Parent Handbook 2021 - Western Heights College
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Parent Handbook 2021
I can see where we’ve come from. I can look forward to where we are going to. I can understand who we are, what our ambition is. I can understand what we stand for, and how to share these with our students, teachers, parents and community. I can start now.
Quick reference guide Key dates: Term 1 27 January to 1 April Term 2 19 April to 25 June Term 3 12 July to 17 September Term 4 4 October to 17 December Students return on Thursday 28 January for Ready to Learn Interviews. First Day of Timetabled Classes Friday 29 January. College Website and Parent Compass Portal: www.whc.vic.edu.au College 24 hour Attendance Line: 5277 1177 - Option 2
Contents Welcome 2 Supporting parents and students 4 Learning and Teaching 6 Parent participation and communication 8 Beyond the classroom 10 General information 12 Resources for parents 16
Welcome
Welcome to Western Heights College. been created to ensure a safe and creativity, self-management,
Our College has a strong commitment secure environment that promotes teamwork, cultural understanding
to working in partnership with parents positive social interaction between and social competence. Our aim is to
and families so that each individual students and collegiality amongst challenge students to be the very
child learns and achieves their best. staff and parents. Both Mentor best they can be. Teachers at
Western Heights College prides itself Group and Subject Teachers will Western Heights will help every
on the relationships we build between assist in ensuring that your child is student reach their potential. The
students and their teachers, knowing able to move with ease from primary skills needed for the 21st century,
from research and experience to secondary education. Importantly, which support a love of learning that
that students learn best when at Western Heights College our Year goes beyond the classroom
they are in a safe and successful 7 Learning Community Team will environment, will be actively
learning environment. provide a seamless transition. embraced. The current generation of
learners are digital natives: their
It is such a pleasure to be the Western Heights College enjoys experiences are both real and virtual,
Principal of Western Heights College. outstanding physical resources with their family and social activities
Students entering Year 7 have the that provide students with the best framed by online environments.
opportunity to establish continuity in possible educational opportunities.
their academic progress, early The modern facilities and teaching This means that their adolescent
integration into the culture of the and learning practice represent identities are strongly influenced by
College, as well as benefiting an exciting opportunity for students the opportunities and challenges of
from a broad range of learning and parents, and will establish the high-speed internet connections,
experiences and the extra- curricular College’s culture, values and nature. borderless social networks, and
opportunities available. Facilities at Western Heights is committed to a wealth of information of highly
Western Heights College are world the academic and personal growth of variable quality and reliability.
class. It will be the aim of all staff every student. Students will be This is the future we will help shape
to help the students settle into their provided with a well-balanced at Western Heights College.
new college community and build curriculum that focuses on
the skills, attitudes and values they English, Mathematics and
will need to fully participate in the Science, while embedding
rich educational life that our college communication technology,
offers. Western Heights College has thinking skills, ethical behaviour, Fiona Taylor
School Principal
2/
3/
Supporting parents
and students
The College provides support to students in a number of
ways and recognises that all students are individuals
and may need various levels or types of support at
different times during their education. Western Heights
College therefore has a range of supports in place for
students at all year levels.
Educational Support • Encourage them to do their best at The learning community is made up
all times, in class work and other of students of that year level, the
Educational Support aims to support College activities. community leader, mentors and
students who are having difficulties class teachers.
coping within their classwork and • Encourage and support your child to
assignments. This can occur with be at school, on time, every day. Mentor Teachers
modification of tasks and
assessments, or support within • Encourage them to meet the Every student has a mentor teacher.
the regular classroom or individual College’s expectations in areas The mentor teacher develops a close
learning programs to allow students such as behaviour, uniform, relationship with their students as part
to reach their potential in learning. organisation etc. of the mentor role; and in Years 7 – 9
teaching them for a significant
Educational Support aims to support • Ensure they are properly equipped amount of time and being based in
students who need assistance to help in relation to books, pens, charged the learning community to ensure
them achieve with their learning. slate PC, other classroom requisites, ease of contact. In recognition that
Funding is received from the and uniform. attendance has
Education Department for students a significant impact on learning
who qualify for special funding in the • Take a regular interest in his/her the mentor teachers promote the
PSD Program for those who have a learning and school activities. importance of attending school
diagnosed disability, requiring an and will follow up absences.
individual program. • Share with your child your
expectations that they meet the ‘Ready to Learn’
Teachers and Education Support College’s expectations and show
them you expect them to accept
Mentor Teacher
Officers working in the area of
Educational Support, assist students the consequences when this does Meetings
by helping within the classroom and not occur. Students and their Parents/Carers will
by withdrawing students to support have a 15-minute meeting with their
them with more specific assistance • Contact the College early if you child’s Mentor Group Teacher on the
in a small group. become aware of a serious problem. first day of the school year on
Thursday 28 January. Students will
The Educational Support Team It is often best to avoid total
acceptance of what your child tells attend in full school uniform and bring
consists of an Educational Support all of their books and stationery, which
Services Coordinator and Teaching you about any conflict situation
they will leave in their locker. An
Aides. These staff work together to without clarification. The best
information pack will sent be to you
help students meet the demands procedure is to contact your child’s
early in January. This information will
and reach their full potential Mentor teacher to discuss the issue
provide details about the process and
educationally. and clarify the events or issues.
how to book your interview. Some of
Learning Communities the material is information for you to
Parents Supporting Students keep and some is required to be
The successful education of your child At Western Heights College, our returned to the school on “Ready to
depends upon the productive and students learn in Learning Learn Day”.
co-operative interaction of child, Communities. Each year level has
teacher and parent. The child and a learning community being where
the teacher have obvious and students ‘live’ with their learning
important parts to play, and so do space, lockers and the majority
you. Experience shows that your child of their classes within their building.
has improved chances of success if Each learning community has a
you: Community Leader who leads the
community staff and students.
