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Principal’s Message

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Fairhills is on the map!

Last Thursday was a real red-letter day for all at Fairhills High School with staff and students only just coming back down to earth this week!

Not only did Year 11 and 12 students receive a fantastic alumni session from Bobbie Bound, Class of 2015, focussing on her successful career pathway and the power of LinkedIn.  The whole school cohort was then treated to a visit from none other than the Victorian Premier himself, Dan Andrews, and the member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor MP to present student positivity awards!

Mr Andrews and Jackson received a very warm and enthusiastic reception from students and staff alike (and of course Scout the school dog!). As a government high school in the ‘burbs’ Fairhills feels very lucky indeed, not just to have this year partnered with Ourschool to implement the Fairhills Alumni Program, but to also be on the cusp of major facilities upgrade after receiving a Capital Works grant of just over $8 million in 2020. Since then, school and key stakeholders have been working tirelessly on developing flexible learning spaces that meet the needs of our community, with new buildings ready in 2023, just in time for the schools 50th anniversary!

We are very grateful to Mr Andrews, Jackson and their teams for helping ensure our students get the facilities they deserve, ensuring every single student can not only dream big, but also achieve those dreams. Great day for our school!

Check out Page 4 in the Ranges Trader – Star Mail: https://rangestrader.mailcommunity.com.au/digital-editions/

School Council – parents needed

I am sad to announce that Deb McCabe has had to step down from her role as School Council President. Deb has been an incredible member of the School Council. We wish her well.

We now only have two parents/carers on School Council. If a parent/carer has an interest in helping shape the school, I ask them to contact me via the school number or email – 9758 5022 / fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au

The position would only require two hours of your time, one a month from 7-9pm.

Your voice matters!

2022 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. We encourage all families to participate in this survey. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

While previously a random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents/caregivers/guardians have been selected to participate, this year, all families are invited to participate in the survey.

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey will be conducted from Friday 19 August to Friday 16 September.  Please check your email for the link.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in a range of languages other than English. These include: Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi and Greek.

Covid-19

It appears that we are over the peak of Covid-19 this year. Reports are saying that future variants will not be as infectious or dangerous. I hope that that is correct.

I want to thank the students and staff who have worn masks to keep us all safer. Wearing Masks is not a cure, but it certainly does help decrease the spread.

 

 

Ian Van Schie
Principal

 

 

Teaching and Learning Excellence

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Parent Teacher Interviews

Recent Semester 1 data indicates the parent and student community actively engaged with teachers at the recent Online Parent Teacher interviews that were held this week.

If for any reason you were not available to participate in the interviews, feel free to contact the required teacher and make an appointment to discuss your child’s progress.

Tutoring Initiative

I would like to acknowledge the good work undertaken by our four tutors:

Olivia Johnson – English
Rebecca Vance – English
Sandra Dinh – Mathematics
Isabel Yu – Mathematics

Students who recently completed Tutor Learning surveys have highly commended all of our tutors. Many of the students commented that the tutors have had a positive impact on their learning in most subjects.

For those of you who may not be aware the role of the tutor includes:

  • Working with classroom teachers, and other school leaders, to finalise the identification of students, where needed, using available data and evidence approaches.
  • Analysing data of students identified for support to understand their learning progress and their point of need.
  • Developing learning and teaching strategies within the small group practice approach adopted at FHS.
  • Collaborating with classroom teachers to ensure the small group learning curriculum is aligned to classroom lesson plans and unit outcomes relevant to each student.
  • Collaborating with students and teachers to identify specific learning goals and Individualised Education Plans where appropriate.
  • Encouraging students to talk and articulate their thinking in collaborative tasks to ensure they benefit fully from learning interventions.
  • Providing students with effective feed-back which is specific, accurate, clear and provides specific guidance.
  • Regularly monitoring student learning progress through assessment and other evidence, and adapt learning plans and activities in consultation with classroom teachers and other relevant school staff as required.

 

The FISO 0.2 Improvement Cycle ties in with the work of tutors:

  1. Evaluate and Diagnose – review available data and identify areas of concern or challenge for each student.
  2. Prioritise and Set Goals – identify the key focus areas and develop goals in collaboration with the student and teacher.

