As we approach the end of Term 3, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your unwavering support in nurturing the growth and development of our students. Behind every engaged student, there is a dedicated and caring community, and I am truly encouraged by our collective commitment.

To our wonderful teachers and education support, thank you for your tireless efforts in and out of the classroom. Your passion for education is evident in the progress our students have made. Your patience, creativity, and dedication is always appreciated and admired.

Parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in our students’ growth. Your support, involvement, and encouragement at home create a strong foundation for their success. Your partnership with us is invaluable, and we appreciate your trust in our school.

Lastly, to our incredible students, you are the heart of our school community. Your curiosity, determination, and eagerness to learn is inspiring. Your growth, both academically and personally, fills us with pride, and we look forward to witnessing your continued progress next term.

As we reflect on the past term and look ahead to the future, let us remember that it is our collective efforts and support that enable our students to thrive.

I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you for a well-deserved break during the upcoming two-week holiday. May it be a time of relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Wishing you all a wonderful end to Term 3 and a bright start to Term 4.

Fairhills at 50!

2023 is the year Fairhills High School celebrates 50 years of history-making – a significant achievement for any school or organisation.

Our 50th anniversary will be a memory to hold for all current and former students, staff, parents, and the community. As an amazing school, we want to share our experiences of the last 50 years and look back to see how the school has changed from 1973 to now and see just how far it has come.

Celebrations will include a formal, dinner at an off-campus venue on Friday 6 October (book here, followed by on-campus ‘Sunday Funday’ celebrations 11am-4pm on Sunday 8 October.

12 Months free internet at home

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students.

The initiative aims to boost education opportunities. NBN Co is leading the rollout of this initiative across the country.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative can help your child

Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities.

Access to fast internet at home can also support children to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and take part in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.

Eligibility

To be eligible, families must:

• have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school in 2023
• not have an active National Broadband Network internet service at their home (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)
• live in a premises that can access the National Broadband Network through a standard connection. NBN Co will check this for you after you apply
• register interest with your school and complete a consent form to be assessed for eligibility.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative works

If you are eligible, your home internet service will be provided at no cost for one year with a participating internet provider over the National Broadband Network. Each internet provider has its own step-by-step process to get you connected, which may involve you providing identification.

Once you sign up, the internet provider will help you set up your connection. The initiative does not include devices such as a computer or tablet. Other members of your household can use the internet service provided through this initiative.

The one-year period will start from the day your service is activated with your chosen provider. At the end of the one-year period, you will not be placed onto a paid service by your internet provider without your consent. The Australian Government is considering options beyond the one-year free period.

How to apply

• Call or email the school and ask for a copy of the School Student Broadband Initiative consent form.
• Complete the consent form and return to the General Office
• NBN Co will use student address details on the consent form to confirm eligibility.
• If you are eligible, NBN Co will issue a voucher for your family to use to sign up with a participating internet provider. This will be provided to you by your school.

Please note: NBN Co will review the home address for eligibility. No personal information other than your main home address will be shared with NBN Co. Please see the consent form for details about how personal information will be used.

Find out more

For more information about the School Student Broadband Initiative, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au

Ian Van Schie
Principal

Dear Parents/carers and students

Almost every high school in Australia offers some type of extracurricular activity, such as music, academic clubs, and sports. These activities offer opportunities for students to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical strength and endurance, competition, diversity, and a sense of culture and community.

Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education. Recent research suggests that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students’ sense of engagement or attachment to their school, and thereby decrease the likelihood of school failure and dropping out (Lamborn et al, 1992; Finn, 1993).

This term we have seen a hype of activity in the middle school where students have taken full advantage of the many extracurricular activities on offer.

This week students have been busily rehearsing for the Victorian State School Spectacular which will be held on Saturday 9 September. Our students have been working so hard under the guidance of our Performing Arts Leader Ms Power and we wish them all the best.

The wellbeing team and student leadership delivered and fun packed week of activities for Diversity week focusing on Neo, cultural, sexual, and gender diversity and all abilities awareness. Thanks to all the staff and students who took part in Diversity Week….it was a fun week and a great way for students of all levels to work together. This week respectful relationship workshops where delivered to our year 8,9 & 10 boys/girls focusing on mental health and supporting their psychological and emotional development needs.

Our Middle school leaders have gone above and beyond as they run innovative clubs including Dungeons and Dragons, Philosophy and Dance. Again thank you to Mr Baker, Ms Qin and Ms Power for all their efforts.

As we head into the warmer weather may you stay safe and enjoy the September holiday break.