4/Each Parent/Carer will be asked to In the event where a student does The College also has access to the
make a 15- minute appointment for not meet the expectations, the Barwon North Central Educational
“Ready to Learn Day” with their child’s College will apply consequences and Network which includes, Psychologists,
Mentor Group Teacher. Students will also adopt a supportive and Speech Pathologists, Occupational
need to have attended a “Ready to encouraging role that allows the Therapists and Visiting Teachers for
Learn” interview prior to commencing young person to learn and apply the hearing and vision impaired. This
school. strategies to enable them to manage support is an integral part of the
their own behaviour and learning into Student Wellbeing team. Specifically
Arrangements will be made for the future. The student’s Mentor will they can provide with referrals from
families if they are still on holidays assist them in this process and inform the school consultations with parents
or have medical reasons for not and involve parents as necessary. and staff, targeted programs to meet
being able to attend an interview. Western Heights College uses student needs, advice and referral to
a restorative practices support services available in the
The purpose of the interviews is: approach to solving problems community. Referrals to the Network
that occur at school. are often made by staff and parents,
• To allow the opportunity for all
but students are also welcome to self-
Mentor Group Teachers to meet Student Wellbeing refer. Contact is made with parents,
all of their students with their
and if there is serious risk of harm,
parent/carer and have a positive Student wellbeing refers to action
steps are always taken to ensure the
supportive interaction with them. taken within a school by its leaders
student’s safety. The College Well-
and community members to promote
• To ensure that students are fully Being Team can be contacted directly
and enhance student wellbeing of
organised and prepared for on 5277 1177, through the general
a personal, social, physical, emotional
learning and are able to meet all office or with the assistance of any
or mental nature. Key elements of
of the requirements of a student member of staff. The College is also a
student wellbeing are positive self-
of Western Heights College part of the Geelong Project Program
regard, respect for others, positive
including having the correct which conducts a needs analysis of all
and respectful relationships,
uniform and equipment. our students each year in a way of
responsible behaviours and personal
assessing what supports Barwon
resilience.
• Deal with administrative matters Youth Child and Family can offer
in a timely and efficient manner. our College community.
While some people have special
The “Ready to Learn Day” process Student wellbeing occurs when a
responsibility for pastoral care, we
will ensure a positive, smooth and personal interest is taken in each
believe student wellbeing care to
productive start to the school year student. To enable this each student
be the responsibility of all members
and will ensure that every student is a member of a mentor group
of the school community.
is prepared for learning. throughout their schooling at Western
The College has a team of staff who Heights College. Each morning the
Positive Behaviours Approach specialise in student support. At times students will meet for 10 minutes in the
mentors or classroom teachers may care of a Mentor teacher. Mentor
Western Heights College has
suggest that a student would benefit Groups meet at the beginning of each
developed a whole College approach
from further support and seek the day.
to the maintenance of a safe and
supportive learning environment assistance of a member of the team.
Alternatively as parents, you can refer The Mentor Group teacher will usually
where all people are respected. be the first point of contact between
Our aim is for all students to continue your child to a member of the
Student Well-Being and Engagement home and school where there is
to develop as young people who are a concern about a student’s welfare
confident, collaborative and team by contacting the students’
Mentor teacher. Members of the team or progress, or for the explanation of
contributing 21st century citizens. a student absence.
are:
An important aspect of the positive Jenny Eastwood
approach is that all teachers Chaplain Youth
explicitly teach our expected Worker
behaviours, just as we teach other Lisa Cooper
curriculum areas; literacy and Health Promotion School Nurse
numeracy, believing that all of our
students will be successful. Teachers Sonia Gibson
use positive language, encourage Mental Health Practitioner
and reward behaviours that meet
Emma Cvitak
the College expectations.
School Lawyer
5/Learning and Teaching
At Western Heights College student learning is personalised,
relationship focussed and targeted at improving the
individual learning outcomes for all students. This is based on
understanding the skills, dispositions and needs of the 21st
Century learner to enable them to participate in and
influence their futures in a global, knowledge based
economy and society.
Learning and teaching is Effective learning requires Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 have the
based on these key authentic tasks and assessment majority of their learning time being
understandings: practices so that conceptual spent in their mentor space,
learning and understandings are (classroom), within their Learning
Relationship schooling – transferrable beyond school life - Community. The Mentor takes primary
the recognition that effective Curriculum is developed, evaluated responsibility for the individual
relationships and a safe and and refined in accordance with the learning program of each student in
supportive environment provide Department of Education and their group. The Mentor is the key
the conditions to improve Training policy and frameworks. person in relating to both parents and
student learning. The College uses the Backward the other teachers who work with
Design Model (Wiggins and students in their group. The Mentor
All students will have a Mentor McTighe) to focus planning on continues to have a significant role in
who is the key contact in the clearly articulated endpoints in the connection between the student/
relationship between the order to ensure all learning is family and College as students’
student, the parent and the purposeful.
progress through the College.
College.
Access to 24/7 learning through Advancement Via
All students have dynamic personal the College’s intranet and
SharePoint facilities.
