A new vision for our school

After a thoughtful and inclusive process, our school has officially adopted a new vision:

Empowering our community to be curious, creative, and confident learners.

This vision will guide us over the next 4-5 years as we continue to grow and thrive together.

The process of selecting this vision was a true community effort. We invited everyone—students, parents, teachers, and staff—to participate in the decision-making process. Many of our school community had their voice heard and the vote was incredibly close (approximately 55% of the votes picked this statement), which shows just how passionate our community is about the future of our school. The trait of compassion had 45% of the votes and we remain committed to nurturing this essential quality as we embrace our new vision.

Compassion can be seamlessly linked to the traits of being curious, creative, and confident learners in the following ways:

Curiosity extends beyond academic subjects to include a deep desire to learn about and connect with people, cultures, and communities. This empathetic curiosity leads to more meaningful and thoughtful exploration of the world.

Compassion fuels creativity by inspiring students to think about how their ideas and innovations can positively impact others.

Confidence is rooted in a strong sense of empathy and responsibility, empowering students to take action, advocate for others, and lead with kindness.

A strong vision is more than just words on a page; it is the heartbeat of our school community. It provides us with a shared sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that every decision we make aligns with our core values and long-term goals. A well-crafted vision serves as a compass, guiding us through challenges and inspiring us to reach new heights.

Our new vision speaks to the heart of what we want for our students and our entire community. By focusing on curiosity, creativity, and confidence, we are committing to nurturing these essential qualities in every learner. We believe that these traits will not only help our students succeed academically but will also prepare them to be thoughtful, innovative, and resilient members of society.

As we move forward, you can expect to see our vision reflected in every aspect of school life. Our curriculum, teaching methods, and extracurricular activities will all be designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We will continue to create an environment where every student feels empowered to explore, innovate, and believe in themselves.

This vision is a promise to our community that we are dedicated to supporting every learner on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to seeing our vision come to life in the months and years to come.

Year 8 Camp

I recently had the pleasure of joining our Year 8 students on their much-anticipated camp, and I must say, it was an experience filled with growth, courage, and unforgettable moments. Watching our students challenge themselves and step outside of their comfort zones was truly inspiring—and I found myself doing the same!

One of the most rewarding aspects of this camp was seeing our students push beyond what they thought they were capable of. Whether it was tackling the rock climbing wall, navigating the ropes course, or simply being away from home for a few days, every student faced their own personal challenges. What impressed me the most was their willingness to embrace these challenges with determination and a positive attitude.

It was a reminder that real growth happens when we step into the unknown and confront our fears. This experience not only strengthened the students’ resilience but also fostered a deeper sense of camaraderie among them. They learned to support one another, cheer each other on, and celebrate each other’s successes—no matter how big or small.

As your principal, I believe it’s important to lead by example, so I decided to take on a challenge of my own: the high swing. Now, let me be honest—I’ve always had a fear of heights. The thought of being suspended high above the ground was daunting, to say the least. But as I stood there, looking up at the swing, I realised that this was my opportunity to practice what I often encourage our students to do: face your fears and embrace the experience.

With a mix of nerves and determination, I took the plunge (literally!), and to my surprise, it was exhilarating! The initial fear gave way to an incredible sense of achievement, and I felt a renewed sense of confidence. More importantly, it was a powerful reminder that the growth we ask of our students is something we all need to embrace, no matter our age or role.

I’m incredibly proud of our Year 8 students for their courage and perseverance. They demonstrated the very essence of our school’s vision—being curious, creative, and confident learners who are unafraid to take on new challenges. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk this journey with them, learning and growing alongside them.
Thank you to all the staff (in particular the amazing Sarah Power), who made this camp possible. Your support is what makes experiences like these so meaningful for our students.

Minor Capital Works

As we continue our journey to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, I am pleased to share some exciting updates about upcoming minor capital works that will significantly enhance our school facilities. Over the next six months, we will embark on several projects aimed at supporting student learning and wellbeing.

Minor capital works play a crucial role in creating spaces that are conducive to learning, engagement, and overall wellbeing. While they may not always be as visible as major building projects, these upgrades are vital in ensuring that our school remains a vibrant, functional, and welcoming environment for all students and staff.

Investing in our school’s infrastructure is an investment in our students’ futures. By improving the spaces where they learn, collaborate, and grow, we are directly supporting their academic success and emotional development. Comfortable, modern, and well-designed environments contribute to a positive school culture and help students feel valued and motivated.

Upcoming Projects

1. Year 7/8 Courtyard Upgrades:

• The Year 7/8 courtyard is often where our students spend their breaks, socialising and recharging for their next lessons. We will be upgrading these spaces to make them more inviting and functional. With new seating, landscaping, and play areas, the courtyard will become a vibrant hub where students can relax, connect, and feel a strong sense of community.

