Child Safety and Wellbeing at Fairhills High School

At Fairhills High School, we are committed to providing an environment where every student is safe and feels safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to protecting children from harm and promoting their wellbeing.

Our child safety framework outlines the strategies, policies, and procedures we have in place to support a culture of child safety and care across the school. It includes:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Child Safety Code of Conduct
• Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedure
• Complaints Policy
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy
• Volunteers Policy
• Visitors Policy
• Digital Learning Policy
• Yard Duty and Supervision Policy

You can find all these policies on the Fairhills High School website.

Our students and their families are essential partners in ensuring a safe and supportive school community. We regularly share updates and reminders in our newsletters to keep our community informed about:

• Our ongoing commitment to child safety, and
• How you can provide feedback or raise concerns.

If you have a child safety concern at any time, please contact

• Silvana La Leggia – Yr 7-9 Assistant Principal  – silvana.laleggia@education.vic.gov.au or 97505022
• Bill Exton – Yr 10-12 Assistant Principal – bill.exton@education.vic.gov.au or 97585022

All concerns or complaints are treated seriously and with care.

We also welcome your suggestions on how we can continue to strengthen our child safety approach. Thank you for partnering with us to make Fairhills High School a safe and supportive place for every student.

Student Growth

I’m pleased to share some exciting news about the progress our students are making in both their learning and wellbeing. The results reflect the positive impact of the work happening across the school.

This success is a direct reflection of our school vision in action—empowering our community to be curious, creative and confident learners. We’re seeing increased student confidence, greater engagement in learning, and strong connections across the school community.

Thank you to the dedicated staff who have helped make this possible. Through thoughtful planning, consistent support, and a commitment to our students’ growth, you continue to create a school environment where all learners can thrive.

Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) Results

Each year, the Department of Education conducts the Attitudes to School Survey to gather valuable feedback from students about their experiences in learning, wellbeing, and engagement. This information helps us better understand what’s working well and where we can continue to improve.

We are proud to share that this year’s results are our strongest yet—building on two previous years of already exceptional outcomes. Our students reported highly positive perceptions of their learning and wellbeing, placing us well above both similar schools and the state average.

In fact, our results are now considered a benchmark that many other schools aspire to reach. This reflects the collective effort of our dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive families in creating a thriving school environment where every learner can succeed.

Highlights include:

All students are treated fairly at this school
These positive outcomes aren’t just a matter of luck—they happen because we carefully plan and use proven, evidence-based strategies. What really makes a difference is putting these strategies into action consistently and with care. By working together and following through with what we know works, we can keep achieving strong results for our students.

2025 NAPLAN Relative Growth

NAPLAN growth data provides valuable insights into our students’ progress in key areas such as literacy and numeracy, regardless of their starting points. By prioritising growth, we recognise and celebrate each student’s efforts and improvements, fostering a growth mindset that values perseverance and continuous learning. This approach helps us identify effective teaching strategies, allocate resources where they are most needed, and ultimately enhance the learning experience for all our students.

Relative growth – calculated with respect to all Victorian students who had similar scores on the test two years prior.

Year 9: (reflecting their FHS Year 7 to 9 journey)

• Reading: 75% of our students had high and medium growth (above state average)
• Writing: 85% of our students had high and medium growth (above state average
• Numeracy: 81% or our students had high and medium growth (above state average)

Year 7: (Reflecting their Grade 5 & 6 journey)

• Reading: 68% of our students had medium and high growth
• Writing: 66% of our students had medium and high growth
• Numeracy: 60% of our students had medium and high growth

Our next step is to identify students who showed low growth, so we can provide individualised, targeted support to help boost their learning progress.

PAT Growth

At our recent Whole School Assembly, we celebrated 98 students from Years 8 to 10 who received certificates for achieving high growth in Reading, Numeracy, or both. This growth is measured through the PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) assessments, which students complete twice a year.

These results reflect learning progress from the end of Semester 2, 2024 to the end of Semester 1, 2025. We are incredibly proud of these students for demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and confidence in their learning. Congratulations to all our high-growth achievers for their effort and commitment to improvement.

