Principal’s Message

Ian Van Schie, Principal

A new chapter begins

I wanted to let you know that I have accepted the position of Principal at Viewbank College and as a result, I will finish my time as Principal of Fairhills High School at the end of this term.

After nearly six years at Fairhills, this has not been an easy decision. This school has become a very important part of my life and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead such a wonderful community.

I recognise that the timing of my departure is not ideal. I would have preferred more time to support the transition, however Viewbank is commencing its School Review and it is important that I am there from the beginning to help shape the next stage of the school’s direction.

When I think back over our journey, I am enormously proud of what we have built together. We have worked hard to create a culture where relationships matter, where we have high expectations of ourselves and our students, and where every young person is known, supported and encouraged to succeed. Fairhills today is a school I am incredibly proud of, and that culture has been built together by our students, staff, families and wider community.

I want to sincerely thank our parents and carers for the support you have given your children and our school. I have always appreciated the trust you have placed in us to support their learning, wellbeing and development.

I also want to thank our School Council, both current and past members, for their support, trust and commitment to Fairhills and to me as Principal. Their willingness to work in partnership with the school has played an important part in the progress we have made. I have also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside wonderful staff who care deeply about our students and continually reflect on and adapt their practice to support student growth.

There are so many people who have played an important part in our journey that trying to name them all here simply would not do them justice. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to our school and supported me along the way.

Most of all, I will miss our students. I will miss the daily conversations in the yard, visiting classrooms, the laughs, the challenges, celebrating their achievements and simply being part of their lives each day. Those everyday interactions are one of the greatest privileges of being a Principal and something I will genuinely miss.

One thing I hope every Fairhills student knows is that I have great hope for every one of them. I truly believe they all have the potential to be successful in their lives. Success will look different for every person and the journey will not always be straightforward, but if they work hard, believe in themselves and are not afraid of failing forward, they can build a fulfilling life.

While I am leaving, I do so knowing that Fairhills is in very good hands. We have an amazing Senior Leadership Team who know our students, understand our community and are deeply committed to the school. They have been an important part of our improvement journey and have helped shape the culture and direction of Fairhills.

I have enormous confidence in them and in our staff more broadly to continue the positive momentum we have built. The strength of Fairhills has never rested with one person. It comes from the collective commitment of the people who work here every day, and I have no doubt the school will continue to grow, improve and provide wonderful opportunities for our students.

Thank you for your support, your trust and for allowing me the privilege of being Principal of Fairhills High School for the past six years.

More Than Father’s Day

Last Sunday, families across our community celebrated Father’s Day and recognised the fathers, grandfathers, carers and father figures who play such an important role in the lives of our young people.

Father’s Day is also a timely reminder of the influence that positive role models can have. Young people notice far more than we sometimes realise. They watch how we treat others, how we respond when things are difficult, how we speak about people and whether our actions match our words.

Being a positive role model is not about getting everything right. It is about being present, showing care, listening, encouraging and demonstrating the values we hope our young people will develop themselves.

Often, it is the small everyday moments that have the greatest impact. Asking about their day, showing up to an event, taking an interest in what matters to them, sharing a laugh or simply spending time together all help young people know that they are valued and supported.

At Fairhills, we know that young people thrive when they have adults around them who believe in them, encourage them and remind them of what they are capable of. Fathers and father figures can play an incredibly important part in providing that sense of support, guidance and belonging.

I hope Father’s Day provided an opportunity for families to spend some quality time together and to recognise the important people who help shape the lives of our young people.

To all of the fathers, grandfathers and father figures within the Fairhills community, thank you for the care, encouragement and example you provide, not just on Father’s Day, but throughout the year.

Parent and Carer Voices Matter

The Department of Education’s annual Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey is now open.

Information about the survey, including instructions on how to participate, has now been sent to all parents and carers. The survey closes on Friday 18 September 2026 and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

We strongly encourage every parent and carer to participate. Hearing directly from our families is essential. Your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well, identify areas where we can improve and make informed decisions about the future direction of Fairhills High School.

We want to hear from families who are positive about the school, as well as those who have suggestions for improvement. Every perspective is valuable and helps us better understand the experiences and needs of our school community.

Please check your messages for the survey information and take the time to have your voice heard.