Respectful Relationships

As the first draft of the FHS Respectful Relationships Action Plan is close to completion, it is worth noting the important role prevention of violence against women plays in the community. More than one in three Australian women aged over 18 has experienced violence since the age of 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

A 2013 VicHealth study found that of Australian young people aged 16-24:

  1. Almost a quarter believe that partner violence can be excused if the person is so angry they lose control
  2. Only half knew where to get help if they were faced with a problem about violence against women (VicHealth, 2013)
  3. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are lived across the school community, and when classroom learning is reinforced by what is modelled in our school community.

A whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships recognises that schools are:

  1. A workplace where all staff should feel equally respected, safe and valued and have equal opportunities
  2. A safe space where young people can learn about gender equality and respectful relationships, in and out of the classroom
  3. Part of the wider community that can model gender equality and respectful relationships.

Year 9 Connect Program

Head over to the Middle School report to see what has been happening.

 

Karen Dean
Associate Principal, Staff Development/Leadership

 

Senior School Report

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Subject Selections for VCE in 2023

Thank you to those students and parents/carers who took part in the initial subject selection interviews for VCE in 2023 last Thursday and Friday. Students in Years 10 and 11 have made preliminary choices regarding their courses for next year, including a number who have chosen the new Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major pathway as part of their VCE. These meetings are an important part of our overall process to provide information about the VCE, individual subjects students can study and general pathways planning post Year 12.

It is especially important that those students wishing to participate in a VET program complete the enrolment documentation (pink form), go online to get their Unique Student Indicator (USI) number and pay the initial deposit for the VET subject.

Students in Year 10 and 11, now need to focus on successfully completing their studies in second semester, working on meeting the requirements of all SACs (Year 11) and CATs (Year 10) and meeting attendance requirements of over 90% in all subjects. Next term, students in Year 10 and 11 will complete their final exams in early November and then have two weeks of new 2023 VCE classes in late November/early December. Following the VCE start program all students will have a final interview to review semester results, including exam performances, and to confirm VCE subjects and pathways for next year.

Year 12  Exam Sessions

Knox Secondary government schools work collaboratively together and are committed to continuing to support all our Knox students. This semester, as part of this cooperation, Fairhills is pleased offer an extensive Year 12 VCE Revision Program for all students enrolled in Units 3 and 4. This program will be conducted between Monday 19 September and Friday 23 September  (during the term break). This is a valuable program in providing support for Year 12 students as they work towards successfully completing their final exams in October/November.

The uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant we have changed from a single conference venue to conduct the sessions remotely online each day. The program will include online lectures by experienced presenters for many of the studies our schools offer. Students attending these sessions will receive excellent resources in the form of information packs prepared by each of the presenters. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students at no cost to parents.

To participate students are:

  • meeting individual school attendance and code of conduct requirements
  • permitted to wear neat casual clothes online for the program
  • to log in for sessions just prior to the published start time ready with appropriate resources to take notes
  • not permitted to have phones during the sessions and no other potential recording devices
  • to remain online for the duration of the session, students will be able to register questions for the presenter through the chat function
  • to model mature behaviours and be respectful throughout the program.

Please put this in your diary and see Mr Julian Stokes for more information.

Paul Donaldson
Assistant Principal and Senior School Leader

VCE Studio Art

The VCE Studio Arts students visited the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and NGV International. Students enjoyed learning about curating exhibitions and the importance of art conservation.

VET Dance

Last week our VET Dance students undertook their second Industry Day for the year. Held at The Space, our dancers had the opportunity to work with 8 industry professionals over the course of the day, and dance with over 150 fellow VET Dancers from around Melbourne. They undertook two workshops and a mock audition for a Cruise Ship Dancer. Our students did amazingly well and many were given call backs for a second round of auditions.

If you’re interested in understanding VET Dance as a Year 11 subject in 2023 please see Suzi Pedler in the Performing Arts/PE area.

Year 11 VCAL – Road to Zero

Year 11 VCAL students headed into the Melbourne Museum for the Road To Zero experience. Students participated in small activities in the interactive space where they were quizzed, used Virtual reality and explored road safety. Then after a short break, they headed to the pods where and created their very own road safety and campaign. Students had a great day!