Silvana La Leggia
Middle School Leader

Year 7 Humanities – Ancient Egypt

The Year 7 Ancient Egypt unit is a fascinating journey into the rich history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. One of the most intriguing aspects of this unit is the study of mummification, a practice that was central to ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
Creating mummies was a complex and carefully orchestrated process. Our year 7A students showcased their talents when they attempted to mummify their class mates and the Mummies came to life. Fun was had by all.

Studying mummification not only provides insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs but also offers valuable lessons about human history and cultural practices. It allows students to explore different perspectives on death and afterlife while developing critical thinking skills through analysing historical evidence.

Science Week — KIOSC Science Communication Conference

A group of Year 7 and Year 10 students attended the KIOSC Science Communication Conference to represent Fairhills High School. The Year 7s shared the projects they did in their Technology elective, such as coding Spheros, coding websites, designing and building Rube Goldberg machines, and researching the history of Seven Wonders of the Industrial World. The Year 10s created a model for their Space Challenge rover design and shared their experience in the challenge.

It was a fun experience for the students to look at the science projects other schools have done. They also had the incredible opportunity to engage with leading scientists and communicate their passion for science.

Students participated mini activities and challenges throughout the day. Congratulations to Camden Fox for winning the “Best Science Joke” award!

Year 9/10 Outdoor Education

The Outdoor Ed students recently embarked on an exhilarating adventure, exploring caves and conquering the rapids while white water rafting at Wonga Park. This experience allowed them to connect with nature and push their limits in a safe and controlled environment. The students were able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the underground world as they navigated through intricate cave systems. Additionally, they developed teamwork skills and built lasting friendships while manoeuvring through the thrilling rapids.

Japanese Competition

Are you:

1. Interested in Japan?
2. Want to go to Japan?
3. Like to write?

If so, this competition is for you. International Christian University in Tokyo is running an essay competition. The 1st prize is 2 round trip tickets to Japan!

Please go to this link for details, and good luck. Maybe YOU will win, and can go to Japan!

https://www.icu.ac.jp/en/news/GlobalYouthEssay2023.html

2024 Subject Allocations & Pathways

Throughout this term there are many opportunities for students and families to engage in discussion regarding future pathways. Students in Years 10 to 12 have had the opportunity to engage in conversations with Year Level Team Leaders, the Careers Coordinator and other senior members of staff relating to subject choices and pathways beyond school.

Now that students have submitted their subject preferences we begin the process of analysing the data to plan for 2024. Please be patient with us as we take time to pursue possibilities to cater for the various pathways and student interests.

The Fairhills Pathways team aims to empower students and their families with all the latest information to explore a broad range of career opportunities, build skills and prepare them for the global marketplace. Please contact Ms Rundle at the school if you would like to discuss pathway options. Ms Rundle is available from 9 am to 3 pm each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Please visit The Fairhills Careers Website for more information:
https://www.fairhillscareers.com/

Bill Exton
Senior School Assistant Principal

Year 12 Chemistry

The Year 12 Chemistry class recently had the opportunity to visit Kiosc, Swinburne and participate in a Masterclass in Analytical Spectroscopy. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply their knowledge of various spectroscopic techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. During the session, students were provided with an unknown white powder and tasked with identifying its composition using these methods. Through careful analysis of the data obtained from each technique, they were able to determine that the substance in question was caffeine. This practical exercise not only enhanced their understanding of analytical techniques but also highlighted the importance of spectroscopy in chemical analysis.

Empowering Women in the Trades

Year 9 & 10 Girls were given a taste of the trades – with a presentation from the Department highlighting the amazing opportunities for girls.

Challenged to build, shape and solve the many off the everyday problems faced by the trades, our students got stuck in and demonstrated some real skill. Trades were presented as hands on (Apprenticeship level) and theoretical (University based), highlighting the breadth of opportunities available across the industry.

Student feedback indicated that not only did the Girls really enjoy themselves, but they learnt something.

The world needs more people in the Trades and females bring a skill set sometimes lacking in their male counterparts; good communication, attention to detail and professionalism.

Hopefully this valuable experience will encourage our Girls to think outside the box and pursue a career in the construction industry.

Army Expo – Puckapunyal

Friday 1 September 5 students and myself headed off to Puckapunyal Army base for the first Careers Expo held on base.

This amazing event provided students with the opportunity to meet and greet Army personnel one on one, and find out about all of the fantastic opportunities available in the defence forces. All aspects of this organisation were on show for students to see up close, from communications and I.T., Logistics, surveillance, catering, fire brigade, personal training.