Individual Determination
learning goals that morph into
pathways plans (MIPs). Individual
(AVID)
student learning data, goals and Effective communication, Enabling young people to be the best
achievements are core to these collaboration, creativity and learners and to pursue their potential
plans and maintained on the reflective skills are key skills for the is our focus. In 2021 all Year 7-9
College network. 21st century learner. students will participate in the
College’s AVID program. Based on
Effective teaching practices Learning communities create
educational research, AVID aims to
and strategies (pedagogies) – the environment for community,
improve learning outcomes for all
recognition that the nature of collaboration and effective
relationships and are a students through the explicit teaching
schooling has changed in that of learning skills. In Personal Learning,
learners demand instructional key organisational factor
in the College. AVID students will build trust and
practices that enable them to confident learning relationships that
be active learners as opposed will enable them as both independent
to passive receptacles of content. A belief that schools do not
operate in isolation from their and collaborative learners. AVID
(College wide pedagogy learning will also focus on WICOR
statement) community (local and global).
(Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration,
A commitment to lifelong learning Organisation and Reading). While the
Building staff capacity through initial emphasis on teaching AVID
targeted professional learning for all.
strategies will be in Personal Learning,
opportunities. AVID strategies will be embedded in
The design of our buildings and use
of classrooms and flexible learning each of your child’s learning areas to
The effective use of learning
spaces to support the curriculum, enable them to become more
technologies, especially via the
instructional practice, relationship proficient learners.
BYOD Laptop Program.
Additional information about and community practices.
this program is included in this
handbook.
6/AVID is a structured learning system Tutoring
organised around accountability
relationships with students, teachers Each Monday and Wednesday
and parents. In 2021, parents/carers afternoon between 3.30pm and
will be invited to attend workshops 4.30pm tutoring is offered to all
with students to learn more about students looking to achieve the
AVID and the way in which you may best they can in their learning with
support your child as a learner. a particular focus on literacy skills.
If you are interested in this program,
PREP - Preparation, Review, please contact Susan Harrington
Extension, Private study at the College.
The College term for learning BYOD Laptop Program
activities undertaken outside class is
PREP, reflecting the establishment of There is an expectation that all
effective learning behaviours in our students at Western Heights College
students. At all levels, students should will have access to flexible ICT
be doing the kinds of activities resource that meet the needs of
detailed below. Teachers expect that the flexible learning spaces and
as students’ progress through year how our students and staff use them.
levels that their PREP will increase in Learning is available anywhere,
time, challenge, complexity, anytime and to do this effectively
frequency, quantity and quality. our students need their own device.
They also expect that student
The BYOD program will offer families
attitudes such as commitment,
more choice in selecting an IT device
independence, self-motivation,
that suits their child’s pathway and
effort and self-responsibility will
learning journey.
increase at the same rate.
College Library
Preparation: organisation, checking
study planner, locker, bag, class The College is located in the Orange
equipment, supplies, pre- reading Building. Western Heights College has
including texts and newspapers, a shared use arrangement with the
writing priority lists, checking Geelong Regional Library (GRL) and
instructions, planning, time therefore, members of the public are
management, preparing questions able to use our library. Also, all College
for areas of least understanding, students are able to join GRL thereby
goal setting, drafting. having access to both collections.
Detailed information is available
Review: revision, re-reading, skills from the College Library.
practice, repetition, memorizing,
reflection, self-evaluation, using ICT Acceptable Use policy
feedback, discussion of ideas
and concepts covered in class, Students are required to use the
applying skills. computers and other equipment in
a responsible way for educational
Extension: exploring and extending purposes only. Details of this policy
ideas, developing curiosity, can be found on our website at
broadening general knowledge, www.whc.vic.edu.au
investigation, problem solving,
wide reading, independent Instrumental Music
projects, enrichment activities, Students have a marvellous
experimentation, self-directed opportunity to become members of
learning, applying skills in new the school performance groups, by
challenges. learning to play a musical instrument.
Tuition is included and instruments
Private study: completing class work,
independent practice, reinforcing are available for hire.
good study habits, establishing
routine, applying and exploring
learning technologies, developing
study habits, training for senior study
demands and post school learning.
7/Parent participation
and communication
College Calendars Information Evenings Student Study Planner
College term calendars are prepared Meetings of parents and teachers Every student is expected to use
for each term highlighting dates and of particular Learning Communities the Western Heights College study
times of events for both students and are held during the year to provide planner and to have this with them
families. This is distributed at the end information on course selections, in each class. These have been
of the previous term to each student and other matters. designed to serve three main
and are designed to be placed for functions:
easy reference, such as a notice Parent Newsletters
board or your refrigerator. 1. To provide students and their
These are produced regularly parents with a ready reference
throughout the year as indicated in
Contacting College Staff regarding school events, routines,
the College Calendar and are procedures, personnel and contact
In general, the best method for available online via an emailed link. points. Some of the items included
contacting your child’s Mentor or class The Newsletters contain details of in the Study Planner are:
teachers is to telephone the College upcoming events and interesting
Office on Phone No: 5277 1177. articles on the varying activities at • plans of the College
Give the receptionist the name of the the College. Parents are encouraged
teacher you wish to speak to and if the to read the Newsletters, being one of • term dates, holidays, dates of
staff member is available you will be the main forms of communication some major school events
connected otherwise a message will with families, to keep up to date and
be taken to return the call. informed on College news and • College expectations
events. A reminder email is sent for
You can also contact each individual this each fortnight as it is posted 2. To assist students to develop sound
staff member by sending them a online. study habits and organisational
message or email via the College procedures. Students should record
parent portal Compass. Parent involvement school or class events, study tasks,
in the College tests, assignment deadlines etc.,
In most cases, your call/contact is and consult these on a daily basis.
likely to relate to a concern about Parents are encouraged to be
your child. In these cases, the person involved in the life of the College. 3. To assist in the communication
who is most likely to be able to help College Council is one way that between home and school.
is your child’s Mentor. Parents will be parents can participate and there are Teachers or parents may use the
informed of the name of your child’s a number of parent representatives Study Planner to send simple
Mentor at the beginning of the on council. Parent nominations are messages to each other. It is
school year. called for each March and the term of recommended that parents check
office is for two years. Principals at the the Study Planner weekly and sign
If you wish to meet with a staff College can provide additional to indicate that they are
member it is best to phone and make information on the many ways in conversant with the contents.
an appointment. Most teachers have which parents can be involved.
timetabled commitments including The student Study Planner is to be
teaching, planning and yard duty. Student Led Conferences used only for the purposes stated.