Year 12 VCAL – Escape Room

Year 12 VCAL students had the terrifying opportunity to experience an Escape Room. This experience challenged students’ problem solving skills, team work and in one groups case…. Fear!!

There were two groups – One entered a scary dark hospital and the other in an ancient Egyptian tomb.

Ms Power went with the group into the dark scary hospital, and soon regretted it.

There were students who showed great leadership, especially Corey who had a room full of scared girls and a teacher. Huge shout out to him for keeping them ‘somewhat’ calm.

It was a fun day and all students said…. “NEVER AGAIN..”

Year 12 Primary School Dress up day

Year 12 students enjoyed reminiscing about their primary school days and came dressed in their primary school uniform last week.  Nearly 12 years of education completed.  Well done and keep going you are almost there!!!!

VCAL Students get a Headstart!

This year we have had five of our VCAL students sign up for part-time School Based Apprenticeships with Headstart:

  • Gabe – Carpentry Apprenticeship
  • Luke – Traineeship in Warehousing / Plumbing with Reece
  • Nathan – Plumbing Apprenticeship
  • Ty – Plumbing Apprenticeship
  • Josh – Carpentry Apprenticeship

Headstart is a department organisation that coordinates and supports students in their School Based Apprenticeship. For more details visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/head-start-apprenticeships-and-traineeships

This fantastic program allows students to continue their VCAL studies and achieve a Year 11 and 12 Certificate alongside their Apprenticeship pathway.

All five students completed work experience with their employer first, and once they proved their worth, they were signed up in formal Apprenticeship contracts on a part-time basis. Time and training completed while at school counts towards their final Apprenticeship, plus they are provided the opportunity to remain at school and achieve a Senior School Certificate. A win win situation!

This program usually confirms a pathway for the end of school into a full-time Apprenticeship. Students not only start their formal training at school but their time on the job builds value employment skills.

This program will continue to be a value part of the NEW VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) from 2023 onwards.

In 2023, as part of the new VCE VM, students will be timetabled to have two days available to participate in a school based Apprenticeship as part of their VCE VM program.

Vocational Major students for 2023, who have a clear idea of their career pathway and would like to get a ‘Headstart’ on their career are encouraged to see Ms Liz Rundle in the Careers Office to complete an expression of interest form in readiness for 2023.

School based programs are also available for industries such as Business, Childcare, Beauty, they are not just for the traditional trades.

Vocational Learning Superheroes

VCAL seniors are currently demonstrating their Literacy skills by investigating how to make their dream future project come true. Students are reading, writing, and speaking about projects such as tattoo shops, pizza shops, plumbing businesses, childcare centres, mechanic businesses and gyms.

When finding out about how to purchase a gym, Daniel came to a stumbling block. He called gyms and the receptionists had no clue how to answer his questions.

So an ex alumni came to the rescue.  Jarryd Parkes has owned a number of very successful gyms, so he shared his business prowess advice with Daniel via a Zoom call.

Daniel not only now knows how he might start up a gym, but has ticked off some oracy competencies along the way.

Middle School Report

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It’s not every day that students school receive their Positivity awards from none other than the Premier of Victoria, the honourable Mr Dan Andrews.

Semester 1 positivity awards recognise students who have received the most School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPBS) green post in the categories of full school uniform, regular attendance, above and beyond expectations, showing kindness or being an upstander and staying focused in class.

Congratulations for the following students from Middle School and Senior School who received Positivity Awards:

Year 7
Cooper
Daniel
Zaydah
Year 10
Audrey
Michael
Daniel
Year 8
Noorali
Brayden
Ella
Year 11
Nikita
Viona
Felicity
Year 9
Jovo
Joel
Yuri
Year 12
Maya
Jacob
Cassandra

Parent/Teacher Interview

It was also fantastic to see so many parents and students engaging with teachers in the learning conferences held on Monday 15 August.

This was a valuable opportunity for parents, students and teachers to reflect on their efforts in semester 1 and discuss future learning goals to ensure learning growth in Semester 2.

 

Silvana La Leggia
Middle School Leader

Year 7 students travelled to Mars!!

Yes you read that right! They travelled to Mars.