Neville the explosive Dog was a stand out, full of energy.

A fantastically informatic day – with all the career pathways within the Army layed out for all to see.

Every Day Counts

Secondary School Attendance

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your teenager’s education.

Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

School is Better When Your Teenager Is There

Why it’s important

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.

Students develop good habits by going to school every day – habits that are necessary to succeed after school, whether in the workplace or in further study.

Missing school can have a big impact on students academically and socially. It can affect their test results, including VCE & VCE VM, and, just as importantly, it can affect their relationships with other students, and lead to social isolation.

There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.

Each missed day is associated with falling behind in subject topics and assessment tasks, and lead to fewer subject choices and may impact on achievement in years 11 and 12 and post-school pathways.

Schools are there to help – if you’re having attendance issues with your child, speak to your child’s Team Leader about ways to address those issues.

In Victoria School is Compulsory For Children and Young People Aged 6 -17 Years

Student Absences

The main reasons for absence are:

Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference.

Family holidays – It’s vital that holidays are planned during school holidays where possible, and not during the term. If you are planning to go on holiday during term time, make sure that you talk to your school in advance, and work with them to develop an absence learning plan.

“Day off” – Think twice before letting your teenager have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts.

Truancy – This is when students choose not to go to school without their parent’s permission or skip out of school during the day. There can be many reasons for truancy; the best way to address this is for schools and parents to work together.

While all absences can effect academic performance, DET’s statistics show that unexcused absences are a much stronger indicator of lower reading and maths achievement.

School refusal – School refusing children experience significant emotional distress not only when going to school but also at the thought of going to school; they may be absent from school for weeks or even months at a time. School refusal differs from truancy as children generally stay home with the knowledge of the parents and despite their best efforts to encourage their child to go to school. See: My child or teenager has anxiety
Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 years over 13 years of School

If your teenager is away

If for any reason your teenager must miss school, there are things you can do with the school to ensure they don’t fall behind:

1. Inform the school via Compass (or via phone if you cant access Compass)
2. Find out what work your teenager needs to do to keep up (lesson plans are posted on Compass for each lesson)
3. Develop an absence learning plan with your teenager’s Team Leader and ensure they complete the plan.

Remember, every day counts. Openly communicating with school about all absences is a good way to prevent attendance issues being escalated to a School Attendance Officer. A School Attendance Officer is a Department of Education and Training Regional Director who has authority to follow up attendance issues. Chronic or ongoing attendance issues that are escalated can lead to an Infringement Notice being issued to parent/s.

If you’re having attendance issues with your teenager, please let the relevant year Level Team Leader know so you can work together to get your teen to school every day.

Top Attendance Tips for Parents

• Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting your child’s school and asking for advice and support
• Remember that every day counts
• There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
• Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
• Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea
• Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term

Seek help from your school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing.

Further Information

For more information and resources to help address attendance issues, visit:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/studentmanagement/attendance/Pages/improve-attendance.aspx 

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.

2023 Term Dates

General Office

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.

State Schools’ Relief

State Schools’ Relief provides support to any Victorian student attending a government school, on the advice of the school.

Schools are able to submit an application whenever they believe there is a need to support a student whose family/carers are facing difficulty in providing the appropriate uniform, footwear or educational items for attending school and a travel pass.

Situations include, but are not limited to:

• Unemployment
• Health issues/illness
• Financial difficulties
• Independent living and/or homelessness
• Natural disasters, house fires
• Bereavement
• Domestic violence

If you need assistance please email the school at fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au. Please outline your circumstance and what support is required (uniform/clothing educational items) and we will be in contact with you to advise what is available.

Please note that all requests are treated in confidence.

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.  Any students without consent/payment after this date will be removed from the event and will not be able 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.

Students 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.  If they need to call home, they should come to the office.  Students should not use their mobiles.

COVID

If your child 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.

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

Click here for the Uniform details and  Price List

Click here for the 2023 Fairhills High School Student Dress Code

Sustainable School Shop

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

You can also find the following items:

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

2023 Bell Times

Two different bell times run during the week:

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

2023 Team Leaders

Digital Learning Policy

The Digital Learning Policy has recently been updated. A key change to enhance learning is below;

• Allow students for learning purposes, to use headphones, earphones and such like equipment when directed by the teacher

An exception to this rule is if a student has an individual education plant (IEP) that allows them to wear noise cancelling headphones (not during the explicit instruction stage of the lesson).

ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

You may be aware of, or indeed be using, new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that have become publicly available. One of these technologies in particular, ChatGPT, has received a lot of media coverage this year.