Hydrogen Grand Prix Success

On 22 July, Fairhills proudly hosted the Victorian Hydrogen Grand Prix in our Gym. It was a fantastic event and a great success in every way. Thirteen schools from across Victoria, along with an international team from India, competed in a four hour endurance race showcasing their engineering skills and teamwork.

Our senior team achieved an outstanding second place, while our junior team, made up entirely of Year 7 students, finished an impressive fourth. We are extremely proud of their dedication, preparation, and performance on the day.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Kilgore and Ms Redhu for their ongoing guidance and support of the teams throughout the year. The enthusiasm hasn’t stopped—our senior students have already met with me to discuss ideas for a 2026 budget and building a practice track. Exciting times ahead!

Ian Van Schie
Principal

Term 2 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

What a Day to Remember at Fairhills High School!

Fairhills High School was buzzing with energy and innovation during the Victorian Hydrogen Car Grand Prix, an event that brought high-octane excitement not just to the track—but to the entire school community!

We extend a massive congratulations to all the brilliant teams who competed. Your creativity, determination, and engineering excellence were on full display!

Race Results:

• 1st Place – Cobram Secondary College (Advancing to the Grand Final in Germany!)
• 2nd Place – Fairhills Fliers, Fairhills High School
• 3rd Place – Hydro Hawks, SRM Public School, India
• 4th Place – Hydro Mine, Fairhills High School

We are incredibly proud of our Fairhills teams for their fantastic achievements—placing 2nd and 4th in such a thrilling and competitive event! A true testament to their talent and teamwork.

• Fairhills Fliers Team: Angus, Charlie, Cooper, Diesel, Seth, Toby
• Hydro Mine Team: Maia, Mason, Noah A, Noah S, Raoul

This event was far more than just a race—it was a celebration of STEM, teamwork, innovation, and future careers. Many other Fairhills students also played key roles in delivering this successful event and gained valuable hands-on experience:

• Industry Partner Support: Charles, Emily, Honiesath
• Interviews & Acknowledgement of Country: Audrey, Jessica
• Meet & Greet / Guest Welcoming: Charles, Maya
• Parking Crew: Adriaan, Isabelle, Kiara, Maddi, Sebastian
• Set-Up & Pack-Up: Angus, Cooper, Diesel, Maia, Mason, Noah A, Noah S, Raoul, Seth, Toby
• Presentation Coordinator: Lily
• Media & Video Recording: Yuri
• Welcome Desk: Matilda, Olivia
• YouTube Live Stream Crew: Cas, Ella, Fiona, Hayden, Karylle, Levi, Natalie, Nate

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing staff, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic students, and the wider Fairhills community—you helped make this event a truly memorable success. STEM is alive and thriving at Fairhills High School!

We also gratefully acknowledge the support of H2 Grand Prix, Horizon Educational, and KIOSC, whose collaboration helped bring this inspiring event to life. And a very special thank you to our passionate teachers, Daniel and Nitika, for their continued leadership and commitment to student learning and innovation.

Lastly, the event provided a wonderful fundraising opportunity for our Queensland Basketball team, who hosted a sausage sizzle and a sweet treats stall. Special thanks to Bakers Delight – Knox Shopping Centre for their generous bread donation!

Here’s to many more inspiring STEM events at Fairhills!

Exploring Music and Culture in the City

During Week 10, our talented Music students from Years 9 to 12 ventured into Melbourne for an inspiring excursion that brought learning to life beyond the classroom. They explored the city’s vibrant musical landscape — discovering local bands, reflecting on how music shapes our environment, and practicing deep listening in the immersive Music Vault.

Students also visited ACMI, where they experienced powerful exhibitions celebrating the rich cultures of Aboriginal peoples and the evolution of movement into media.

This day sparked creativity, encouraged self-expression, and deepened their connection to both music and culture. A big thank you to everyone involved for embracing our school values and making this a memorable experience!

STEM Conference

On 19 June, our passionate and dedicated students from STEM academy represented our school at the STEM Conference held at KIOSC, where they presented their impressive project on Sustainability!

As part of their preparation, the students conducted a comprehensive school waste audit. They investigated how much waste our school produces—looking closely at paper usage, general rubbish, and electricity consumption. Their findings highlighted key areas where we can all make more sustainable choices, and their solutions were both practical and inspiring.