The cohort was fortunate enough to experience the Mission to Mars program at KIOSC, Wantirna Swinburne.

The students were able to code and fly drones, planning a flight path over the surface of Mars. They also experienced Mars via a Virtual Reality experience. In pairs they helped each other complete repair and recovery tasks on the surface of Mars.

Experiments were also conducted using the very cool dry ice (cool in both senses of the word) to work out how best to survive on Mars by keeping accommodation warmer.

Year 9 Connect

Organ Pipes National Park

On the 10 August, Year 9 and 10 students went on an excursion to the Organ Pipes National Park.

The trip gave them the ability to observe geological volcanic formations. Students were asked to think about why these volcanic formations formed and why they don’t any more and to think back on last year’s earthquake.

Organ Pipes National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wurundjeri Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

 

Fairhills Primary School Visit

The first group of Year 9 Connect students recently had the opportunity to visit Fairhills Primary School and work with children from Prep to Grade 6. The students managed to work collaboratively and in partnership with staff and students from Fairhills Primary School.

Year 9/10 Outdoor Education

The Outdoor Education students headed to Hard Rock Nunawading for their first excursion. Throughout their time there, they focussed on how to work with each other to ensure safety in recreational activities.

Students found it extremely enjoyable and rewarding, whilst creating a very positive, inclusive and supportive group that cheered an individual’s successes.

Education Perfect Regional Language Champs

Education Perfect recently ran a Languages Champs challenge. Our students answered a total of 1,001 questions.

Cadence of Year 8 was personally responsible for answering 84 of these. We were ranked 4th out of 21 schools in the 101 – 250 student category.

Keep that awesome learning going everyone!

 

Be a History Maker!

There is an awesome opportunity to win great prizes, just by being a History Maker.

National Museum Australia is running a History Maker competition. It’s simple:

  1. Choose a defining moment in Australia’s history
  2. Create a video
  3. Share it with National Museum Australia and the world

It’s definitely worth it if you like cash; 10x $2000 prizes 10 x $500 prizes are up for grabs.

Year 7’s you have already thought about this in Humanities so you are half way there.

Go to this website and check out the details:

https://digital-classroom.nma.gov.au/history-makers

Ms. Winstone is happy to help you (if you win you can shout her a coffee!)

 

Important Dates

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Date

Event

Monday 22 AugustDiversity Week
Monday 22 AugustVCAL Market Day
Tuesday 23 AugustYear 9 & 10 Outdoor Ed – Tree Adventure
Wednesday 24 AugustYear 9 MCG Excursion
Friday 26 AugustYear 8 Science Excursion
Friday 26 AugustVCE/VCAL GAT Intro Session
Monday 29 AugustWizard of Oz Rehearsal Day
Monday 29 AugustYear 11 Foundation Maths – 3D Print
Tuesday 30 AugustYear 8 Basketball
Tuesday 30 AugustWizard of Oz Primary School Performance
Wednesday 31 AugustYear 9 Community Volunteering
Wednesday 31 AugustDads and Teens Games Night – 6pm
Thursday 1-4 SeptemberWizard of Oz Performances
Friday 2 SeptemberOutdoor Ed Bike Ride
Tuesday 6 SeptemberKnox Division Athletics
Wednesday 7 SeptemberVCE/VCAL GAT
Wednesday 7 SeptemberYear 9 & 10 Man Cave / Healthy Relation Day
Thursday 8 SeptemberRUOK Day
Thursday 8 SeptemberYear 8 Man Cave / Healthy Relation Day
Thursday 8 SeptemberState School Spectacular Rehearsal
Friday 9 SeptemberState School Spectacular Rehearsal
Saturday 10 SeptemberState School Spectacular Event
Tuesday 13 SeptemberPROFESSIONAL PRAC DAY – NO CLASSES
Thursday 15 SeptemberYear 10 & 11 Social
Friday 16 SeptemberLast day of Term – 2.30pm Finish

School Tours

To book a School Tour go to: https://www.trybooking.com/COXXT

We look forward to welcoming you and showing you around our great school.

2022 Term Dates

Term 131 January to 8 April 2022
Term 226 April to 24 June 2022
Term 311 July to 16 September 2022
Term 43 October to 20 December 2022

 

General News

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General Office

The General Office hours are: 8.15am-4.15pm. 

