We are currently working on a draft Vision Continuum, which outlines how we aim to empower our community to be curious, creative, and confident learners. This tool is being developed to help us reflect on where we are as a school and identify clear next steps to improve learning, engagement, and inclusion for all members of our community.
To ensure the continuum is meaningful and accurate, we have sent information directly to parents and carers to invite their voice and perspective. Our student leaders will also be reviewing the draft and offering feedback, helping us better understand how our vision connects to their daily experience.
Your feedback is extremely important. It helps ensure that our school’s direction is shaped by the people it serves—students, families, and staff. By sharing your thoughts, you’re helping us build a shared understanding of what success looks like at Fairhills and how we can grow together.
Thank you for partnering with us to make our school an even better place for all learners.
School review Term 3
We are preparing for our next School Review, which will take place over three days in August during Term 3. This review occurs every four years and is a vital opportunity to reflect on our school’s progress, celebrate achievements, and plan for the future.
The review will assess how Fairhills has performed against the goals and targets set in our previous School Strategic Plan.
Day 1: the panel reviews school data, visits classrooms, and examines lesson plans to identify strengths and areas for further investigation.
Day 2: Fieldwork follows, including focus groups and observations.
Day 3: Findings are discussed and future directions for improvement are agreed upon.
4 years ago we set some challenging but achievable targets. It is pleasing to note that early indications suggest we will have met or exceeded targets across most areas, which is a reflection of the collective efforts of our staff, students, and families.
As part of the pre -review process, we will be seeking input from across the school community. This may be through surveys, focus groups, or other forums designed to gather your feedback, explore evidence, and help validate key findings.
Your voice is essential in helping us shape the next stage of our improvement journey. We thank you in advance for your support and engagement as we work together to build the best possible future for our students.
Important Update: Student Behaviour and School Safety
At Fairhills High School, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and staff.
From the beginning of Term 3 (Monday 21 July 2025), new changes to suspension and expulsion powers will come into effect across all Victorian government schools.
These changes acknowledge that, in rare cases, behaviour outside of school — particularly online — can impact safety and wellbeing within the school. In exceptional circumstances, principals may now act on serious incidents that happen outside school hours or off school grounds, including online, if they significantly threaten the safety or wellbeing of students or staff.
These powers will only be used when:
The behaviour has a clear and close connection to the school
It unreasonably impacts the learning or safety of others
It occurs on or after 21 July 2025
It directly involves members of the school community
Please be assured that we will only intervene in matters outside of school when absolutely necessary and when there is a direct impact on the school community. Matters unrelated to the school or its people remain outside our responsibility.
At Fairhills, we remain focused on building a positive, proactive culture that supports student growth. Suspension and expulsion continue to be measures of last resort, with our main priority being strong partnerships with families and clear guidance for students around respectful behaviour.
Year 7 Food Studies Cooks Up a Classic: Spaghetti Bolognaise!
This week, our Year 7 Food Studies students rolled up their sleeves and stepped into the kitchen to master a timeless favourite—Spaghetti Bolognaise!
With aprons on and ingredients ready, the students followed step-by-step instructions to create the rich and hearty Italian dish from scratch. The lesson focused not only on cooking skills such as chopping, sautéing, and simmering, but also on kitchen safety, hygiene, and the importance of following a recipe.
It was fantastic to see the students working together, helping each other with tasks, and showing pride in their creations. The classroom was filled with the delicious aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes—and of course, plenty of satisfied taste-testers at the end!
Well done to all our budding chefs! We’re looking forward to seeing what tasty dishes the class will whip up next.
Year 8 Students Dive into Game Design at KIOSC’s Retro TECH Arcade
Our Year 8 students recently embarked on an exciting journey into the world of game development at the Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KIOSC). Participating in the Retro TECH Arcade program, students explored the fusion of classic arcade gaming concepts with modern technology, engaging in hands-on workshops that combined creativity, coding, and design.
The day was structured around two immersive 90-minute workshops.
Circuit Golf Arcade
In this workshop, students utilized micro: bit controllers to program and navigate a virtual golf ball through a simulated obstacle course. This activity emphasized algorithmic logic and game mechanics, challenging students to develop coding solutions to overcome spatial constraints and achieve specific objectives. Through iterative design and problem-solving, students gained a deeper understanding of programming concepts and their practical applications.
Laser Board Arcade
Here, students engaged in the design and prototyping of a hybrid arcade game that merged elements of cornhole and basketball into a cohesive desktop experience. Using CAD software and X-Tool laser cutters, they conceptualized and developed their unique game boards. This workshop fostered skills in digital design, engineering, and the iterative development process, culminating in tangible, playable artifacts.
