In Knowledge there is Opportunity' - January 2021, Issue 1 - 'In Knowledge there is Opportunity'
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
‘In Knowledge there
is Opportunity’
January 2021, Issue 1
#3: Voice: The research is clear, students who have
The Sebastopol Campus Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of every agency in their learning learn more and find the learning
month. The Newsletter will be posted on COMPASS and the College more fulfilling. Our goal is to ensure that our students
Website. Hard copies will be available at the General Office.
have the opportunity to develop and express their voice
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT about their school and learning experiences. Already our
Welcome to the 2021 school year. I feel a deep sense of Year 6 students have expressed a desire to upgrade one
gratitude that we have been able to return to school of their garden spaces. I can’t wait to actualise this
with a ‘COVID Normal’ framework in place. I thought this project.
was an ideal time to introduce you to our Annual #4 Pathways: At the end of 2019 we undertook our
Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2021. School Review. In review we confirmed what we already
knew. Our students want and deserve a high quality VCE
and VCAL program. It is our mission as a school to ensure
that we deliver on this expectation. The results and
destinations of our Year 12 students last year was
absolutely amazing! We had 96% of our VCE kids get a
first round offer to University and over 90% of our VET
kids achieve a senior certificate. WOW – those results
really make my heart smile and I could not be prouder of
the class of 2020! We wish them well as they commence
the next chapter of their lives.
This year we will be working hard on what I call four
There is no doubt that Phoenix is the school of choice in
push points:
Ballarat. We have welcomed 260 Year 7’s to our school
#1: COVID-19: It is imperative that we continue to as well as 58 Preps. We are pleased to have these
respond positively to issues presented by the students join the Phoenix Family and look forward to
Coronavirus. For us this means ensuring that we have a what we can achieve together. Finally – I thought I would
safe and healthy environment; that we act immediately share with you an image that captures the important
to implement the DET Tutor program to ensure students partnership between schools, students and families.
who fell behind have a chance to catch up. Additionally, When we work together effectively, communicate
we will focus on the mental health and wellbeing of both clearly and respectfully and stay centred on the best for
our students and staff. Our commitment is also to build our students, there is nothing a Phoenix student can’t
even stronger relationships with all members of our achieve. Mrs Karen Snibson—Principal
school community.
#2: Learning: At Phoenix we have the clear mission to
ensure that every child makes at least a year’s growth
for a year’s effort and an equitable opportunity to
achieve learning excellence. We have absolute belief in
our students and know, with the expert guidance of our
teachers, they can achieve anything they put their minds
to.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Parents, Guardians and members of our School Community are always welcome at Phoenix P-12 Community College.
To ensure that our College is a safe and positive learning environment we ask that all visitors report to the General
Office. If you want to meet with a specific member of our team, please phone ahead as far possible so we can
accommodate your meeting requests efficiently.
Our College values are RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, INTEGRITY, COOPERATION and EXCELLENCE.
Please be aware that any form of aggressive or abusive behaviour at our College will not be tolerated.
Rowing Camp
Congratulations to Alicia Mroz on being the VCE Dux of
Phoenix P-12 Community College with a score of 87.75 and
congratulations to Peace Aziawor on being the VCAL Dux of
Phoenix P-12 Community College.
Both of these students have displayed the school values,
learning resilience and a dedication to work particularly hard
through their schooling.
Our VCE results once again saw the average ATAR
increase. We have also had a number of students receive a 40
or higher study score in a particular subject, an increase in the
average English study score and an increase in the amount of
students receiving ATAR scores in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
VCAL has also seen tremendous growth in the percentage of
students gaining fulltime apprenticeships, traineeships,
fulltime work and further education opportunities. There has
also been a huge increase in the amount of students
completing the Senior VCAL Certificate.
Taking the year that we have had into consideration, these
results are amazing and a reflection of the dedication, passion
and hard work that the Phoenix Staff, Students and
Community have displayed.
COMPASS SEPASTOPOL CAMPUS KEY INFORMATION
Our School uses COMPASS as our online portal. Using Absences need to be reported to the General Office or
COMPASS allows you to access up-to-date and meaningful the Absence Hotline 5329 3210.
information about our school and your child’s progress. It If students are late to school they must sign in at the
includes many different features, including the ability to: General Office. If leaving the College for appointments
Access your child's Student Semester Reports (Term 2 etc. students must sign out at the General Office.
and Term 4). Students cannot sign out from the College without
Access your child's Progress Reports (Term 1 and Term parent/guardian approval and the parent/guardian must
3). come in and collect the student from the General Office.