Visits without appointments are likely If students wish to have decorative
Student led conferences will be pictures or photographs and record
to result in disappointment. To ensure
arranged at appropriate times during personal and social events, they
the privacy and safety of all Western
the year. Written reports will be issued should purchase a personal diary in
Heights College community members,
to parents for each Semester (e.g. at addition to the College study planner.
visitors, including parents, must come
the end of Term 2 and Term 4). Interim The study planner is an essential
to the Administration Centre to meet
reports will also be issued to parents education item and will be supplied
staff or collect your child.
prior to the end of Term 1 and Term 3. to students in mentor groups.
Additional Parent/Teacher Interviews
can be scheduled as required. These
may be initiated either by the parent
or by the Mentor Teacher at any time.
If you feel that an additional parent/
teacher interview is necessary, contact
your child’s Mentor Teacher to arrange
a mutually convenient date and time.
8/I can help
guide my
child’s College
journey
9
/Beyond the classroom
Camp, Tours and 2021
Cultural Experiences
Year Level Program Location Time of
Western Heights College has a long Length the year
and proud history of camps. We value
providing affordable opportunities for 7 3 day Anglesea Valley Lodge Term 1
our students to experience different
environments and cultures whilst 8 4 day Strathbogie Ranges Term 2
enhancing the leadership and School for Student
personal growth of our students. Leadership Student Exchange
The camps program aims to instil in 9 8 weeks Term 4
– Utaloy International School
students a sense of independence, China – 3-4 Students
resilience and flexibility through a
range of experiences which utilise the 10 Day South Korea Cultural Tour Term 3
outdoor environment locally and
internationally. At each year level 3 days 2
Snowsport Term 3
there are camp, tour and cultural nights
9-11
study opportunities embedded within Fiji Highlands Cultural
the College program as core or 9 day Term 3
Immersion Tour
elective units but also as additional
experiences to enhance College life. 10 day Kokoda Leadership Program Term 4
Year 7 Camp 2021
3 x Day Anglesea Valley Lodge – 2022
occurs in February.
Year Level Program Location Time of
The Anglesea Valley Lodge Length the year
(Wensleydale) is a recent addition to
Auscamp’s property portfolio. This site 7 3 day Anglesea Valley Lodge Term 1
offers many great activities including:
bike riding, archery ,camp cooking, 8 4 day Strathbogie Ranges Term 3
bushwalking, climbing wall, slack lines,
Initiatives, zip lining, canoeing. There 10 Day China Cultural Tour Term 3
is also an adventure centre, rope 1.5 day/1
activities, navigation courses, Snowsport Term 3
night
rogaining and bush camping 9-11
facilities. Fiji Highlands Cultural
9 Days Term 3
Immersion Tour
Talarook Rail Trail (Leadership
5 day Term 4
Challenge)
10/College Houses Sport Student Leadership
The houses are: Involvement in inter-school sport is on Students have an important part to
Vines a voluntary basis. Students are often play in decision making and the
required to attend meetings and development of the College.
Barton practice sessions during lunchtime. Opportunities to display leadership
Minerva Competitions are held on organised are numerous and include areas such
sports’ days throughout the year. The as charity events, assemblies, music,
Quamby sports played at the present time for talent quests, representation at
both boys and girls are – hockey, community events, community service,
All students and staff members
tennis, athletics, baseball, cross- cross age tutoring, environmental
are assigned to houses, with siblings
country running, table tennis, issues, lunchtime activities, open day,
generally in the same house. The
badminton, cricket, netball, volleyball, social justice issues, sports carnivals,
College Sports Carnivals are major
football, softball, soccer and student issues, student publications,
College events being house based
swimming. and student conflict resolution.
competitions. Everyone displays
Through their organisation and
their house spirit by dressing in
participation in these and other areas,
house colours and cheering on their Student Assemblies students undertake the responsibility
teams. There are many different
to promote and model the Western
ways that students can earn house College assemblies are held each
Heights College values around which
points beyond competing in the term to recognise significant events
Western Heights College is built and
sports carnivals, with a variety of and inform the entire student body of
to serve the student body within an
other house-based activities. The matters of general interest or
atmosphere of shared goals and
house system, through the student importance. These are led by our
team building.
house leaders, promotes a positive College Captains. The College has
environment across the College as developed a significant tradition for Students have the opportunity to
well as leadership opportunities and these assemblies celebrating student participate in a variety of elected
experience. success and recognising important leadership roles. These include:
events such as an Anzac service.
Out of Uniform Days Middle Years and Later Years • Two Mentor Group
assemblies are also held regularly Leaders are elected
During the year on specific days
throughout the year.
(one per term), the students are
• Student Year Level Learning
permitted to wear neat, casual Community Leaders will call Community Leaders at Years
clothes instead of school uniform assemblies as required throughout the 7 -11 are elected
and they pay for the privilege. year to inform students of a particular
This money goes into the Social level, of matters pertaining to them. • Four House Captains and
Service funds which are then Student College Leaders lead the deputies at Year 11 are elected
dispersed to worthy charities. Community assemblies.