The conference was a fantastic opportunity for them to share their research, connect with other young innovators, and learn from experts in the field. They spoke with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose—true ambassadors for positive change.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented our school.

Congratulations to Erica who won the Titration challenge.

A big thank you to Dr. Kilgore who supported them throughout this journey!

Year 7 KIOSC Discovery: Emergency Technology

Our Year 7 students recently took part in the exciting KIOSC Discovery: Emergency Technology program—an immersive STEM experience designed to explore how science, coding, and robotics are applied in real-world emergency situations.

Held at the Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC), the program introduced students to cutting-edge emergency technology. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students investigated how drones, sensors, and autonomous vehicles can assist in disaster response, learning valuable 21st-century skills along the way.

Year 9 City Experience: Exploring Melbourne’s Culture, History, and Adventure

In the final week of Term 2, our Year 9 cohort embarked on an exciting city experience across Melbourne’s vibrant CBD.

The week kicked off on Wednesday with a thrilling “Amazing Race” around the city. Students dashed through Melbourne’s bustling streets and alleyways, discovering the rich tapestry of art, culture, and cuisine hidden within the city’s laneways and shops. Despite the rainy weather, students enthusiastically embraced every activity, making the most of their urban adventure. Their energy and curiosity made for a truly memorable day.

Thursday saw the group brave the dizzying heights of the Eureka Tower. From the observation deck, they took in panoramic views of the city, spotting many of the places they explored the day before — some even claimed to catch a glimpse of Fairhills in the distance! After a relaxing lunch at Southbank, the adventure continued with a trip to Docklands for ice skating. Though nerves were high at first, students demonstrated impressive resilience as they learned to glide and regain their footing after each tumble. Many gained confidence, skating around the rink with impressive speed and grace.

On Friday, the exploration turned to Melbourne’s sporting heritage with an insightful tour of the MCG. Students learned about the history of cricket and AFL in Victoria, gaining a deeper appreciation for the role sport plays in Melbourne’s culture — second only, it seems, to its love of coffee. A special highlight was meeting former Olympian Diver, Jenny Donnet, who shared inspiring stories from her career. The week concluded with a lunch at Melbourne Central and a chance to admire the iconic Shot Tower, a landmark we look forward to learning more about in Term 3.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students on their enthusiasm, resilience, and successful completion of the 2025 City Experience. It was a week full of learning, fun, and unforgettable memories!

Year 9/10 How To Get Away With Murder

Okay, don’t go calling the police! The Year 9/10 Specialism class ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ have actually been investigating what Medieval punishments were like, and comparing them to our current justice system. So relax, we are on the right side of the law!

After learning about some Medieval punishments, students were tasked with designing their own punishment…using only icy pole sticks and pipe cleaners. Let’s just say they are a creative and vengeful bunch!

Year 11 VCE VM Class Hosts Biggest Morning Tea

As part of their Healthy Eating and Community Awareness integrated project, our Year 11 VCE VM students hosted a fantastic Biggest Morning Tea for staff on Tuesday 24 June.

The students planned, prepared, and served a delicious spread including gyros souvlakis, sandwiches, sausage rolls, cupcakes, fruit kebabs, cinnamon scrolls, and pancakes — all made with care and teamwork!

Thanks to the generous donations from staff, the event raised $375 for the Cancer Council.

Well done to our students for their hard work and wonderful community spirit!

Year 11 VCE-VM Students Take on Tree Top Adventure

On Monday 30 June, the Year 11 VCE-VM students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Tree Top Adventure Park in Belgrave. The day was filled with energy, courage, and determination as students tackled a variety of high ropes courses scattered throughout the stunning forest setting.

From navigating rope bridges to zip-lining high above the tree canopy, students were challenged both physically and mentally. Many pushed themselves well beyond their comfort zones, demonstrating resilience, persistence, and a willingness to take on new experiences. It was inspiring to see each student rise to the occasion and face the heights with enthusiasm and bravery.

