle in Pathways to discuss options.
Liz.Rundle@education.vic.gov.au

Liz Rundle
Careers and Pathways Manager

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.

2024 Term Dates

Fairhills High School Beanies

As the temperatures drop, it’s officially Beanie season!

Just a friendly reminder that the only Beanie permitted is the Fairhills High School Beanie, conveniently available at the General Office for $20.

* Reminder * 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.

2024 Contributions Fees

The 2024 student charges are located on Compass under Payment Centre. Contributions can still be made through this platform at any time. Contributions significantly contribute to the programs, materials, and facilities that we can offer.

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

Wonderful musical achievements

Congratulations to the following students who performed to a sold-out audience at the prestigious Hamer Hall in Melbourne as part of the North Eastern Regional Concert on 29 May.

The students represented Fairhills High School with pride and the music staff were extremely proud of their students who performed as part of the 80-piece concert band.

It was an amazing night, showcasing the music talent we have in our region.

Well done to the following students:

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

Annual Instrumental Music Concert

Date:     Monday 5 August 2024
Time:    7:00pm
Venue:  Swinburne University of Technology Theatre

As part of the Instrumental Music program here at Fairhills, we have an annual evening for students to develop their performance skills and showcase their achievements. Please put this date in your diary and give consent on the compass event so your child can be involved.

North East Region Coordinators visiting our school

During the last week of this term, the North Eastern Instrumental Music Regional Coordinator, Tricia Baggs, is visiting our school. We will be discussing our program in detail including the enormous growth of the program whilst viewing our wonderful new music learning centre.

If you would like your child to be involved in the instrumental music program please email me for further information: nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

Sports Report

Congratulations to all students who participated in interschool sport this semester. We successfully competed across all year levels in volleyball, netball, and cross country.
Highlights include:

• Year 7/8 Cross Country trials: All Year 7 and 8 students positively participated in a cross country event at FHS in order to qualify for district cross country and earn house points.
• Knox District Cross Country: Congratulations to all that competed, in particular to Jake who finished 6th and Izzy who finished 15th for their age groups, qualifying them for the Eastern Metro Region cross country.
• Year 11 Boys Netball Team: feedback from umpires included that this team was one of the nicest they’ve ever umpired!
• Student coaches/helpers: Thanks to students Mia and Kaylee for being enthusiastic in volunteering their time to coach some junior netball. Big thankyou to Ms Bishop’s Year 10 PE class for doing a fantastic job to help run the Year 7/8 cross country trials.
• Staff: The opportunity to build teacher/student relationships in a different setting is always a highlight on interschool sport days. Thank you to Mr Burrows, Mr Collins, Mr Mihailidis, Ms Brunton, Ms McGillicuddy, Ms Henderson, Mr Milner and Mr Morgan who all gave up their time to help out with sport this semester!

Coming up late in Term 2 and into Term 3 will be interschool basketball and athletics. Please keep an eye on Compass for information regarding try outs and sign ups for these sports.

Trivia Night

Join us as we come together to support our Musical – Matilda Jr (26-31 August) and our basketball team’s participation in the Queensland Basketball Australian Schools Championships (November). There will be raffles, door prizes, and plenty of friendly competitions to keep the excitement going! Don’t forget to bring your gold coins and your A-game for a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Date:       Friday 19 July
Time:      Arrive at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start
Tickets:  $10 per ticket | Tables of 10 available – book online: https://www.trybooking.com/CSJCO

Calling all generous souls!

We are on the lookout for donations to support our fundraising efforts. If you are able to lend a hand in any way, big or small, we’d love to hear from you! Your contribution can make a world of difference to our students and their endeavours. Please reach out to the school at 9758 5022. Every donation is deeply appreciated and goes a long way in supporting our school community. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!