2. New Classroom Furniture:

• Across the school, we will be introducing new classroom furniture that aligns with our new STEM Learning Centre furniture. This furniture is designed to be flexible, comfortable, and conducive to a range of learning styles. By creating adaptable learning spaces, we can better support collaborative projects, individual study, and everything in between, making our classrooms more dynamic and engaging.

3. Library Renovation:

• The library is the heart of our school’s intellectual life, and we are excited to give it a much-needed renovation. The new design will provide greater access to reading resources, comfortable study areas, and spaces for both quiet reading and group work. Our goal is to create a modern, welcoming environment where students can explore their interests and continue to develop a lifelong love of learning.

4. General Office Renovation:

• A renovation of the General Office will help us better serve our students, staff, and families. With a more efficient layout and updated facilities, we aim to improve our administrative operations, making it easier for everyone to access the support and information they need. This upgrade will also enhance the overall experience for visitors to our school.

These improvements are more than just physical changes; they are part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive. By investing in these minor capital works, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more supportive, and more innovative future for our school community.

I look forward to seeing these projects come to life and to the positive impact they will have on our students’ learning and wellbeing. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a school environment that truly empowers our students to be curious, creative, and confident learners.

Ian Van Schie
Principal

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our Year 7 students in the Make and Build subject. Recently, they embarked on an exciting journey to design and create their very own 3D printed key tags. This project challenged them to apply their digital skills and engage in design thinking to solve real-world problems creatively.

The students began by brainstorming ideas and sketching their designs, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics. They then moved on to digital modelling, using 3D design software to bring their concepts to life. Throughout the process, they encountered challenges, such as optimizing their designs for printing and ensuring durability, but with determination and collaboration, they found innovative solutions.

By the end of the project, each student had a unique, personalized key tag to showcase. This project not only highlighted their creativity and problem-solving abilities but also gave them valuable experience in using technology to turn their ideas into tangible products. Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and fantastic results!

Year 9 Connect Excursion to Willum Warrain: A Journey of Cultural Exploration

Last week , 60 of our Year 9 Connect students embarked on an enriching excursion to Willum Warrain, a significant cultural hub for the local Indigenous community. This experience was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of activities designed to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture. The day began with a traditional welcoming ceremony, where students were introduced to the significance of this sacred space. They then moved into the Ngargee area for a yarning session, engaging in meaningful discussions and stories that highlighted the importance of connection to the land and community.

One of the highlights of the excursion was the exploration of the Koorie Bush Tucker Trail. Here, students learned about the native plants and their uses, gaining a newfound appreciation for the natural resources that have sustained Indigenous communities for thousands of years. The cultural exploration also included learning about traditional material culture, such as possum skin cloaks, coolamons, woomeras, and spears.

Students were deeply engaged in the storytelling session, which provided them with a vivid insight into the traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations. The day also offered a chance to reflect on the impacts of colonisation, the Stolen Generation, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

The excursion to Willum Warrain was not just an educational experience but also a journey of personal growth for our students. It reinforced the values of respect, understanding, and cultural awareness, all of which are vital components of our Connect program.

This day will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our students, as they continue to develop as thoughtful and informed members of our community.

Year 9/10 Outdoor Education

Last week our Outdoor Education students embarked on their first excursion of the semester and went out white water kayaking on the Yarra River in Wonga Park.

Students had the opportunity to experience 12 sets of rapids in total, with some having their first experience facing the white water. Aside from a fair few stuck kayaks, some tumbles into the water and a cold, wet and windy day, all students successfully navigated themselves through the obstacles and were all smiles after the day.

Year 12 Art Excursion

Our Year 12 Art students had a fantastic time on their latest outing to the National Gallery Victoria (NGV) and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). Students explored the Conservation and Presentation of Artworks while taking in the vibrant city atmosphere.

On Tuesday, 20 August 2024, Fairhills High School took part in promoting the Bullying No Way campaign: National week of action against Bullying and Violence. Through this campaign, we will be engaging students in meaningful activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.

The theme for this year’s campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.
“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

As part of this campaign, we have also invited the Pat Cronin Foundation to deliver a presentation Violence is never OK, in which facilitator shares the story of Pat Cronin and the worst possible outcome of social violence. This presentation also explore understanding of anger and aggression, making choice, and strategies to defuse conflict.

Dear Students, Parents, and Carers,

Last week, 45 enthusiastic Year 8 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure at The Ranch on the Mornington Peninsula for their annual camp. This year’s camp focused on building confidence and self-esteem, providing our students with the unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, and connect with peers in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Throughout the camp, students engaged in a variety of exhilarating activities, including horse riding, archery, mountain boarding, and the thrilling giant swing. Evenings were filled with excitement, featuring a night walk under the stars and a cozy fire where students enjoyed making s’mores on the final night. Witnessing the transformation in our students as they embraced these challenges and supported one another was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them!