Throughout the program, students not only honed their technical skills but also embraced the principles of design thinking and creative problem-solving. By integrating historical gaming concepts with contemporary technology, they experienced first hand the interdisciplinary nature of modern game development.
Year 9/10 Fine Arts
It has been a great semester with our Year 9/10 Fine Arts elective and we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of their latest artworks both finished and in progress. It’s always good to see our students amazing creative skills.
Year 9/10 Food Specialism: A Tasty Race Around the World!
Our Year 9 and 10 Food Specialism students have been busy taking their tastebuds on a global adventure in their exciting “Race Around the World” unit. This week’s culinary destinations: Mexico and Australia!
Students explored international flavours by preparing Mexican-style Tacos and baking classic Aussie Biscuits—learning not just how to cook, but also the cultural significance of each dish. From mastering spice blends for taco fillings to achieving the perfect golden crunch in their biscuits, students embraced both creativity and technical skill.
This hands-on experience encouraged teamwork, time management, and a greater appreciation for world cuisines. The kitchen buzzed with energy and the delicious aromas of seasoned meats, fresh toppings, and sweet, buttery biscuits filled the air.
A huge well done to the students for their enthusiasm and growing confidence in the kitchen. We can’t wait to see (and smell!) where their food journey takes them next!
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 come along.
We hope to see you there!
Free FHS Library
We have established a free library of donated books for students to take. Students are encouraged to bring their own well read books and leave them for other students to also enjoy. Donated books are identified by a green sticker and the collection is located in the Classroom area of the Library.
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!
Japanese Club
We have an exciting announcement about a new club at Fairhills. Finally Japanese Club (日本部)is starting.
Japanese Club is a place where you can be a curious, creative and confident learner about all things Japanese culture and language.
We are particularly looking for anyone with skills in anything Japanese, so please if you have a skill contact Winstone sensei at jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au. Parents very welcome to come share Japanese cultural or language skills if you have them!
However, to come to Japanese Club you don’t need anything but enthusiasm.
The first Japanese Club will run on Thursday May 15 at lunchtime in M03. After that it will run every second Thursday.
楽しみにしています！See you there！
Successful alumni comes to visit
It’s always awesome when past students come to visit. It’s even more awesome when they have become more successful than the teacher who taught them.
A while ago Nick, a past student of mine dropped in to visit. He’s been working overseas, but took the time on a trip back home to come and see me.
Being the Japanese teacher I am, I asked if he’d been using the Japanese he learned up until 12 and beyond. Nick was one of the few students in the State who studied University Enhancement Japanese. So he did first year uni when he was in Year 12.
Here’s what he said:
Since graduating from university in 2012 with a major in electrical engineering, I have worked all around the world, including Australia, Germany, and Malaysia. My Japanese language studies have come in handy in nearly every company I have worked for.
In my current company, which designs and manufactures industrial equipment, part of my responsibility is handling the Japanese market. This involves frequent contact with both our reseller and customers in Japan — meaning lots of emails and calls in Japanese!
Studying Japanese in high school and continuing it at university was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has opened many doors for me both professionally and personally.
Staff PD Day Recap: Supporting Students with ADHD
On May 22, our dedicated staff participated in a collaborative Professional Development (PD) day focused on Supporting Students with ADHD. With increased awareness around neurodiversity, this day provided valuable insights and practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments.
Instead of traditional lectures, staff formed self-directed research teams to explore various subtopics related to ADHD. Key areas they investigated were:
How Does ADHD Work? – Staff learned about different types of ADHD and the roles of the prefrontal cortex and executive function networks.
Executive Function & Learning – Teams looked into how challenges such as planning difficulties, impulse control, and working memory affect classroom performance.
Myths vs. Facts – This topic sparked conversations about stigma and misconceptions, emphasising the importance of language and assumptions in shaping student identities and support access.
Underdiagnosis of Females with ADHD – Staff researched the emotional impacts of masking and perfectionism, highlighting the risks associated with unrecognised symptoms.
ADHD & Technology – Teams explored the effects of technology on students with ADHD, discussing both its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Classroom Adjustments & Strength-Based Approaches – Strategies for incorporating strengths in teaching were also shared.
We believe that the knowledge gained will enhance our support for all students, particularly those with ADHD.
U17 Boys VSSC
The U17 Boys Basketball Team delivered an amazing performance at the recent Victorian Secondary School Challenge, finishing the day with two strong wins and one hard-fought draw.