Equally impressive was the incredible teamwork and support shown throughout the day. Whether it was offering encouragement from the ground or helping one another on the platforms, students consistently lifted each other up—literally and figuratively. The sense of camaraderie was strong, and the group spirit was evident at every stage of the adventure.

Congratulations to all the students for not only embracing the Tree Top challenge but also for completing a successful and rewarding first semester as VCE-VM learners. Your commitment, cooperation, and positive attitude made the day—and the term—one to remember.

Year 11 VM – WheelTalk

On Friday 4 July, Year 11 VM students participated in the WheelTalk program, delivered by Disability Sport and Recreation. This dynamic and interactive experience is designed to promote diversity, acceptance, and inclusion, with a particular focus on raising awareness about disability in sport and everyday life.

The session was led by Peter Ogunyemi, an inspiring athlete who lives with disability. Peter has participated sports such as weightlifting, para-basketball, and para-football. He shared his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he’s faced and the resilience it has taken to overcome them. His message was clear and powerful—never give up, seize every opportunity, and live life to the fullest.

Following Peter’s talk, students took to the court for a game of wheelchair basketball. Although initially challenging, the students quickly adapted and embraced the experience with enthusiasm and teamwork.

Congratulations to all students for their participation and a big thank you to Peter for sharing his story and encouraging everyone to think differently about ability, perseverance, and inclusion.

Year 11 VCE Food Studies Excursion to Prahran Market

At the end of last term, our Year 11 VCE Food Studies students enjoyed an enriching excursion to Prahran Market as part of our Unit 2 studies on food systems. During a guided tour, we met passionate stallholders who shared insights into how they source and process their products—including Australia’s only Spanish bakery and specialist fresh produce stalls such as Damien Pike’s renowned mushroom stand.

Students discovered a variety of new and exciting ingredients, including fresh truffles, and gained a deeper understanding of sustainable practices through a tour of the market’s centralised waste management system. To finish the day, we put our knowledge into practice by making gnocchi using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the market.

VCE Legal Studies Class Visited Dandenong Magistrates’ Court

On Monday, 23 June, the Year 11 and Year 12 Legal Studies classes visited the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. Students had the opportunity to observe how a courtroom operates and gain insight into the various roles within the legal system.

Throughout the day, they witnessed a range of cases, including bail applications, summary offence hearings, and mention hearings.

This excursion was a valuable learning experience, allowing students to see the legal concepts they have been studying come to life in a real-world setting.

Exciting Progress at Our Third State School Spectacular Rehearsal

At the end of last term, our students gathered for their third rehearsal in preparation for the State School Spectacular. They worked incredibly hard all day, finalizing all the choreography they’ll be performing in the big show.

It’s been truly inspiring to see everything come together so beautifully. The students’ dedication and enthusiasm are shining through, and they’re all super excited to showcase their incredible efforts at John Cain Arena on September 13. We can’t wait to cheer them on!

Tickets are on sale now. www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular

To get the best view of our wonderful mass dancers performing in Quadrant 1, please make sure to book tickets in sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 47, 48, 49, or 50.

We strongly recommend that all parents and carers book tickets to the evening performance, as this allows you to take your child home directly from the venue.

Please note that over 5,000 tickets typically sell on the first day, so we encourage you to book early to secure the best seats.

Fairhills Gears Up for the 2025 Australian School Championships!

Our basketball teams are preparing to compete in the prestigious 2025 Australian School Championships (ASC) this December, to be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland – and they’re looking game-ready in their brand-new jerseys, thanks to the generous support of iAthletic.

The students were excited to receive their kits last week, adding to the buzz as the countdown to the tournament begins!

About the Championships:

• The ASC is the highest level of school basketball competition in Australia, bringing together teams from across the country.
• Open to all secondary schools, the event is a unique opportunity for students to compete at a national level.
• The tournament not only offers high-level basketball but also provides a platform for talented players to gain visibility and progress in their sporting careers.

Support Our Team:

We are still on the lookout for sponsors to help support our students on this exciting journey. If you or your business would like to get involved, please contact us at: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Donations are also welcome – every bit helps cover travel, uniforms, and other costs: https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/2025fhsqldbasketball

Let’s show our support and cheer on our teams as they represent Fairhills on the national stage!

Go Fairhills!