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 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 should report to the General Office to receive a late pass.

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.

COVID

If your child or any family member has COVID, please ring or email the school so we can record their absence accordingly.

Students who are family close contacts, must wear a mask whilst indoors and onsite and test regularly.  If you require RAT tests, please contact the General Office.

Parent Carpark – pick up and drop off

Just a reminder for parents/carers to use the Parent Car Park at pick up and drop off times.  The staff/visitors car park should not be used.

Lunchtime Clubs and Groups

Students have the opportunity to join any of the Clubs and Groups offered during lunchtime.  Details are provided in the link below.  Any suggestions for other lunchtime activities can be forwarded to the wellbeing team.

Click here for Whats on at Lunchtime Club/Groups

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

Click here for the Uniform Price List

Click here for the 2022 Fairhills High School Student Dress Code

Click here for Uniform – what to wear

Sustainable School Shop

Looking to buy or sell secondhand books or uniforms?  Visit: www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au 

You can also find the following items:

  • Calculators
  • Sporting items
  • Musical items
  • Electronics & DVD’s
  • Stationery

2022 Bell Times

TimeReason
8:40amLocker Bell (10 min)
8:50amPeriod 1 (57 min)
9:47amHouse Group (Year Level on Wed) (15 min)
10:02amRecess (25 min)
10:27amPeriod 2 (57 min)
11:24amTransit (2 min)
11:26amPeriod 3 (57 min)
12:23pmStart of Lunch (25 min)
12:48pmMiddle of Lunch (25 min)
1:13pmPeriod 4 (57 min)
2:10pmTransit (2 min)
2:12pmPeriod 5 (57 min)
3:09pmStudents finish
3:11pm– 4:08pmPeriod 6 Monday and Tuesday some VCE subjects (57 min)

Team Leaders

Year LevelStaff Leaders
Sarah Power
8Kate Parker
9Greg Baker
10Robyn Grunberg
VCEJulian Stokes

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.

Contact Details

If you have changed any of your personal details (phone numbers / address / place of employment) – please email your changes to: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au or phone the office for assistance on 03 9758 5022.  It is important to ensure our records are current. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Student Voice and House Points

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ARCS

This one is to our wonderful school community who contributed to the ARCS foodbank:

Dear Fairhills High School Community,

Thank you!

On behalf of the ASRC Foodbank, we want to say a huge thank you for your most generous donation of food. It is inspiring for us to experience the generosity of people in our community such as you, and your donation goes a long way towards making our members’ lives a little easier.

The Foodbank operates as a free grocery store for more than 1000 people seeking asylum, providing food that is nutritious and culturally appropriate. Most of these people rely on us as their sole source of food, as they are denied the right to earn an income from work, or can only access limited funds. Demand on our service has risen sharply since the onset of the pandemic

Without income, the Foodbank plays a vital role in ensuring that those seeking asylum in our community have access to a reliable source of healthy food and basic household items.

We couldn’t do it without you! The majority of all groceries in the Foodbank are donated by generous supporters just like you.

For more information about the work of ASRC, please visit our website at www.asrc.org.au

Yours sincerely,

Nadja Koller
Donations Coordinator, Community Food Program
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson St Footscray VIC 3011
p. 03 7068 8119
e. foodandgoods@asrc.org.au

 

Lids 4 Kids

OVER 10,000 LIDS have been collected so far!!!!!

It is great to know that these lids will be used for something amazing – not going to landfill.  Keep them coming.

What to collect: bread tags and lids – (milk/UHT bottle lids, water bottle lids, soft-drink bottle lids)

Where to drop off: The General Office – House-colour containers are located on the Reception Desk

Where do the lids go: These will be donated to a fantastic foundation called Lids4Kids, the plastic lids will be created into mobility aids and toys among many other things for young kids and the bread tags will be used to create wheelchairs. Head to Lids 4 Kids for more information: www.lids4kids.org.au/

How are points counted:  10 lids will count for 1 point.  The winning house will also be awarded and extra 20 points.

For items more than 10 – can you please count the items and indicate the number of lids/tags on the bag to help with the counting.