Book your Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews.
All visitors must report to the General Office. The Office
Monitor your child’s attendance, and enter an
staff will find and contact students in the case of an
explanation for absence or lateness (recommended
emergency.
process).
Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for All prescribed medication taken by students must be
your child. administered through the College First Aid Station.
Communicate with your child’s teachers. Medication should be discussed and left with the School
View and monitor an up-to-date record of your child’s Nurse staff.
homework and upcoming assessment tasks. The College Canteen is open before school, at recess
Update your family contact details: email time and at lunchtime every day. Students can order
and mobile number details (used for SMS alerts). their lunch before school between 8am-8.50am, if they
Access information regarding upcoming events wish. Parents should discuss with their child what is
and news. appropriate in terms of a healthy diet.
View your child’s timetable and the school calendar.
A secure place for storage of bicycles during the day will
Accessing COMPASS
be provided for students who wish to ride their bicycles
COMPASS is a web-based system that is accessible on any
to school.
modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Chrome, Safari) or by using the COMPASS iOS or Android apps Any lost property should be taken to the General Office.
on your mobile. The Lost Property bin is emptied at the end of each
Every family receives a separate login to COMPASS which will term. Student’s uniform should be labelled clearly as
be provided to you by the school. To access the parent portal, well as text books and stationery items.
go to our school website and click the COMPASS link on the Valuable items such as phones and iPods are brought to
homepage. Alternatively, if you are having trouble finding the school at the owner’s risk and should be looked after
COMPASS link you can go to http://schools.compass.edu.au carefully.
Logging in to COMPASS
To log in you will require your unique family username and
password provided by the school; the General Office can ATTENDANCE/SICK BAY
assist with any enquiries. Upon first login, you will be required The easiest way for you to let the College know if your child is away
to change your password and confirm your email address and is through the COMPASS Parent Portal.
mobile phone number. These details may be used by the You can also call the College Absence Hotline – 5329 3210 and leave
school for SMS, password recovery and email communication a message. Remember an SMS message will be sent to the
throughout the year. nominated mobile telephone number for all unexplained absences.
Please remind students that if they are feeling unwell at school, they
are to go their Village First Aid Officer and will be assessed, if
required by the School Nurse, before parents are contacted to collect
their child. Students will remain in their Village until their parent/
guardian arrives at Reception to collect them. Reception staff will
meet their parent/guardian in the foyer and ask them to wait in the
foyer for their child.
Students ARE NOT to call home directly; it is our Duty of Care to
ensure the safety of your child.
IT IS NOT OK TO BE AWAY - The College expectation is 95%
attendance. Regular attendance is vital if students are to achieve
their full potential.
YEAR 7 MUSIC
INFORMATION EVENING
Monday February 8th, 7:00 p.m. we are
holding an Music Information Evening for
new Year 7 parents and students in the College Theatre.
Instruments offered for tuition in Year 7:
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Saxophone.
Brass: Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Euphonium and
Tuba.
Percussion: Drums, Tuned Percussion (Glockenspiel,
Xylophone & Marimba.), Keyboard/Piano.
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Ukulele, Guitar and
Bass Guitar.
Please note that no musical experience is needed to
commence lessons at the College. Forms are processed
EFTPOS NOW AVAILIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS
in order of receipt. Please be prompt to avoid
disappointment.
PARKING
Could all parents/guardians please assist us in not
parking in the 7-Eleven car park or the Ballarat Health A friendly reminder that when students receive excursion
Services Dental Clinic Carpark for drop-off and pick-up. notes for upcoming events, it is the responsibility of the
student to return the permission form and payment (if
They have received multiple complaints from service
applicable) before the due date listed on the form. This is to
users unable to park in the car park when accessing
ensure that staff have correct numbers to book tickets and
these locations. We have had reports from 7-Eleven that
travel. If students do not return
it is becoming extremely dangerous for children with the permission form and payment
traffic at these times. by the due date then there may
We ask again for your cooperation in not using this car be a chance they will miss out.
park for the dropping off and picking up of students.
Clubs and Program
This year we have an exciting range of new and old clubs and programs kicking off in Week 3.
There will be limited numbers per program but opportunities will be there later in the year if you miss out in first term.
To join all programs, please come to Bonshaw to sign up on the pin board in the open space.
*Street Art Mural program will require a small application filled out and submitted to Mr Layton.