A special thank you goes to Ms. Power, our dedicated Year 8 Team Leader, for her superb leadership, as well as to our wonderful supervising staff—Mr. Burrows, Ms. Brunton, Mr. Fernando, and Mr. Van Schie—whose support made this experience possible.

As we see out the cold winter months, we would like to remind the school community of the variety of uniform options available to students, all of which are outlined in our student dress code policy on our school website. As we continue to support students in taking pride in their uniform, it is essential that students wear the correct uniform items. Students not doing so will receive uniform infringements.

To keep warm, students have several uniform options, including the newly introduced waterproof jacket and the active wear track pant. Please note that hoodies are not permitted at any time. Students wearing hoodies will be required to remove them and place them in their lockers for the rest of the day, with repeat offenders having their hoodies confiscated. Additionally, the school beanie can only be worn outside.

If you need any uniform assistance, please reach out at fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au.

On a final note, we also took part in the National Day of Action against Bullying, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about the impact of bullying on individuals and communities. We extend our gratitude to Mariani, our Mental Health Practitioner, for preparing thoughtful materials delivered in Thrive and House Group sessions. Students are encouraged to stand as upstanders and report any instances of bullying to their Thrive/Connect teachers or Team Leaders. Additionally, students can report concerns anonymously through the Stymie app at https://stymie.com.au.

We’re all a piece of the puzzle, and together, we’re united against bullying.

Silvana La Leggia
Assistant Principal – Middle School

Fairhills High School Course Counselling Success

On Thursday 22 August, Fairhills High School hosted an insightful and productive Course Counselling day for our Year 10 and Year 11 students. This annual event is crucial in guiding our students as they plan their academic futures and this year’s session was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our fantastic team.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Liz Rundle, Jenni Nansen, Leanne Henderson, Marguerite Khune, Todd Chamberlain, Erin McGillicuddy and Felicity Graham-Prowse. Their hard work and diligence were evident as they engaged with students and parents, providing invaluable advice on subject choices for 2025. Their commitment ensured that each student received personalized guidance tailored to their interests and career aspirations.

The Course Counselling day saw numerous students exploring their options and discussing potential pathways with our experienced staff. Our team’s thorough preparation and deep knowledge played a significant role in making this process smooth and informative. From discussing course prerequisites to helping students understand future career implications, the teachers provided clarity and support every step of the way.

We appreciate the collaborative effort and the time our teachers dedicated to making this day a success. Their expertise not only helped in navigating complex subject choices but also in reassuring students and parents during this important decision-making period.

Thank you once again to Liz, Jenni, Leanne, Marguerite, Todd, Erin, and Felicity for their unwavering commitment to our students’ educational journeys. Your efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of Fairhills High School’s next generation of leaders and innovators.

As we continue to support our students in their academic and career pursuits, we remain grateful for the dedication of our entire staff. We look forward to the positive outcomes of the choices made on this pivotal day and are excited to see our students excel in their future studies.

Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal

School Tours

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

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

2024 Term Dates

Saver Plus

Get help with school costs through Saver Plus. Saver Plus supports people to develop life-long savings habits. It’s delivered by Brotherhood of St. Laurence, The Smith Family and Berry Street. It’s funded by ANZ and Department of Social Services. Achieve a savings goal for 10 months, and ANZ will match it up to $500. Learn more at www.saverplus.org.au.

To be eligible for Saver Plus, you need to meet these requirements:

✔️ Be 18 years or older
✔️ Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
✔️ Have a child in school, starting school next year, or be studying yourself
✔️ Get a regular income (can be you or your partner)
✔️ Agree to join in free online financial education workshops

Saver Plus FAQ

Saver Plus Flyer

Saver Plus Info

General Office Details

The General Office hours are: 8.00am-4.00pm

Telephone: 9758 5022
Email: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Parents, contractors, visitors and volunteers should always make contact with the General Office first when visiting the school or requiring to make contact with their child.

Appointments with teachers must be made via telephone or email.

Compass

Compass is the communication portal for Fairhills – https://fairhillshs-vic.compass.education/

Parents/carers are provided with log in details. For any questions or trouble logging in please contact the General Office. Using Compass allows parents/carers to have access to up-to-date information and the following features:

• Monitor attendance, and enter an explanation for absence or lateness
• Communicate with teachers
• Update contact details
• View their child’s timetable and the school calendar
• Monitor homework and assessment tasks
• Download and view semester reports
• Book parent-teacher-student interviews each semester
• Pay and provide consent for events and school contributions

Compass Events / Payment Centre / Course Confirmation

Please check Events regularly as these need to be consented/paid by the due date for your child to attend.  Also check out the Payment Centre and Course Confirmation sections.