 

 

Fairhills Musical Production

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Musical Tickets on sale

Tickets for the Wizard Of Oz Musical are now on SALE!!!!

The crew are so excited to perform!!

Don’t miss out. Book your tickets today.

Thursday 1 September – 7pm
Friday 2 September – 7pm
Saturday 3 September – 2pm and 7pm

Knox Community Arts Centre

https://knoxcc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/77163

Trivia Night

What an amazing night our annual Trivia Night to fundraise for our upcoming musical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was.

It was a fantastic turn out. Thanks to everyone who came to support the musical students. Thanks for participating in the fun games (especially the tin man foil game), purchasing raffle tickets for some wonderful prizes and for bringing your knowledge to the table.

We raised just over $2,000 which is very much appreciated and will help the musical run.

Many thanks to:

  • Sarah Power for her ongoing energy to get the musical up and running – the students are lucky to have you
  • The Eagle family for hosting the Trivia Night. It wouldn’t be possible without this wondering family
  • Jackson Taylor MP for attending and supporting our school and students. Jackson provided the winning hamper, which was awarded to our reigning champs, yes… a bunch of crazy science and maths teachers (and a few admin staff ring ins).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Power
Production Coordinator

State School Spectacular

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State School Spectacular

We have a wonderful group of students representing Fairhills High School in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, or ‘School Spec’ as we know it.  They are part of the Mass Dance Group.

They have been working hard at all the rehearsals and we are very proud of them.   Thanks to Ms Power and Mrs Pedler for their assistance with our School Spec team!
 
Come along to view something truly spectacular with over one thousand performers from across Victoria
 
Tickets on sale now:
 
Saturday 10 September
1pm and 6:30pm
John Cain Arena
 
 

Instrumental Music

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Instrumental Music Term 3 Snapshot

Term 3 is a busy time in the music department.  Here is what is happening:

  • All students from Year 7-12 are completing their written music notation CAT. Once completed each student’s assessment is uploaded into the learning task for parents to view
  • The Flute Choir is busy preparing two performances in the coming weeks – Fairhills Primary School and Knox Retirement Village
  • VCE music performance students are working on their repertoire for the final performance exam in October
  • Daniel Andrews visited the school last week to announce the 8.1 million development which includes a new music centre – wonderful for all our budding music students!

If you have any queries regarding your child’s instrumental music education please email: nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

Upcoming performances

Thursday 25 August
Flute trio performing at Fairhills Primary School

Thursday 8 September
Flute quartet performing at Knox Village Retirement Village

 

 

 

Wellbeing

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With only four weeks left, we still have many exciting events before the end of the term. We have had an excellent start to the term with Elephant Ed coming to visit our Year 8’s. We received terrific feedback. 100% of students gave a thumbs up, and 98% want Elephant Ed to return.

Elephant will visit all students in Years 7-10 to deliver outstanding and relevant social/emotional programs in Terms 3 and 4.

The Wellbeing Team has another two fantastic events coming up. We have our Dads and Teens Games Night on 31 August (6:00 pm -7:30 pm).

We are also excited to announce that Student Eye Care is coming to Fairhills at the end of this term. This is a Free Eye Tests Covered through Medicare. For more information about these upcoming events, see below for more details.

“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.” – Sri Chinmoy

Amal Saleh-Zada| Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Dads and Teens Games Night

Come and join us for a fun night with games and pizza!

We are hosting a Dads and Teens Games Night to acknowledge the importance of Fathers and Father-figures. We are also launching The Fathering Project at Fairhills.

When: Wed – 31 August (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)

Where: Library – Fairhills High School

Cost: FREE

Book your free spot via: https://www.trybooking.com/CBQII

The Fathering Project educates, connects and mobilises fathers and families to create brighter futures for all children. It is research-based prevention and early intervention programs and resources that engage, inform, inspire, equip and support fathers, families, schools, corporates and community-based organisations. It’s simple, fathers and father figures play a critical role in preventing long-term social, emotional and cognitive difficulties and creating the conditions for children to thrive.

Student Eyecare Program at FHS – Free Eye Tests Covered through Medicare

Haven’t had your child’s eyes checked in a while?