WHAT DURATION WHEN WHERE WHO
Street Art Mural 12 weeks Thursday 3:30-5pm Canteen Mr Beckers
Boot Camp 6 weeks Wed Lunchtime Outside Bonshaw Mr Layton
Robotics 1 Term Thurs Lunchtime Z90 Mr Nichols
Chess Club Weekly Wed Lunchtime LRC Mrs Giri
Weights Gym All year Mon + Fri Lunchtime Wellbeing Building Mr Carter + Mr Layton
Minecraft Weekly Mon Lunchtime Albion Open Space Mrs Joosten
*No need to sign up for Minecraft or Chess Club, simply show up each week.
There will be more opportunities coming as the year progresses. Keep an eye out on the notice board in Bonshaw Open Space.
Year 7 2021 OMG YOU GUYS!
PHOENIX COLLEGE STUDENTS TO PRESENT
Friday 29th January, our new Year 7 students had a special
LEGALLY BLONDE JR.
day getting to know each other, their teachers and the school.
The students were able to take home a show bag with some
information about organisations that support young people
like Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, Vic Legal Aid, Headspace as
well as some Phoenix goodies. This year we have also had the
generous support of the following businesses who have
provided some goodies for our students: Bunnings Warehouse
Delacombe, Springhill Farm and Ferndale Confectionery.
Here is one of our current students, William presenting one of The 2021 Phoenix P-12 Community College Production stu-
dents will have Ballarat thinking pink when they present their
our new Year 7’s Lachlan with his show bag.
2021 production - Legally Blonde JR. The fun and upbeat musi-
cal follows the adventures of a sorority girl named Elle Woods
– a Gemini with a double Capricorn moon – who tries to win
her ex-boyfriend back by earning a Harvard law degree. Based
on the famous movie, the musical is full of catchy songs and
quirky characters.
Performances will be on the 17th, 18th and 19th of June. More
details on times and tickets over the coming months so make
sure you save the date!!
Camps, Sports and Excursions
Fund applications
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible
families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and
sporting activities. If you have a valid means-tested
concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card,
Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card,
TRAFFIC SAFETY IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS
or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There
Students should: is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker
Cross at the lights on Hertford Street. and refugee families.
Avoid running across the road or between cars, especially
Payment amounts this year are $125 for eligible primary
at the unmanned traffic island at the front of the
school students and $225 for eligible secondary school
Sebastopol Campus.
students. Payments are made direct to the school to use
Observe road rules if riding a bike or a scooter. Please be
towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and
aware that a helmet is a legal requirement in Victoria.
sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
Parents please be aware:
If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do
Of parking requirements on our street access points. not need to complete an application form this year, unless
The BHS Dental facility is a patient car park and should not there has been a change in your family circumstances.
be used for dropping off or picking up students.
Dropping students at the 7-Eleven store puts students If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact
directly into traffic. the school office on 03) 5329 3293 and ask for an
application form.
You can assist us to increase student safety by discussing
the road laws with younger students. You can also download the form, and find out more about
Victoria Police will engage in additional traffic the program and eligibility, on the Department of Education
management in and around the school. and Training’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund web
The College has been working with the Department of page.
Education and Training and the City of Ballarat for some time
Check with the school office if you
now to assist in developing a traffic management strategy for
are unsure, and please return
our neighbourhood as there has been substantial growth in
completed forms to the school office
commuter traffic in recent years. With continued growth in
as soon as possible.
the Delacombe area this trend is likely to continue.
How to Help Kids Feel Safe Again.
ability, professional help may be needed. Consult with your GP
if you have any concerns and feel like your child needs extra
Children need to feel safe. Feeling safe, stable and secure is support. Together, we can help children find that sense of
central to wellbeing and can influence long-term social habits, safety again and allow them to get back to doing what they do
occupational outcomes and mental/physical health. However, best: being kids.
thanks to COVID-19, that sense of safety has been Kenneth Anthony Alfred Spedding
compromised and children have been left feeling anxious and Mental Health Practitioner
confused. This loss of safety has been keenly seen at schools. Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar
References: Bartlett, J. D., Griffin, J., & Thomson, D. 2020.
Students returning to school in 2021 after a year of remote
Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellbeing
learning are both excited and frightened. Schools have shifted
during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
their practice, some areas and play equipment are cordoned
off to ensure social distancing, X’s are painted on the ground,
posters and COVID-19 safety reminders are everywhere and
teachers are noticeably anxious about their own health and
wellbeing.