Teaching and Learning

Mr Exton, Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

Learning Conferences

Thank you to all families who attended our recent Learning Conferences. We had more than 100 additional bookings compared with our Semester 1 conferences, which was a fantastic turnout and a strong reflection of the partnership between families, students and teachers.

It was particularly pleasing to see students taking a more active role in leading the conversations. Students began by sharing something they were proud of, discussing their priority Learning Culture goal and reflecting on their progress across different subjects. Teachers and students then worked together to identify a practical next step and the support that would help them continue to improve.

As this was the first time we have used this student led approach, students were not expected to lead a polished conversation from beginning to end. The focus was on helping them develop the confidence to talk about their learning, recognise their strengths and take greater ownership of their next steps.

Thank you to our students for embracing the new process, our families for their strong attendance and our teachers for supporting such positive and productive conversations.

Year 12 Exam Preparation

Our Year 12 students are now entering an important stage of their final year as they prepare for the Unit 3 and 4 examinations.
Practice examinations will begin with English and EAL on Friday 18 September and continue during the first week of the school holidays. These exams provide students with an important opportunity to practise working under examination conditions, manage their time and identify areas requiring further revision before the final VCAA examinations.

From Monday 21 September to Wednesday 23 September, students will also attend the Knox Government Schools VCE Exam Preparation Program at KIOSC, located at Swinburne University of Technology on Stud Road in Wantirna South.

These free sessions will be delivered by experienced VCE exam assessors and will provide students with subject specific revision, examination strategies, practice questions and additional resources. The sessions form an important part of our VCE program and students are expected to attend those offered for their subjects, including students completing subjects through Virtual School Victoria.

Consistent attendance and preparation during this period will make an important difference. We encourage families to support students by ensuring they attend their scheduled practice examinations and revision sessions and maintain a structured revision routine throughout the break.

Our Year 12 VM students will also complete their portfolio presentations on Friday 18 September, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate and reflect on the skills, knowledge and experiences they have developed throughout the year.

We wish all our Year 12 students well as they approach this important final stage of their secondary schooling.

Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Silvana La Leggia, Assistant Principal – Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Diversity Week 2026: Strength in Our Differences

Diversity Week at Fairhills High School has once again been a wonderful celebration of the many cultures, identities and stories that make up our school community. Throughout the week, students and staff took part in activities that celebrated difference, encouraged understanding and highlighted the strength that comes from creating an inclusive school.

From sharing food, culture and traditions on Cultural Day to activities that celebrated identity and belonging, Diversity Week provided an opportunity for our community to learn from one another and recognise the value that different perspectives and experiences bring to our school.

Diversity continues to be an important part of Australia’s story, shaping our communities and strengthening the society we share. At Fairhills, recognising and valuing our differences is an important part of building respectful relationships and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. Pleasingly, our 2026 Attitudes to School Survey results show that Respect for Diversity at Fairhills is 8 percentage points above the state average, reflecting the inclusive culture we continue to build across our school.

Valuing diversity also challenges us to think in new ways, strengthens our empathy and helps us become more curious, creative and confident learners, qualities that sit at the heart of our school vision.

A big thank you to all the staff who helped organise and support the week, and to our student leaders for the creativity, enthusiasm and leadership they brought to the celebrations. Their collective efforts made Diversity Week 2026 a meaningful and memorable celebration of the diversity that strengthens our Fairhills community.

Supporting Your Child Through Stress

Stress is a normal part of growing up, but young people can experience and respond to it in very different ways. One of the most important things parents and carers can do is create regular opportunities for their child to talk about what is happening in their life and how they are feeling.

Sometimes young people may not be ready to talk with a parent or carer. In these situations, encouraging them to speak with another trusted adult, family member, teacher, friend or mentor can be just as valuable. Having someone they trust to talk to can help prevent worries from building up and becoming more difficult to manage.

There are also some simple strategies families can use at home to support young people when they are feeling stressed.

1. Check the basics

Sleep, nutrition and physical activity all have a significant impact on how young people manage stress. Regular sleep routines, healthy meals and opportunities to be active can make a noticeable difference to mood, concentration and resilience.

2. Find the right balance

School, homework, sport, work, social commitments and extracurricular activities can quickly add up. Talk with your child about what feels manageable and make sure there is still time in their week to rest and recharge.