  • According to the Optometry Association of Australia, every person should get their eyes checked at least once every two to three years.
  • At least 1 in every 6 students have vision issues that go undetected.
  • All students are given a detailed report at the end of their eye tests.
  • Find out if your child’s eyes are in good condition!

The school is pleased to announce that it will be running a welfare initiative called the Student Eyecare Program in Term 3, 2022. An optometrist will be onsite during school hours to provide students with a comprehensive eye examination. Each attendee will receive an individual report regarding the eye health and a prescription will be provided if glasses are required. The school will not have access to the individual report but will be notified if glasses were recommended. Please note that this service does not sell glasses and the prescription can be taken to any optical store.

The program’s aim is to detect visual problems that may interfere with a student’s learning abilities and subsequently hinder their academic potential. A significant number of students have visual problems that go undetected. The main visual issues that go undetected are inadequate focusing and eye teaming abilities that could lead to symptoms such as poor concentration, fatigue, headaches and unwillingness to read.

This eye health service is available to all students and is covered by Medicare Australia. It is a Medicare Bulk Billing service– so there is no cost to the students. The form is to be completed by the parent or guardian.

Register now: https://forms.gle/tzy2wM1LM8mRJYod6

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STUDENTEYECARE.COM.AU OR CONTACT (03) 8644 7012

Elephant Ed

Elephant Ed will visit our Year 7-10 throughout Term 3 and 4 to discuss issues commonly faced by adolescents, including safety, identity, body image, social media, and other issues. They deliver age-appropriate workshops that are tried and tested across all relevant age groups and are mapped to State and National curriculum guidelines. They work towards empowering young people to make informed, positive and safe decisions about sexuality, relationships and growing up.

All kids deserve a fair go

Variety believes all kids should have the chance to follow their dreams and reach their full potential. So we’ve created two kinds of Variety Heart Scholarships to help kids do just that.

  • Existing Talent is designed to support children with a demonstrated talent who are living with disability or illness or experiencing disadvantage, to reach the next stage of development in their talent.
  • Educational is designed to support children who are experiencing disadvantage assistance to cover the basic educational needs.


All kids deserve to follow their dreams.

Whether it’s a dream to compete at a higher level in sport or wow a crowd on a stage – Variety Heart Scholarships can cover items such as travel, accommodation, equipment, coaching, competition fees and much more.

Scholarships are awarded up to the value of $5,000 in the areas of Education, Sports and the Arts.

Who can apply?

Australian citizens, permanent residents or residents of Victoria, aged 6 to 17 years and able to demonstrate an existing talent with Education, Sport or the Arts. Please read the guidelines and refer to their list of Frequently Asked Questions before you apply.

All submissions received by the end of each month will be assessed in the following month until our allocation is exhausted.

For more info visit: https://www.variety.org.au/vic/scholarships

BE KIND TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL MIND!

Lunch Time Groups

Explore, facilitated by Gail, our School Chaplain, is a group for Year 7/8 girls and students who identify as female to connect through games, crafts, activities and discussion. The group will explore themes of friendships, personal strengths, coping and lots more. It runs Tuesdays at lunchtime in the Wellbeing Centre. Interested students can speak to the Year Level Leader or pop in to see Gail on a Monday or Tuesday for more information.

? Squad – our LGBTQ+ group continues to run on Thursday lunchtimes in the Wellbeing Centre and is open to all students. Each term the students attending decide what they would like to do during the weekly lunchtime sessions. Over the year so far we have talked about self-care and relaxation, made rainbow bead bracelets, decorated cookies, worked together to create a Pride Month Calendar to raise awareness about gender and sexual diversity, had a karaoke session, shared our favourite LGBTQIA+ friendly books and TV series and continued to build and support a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.

Feel Good Fridays– Our 5-week workshop series about the connection between body and mind finishes up this week. We have had a great response from students as we have explored Nutrition, Sleep, Exercise and Relaxation and how looking after our body can enhance our mental wellbeing as well.

    

R U OK?

Our whole school campaign for Term 3 is RUOK? Day. We are excited about spreading a splash of yellow in Week 9 as we roll out a number of activities to encourage helpful conversations between friends, families and colleagues. Watch out for more info to come over the next few weeks. Students will be participating in class sessions, we will be creating an RUOK? mural and our food tech classes will be baking up an R U OK storm for fundraising. Stay tuned!