At the start of Term 1, 2023, the Department of Education restricted access to ChatGPT in Victorian government schools. This was because the terms of service restricted access to those aged 18 years or over.

Those terms have now been changed to permit access for those aged 13 years and over. As a result, the interim restriction on ChatGPT has been lifted and secondary school aged students who are at least 13 years old can now access these technologies (the current restriction on use with primary school-aged students will remain in place).

If we at Fairhills High School determine that the use of generative AI tools should be part of our teaching and learning program, we will first write to you to explain why. We will also seek your consent if your child’s personal details (such as a mobile phone number) are required to register for the use of the tool. We will also continue to ensure our compliance with all department policies, including those in relation to the safe and responsible use of technology, and privacy and information sharing.

Please remind your child that they should not enter any personal information such as name, age or address into generative AI platforms they might be using at home as this can be a risk to their privacy. This is because content typed into some generative AI tools may be used and reused by the platform and its users.

One area of concern with generative AI tools relates to student assessment. We are aware of these concerns and will use existing assessment policies and processes to understand what students know about the topics being taught and ensure that assessments are completed without undue assistance.

The Department of Education is working with the non-government sector authorities and other state and territory education departments on the use of generative AI tools in schools. We will provide any updates as the term and year progress.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please get in touch.

Jennifer Nansen
School Enhancement Leader

Upcoming Evening Concert

Instrumental Music students are looking forward to their performances at the upcoming evening concert at Swinburne University theatre on Monday 11 September 7pm. Entry is free.
I know the students would love their family and friends to come along and support their musical journey.

Assessments

Instrumental music students have been completing their term 3 Common Assessment Task which focuses on Sight Reading and Aural skills.

Contact

Any queries regarding the instrumental music program or enrolling your child please contact Nicole McAlister nicole.mcalister@education.vic.gov.au

2023 Davitt Book Awards

Following on from last month’s Children’s Book Award announcements, the winner of the 2023 Davitt Awards for best crime books by Australian women have been announced.

The four novels shortlisted for the Young Adult crime novel award were:

• Louise Bassett, The Hidden Girl (Walker Books) Debut
• Sarah Epstein, Night Lights (Fourteen Press)
• Fleur Ferris, Seven Days (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Ellie Marney, The Killing Code (Allen & Unwin)

The winning title was Seven Days by Fleur Ferris. Seven Days tells the story of Ben Parker who is caught in the middle of divorced parents, convinced he’s always an afterthought in their lives. When his dad leaves on a business trip Ben feels like he’s been dumped with his country relatives. Dreading the week ahead, Ben sets his timer to count down the seconds until he can get back to the city. But the clock is running down on a century-old mystery and it’s about to take Ben on a dangerous and thrilling adventure. Was Ben’s great grandfather Dr Archibald Parker murdered in cold blood? Are the rumours of buried treasure true? Ben is about to take some risks, face some big ethical questions and stir up a whole lot of trouble.

Seven Days and other books written by Fleur Ferris as well as the other shortlisted books mentioned above, are available in your School Library.

Diversity Week

Students and staff enjoyed Diversity Week, a celebration of inclusivity and acceptance. The week-long event encompassed various activities that showcased the rich tapestry of cultures and identities within our school community. Cultural Day/International Food Festival tantalised taste buds with an array of global cuisines. LGBTQ+ and Neurodiversity Days fostered understanding and support for marginalized groups. Individuality Day encouraged self-expression, while All Abilities Day promoted empathy towards those with disabilities. Diversity Week truly demonstrated the benefit of our multifaceted community.

Another big few weeks in the wellbeing space!

Our Year 11’s and 12’s had an amazing wellbeing day facilitated by external groups The Man Cave and the REACH Foundation. All reports are that the students had deep and powerful experiences of connecting with their peers and themselves around issues of gender stereotypes, healthy emotional expression, self confidence and positive peer connections. We were all super impressed by how well the students stepped into these conversations with respect and authenticity.

The Smile Squad dental service has been on site for the last 2 weeks providing free dental check ups for students. For students who may require follow up treatment, the treatment truck will be onsite next week for follow up appointments. Families will be contacted directly by Smile Squad if your young person needs another appointment.

In week 10 we have a whole school wellbeing campaign for RUOK? Day. RUOK? Day is acknowledged nationally on Thursday 14 September and is the national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life. Mariani, our Mental Health Practitioner and the Wellbeing Team will be hosting whole school activities at lunchtime on Thursday 14 September and we encourage all students to ‘be here to hear’. The RUOK? Message does not require us to give professional advise – rather encourages us all to be supportive friends and to encourage others to seek help in difficult times.