3. Talk through what is worrying them

Encourage your child to identify what is causing them stress. Writing their concerns down can sometimes make them feel more manageable. You can then work together to identify which issues need attention first and what practical steps might help.

4. Encourage physical activity

Movement is an effective way of reducing tension and improving wellbeing. This does not need to involve organised sport. Walking, riding a bike, going to the gym, playing outside or simply doing an activity they enjoy can all help.

5. Support organisation and planning

When young people feel overwhelmed, even relatively small tasks can seem difficult. Helping them plan their time, prioritise tasks and break larger pieces of work into smaller steps can make challenges feel much more achievable.

6. Encourage reflection

Writing in a journal can provide young people with a private space to organise their thoughts, recognise patterns in how they are feeling and reflect on what has helped them manage difficult situations.

Most importantly, continue checking in. Young people do not always need adults to solve the problem for them. Often, knowing that someone is listening, interested and available to support them is an important first step.

Upcoming 2026 Dates

School Tours

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

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

2026 Term Dates

A Taste of Japan in the City

On Thursday 20 August, the Year 9/10 Japanese Specialism class and members of the Japanese Club didn’t quite make it all the way to Japan—but they still managed to experience a taste of Japanese culture right here in Melbourne!

As part of their city excursion, students visited a range of Japanese businesses, exploring Japanese food, culture and products along the way. From trying new foods and drinks to discovering unique Japanese stores, there was plenty to see, taste and enjoy.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about the experience—with a little translation help for our non-Japanese speakers:

“The excursion was a fun experience. It was great to see the different stores and discover how many Japanese businesses there are so close together.”

“The excursion was sugoi (awesome)! We had lots of oishii (delicious) food and went to many cool stores. Dattebayo!”

“I finally got to try a Ramune with a glass marble in it. The cheesecake was straight five!”

“It was very fun because I went to lots of shops and had a good time in the city with my friends and teacher. It was my first Japanese excursion at this school, and it was the best.”

It may not have been Japan, but for our students, it was certainly a fun and memorable way to experience Japanese culture outside the classroom!

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Excursion: Days 3

As part of Day 3 of their industry immersion program, our Year 10 students spent the day at the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) production site, getting a firsthand look at how one of the world’s most recognisable brands operates on a day-to-day basis.

Students were taken on a guided tour of the production facility, watching the bottling and packaging process in action and learning about the scale, precision and teamwork required to run a major manufacturing operation. From logistics and quality control to sustainability initiatives, students came away with a much deeper appreciation of what goes on behind the label.

The highlight for many students was the opportunity to take part in speed interviews with CCEP employees. In small groups, students rotated through short, sharp conversations with staff from a range of departments and career backgrounds — asking questions about career pathways, day-to-day responsibilities, and the skills and qualifications that helped get them where they are today. It was a fantastic, low-pressure way for students to practise their interview and communication skills while gaining real insight into the many different careers on offer within a large national company — well beyond just those on the factory floor.

A big thank you to the team at CCEP for hosting our students and giving up their time to share their experience and expertise.

Cracking the Chemical Code: Year 12 Chemistry Masterclass

Our Year 12 Chemistry students recently participated in a Masterclass in Analytical Spectroscopy at KIOSC. Students were able to apply their classroom knowledge of multiple spectroscopy techniques including infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy in a practical investigation. Through careful analysis of the data obtained from each instrument, students were able to identify an unknown white powder to be caffeine. This practical exercise enhanced our student’s understanding and highlighted how this equipment can be used within chemical analysis.

H2GP Success in Gippsland

Congratulations are also in order for our two H2GP (Hydrogen Grand Prix) teams, who travelled to Gippsland to compete against schools from across the region.

H2GP challenges students to design, build and race their own hydrogen fuel cell-powered model cars, testing not only the speed and performance of their vehicle but also the engineering, teamwork and problem-solving that goes into building it. Both of our teams should be very proud of the hard work and preparation that went into getting their cars race-ready.

We’re especially proud to announce that our senior team finished in 3rd place overall — a fantastic result against strong competition from across Gippsland! Well done to all students involved for representing our school with such dedication and enthusiasm.