Year 8 Basketball

This week, our Year 8 students took part in the School Sport Victoria Basketball Tournament, showcasing outstanding teamwork, skill, and school spirit. Fairhills High School proudly entered two teams into the competition, and both represented the school with excellence throughout the day.

The A team demonstrated strong cohesion and determination, finishing second in their pool after a series of competitive games. Meanwhile, the B team showed impressive growth and resilience, securing third place in their pool with some close matches and standout moments.

In a fun and unexpected twist, the final saw both Fairhills teams face off against each other — a fantastic way to round out the tournament. Teammates became friendly rivals as the school community came together to cheer them on.

The final was played in great spirits, filled with energy, fun, and mutual respect. It was a fitting end to a day that celebrated the hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication of all involved.

Congratulations to every player for your fantastic effort — you’ve done Fairhills proud!

2025 Children’s Book Week

Each year in August since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through Children’s Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries celebrate books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators. This year’s theme is Book An Adventure.

This year, 730 Australian children’s books were submitted for judging. From this, 122 notable books have been chosen representing 31 publishers, 114 writers and 79 illustrators. Winners will be announced on 15 August in each of the categories of books for Older Readers, Younger Readers, Picture Books, Early Childhood and Non-Fiction. During Book Week we will be showcasing some of these wonderful new titles in the Library as well as running a number of activities to celebrate reading. Details will be posted on Compass shortly.

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.

Fairhills High School Clubs & Activities

After School VCE English Club

When: Tuesdays, 2:24 PM
Where: Room S7

If you’re studying VCE English, join us for focused sessions with support from our VCE teachers. Get help with essays, SAC prep, and more — plus valuable feedback to improve your work.

Open to all VCE English students.  We hope to see you there!

Homework Club

When: Wednesdays, 2:45 – 4:00 PM
Where: Room S11

Get help with your homework in a calm, supportive space.

All students are welcome — bring your books, questions, and motivation! Great way to stay on top of schoolwork with guidance from staff.

Japanese Club（日本部）

When: Every second (Week B) Thursday at lunchtime
Where: Room M03

Love Japanese culture? Curious about the language? Whether you’re a fan of anime, origami, or just want to learn, this is your place!
Have Japanese cultural or language skills? Contact Winstone-sensei at jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au
Parents with skills to share are also welcome!

楽しみにしています！See you there!

VEX Robotics Competition Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Where: Room I03

The VEX Robotics Competition is an engaging, hands-on STEM program where students design, build, and code their own robots to complete specific challenges. It fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation as students compete against other schools in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Hydrogen Car Grand Prix Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Where: Room I03

The Hydrogen Car Grand Prix introduces students to renewable energy and sustainable engineering. Teams design, build, and race model cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells, learning about clean energy technologies, aerodynamics, and mechanical systems in a fun and practical way.

Q Squad

When: Thursday lunchtime
Where: Room I07

Q Squad is a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for students of all identities to come together, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusion. We host discussions, and activities that raise awareness and foster acceptance throughout the school community.

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

Work Experience

In the last week of Term 2, our Year 10 students headed out into the community for Work Experience.

This program is designed to provide the students with real world insights into the world of work all the while building their employability skills.

The students had sourced an amazing range of placements and our thanks goes out to the local employers for taking the time and effort to provide placement.

The cohort represented themselves and Fairhills brilliantly – being respectful, taking on responsibility and building positive relationships. The feedback to staff was overwhelmingly positive, and we are very proud of them.

Armed with this new insight into the community students will be better equipped to plan their future pathway.

Subject Selection for Years 10 and 11 – 2026

All Year 10 and 11 students should now have selected their subjects and program for 2026.

Important dates to note:

• Subject selection portal closes: 5 August
• Course counselling interviews: 19 August
• Interview booking system opens: 8 August

Parents are encouraged to log in early from 8 August to secure a suitable interview time.

Students should ensure they have checked any prerequisite subjects required for their intended pathways. These can be found at the following links:

Year 10 Prerequisites Guide

Year 11 Prerequisites Guide

For any assistance, students are encouraged to visit Liz Rundle in the Pathways Office.