September is BodyKind month

Body Kind is an initiative to support and grow Body Kindness in school communities. Being Body Kind is being aware of how we speak about, treat and look after our body. It is about the language we use about our own body and others; in our heads, face to face and online. It is about how we move, nourish and nurture our body. It is about treating our body with kindness and respect, regardless of how it looks or what it can or can’t do. Our Health Promotion Nurse, Kaye Walker, is running a Body Kind Campaign throughout September. Students will receive weekly info through compass on the common issues facing young people when it comes to their bodies as well as tips and strategies to support Body Kindness. Kaye will be hosting a pop up Health clinic on RUOK? Day to encourage students to reflect on how they can be Body Kind. Students in Year 7/8 will also be having Body Kind sessions in THRIVE classes in Term 4.

Butterfly Foundation

Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them.

Please find their upcoming Webinars for parents:

Supporting Teens to Eat Well in a Food Confused World – FREE Parent Webinar

Join Butterfly and two Practicing Accredited Dietitians and learn how to help your teen have a positive and balanced relationship with food. Topics covered include: Why it’s hard to charter a healthy course | What’s helpful diet information and what’s problematic | Supporting eating through puberty | Troubleshooting common eating dilemmas – ‘junk food’, ‘high protein diets’, veganism, not eating at school.

Details

Tuesday, 12 September
7 – 8pm (AEST), plus question time
Via Zoom (time-limited recording available)
Register: https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal//event/?id=EP_BCCT_Parent_Webinar477928020&Name=12/09/23

Body Confident Children and Teens – For Parents ($15 registration fee)

Information and practical tips for parents of primary and secondary-age children on how to promote positive body image in the home. Topics covered include: Body image influences | The role of body image in problematic eating and exercise behaviours | How to positively role model | Responding to appearance talk and appearance-teasing |What to do if concerned.

Details

Tuesday, 17 October
7 – 8pm (AEDT), plus question time
Via Zoom (recording available)
Register: https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal//event/?id=EP_BCCT_Parent_Webinar2583081573&Name=17/10/23 BCCT

We would like to wish all our students a safe and restful holiday. For our Year 12 students heading into exams a reminder about the balance needed for your brains and bodies at this time. It is important, more than ever, to keep all the essentials in good balance- good food, good sleep, good fun, to enable good study!

Peta Cartwright | Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Accessing support through Wellbeing – 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.

Accessing Support – Families

Most 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

What’s on

Clothing Support – Thread Together

We recently partnered with Thread Together to provide free and brand clothing for students in need. Thread Together collects brand new unsold clothing from all around the country, saving it from landfill. Thread Together believe that people in need deserve the dignity and choice of new clothing, without judgement. If your children need any help with clothing, please contact the Wellbeing team for further assistance.

Breakfast Club

With the support of volunteers from local churches- Knox Baptist and Hillsong Church we are able to provide a breakfast club 5 days a week for our students, including a Pancake Breakfast every Thursday morning. All students are welcome.

Food support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:48pm – 3:08pm 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.

Cybersecurity: Resources

eSafety’s express learning series provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including:

• Setting up parental controls
• Digital technologies and mental health
• Cyberbullying and online drama
• Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse

Cyber Safety Project provides a whole community approach focused on developing future skills, lifelong habits and self-regulation when innovating and using digital technologies for work, life and play. To create safer communities our educational programs and proactive teaching strategies will engage the whole community with learning how to participate safely and responsibly in a digitally-engaged world. To learn more about family workshops and webinars for parents or carers, please visit https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/families/

The Team

Division Athletics

On Tuesday 5 September, the annual Knox Division Athletics Carnival took place at Ringwood Athletics Track in Melbourne. Despite the rain and wind, the students displayed immense determination as they participated in various events. The challenging conditions did not deter their spirits; instead, it only fuelled their perseverance.

There were some amazing results with first place students moving on to the next stage – the Eastern Metropolitan Round which is held early Term 4

Results

Camden 1st Shot Put
Deacon 1st in 800m
Dominic 1st 800m, 1st 1500, 1st Discus
Dwayne 2nd 100m
Eva 2nd 100m 200m, 4th 400m
Heath 1st Javelin, 2nd Long Jump, Shot Put
Jarrad 3rd 800m, 4th 400m, 1500m
Jasmine 1st 400m
Marc 2nd in 100m
Mia 2nd Javelin, 3rd long jump
Nikkita 2nd in Triple jump and Discus
Bill, Winston, Liam, Under 13 boys – relay – 3rd