Year 11 Food Studies Go Behind the Scenes at Chin Chin

Last Tuesday, our Year 11 Food Studies students ventured into the city for an exciting behind-the-scenes experience at Chin Chin restaurant.

Beginning in the GoGo Bar, students met members of the leadership team and heard about their experiences at Chin Chin, including how the restaurant and its operations have evolved over the past 15 years. Students then headed upstairs to explore the busy back-of-house kitchen and function spaces, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of one of Melbourne’s best-known restaurants.

Head Chef Benjamin Cooper later joined the group for lunch, generously answering students’ questions as they enjoyed an incredible meal. Students had the opportunity to try new foods, learn directly from industry professionals and see many of the concepts studied in Food Studies brought to life in a real hospitality setting.

It was a fantastic excursion and a memorable learning experience for everyone involved.

Celebrating Book Week at Fairhills

Fairhills High School celebrated Children’s Book Week from 25–28 August with this year’s theme, “Symphony of Stories.” Students enjoyed a range of activities celebrating books, reading and storytelling.

Highlights included the Book Hunt, where students searched for hidden book covers, and the Book Cover Design Competition. Congratulations to Frank, whose creative redesign of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway won the competition and a $30 Dymocks voucher.

Students also enjoyed guessing games, word searches, colouring activities and a range of lunchtime activities in the Library. These included personalised bookmark making, a Music and Book Theme Blooket Quiz, and a Book Swap, giving students the opportunity to exchange books and discover new stories.

The Library also featured displays showcasing the 2026 Children’s Book Week winners and other exciting titles for students to explore.

Thank you to all the students and staff who participated and helped make Book Week a wonderful celebration of reading and storytelling at Fairhills!

Inclusion at Fairhills – Connecting, Creating, Growing and Thriving

There are lots of exciting things happening in Inclusion at Fairhills, with new resources and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs providing students with opportunities to build confidence, independence and positive connections at school.

Our Inclusion space has recently welcomed new student lockers, providing students with a secure and organised place for their belongings and learning materials. Having a consistent space supports organisation, independence and helps students feel a greater sense of belonging within the Inclusion area.

Our SEL Gardening, Cooking and Art programs are also continuing to provide students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

SEL Gardening supports students to develop teamwork, communication, responsibility and problem-solving skills while working together to plan, prepare and care for the garden.

SEL Cooking provides opportunities to build independence, organisation and confidence. Students practise following instructions, working cooperatively, making decisions and developing practical life skills while preparing and sharing food.

SEL Art provides a calm and creative environment where students can express themselves, explore emotions and develop confidence. Through individual and collaborative activities, students practise emotional regulation, communication, interpersonal skills, flexible thinking and positive peer interactions.

While these programs are enjoyable and practical, they have an important learning purpose. Each program provides structured opportunities for students to develop emotional regulation, communication, help-seeking, teamwork, resilience and independence. These skills can then be transferred into classroom learning, social situations and everyday life.

It has been wonderful to see students embracing these opportunities, developing new skills and experiencing success. We look forward to continuing to grow our Inclusion programs and creating opportunities for all students to connect, participate and thrive at Fairhills.

Instrumental Music

There is plenty happening across the Fairhills High School music program as our students prepare for a big lineup of performances.

Our Concert Band and Choir has been putting in consistent work at weekly rehearsals, resulting in a fantastic sound that’s ready for the stage. You can catch them live at our upcoming concert—all families and community members are welcome!

• When: October 13 at 7:00 PM
• Where: Fairhills High School
• Entry: Free!

Heading into Term 4, our ensembles will be spreading some Christmas spirit across the school community and we want to wish our VCE Music students all the very best as they prepare for their Performance Exam.

State Schools Spectacular 2026

Once again, the State Schools Spectacular was an absolutely incredible experience for our Fairhills High School students!

Students participated in two full days of rehearsals at John Cain Arena, working alongside thousands of talented students from schools across Victoria. This was followed by a massive 12-hour day on Saturday 29 August, which included two spectacular performances in front of huge audiences.

The commitment, energy and resilience shown by our students throughout the entire experience were outstanding. Despite the long days and demanding rehearsal schedule, they remained enthusiastic, professional and fully engaged.