The same principles of safety, • Two College Captains
modesty and respect for others
applies to casual clothes as to The College Student Leadership Team
uniform. Students who dress on is then formed with the Student Year
those days in clothing which Level Learning Community Leaders at
distracts or offends or renders each Year Level, House Captains and
them unsafe may be withdrawn College Captains and their deputies.
from activities or sent home. The Student Leadership team will
meet regularly every 2 weeks. Student
Leaders are supported by Teacher
Learning Community Leaders.
The College Captain and Deputies
meet informally with the Principal
to discuss significant issues and
events weekly.
11/General information
Absence from School Attendance at Lunch Arrangements
School attendance is a high priority
Whole College It is expected that parents will make
at Western Heights College. Our duty Events lunch arrangements for their child in
of care demands that we know The College schedules a number of one of these ways:
where students are during school sporting and cultural events during
hours, therefore the College must be the course of each school year e.g. • By providing a packed lunch
informed of student absences before College swimming and athletic for the child to bring to school.
9:30am on the day the student is carnivals. These days provide
absent. Our preferred method of • By providing money for the child
important opportunities for the
notification is by the Attendance Line to order and purchase lunch at
growth and development of individual
on 5277 1177 option 2. the College canteen. A variety of
students and are critical for the
hot and cold foods is available.
development and celebration of
The College will notify parents by an
community. Normal classes do not run Students are not permitted to leave
SMS on their mobile phones if on these days and the events are an
students are absent or late to school the College grounds to go to the
integral part of the education of each local shops.
without reason. This occurs each day
student enrolled at Western Heights
starting at approximately 11:00am. College. Students must attend all If your child has forgotten their lunch
Please ensure the College has your College events as a condition of their please bring this to the College Office,
current mobile telephone numbers. enrolment. Administration Centre, in a bag labelled
Accidents and Emergencies with your child’s name, and it will be
delivered to them. Parents cannot drop
At school the focus is on students Bus and travel information items off directly to their child during the
learning. If a student is ill and not The School Bus Program is run by school day – This includes arranging
fit to cope with a full day of learning, Public Transport Victoria. Students Uber eats or Deliveroo for your child.
parents should keep the child at may be eligible for a seat on a bus
home.
at no cost if they:
Breakfast Program
Students who become ill or injured
1. attend their nearest In 2021, Western Heights College will
are to report to their Mentor teacher
government school be offering a free breakfast to each
or any other teacher close by, who
will deal with minor problems. student as part of the Foodbank Relief
2. reside 4.8 km or more
If necessary, parents are notified to Program. This will be served daily to
from the school
collect their child and/or receive students.
treatment. Students will not be 3. reside greater than 1.6 km of
permitted to leave the College their home from their nearest
without contact first having been
Canteen
school bus service
made with the parent or guardian. The College canteen provides an
The College Office can provide excellent service for students and staff.
Parents of students who have pre- further information and application The menu is updated regularly, and we
existing health problems or who forms. Families should contact the work hard to maintain a healthy and
develop significant or chronic Regional School Bus Co-ordinator, on affordable canteen options for
ailments are asked to notify their 4243 0504 or go to: www.education. students. Students using the canteen
child’s mentor teacher. Where vic.gov.au/travelling to school to should show courtesy and consideration
necessary please ensure that a small download the School Bus Program’s towards the people serving in the
quantity of prescribed medication policy and procedures and eligibility canteen. Good manners are important
(asthma sprays, etc.) sealed, named brochure. at all times, including queue etiquette.
and labelled with clear directions is Students can also order food through
left with the mentor so that the child All country buses deliver and pick-up
the schools Qkr App by Mastercard the
has prompt relief when required. students at the Bus Turn-Around Area secure and easy way to order and pay
on Carey Street. for items from your phone at a time and
Geelong buses follow their normal place that suits you. With Qkr you can: -
transport system routes and Pay for school lunches. See your receipts
on the app and get them sent by email
students pay the appropriate travel
if required. Simply place your order on
fare.
the day before 9:15am. We will still be
accepting cash orders through the
canteen as well.
12/To use this option follow the students’ progress. Compass includes First Aid
steps below: many different features including:
If a student should require first aid,
Step 1. Download Qkr! On your • Monitor your child’s attendance the class teacher or teacher on duty
Android phone or iPhone. iPad users and enter approval for absence is to be informed and the injured
must download iPhone app. or lateness student taken to Administration
Centre for treatment. If a College
Step 2. Register Select your Country • Communicate with your child’s representative believes that an injury
of Residence as ‘Australia’ and follow teachers and update your family or illness is of a serious nature, an
the steps to register. contact details ambulance will be called.
Step 3. Find our school WESTERN • View your child’s timetable and Homework and Study
HEIGHTS COLLEGE. Our school will the school calendar
appear in ‘Nearby Locations’ if you’re Homework often involves writing;
within 10kms of our school, or search • Download progress and however, it may also involve a wide
for our school by name. Step 4. Semester Reports range of activities such as reading,
Register your child. When first memorisation, construction, drawing,
accessing our school you will be • Book Student-Teacher-Parent musical composition and so on. It may
prompted to add a student profile for Learning Conferences. See page 8 be part of an assessment task
your child/children. This allows you to conducted over an extended period
• Provide consent for events or a short, one-off task related to that
make orders and payments for them.
day’s class work. All homework should
• Pay for school excursions and events be written into the student planner.