Throughout the tournament, the team displayed excellent teamwork, determination, and competitive spirit. Their defensive pressure and offence kept them in every contest, and they played with intensity and pride in every game.
Despite going undefeated, the boys narrowly missed out on progressing to the finals due to percentage—an unfortunate outcome that doesn’t reflect the quality of their performance on the day. Each player contributed to the team’s success, and their resilience and effort were second to none.
The team should be incredibly proud of their achievements and the way they represented Fairhills High School.
Well done, boys!
U17 Girls VSSC
The U17 Girls Basketball Team recently represented Fairhills High School at the Victorian Secondary School Challenge, facing a tough pool of talented opponents across three challenging matches.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort and determination shown by the girls, the team demonstrated great spirit, teamwork, and improvement with each game. They never gave up, continued to support one another, and played with pride and resilience throughout the day.
Unfortunately, the girls missed out on finals, but this experience has helped build stronger connections on and off the court and provided valuable lessons for the team to grow from. With continued training and dedication, the future is bright for this group of athletes.
We’re proud of the way the girls represented Fairhills and look forward to seeing their development in future competitions. Well done, girls!
U19 Boys VSSC
The U19 Boys Basketball Team put in a determined and competitive performance at the recent Victorian Secondary School Challenge, going up against some strong teams in the state.
While the boys were unable to secure a win on the day, each game was decided by less than eight points, highlighting just how close and hard-fought the matches were. The team showed excellent effort, intensity, and composure under pressure, pushing every opponent right to the final buzzer.
Despite narrowly missing out on a finals spot, the group can be proud of the way they played — with heart, hustle, and a strong sense of team unity. The experience has given them a solid foundation to build on, and with a few small improvements, they are well positioned for future success.
Congratulations to all the players for their attitude, sportsmanship, and commitment throughout the day. We’re proud of your efforts and how you represented Fairhills High School.
Year 9s Take on Melbourne Zoo!
On Wednesday 18 June our Year 9 students embarked on an exciting adventure to the Melbourne Zoo, where they explored a variety of animal enclosures and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. Leading up to the excursion, students carefully planned their route into the city and met Mr. M and the Connect teachers at Federation Square to begin their day.
Once inside the zoo, students enjoyed scenic walks, fascinating wildlife, and a well-earned hot lunch—provided they managed to keep it away from a few overly enthusiastic seagulls!
It was a fantastic day, and it’s clear our Year 9s are more than ready to take on the full city experience as we wrap up the semester.
Year 10 Students Get a Taste of Industry at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Last week, our Year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to step into the world of large-scale manufacturing during an excursion to the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) facility in Moorabbin. This immersive experience not only gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the production of one of the world’s most iconic beverages but also challenged them to think critically about real-world logistics and safety.
Upon arrival, students were welcomed by CCEP staff and guided through the highly automated and precisely coordinated production line. The tour covered key stations, including the Filler & Blow Moulder, where plastic preforms are heated and moulded into bottles, and the Labeller, which applies product labels with incredible accuracy. Students learned that these machines can fill up to 40,000 bottles per hour!
Next, the group observed the Packing Machine, where bottles are quickly grouped into cases – some machines are capable of packing up to 400 cases per minute! At the QA Lab, students were introduced to the vital role of quality assurance, including how various product samples are tested for taste, consistency, and even caffeine content. The tour concluded with a look into Maintenance, which plays a critical role in keeping all machines running smoothly and efficiently.
In the second half of the day, students participated in the CCEP Work Experience Project – a real-world problem-solving task focusing on logistics and warehouse safety. The challenge? Finding a safe and efficient way to move heavy ingredient pallets that come in various shapes, sizes, and weights. Using photos of real ingredient deliveries, students brainstormed practical solutions, applying their knowledge of physics and design thinking to develop safe pallet transfer methods.
This eye-opening experience not only broadened students’ understanding of science, technology, and engineering in the real world, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, safety, and innovation in industrial workplaces.
We are proud of our Year 10 students for their curiosity, professionalism, and problem-solving efforts during this valuable industry visit.
Young At Art Competition 2025
Congratulations to Milli in Year 8 for winning Second prize in the Young at Art Competition at The Hut Gallery in Ferntree Gully.
Also congratulations to Mary in Year 7 for receiving an Encouragement Award.
JUNIOR SECTION:
2nd – Millicent – Autumn Harvest.
Judge: I liked the way she composed the image with lovely detail especially in the flowers.
Encouragement Award
Mary – Flower Fields.
Judge: Although a small image, this artwork displays a strong sense of composition, colour and detail, especially in the foreground with the flowers.