Our students represented Fairhills High School with pride and should be incredibly proud of what they achieved. It was wonderful to see them performing on such a large stage and being part of an unforgettable celebration of the performing arts.

Congratulations to everyone involved—you certainly did Fairhills High School proud!

Triple S – See it. Say it. Support it.

We have also completed the Year 8 sessions of Triple S – See it. Say it. Support it., a program designed to help students recognise when a peer may be struggling and understand how they can respond with care and support. Students explored how to identify signs of concern, approach a friend or peer respectfully, and recognise when it is important to involve a trusted adult. The sessions provided practical strategies for starting supportive conversations and seeking additional help when needed. By developing these skills, students are encouraged to look out for one another and contribute to a more connected and caring school community where everyone feels supported.

Under the Surface: Understanding Bullying

This term, our Year 8 and Year 9 students completed the final session of Under the Surface: Understanding Bullying, an important two-part workshop exploring the complexities of bullying and its impact on individuals and the wider school community. Following the first session in Term 2, which focused on building awareness and understanding, the Term 3 session provided students with an opportunity to explore what bullying can look like “beneath the surface”. Delivered in conjunction with the National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence in August, the workshop reinforced our commitment to promoting respect, safety and inclusion. Through guided reflection and engaging, scenario-based discussions, students developed greater empathy and insight into the experiences of others. A key focus was encouraging students to pause, think critically and make wise, respectful choices when faced with challenging situations, rather than responding impulsively. These sessions have encouraged and empowered students to play an active role in creating a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment.

VM Market Day

Our Year 11 and 12 VM classes ran a Market Day on Tuesday 1 September. Students planned, advertised and ran their market stalls as part of their integrated project assessment. The focus was community engagement and helping those in need, with the market raising funds for the Big Issue and the Salvation Army.

The school community enjoyed the range of food stalls such as the sausage sizzle, nacho bowls, biscuits & slices, ice cream spiders and a lolly jar guessing competition. The 3D printed fidget spinners were a hit, along with the prize pong and teacher target toss. With the support of our school community, the day raised $1100 for the VM class’s chosen charities.

Fairhills High School Clubs & Activities

After School VCE English Club

When: Tuesdays after school until 4pm

Where: Room S7

VCE English Club is back for 2026. If you want extra help with everything English this is the place to come! You can get help from experienced VCE English teachers and smash English in 2026!

Art Club

When: Every Thursday Lunchtime

Where: A07

All students are welcome. You can create artworks. Bring your lunch and enjoy a creative lunch.

Homework Club

When: Wednesdays, 2:45 – 4:00 PM

Where: Resource Learning Hub

Join us every Wednesday after school in a welcoming space where students can work on homework or class tasks with support available.
All students are encouraged to attend. Homework Club is a great opportunity to stay on top of your learning in a calm, supportive, and inviting environment.

Fairhills Choir

When: Tuesday Lunchtime

Where: Music Classroom

Come down to the music classroom Tuesday Lunchtimes and join in the fun. Chat to any of the music teachers if you have questions.

Japanese Club（日本部）

When: Every second (Week B) Thursday at lunchtime

Where: Room M03

Japanese Club is a place where you can be a curious, creative and confident learner about all things Japanese culture and language.

We are particularly looking for anyone with skills in anything Japanese, so please if you have a skill contact Winstone sensei at jessica.winstone@education.vic.gov.au. Parents very welcome to come share Japanese cultural or language skills if you have them!

However, to come to Japanese Club you don’t need anything but enthusiasm.

The first Japanese Club will run on Thursday March 5 at lunchtime in M03. After that it will run every second Thursday.

楽しみにしています！See you there！

VEX Robotics Competition Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM and Friday Lunchtime 1:05 – 1:40 PM

Where: STEM Portable

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

Hydrogen Car Grand Prix Teams

When: Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:45 PM and Friday Lunchtime 1:05 – 1:40 PM

Where: STEM Portable

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

It’s Show Week — Legally Blonde Jr.

The excitement is building as we officially enter show week for our school production of Legally Blonde JR.

Our students have been absolutely amazing. Their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work have been incredible to watch, and we could not be prouder of everything they have achieved. The staff may be exhausted, but seeing the production come together makes it all worthwhile.