College Facebook Page
Mentor Group teachers and subject
The College Facebook page will • Receive notifications and have
teachers will monitor this throughout
celebrate student day-to-day work access to a live news feed (like
the year. Even if homework is not
with photos. It will also contain Facebook)
formally set or shown in the planner,
reminders about school events and students should still spend time at
Our school will advise parents when
activities. home revising or reading. Homework, if
any new feature becomes available
for parent use. Compass is easy done regularly, should be neither
College Newsletter excessively time consuming nor
to use, simple and reliable. We are
The newsletter is published every 2-3 excited about the role it will play in burdensome. Organisation is a key skill
weeks during school terms. We ask supporting your students learning, that is a focus in Year 7. Students
that parents and students read the communication across our school should not receive homework for the
newsletter as it is one of the main and connecting with you and our first two weeks in Term one to allow
means of communication. The College community. them to adjust to the demands
newsletter link is forwarded of a new school, teachers and
electronically via email to parents. Emergency Contact subjects. Once habits are established,
Please advise the College of your students should be spending
Please make sure that you keep the approximately four - five hours per
current email address. In accordance
College up to date with your current week on homework.
with the College’s sustainability
contact phone number during school
policy, we do not post out printed
hours, i.e. your work telephone number
copies of the newsletter unless
specially requested by parents.
and the name and telephone number Intranet and Internet Access
of someone who will be available in
the event that you cannot be The College runs a sophisticated
Compass Learning intranet which is easily accessed by
contacted.
Management all students at school. This provides a
System comprehensive amount of information
The College does not provide for students (including timetables and
Compass is a way for parents to
personal accident insurance or daily announcements) and has links to
access our school intranet to view
ambulance cover for students. specific learning resources. Students
important information about their
Parents are responsible for the costs are encouraged to read the
students. At the start of the year,
of medical treatment, ambulance and announcements daily and use their
parents will be provided their
other transport costs. Parents are web messages to communicate
username, password and instructions
advised to become subscribers to the directly with teachers when required.
on how to use Compass at The Ready
Victorian Ambulance Scheme. If your Internet which is filtered by DET for
To Learn meeting on Thursday 29th
child has an accident which requires appropriate content is also available.
January. Compass allows parents to
have access to up to date immediate medical attention, and we All students can also access the
assessment information as well as cannot get in touch with you or your College intranet from home using their
reports. Using Compass allows you to representative, an ambulance will be College usernames and passwords.
access up-to-date and meaningful called, and the cost will be your Access is gained from the College
information about our school and your responsibility. website www.whc.vic.edu.au.
13/General information continued
Late Pass Personal Property community events, community service,
cross age tutoring, environmental
If a student arrives late (after • Please encourage your child to take issues, lunchtime activities, open day,
9.00am) they are to report to the care of his/her property and make social justice issues, sports carnivals,
general office. A late pass will be sure everything is clearly named. student issues and student
provided to the student and this publications, student conflict
must be shown to the teacher • School backpacks are to be kept
resolution. Through their organisation
before entry to the class granted. clean and free from graffiti and
and participation in these and other
stored in the locker during the day.
areas, students undertake
Leave Pass
• Private property brought to school
If a student needs to leave the by students is not insured nor is the the responsibility to promote and
school grounds during the day, a Department of Education and Early model the Western Heights College
leave pass must be provided to Childhood Development responsible values around which Western Heights
reception in the College Office. for any loss. Accordingly, students College is built and to serve the
Normally, the Year Level Learning are encouraged to not bring student body within an atmosphere of
Community Leader signs such a pass valuable items such as portable shared goals and team building.
before the morning Mentor Group music devices, mobile phones
commences. The student retains the Students have the opportunity to
and other electronic equipment
leave pass for identification and to participate in a variety of elected
to school.
show their classroom teacher prior leadership roles. These include:
signing out of the College. Students The expectations is that this will
• Two Mentor Group Leaders
returning to the College must sign in be kept in the student’s locker
are elected
at Reception in the Office. If possible, during the school day.
we ask that appointments be made • Student Year Level Learning
out of school hours. Reporting and Assessment
Community Leaders at Years
Academic progress will be reported 7 -11 are elected
Medication
through the Compass Parent Portal.
When students are required to take Student Led parent Teacher • Four House Captains and
medication during school hours, Conferences occur in Term 2 and Term deputies at Year 11 are elected
parents must provide a signed letter 3 and provide an important
• Two College Captains and
with the medication which should be opportunity to discuss a student’s
labelled with the student’s name, deputies are elected
progress with individual teachers. We
dosage and the time medication urge parents and students to attend The College Student Leadership Team
is to be taken. Medication will be these meetings. At other times, is then formed with the Student Year
stored and dispensed by the First Aid parents can contact teachers directly Level Learning Community Leaders at
Officer and details will be recorded in should any concern arise. Parent each Year Level, House Captains and
the Medication Register. Where communication is also encouraged College Captains and their deputies.
possible, parents are advised to call via the Planner, by email via the The Student Leadership team will
into Reception and speak with the Compass Parent Portal or by phoning meet regularly every 2 weeks. Student
First Aid Officer about this. the College. Leaders are supported by Teacher
Students with special medical or Learning Community Leaders.
health needs (i.e. anaphylaxis, Sick Bay The College Captain and Deputies
asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) must meet informally with the Principal
have a medical action plan signed If a student is unwell they should ask
their class teacher for permission to to discuss significant issues and
by a medical practitioner (updated
go to the sick bay. Students are asked events weekly.
annually). In addition to this,
students who require an Epipen not to ring home themselves if they
are unwell. If the student is not well Student ID card
(autoinjector), must also have an
Individual Anaphylaxis Management enough to return to class, a parent or Each student is issued with an ID
Plan. This will be completed by the the nominated emergency contact card which displays their name and
school in consultation with parents/ will be notified and asked to collect photo ID. These cards are used for
carers. Once finalised, this plan will the student. The student will need to printing, photocopying, borrowing
be signed by the parents/carer and be signed out through the General library books and to ‘swipe in’; when
the Principal. Parents must provide Office when collected. Please ensure a student arrives late to school.