The previous safe haven of school, full of life and learning, has PATHWAYS AND CAREER NEWS
shifted and some students are left disorientated, confused The Careers Centre would like to take this time to welcome in
and a little lost. Here are some practical things that can be the New Year and congratulate our Year 12 class of 2020 who
done at home and within the classroom to help children find have achieved first round offers. There was quite a variety of
that sense of safety again. offers from Latrobe University, Swinburne University, ACU,
Understanding that children cope in different ways. Deakin University and Federation University as well as Elly
Children respond differently to stressful events. Some become Lukas Beauty, SAE creative industries and JMC. Within our
clingy, some regress to toddler-like behaviours, some lose offers we have Lawyers, Scientists, Teachers, Psychologists,
their appetite while others just need to eat constantly! New Engineers, Nurses, Speech Pathologists, Beauty Therapists and
and challenging behaviours are normal and an empathic, Film Directors to name only a few. Other Year 12 students
patient approach is necessary. from 2020 have also gone on to secure Apprenticeships and
Social distancing is not equal to social isolation. Traineeships, Full time employment and Further TAFE
Social connectedness is important, especially in the time of education. We wish everyone the very best as they begin their
social distancing. Get creative with approaches to staying next steps and pursue their dreams.
connected (e.g. Pen-pal program, online video chats, socially This year we warmly welcome Sharron Smith to the Careers
distanced games/ physical activity). team. Sharron comes to us with significant experience in the
Speak a child’s language. University, Youth Employment, Disability and Training sectors.
Provide children with age-appropriate information. Children’s Sharron will be a great support for students as they make
imaginations tend to fill in the gaps when they lack sufficient their future goals.
information, but at the same time, providing unrestricted
Pauline Pipkorn and Sharron Smith are available to provide
access to the news, media coverage, social media and adult
advice and support to students who are looking for
conversations about the pandemic can be distressing. Provide
apprenticeships and traineeships, looking for part time or full
opportunities for children to access books, websites and other
time employment, seeking Work Experience or needing
activities on COVID-19 that present information in child-
support in applying for TAFE and University placements. We
friendly ways.
welcome all students to pop in and see us to have your
Keep ‘em busy!
questions answered or to make an appointment. We are
Idle hands = worry and disruptive behaviours. Provide options
located in the Library.
for safe activities (e.g. outside play, blocks, clay, art, music)
and brainstorm other creative ideas with them!
RRR – Reassure, routine and regulation.
Reassure children about their safety; keep those routines in
place to establish safety and predictability, and teach/provide
more opportunities for children to regulate from high levels of
stress. Know when to call for extra support.
Emotional and behavioural changes are expected. However, if
Helpful Parent Information
these changes are persistent, distressing and don’t seem to go
https://www.dove.com/au/dove-self-esteem-project.html
away after you’ve supported the child to the best of your
Leadership @ Phoenix
A warm welcome to all new and returning students and
families. I am excited for a great year of student leadership. I
Doctors in Schools Program: would like to extend again congratulations to our fantastic
Dr Kathryn Oliver is here on Wednesday mornings for all 2021 Student Leadership team comprising:
health needs of our adolescent students. There is no out-of- College Captains: Tahlia Watts and Brody Benson
pocket expense and bookings are made with Mrs Lorraine College Vice-Captains: Bethany Somers and Rohan Stewart
Firth, School Nurse. Picton Captains: Iesha Foxhumber and Ashlee Collins
Bonshaw Captains: Abigail Merry and Isolde Kieni-Judd
Albion Captains: Hailey Meyer and Talia Paddock
Year 7 next round of immunizations
Year 9 Captains: Taya Johnson and Syafa Sons
will be Wednesday 24th Feb. Year 9 Vice-Captain: Aston Brownbill
We have some fantastic opportunities coming up within the
Leadership space that I want to share with you. Please take a
ASTHMA SEASON
moment to read the information below.