Fairhills to Host 2025 Victorian Hydrogen Car Grand Prix – Join Us!
Fairhills High School is proud to be hosting the 2025 Victorian Hydrogen Car Grand Prix — a high-energy STEM event where student teams from across Victoria design, build, and race remote-controlled cars powered entirely by hydrogen gas.
We are excited to invite members of our school and local community to attend as spectators and experience this unique, inspiring event first hand.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday 22 July 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (followed by an awards ceremony)
Location: Fairhills High School Stadium
Expression of Interest Due: Thursday 3 July via the link below
Why Attend?
This event offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in:
STEM, engineering, innovation, and sustainability
Seeing real-world learning in action
Exploring future careers in science and technology
Spectators will enjoy the thrill of a live hydrogen-powered endurance race and have the opportunity to visit our STEM Careers Expo, featuring exhibitors from:
Toyota
Hydrogen Hub
Integra
The Brainary
Factory of the Future
Get Involved!
This is a fantastic chance to support young innovators, explore cutting-edge technology, and connect with our vibrant learning community.
Register your interest by Thursday 3 July to secure your place.
Let’s celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the power of possibility — together!
One of our teams preparing for the big race. Go Fairhills!!!
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.
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.
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.
Our amazing Year 10 students are getting ready to begin their Work Experience Week! It’s an exciting opportunity for them to get a real taste of the working world, explore different industries, and start thinking seriously about their future goals.
Year 10 students who have not yet organised their placement must see Mr Chamberlain or Ms Rundle by 3:00 pm on Tuesday 24 June.
The week of 23 – 26 June our Year 9 students will be participating in the Morrisby Profiling program — an international tool provided by the Department of Education here in Victoria. This fantastic initiative gives students insight into their aptitudes, strengths, and potential career pathways, helping them better understand where their interests and abilities align. It’s an incredible resource and a big step in setting the foundation for their future careers.
These two important programs — Work Experience and Morrisby Profiling — are discussed in detail in the latest episode of the School Improvement Podcast: Episode 59: Careers and Pathways Education for Secondary Students, featuring our very own Bill Exton (Assistant Principal – Senior School) and Liz Rundle (Careers and Pathways Manager).
We’re incredibly proud of our students for embracing these opportunities and can’t wait to hear what they discover about themselves and their futures!
Subject selection for 2026 VCE and VCE VM programs
Term 3 kicks off for all year 10 and 11 students with program / subject selection for 2026.
This is an important process and students will be provided with all the information and plenty of opportunity to ask questions, ensuring that the best plans are in place for future success.
Important dates:
Year 11 to 12 Parent information evening – 24 July 6-7pm
Year 10 to 11 Parent information evening – 27 July 6-7pm presentation 7-8pm subject expo.
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.
PAC leader- Pedagogy and Curriculum – How we teach and what we teach in years 7-10
How long have you been at Fairhills High School?
1.5 years
What do you enjoy most about working at Fairhills High School?
Teaching is a challenging and rewarding job and supporting our great team of teachers to be curious, creative and confident learners and teachers is rewarding in a different way to being in a classroom but feels similar in purpose.
What is one interesting fact about yourself that people might not know?
I think most people would know I care about the environment, I always take my rubbish pickerupper on yard duty. But they might not know that I am a volunteer grower of trees for the Tree Project https://treeproject.org.au. Volunteers grow native seeds into seedlings for landholders and councils to use in revegetation and rehabilitation projects around the state. I’m looking forward this year to being part of the planting in Gippsland. Although my ‘Old Man’s beard’ is only doing well on my chin at the moment.
What inspires you in your role?
The desire to make a positive difference in the world.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
My favourite sport is Politics, it is full of drama, with big personalities and there is always something to talk about. In a different life maybe I would have been a politician or political journalist.
What’s a favourite book, movie, or TV show you would recommend?
My favourite book is the one I am reading at the moment, which is generally the case for me. (Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis). In the world of fiction I like authors like Terry Pratchett and Cory Doctorow who spin tales that reflect our possible futures with humour and creativity.
What advice would you give to students or parents?
Do your best and have just enough regret to do even better next time without seeking perfection. Good enough is good enough in many circumstances and focusing on growth and purpose is unlikely to disappoint.
What’s a memorable moment you’ve had at the school?
Watching through a window as a child with dyslexia with the support of one of our fantastic learning aide’s, is able to do their best and participate in NAPLAN.
What’s your favourite part of the school day?
I am an early bird so the time before the hustle and bustle in the morning is a lovely space to be in.