one epipen for the student to carry you have notified the College of an Students are encouraged to wear
with them at all times. emergency contact person in the these in the plastic pouch and
event a parent cannot be contacted. lanyard for easy access and
Any queries please contact the identification. Lost cards can be
College Office on 5277 1177. For Student Leadership replaced through the College Office.
further information please go to: Students have an important part to
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ play in decision making and the
healthwellbeing/health/anaphylaxis development of the College.
or contact Asthma Victoria on 1800 Opportunities to display leadership
645 130 or www.asthma.org.au are numerous and include areas such
as charity events, assemblies, music,
14/ talent quests, representation at2021 Student Uniform Year 7-8 Year 9-12 Specialist Sports
(from the College Uniform Policy) Uniform Uniform program
Students are expected to wear the Academic Uniform Academic Uniform Everyday Uniform
College uniform with pride. The
• Navy Dress Shorts • Summer check skirt • SSP Soft Shell
purpose of the College dress code
• Navy Dress Pants • Summer Check dress Jacket
is:
• College Dress (pre-2020) • SSP Navy Shorts
1. To enhance the reputation • College Skirt • White Shirt (long sleeves or • SSP Navy Tracksuit
of the College. • School White Shirt short sleeves) Pants
• Navy V Neck Pullover • Navy dress shorts
2. To assist in developing a sense • School Soft Shell • Navy pants Playing/Training Kit
of individual pride in students and Jacket • White, Navy or • SSP Playing Kit
promote development of their • School Cap Black plain socks • SSP Warm Up Top
personal presentation skills. • WHC Kilt (pre-2020 version • SSP Training Singlet
Sports Uniform
acceptable) – must be • Optional
3. To promote a sense of collective (Sports Days ONLY)
knee length or longer • SSP Hoodie
identity within the College. • College Rugby • (Students may wear navy • SSP Beanie
Jumper tights with kilt). • SSP Socks
4. To promote individual student • College Polo Shirt • Blue school trousers • Can be ordered
safety, group security and • College Navy • Navy v neck wool blend through the Indigo
reasonable standards of Sports Shorts pullover with WHC logo (pre- Wolf Link 4 times per
health and hygiene. • College Navy 2020 acceptable) year.
It is condition of enrolment that all Tracksuit • Navy v neck vest with WHC
students wear the College uniform. Pants logo (pre-2020 version
acceptable)
It is highly recommended that each • Black leather school shoes
item of clothing is clearly labelled with • must be flat heeled
the student’s name in order for lost lace-ups
uniform to be returned to the owner. • (cut below the ankle and
Summer or winter uniform may be able to be polished).
worn at the discretion of the student.
College blazer (optional)
The College uniform suppliers • Plain navy, maroon scarves
are PSW Uniforms. Address: may be worn for warmth.
164 Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, • Navy Backpack
Phone: (03) 9768 0383 • PRE 2020 SPORTS UNIFORM
ACCEPTABLE
The College is currently in a transition • Sky blue sports polo with
period for its new school uniform. For
WHC logo
the start of 2023, all students will be • Navy sports shorts
expected to be in the new school
• Navy microfiber jacket with
uniform.
WHC logo
• Navy microfiber track pants
Personal Appearance:
• Hair is to be neat and clean.
In some circumstance’s students
may be required to wear hair nets
or other forms of cover for reasons
of safety or health. • Watches and religious symbols such • In representing the College in the
as a crucifix are permitted. Other community, it is expected that
• All clothing is to be clean, jewellery is not allowed. students observe the Student Dress
neat and in good repair. Code. An approved exemption is
• With the exception of a simple stud required in circumstances where this
• Appearance and/or apparel to or sleeper for ear piercings, or a expectation may not be able to be
be such that they are not likely single discrete small stud in the nose, met.
to distract any person from no body piercings are permitted.
classroom learning. Taping of piercing accoutrements Exemptions: At times items of student
will not be accepted as a substitute uniform require cleaning, repair or
• When wearing casual clothes, such for their removal, as taping can replacement which renders the
as for a mufti-day, it is to be constitute a health and safety student unable, on a temporary basis,
appropriate to the circumstances risk of equal magnitude to the for up to two days, to comply with the
e.g. an excursion may require solid accoutrement itself. Dress Code. In such circumstances,
footwear. Tee-shirts or other items parents/guardians must provide a
are not to have extreme or offensive • Student are not permitted to written explanation to the child’s
diagrams and/or statements. wear makeup mentor teacher who will issue a short-
term Uniform Pass in the child’s study
planner.
15/Resources for parents
College Fees and Charges These items include: To further assist parents with
payments, several payment
School Councils are able to request • Special Entry Programs – such as options are available:
payments or contributions for the WHC Specialist Sports
education items and services from Programs. • Full payment to the College Office
parents and guardians for students located in the Administration Centre
in Victorian government schools in • extra-curricular programs or
the three categories – Essential activities e.g. Instrumental Music, • Direct Deposit/s or BPAY into the
education items, Optional formals / dinners College bank account (for further
education items and Voluntary information contact the College
financial contributions. • College-based Office)
performances, productions
Parent Payment Categories and events; and • Payment over the phone –
you may phone the College
Essential education items - • College magazine, class and pay using your credit card
are items which parents/guardians photographs.
pay the school to provide or may • Make regular payments using
provide themselves if appropriate. Voluntary financial contributions – Centrelink – Centrepay.