This week, our talented cast will perform for more than 400 primary school students from our local feeder schools. We are so excited to welcome these students and give them the opportunity to experience live theatre at Fairhills.

Tickets are still available for our public performances:

• Thursday 10 September – 7:00pm
• Friday 11 September – 7:00pm
• Saturday 12 September – 1:00pm
• Saturday 12 September – 7:00pm

Book your tickets now:
https://www.trybooking.com/DOYYQ

Come along and support our amazing students and school musical program. Expect plenty of laughs, fabulous music, big performances and, of course, a whole lot of Pink!
It’s time to Prove Yourself!

General Office Details

The General Office hours are: 8.00am-4.00pm

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

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

Appointments with teachers must be made via telephone or email.

Compass

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

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

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

Compass Events / Payment Centre / Course Confirmation

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

Click here for the Compass Parent Guide

Student Absences

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

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

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

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

Asthma / Diabetes / Anaphylaxis / Epilepsy

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

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

Parent Carpark – pick up and drop off

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

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

Uniform Shop

The purchase of School Uniforms are now through Bob Stewart (formerly Buxwear/Dandy Sportswear) in Dandenong.

Bob Stewart

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

Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 1:00pm

For further information please go to https://fairhillshs.vic.edu.au/enrolment/uniform/

2026 Bell Times

2026 Team Leaders

School-Based Apprentice Kicking Goals

Aidyn began his School-Based Apprenticeship through VCE Vocational Major as a Year 11 student. He is now on track to graduate with his VCE VM Certificate and move straight into the third year of his Butchery Apprenticeship.

Aidyn recently competed in the Australian Meat Industry Victorian Apprentice of the Year competition, where he was given just two hours to prepare and present a range of products ready for sale. Every aspect of his work was assessed, and Aidyn rose to the challenge, delivering an outstanding performance.

Although he did not take out the overall title, Aidyn held his own against older apprentices as a second-year competitor and was proudly awarded the Encouragement Award.

We are incredibly proud of Aidyn and his achievements. Congratulations, Aidyn — keep kicking goals and continue your excellent work!

Accessing Support through Wellbeing for Students

The Wellbeing Team can support students to navigate challenges that may be impacting on their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. This can include: transitions and adjusting to change, family or relationship difficulties, grief and loss, mental health concerns, drug and alcohol concerns, and many other challenges that young people encounter.

An initial appointment with a member of the wellbeing team will be an assessment of need with the student or family which will help to decide the best support option for the student. Support options available through the Wellbeing Team are:

• Individual short-term counselling, psychoeducation and skills development
• Group programs
• Referrals to external support agencies.
• Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources.

Referrals to see someone from the team are made through year level leaders. Parents, students or teachers with concerns are encouraged to speak to their year level leader. Students or parents can also make an appointment directly with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre, calling the school office.

Year level leaders who are made aware of concerns by a teacher will always endeavour to make contact with parents before referring a student to the Wellbeing team.
All counselling sessions with students are confidential and information is only shared if a student is deemed to be at risk of harm.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact KidsHelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page

What’s on in Wellbeing?

The Wellbeing Centre is open at recess and lunchtime for students who need a quiet, safe place to regulate or access support. The centre is also used for lunchtime group programs which are advertised through compass or on notice boards.

Accessing Support for Families

Many families, at some stage, need a little extra support to manage the normal challenges of life as well as the more difficult situations that arise. If you are experiencing hardship, stress or circumstances that are impacting on the wellbeing of your family life or your ability to cope, the Wellbeing Team can help to connect you with community services that can provide support. Please contact the Wellbeing Team via the school phone number.

Breakfast Club

With the support of volunteers from local churches- Knox Baptist and Hillsong Church we provide breakfast club 5 days a week for our students from 8:15-8:40am. There are a range of healthy breakfast options available including cereals, toast, cheese toasties and fruit. Students are also able to access mini-milk drinks, fruit and free Tasty Truck (day old) sandwiches at Breakfast Club and at lunch time.

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:40 PM- 3:00 PM we have food support available for families who may be in need, for whatever reason. We have a selection of frozen meals and pantry items that families can collect from the former school canteen area without question or judgement. We know that access to food can be a real challenge for some families and we feel strongly about supporting the basic needs of our students and families. Watch out for compass posts each fortnight.

What’s on