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is held in J2 – entrance from the Canteen Courtyard) as follows:

  • Monday – recess – basic breakfast
  • Tuesday – recess – basic breakfast
  • Wednesday – before school – basic breakfast
  • Thursday – before school – pancakes
  • Friday – before school – basic breakfast

Families in need – Internal Food Options

Tuesday 2 August and every fortnight after (Tuesday 16 August, Tuesday 30 August etc) our Frozen meal and Pantry is open to students and families that this is helpful for. Please meet our Chaplain Gail in the Canteen after school, from 3:09pm to 3:45pm. All Welcome.

Families in need – External Food Options

For families in need please see the following services that support the community:

 

Student Wellbeing Team

Student Wellbeing Coordinator – Amal Saleh-Zada
Mental Health Practitioner – Peta Cartwright
Chaplain – Gail Ackroyd
University Placement Students: Elli, Kerrie, Michelle

Accessing Support through Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Team can assist students in accessing the support they need to navigate challenges that may impact their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of Wellbeing. For example, the Wellbeing Team can engage the student or family in an initial assessment of need, short term counselling or skills development or referrals to external support agencies. Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources. We will explore the best options for each student.

We encourage students and/or parents to contact the year level leaders for wellbeing referrals. You can also make an appointment with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre or contacting us via email at wellbeing@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Teachers who have concerns about a student may also refer them to the Wellbeing Team through their Year Level Coordinator.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact kidshelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page.

 

 

Library

Read Time: ( words)

We are back!

We are back in the Main Library once again and have been enjoying seeing students use the space for classes and at lunchtimes.

National Science Week

From 14 August – 19 August we celebrated National Science week with a display of new science books for staff and students to borrow. These books cover topics such as climate change, super simple chemistry, steam soccer, physics, amazing animals and experiments you can make at home.

 

Horrible Histories Historical Science Compilation

During lunch we showed the Horrible Histories Historical Science Compilation which features many of our amazing scientists throughout time as well as The Lorax which teaches respect for the environment and the need to preserve the planet for ourselves and future generations.

Fairhills High School Alumni

Read Time: ( words)

300 Million Chances to Protect Our Planet’s Future…

Did you know over 300 million batteries (many containing toxic metals) are thrown out by Australians each year, ending up in landfill?

Someone who knows more than most about the efforts to protect our environment through innovative battery recycling methods is Fairhills High School Knoxfield alumni Bobbie Bound, Class of 2015. As part of the Ourschool Alumni Program, Bobbie returned to Fairhills and generously gave her time to deliver a LinkedIn Masterclass to Year 11 and 12 students and share her career pathway since high school which has taken her to employment with ‘Envirostream,’ Australia’s only onshore mixed-battery recycling company.

After Bobbie highlighted the benefits of Envirostream’ s fantastic (zero-cost) battery recycling scheme for Australian schools, we were so impressed with the company’s commitment to the environment, that we now have recycled boxes at the General Office for staff/students/parents to recycle their batteries in!

Big thanks to Bobbie for helping inspire and educate current students at her old high school, it was fantastic to see her career success since finishing year 12 and we look forward to welcoming her back next year at the school’s #50thanniversarycelebrations!

For more information about Envirostream visit: https://envirostream.com.au/

 

Are you a former Fairhills student?

Sally, our Alumni Program Coordinator has been working hard this year developing a wonderful Alumni program for the school, including:

  • Finding and connecting with Fairhills alumni by creating FHS alumni Facebook and LinkedIn groups, (links below).
  • Inviting alumni back to school to inspire students about study and career pathways and encourage them to connect with them via the FHS alumni LinkedIn group.
  • Creating opportunities for Year 10 students by asking FHS alumni if they can provide work experience placements.
  • Inviting alumni to provide support for their old school via sponsoring the school Breakfast Club, Basketball Team or even setting up a student scholarship.

If you are a former student of Fairhills High School, Sally would love to hear from you – please send an email to: alumni@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Also, check out our Alumni Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FairhillsHighSchoolKnoxAlumni

 

 

 

 

 

 

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