These items are essential to College Council invite parents/
support instruction in the standard guardians to make a donation in the • A payment plan – making regular
curriculum program. form of a voluntary financial instalments (for further information
contribution to the College. Library / contact the College Business
These items include: ICT School Fund: The College Council Manager - Kerri Dale)
has determined that each family will
• materials that the student takes be asked to contribute an amount of Alternative payment options are
possession of, including up to $50.00 annually which will be available through the College with
textbooks and student spent on Library and Information & parents encouraged to make an
stationery Communication Technologies (ICT). appointment with the Assistant
This contribution will be TAX Principal or Business Manager to
• materials for learning and teaching
DEDUCTIBLE. Our student Library discuss circumstances and
where the student consumes or
systems and ICT facilities are being available options.
takes possession of the finished
continually updated and integrated
articles (e.g. design & technology, Payments may be requested but not
into the curriculum in all learning
food, arts, photography, catering) required prior to the commencement
areas. This requires significant annual
expenditure. A world class education of the year in which the materials
• College uniform
requires more than the Government is and services are to be used.
• transport and entrance for camps able to provide.
Payment requests or letters to parents
and excursions which all students
Other support options will be itemised and the category
are expected to attend.
each item falls under will be clearly
The College appreciates that identified as an essential education
Some subjects/studies and activities
families may sometimes experience item, optional education item or
have a set charge which is listed in
financial difficulties in meeting voluntary financial contribution.
the relevant year level curriculum
requests for payments and
handbook and are payable at the
contributions. We have several Receipts will be issued to parents
beginning of the school year.
support options available to assist immediately upon making payment.
Excursion costs (travel, admission parents, including State Schools
Relief Committee support and Reminders for unpaid essential
charges, lectures, guest speakers and
welfare and support agencies that education items or optional items
other programs outside the normal
have established partnership will be generated and distributed
curriculum) if applicable to a study will
arrangements with schools to on a regular basis to parents.
be collected prior to the activity.
provide further assistance to
students and their families. Please All records of payments or
Optional education items - are items
contact the College for more contributions and any outstanding
provided in addition to the standard
information. payments by parents and guardians
curriculum program and are offered to
are kept confidential.
all students. They are provided on a Payment Arrangements
user-pays basis and if parents/ Daily Routine
Parents and guardians will be
guardians choose to access them for
provided with early notice of All students are expected to enter the
students, they will be required to pay
payment requests for essential building and prepare for their learning
for them e.g. non-compulsory, extra-
education items, optional extras and prior to the scheduled time. Learning
curricular programs or activities such
as camps, Instrumental Music etc. voluntary financial contributions. is organised into 100-minute sessions;
Payments are kept to a minimum with however, timetabling may result in
payment requests and letters fair and
some split sessions as follows.
reasonable.
16/Daily Timetable Times Lockers
Each student is provided with
Staff Briefing (Tuesday and Friday a locker:
8.45am
in main common room)
• combination locks can be
Lockers & Prep 8:50am purchased from the College office
Mentor Group 9:00am – 9.10am • students will not normally be
permitted to attend lockers
Session 1 9:10am – 10:00am during class time
Session 2 10:00am – 10:50am • under no circumstances should
valuables be brought to school
10:50am – 11:15am
Recess (25 minutes)
Music played / last 5 minutes • the College accepts no
responsibility for items stored
Session 3 11:15am – 12:05pm in lockers
Session 4 12:05pm – 12.55pm • lockers are only to be used for
the storage of school books,
12.55pm – 1:35pm
Lunch (40 minutes) sports equipment and lunch
Music played / last 5 minutes
Session 5 1:35pm – 2:25pm • combination lock numbers should be
memorised, but not written down.
Session 6 2:25pm – 3:15pm Students who forget their
combination number can request
Afternoon Mentor Meeting this information from the General
3.15pm -3.20pm Office. Under no circumstances
(collect phones)
should students tell others the
Dismissal 3:20pm combination numbers to their lock.
At Western Heights College we • Western Heights College teaching • lockers must remain locked
promote student independence and staff will not provide work for at all times
organisational skills. WHC students students who are absent from class
are expected to check their watches and miss teaching/learning due to • stickers, labels or other similar
to ensure they are always on time. holidays taken in term time, unless material must not be attached
organised weeks in advance. Work to lockers
Expectations and Procedures will be provided for medical
absence. • writing, of any description, is
The following procedures have been
developed to ensure that the school not permitted on the outside or
inside of lockers
operates efficiently and is a safe and • Course outlines will be provided
pleasant learning environment for all. by the subject teacher and available • the College reserves the right to
through the school intranet if inspect lockers and their contents
School Yard Supervision requested so that parents can at any time
Student yard areas are supervised deliver/arrange appropriate
from 8.30am – 3.20pm on normal instruction through a tutor. • any breach of locker security is to
school days. The bus set down is be reported immediately to the
supervised until all drop offs are Learning Community Leaders
completed in the morning and until • If the student is absent for a period
the last bus has collected student’s longer than two weeks, the • students are responsible for the
afterschool – approximately 3.50pm. assessment of their work will be combination lock issued to them.
made on the tasks completed for Those who lose their locks will be
Student on Extended the period of the semester they charged the cost of replacement.
Leave/Absence have been in attendance at school.
These absences may have a
When students are absent during detrimental effect in subject areas
regular school term: where sequential learning
is important.
• Parents/carers are to write or email
the student’s mentor teacher • It will be the responsibility of the
providing details of why and when student to arrange alternative dates
the student will be absent from for assessment task completion prior
school. This correspondence will be to departure. 17/
acknowledged by the College.You can also read