Click here for the Compass Parent Guide

Student Absences

If your child will be absent or late due to illness or for any other reason, parents/guardians are able to:

• Mark their absence on Compass / or
• Send an email to the school: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au / or
• Phone the absence hotline on 9758 5022. Leave a message after the prompt. The absence hotline is operational 24hrs a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Student’s arriving to school late are required to sign in (using their Student ID Card) on the Compass Kiosk machine at the General Office.

If a student is required to leave school early for any reason they should bring a note from their parent/guardian and record this on Compass. All students are required to sign out from the General Office.  If they need to call home, they should come to the office.  Students should not use their mobiles.

Asthma / Diabetes / Anaphylaxis / Epilepsy

ASTHMA, DIABETES, ANAPHYLAXIS, EPILEPSY or an ALLERGY management plans are required to be updated and submitted to the school every 12 months. Please ensure you have provided this to the office in the best interest of your child.

If you require any assistance, do not hesitate to contact the office on 03 9758 5022.

Parent Carpark – pick up and drop off

If you drop/pick up your children please ensure you:

• use the parent car park – not the staff/guest car park, except for those with a disability parking permit
• pull into a parent parking spot to let your child out/pick them up
• when exiting turn left onto Scoresby road (as per the sign)

Uniform Shop

The purchase of School Uniforms are now through Dandy Schoolwear in Dandenong.

Dandy Schoolwear

Factory 8, 169 Cheltenham Road, Dandenong
(03) 9792 0424

Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:30am to 2:00pm

Uniform details

Uniform Price List

2024 Fairhills High School Student Dress Code

2024 Bell Times

Two different bell times run during the week:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
• Monday and Thursday (includes House Group)

2024 Team Leaders

Instrumental Music

On Monday 5 August, we held our annual instrumental music concert at Swinburne University. A huge well done to all our students who performed!

We are immensely proud of your hard work and dedication. Instrumental music enriches lives far beyond the stage. Thank you for sharing your musical journey with us and making the event truly memorable! We are immensely proud of your hard work and dedication. Your performances highlighted the many benefits of instrumental music, including:

🧠 Cognitive Development: Boosting memory, attention, and problem-solving.
💖 Emotional Expression: Helping manage emotions and build confidence.
🕰️ Discipline and Patience: Teaching perseverance and a strong work ethic.
🎨 Creativity and Imagination: Fostering innovative thinking and artistic expression.
🤝 Social Skills: Enhancing teamwork and community through ensemble work.
✋ Physical Coordination: Improving motor skills and auditory abilities.
🌍 Cultural Awareness: Expanding understanding of diverse cultures and musical styles.
📚 Academic Improvement: Boosting academic performance through music skills.

KSKK Japanese Student Visit

From 28 July to 10 August we were once again visited by a group of Japanese through the organisation KSKK. This has been a once a year event for Fairhills for over 40 years; the tradition only being broken during lockdowns.

The seven students joined a range of classes with Fairhills students who acted as their school buddies. One particular highlight was them providing a ‘bunkashookai’ or cultural demonstration for two Year 8 Japanese classes. Our students were able to learn origami skills, and how to play some traditional Japanese games.

The Japanese students went on a number of excursions to places like Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Queen Vic and Victoria Market. Three of our school buddies helped show them around the market, and together they enjoyed shopping and some yummy food.

The Japanese students also took their culture and language to one of our feeder schools Fairhills Primary School. The students enjoyed learning some origami and traditional games, and were enthusiastic to learn more in the future.

There was also the honour of meeting the Mayor of Knox. The Japanese students gave speeches, and the Fairhills buddies attended as support. We were so proud of the Japanese students giving a speech in their second language, and of our students who were impeccable ambassadors for Fairhills.

The visit was an amazing opportunity for us to share languages and cultures. We thank the host families, school buddies, and staff who supported this exchange.

Jessica Winstone (Integrated Learning Area Coordinator – Languages)

Matilda The Musical JR

Fairhills High School will be filled by the smell of rebellion when our students present Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR.

Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now – www.trybooking.com/CSWUX
📅 Dates: 29-31 August 2024
🎟️ Ticket Prices: $30 Adults, $20 Children under 12
📍 Location: Fairhills High School PAC

Don’t miss this enchanting production! Secure your seats today and support our young performers.

2024 Victoria State School Spectacular

Fairhills High School students are excited to be performing in the Victoria State School Spectacular.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now – www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular
📅 Dates: 14 September 2024
📍 Location: John Cain Arena