If your child is diagnosed with Year 9: 2021 School for Student Leadership Camp (Alpine
Asthma, please make sure they Camp) Phoenix College has been successful in securing 6
have a current puffer and Action spots at the Alpine Campus of the School for Student
Plan from their Doctor. Asthma Leadership Camp in Term 4, 2021. This camp provides
medication is allowed to be experiences that allow students to make great friendships and
carried on the student mature and develop into fine young adults. I have spoken to a
throughout the day. number of students and their parents who have gone on the
Thank you. camp and all have agreed that it was the experience of a
lifetime. For more information on the camp, please take a
look at The Alpine School website http://
The BRAVE Program is an www.alpineschool.vic.edu.au/ If you would like your child to
online program for the be placed on the expression of interest list or have any
treatment of anxiety in questions please contact me by email
young people. It was Joanna.Kemp@education.vic.gov.au
developed by a team of
Year 11 Leadership Camp
researchers from the
The Year 11 Leadership Camp will take place early in Term 2 in
University of Queensland,
Melbourne. This camp is open to all Year 11 students who
Griffith University and the University of Southern Queensland
would like to improve their leadership skills and work in a
and has been specifically designed to teach young people the
team on a project to improve our great school. All students
skills they need to reduce anxiety and to cope with stressful
who are considering the possibility of applying for a position
situations.
on the 2022 Student Leadership Team (Captains and Village
The BRAVE Program is based on Cognitive-Behavioural Captains) are required to attend. More details will follow this
Therapy (CBT) and has been running in Australia for over 13 term. Please contact me to place your name on the
years. Therapy techniques used in this program include: expression of interest list or if you have further questions.
relaxation training, identification of emotions and thoughts, Joanna Kemp—Leadership Coordinator
positive self-talk, coping skills, problem solving and graded
exposure.
The weather is heating up and it
The BRAVE Program was converted into a self-directed is important for students to keep
therapy program (BRAVE Self-Help), which is now freely hydrated. I am seeing an
available to all Australian young people, aged 8-17 years old, increase in students with slight
and their parents. The program is suitable for all types of headaches and I believe a large
anxiety. There are four different programs available: One for number of these are due to not
children aged 8-12 years, one for teenagers aged 12-17 years drinking enough water throughout
the day. Please make sure that
and one for parents of children and teenagers of these age
your child has a clearly named drink bottle and that
groups, respectively. they look after it. Many thanks.
To learn more visit https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/ Mrs Lorraine Firth - School Nurse
New Canteen ordering app—Download it now!
Say cheese
*Please ensure you select the correct campus menu and home group
for your student.
Prep– Year 6— Redan Campus Menu.
Lunch orders Tuesday and Friday Only.
PHOTO DAY 2021
Wednesday, 3 February 2021 is the Official School Photo
Day for all students in Years 1 – 12.
PREP photo day is Friday 12th February which is also
catch up day.
FAMILY GROUP PHOTOS
Family group photos will also be taken on this day.
If you need a family photo including your PREP child -
that can be done on Friday 12th.
MSP has changed their process and is hoping orders will
be processed and paid for online. The process is
explained on the front of the photo
envelopes. Envelopes should have been received by
Years 0-4 Friday and will be sent home today for Years 5
– 12. Student individual Shoot Keys are noted on the
front of the envelope for use when ordering.
You should have received information from MSP via
email today – below is a copy of the information they
sent out.
ALL PHOTO questions are to be directed to
MSP 5333 5577
THANK YOU
-----------------------------------
2021 school photos are ready to order now through the
Compass Portal. Ordering is quick and easy! Be quick to order
and take advantage of the special pricing we have on offer as
these prices are only available for a limited time. To place
your order, make sure you have your login details handy!
If you’re unsure of your family COMPASS login details, please
contact the school for assistance. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll
need to follow a few easy steps! Click here for our simple,
online ordering guide. If you’re too busy right now, that’s not a
problem. Our team will send you a friendly reminder in the
coming days to ensure you don’t miss out. We want to make
sure you’re getting great pricing along with great quality and
service. While you’re logged on, sibling photos are also
available to order through Compass, and must be ordered
before midnight prior to photo day.
Please note that students hold the responsibility of
presenting themselves for the photo at the allocated time
slot. It’s our job to ensure that Life Is Easier with MSP, and
we’re here to help. If you have any questions regarding the
photography service or packages available for purchase, please
contact our friendly team on 03 5333 5577 or by
email ballarat@msp.com.au Get your smiles ready!
2021 CALENDAR
February
1st All Year 1-12 students
return to school
2nd First day for Prep
3rd School Photo Day Years 1-12
12th School Photo Catch Up Day
18th Swimming Sports
March
3rd Athletics Day
8th Labour Day Holiday
Phoenix P-12 Community College
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
PO Box 49 Sebastopol VIC 3356 Phoenix now has a Facebook page. Like Phoenix
P: (03) 5329 3293 P-12 Community College for upcoming events,
important notices and student stories.
phoenix.p12.cc@education.vic.gov.auYou can also read