VET Programs

Students wishing to include a VET in Schools program as part of their course must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest form
• Pay a $50 administration fee at the office

Deadline: 19 August

For all VET-related enquiries, please see Liz Rundle – Pathways.

VTAC Applications – Now Open

Applications for University and TAFE via VTAC opened on 4 August. Timely applications close on 30 September. After this date, the application fee increases from $80 to $160, so it’s important to apply early.

As part of the VTAC process, students can also apply for scholarships and be considered for SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) – an equity-based scheme designed to support students who have experienced educational disadvantage.

For more details on the application process, watch the following VTAC videos:

Creating an account

Listing your preferences

SEAs and Scholarships

Offers explained

TAFE Applications

Students can also apply directly to TAFE institutions. This process is done through individual TAFE websites, so students will need to visit each one separately to submit their application.

Apprenticeships and Employment

Students who are considering an apprenticeship or entering full-time employment should begin their search now. Being proactive is key. Steps to get started:

• Prepare a resume and cover letter
• Consider registering with apprenticeship networks, such as:
• • MEGT
  • WPC Group
  • Apprenticeships Are Us

Register on job-seeker websites or connect with potential employers through:

• LinkedIn
• SEEK
• CareerOne

The job market is competitive, and students should remember that many other Year 12 students are in the same position – acting early increases their chances.

Support for Year 12 Students

All Year 12 students will be interviewed individually to ensure they have a clear post-school plan and to assist them through each step of the process.

Being an Upstander

An Upstander is someone who acts when they see something wrong. There are many ways an Upstander can act to support others.

Every year in THRIVE, students explore ways to be an Upstander and show kindness. I encourage the school community to utilise the ones they feel most comfortable implementing. Behaviour ignored is behaviour accepted.

Fairhills High School Upstander strategies

CALL THE BULLIES OUT
If you see friends or classmates laughing along with the bullying, tell them that they are contributing to the problem. Never join in.

LEND A HAND
Ask the person who is being left out or picked on to join you and fellow Upstanders.

ALERT AN ADULT
When possible, notify a staff member whenever you see someone being bullied. There are many ways to report. Stymie notifications are an anonymous way. You can also inform a parent/carer who can report it to the school.

STOP THE SPREAD OF HURTFUL MESSAGES
If someone sends you a message or tells you a rumour that is untrue, speak out. Let them know that this behaviour is not funny or cool.

BE A FRIEND
Welcome new students. Make friends outside of your circle. Eat lunch with someone who is eating alone.

RESPECT DIFFERENCES
Remind others that differences are something to be celebrated, not used to hurt others or make others feel inferior.

Empowering Parents: Help Your Child Become a More Effective Learner!

Looking for ways to support your child’s learning and boost their academic success? You’re in luck! Our school has partnered with Elevate Education, an award-winning organisation renowned for helping students develop essential study skills like self-motivation, time management, and effective preparation.

As part of this partnership, we’re excited to invite parents to Elevate’s exclusive webinar series – designed to equip you with practical tools to support your child at home.

Upcoming Parent Webinars:

• How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated
  August 6, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Make Technology an Ally (Not the Enemy!)
  August 20, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking
  September 3, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams
  September 17, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and strategies directly from education experts.

Register now and learn more:
https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

Let’s work together to help our students thrive this year and beyond!

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

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.

What’s on

Staff Profile: Dr Daniel Kilgore

What is your Role at Fairhills High School?

STEM Leader, Head of Maths and Head of Science.

How long have you been at Fairhills High School?

This is my second year.

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

The school has a strong community feel.

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

Before becoming a teacher, I was a European tour guide for 11 years.

What inspires you in your role?

All of the new and exciting STEM programs we are starting to run at the school.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Golf, Surfing and Motorbikes.

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

My favourite movie is Point Break (the original one with Keanu Reeves).

What advice would you give to students or parents?

Savour each moment at school, it disappears so quickly.

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

Definitely hosting the Hydrogen Car Grand Prix. It was such a fantastic event, it was so incredible to see the cars and the teams perform so well and seeing STEM concepts in action is what I’m really passionate about.

What’s your favourite part of the school day?

Yard Duty, getting to see and speak to so many of the students is always interesting.