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January 23rd, 2020

Dear Koo Wee Rup Secondary College Families,

As Principal of Koo Wee Rup Secondary College it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2020 school

year. We are all excited and looking forward to having our students back in our classrooms. It is our

mission to prepare each student for higher education by providing a safe, caring, and collaborative

atmosphere featuring a quality, student-centred educational program with a strong emphasis on

academic and applied learning.

This year our key goal is to maximize student achievement in all areas. We know each student is an

individual, bringing unique talents and needs to school every day. We pride ourselves on the

opportunities that we have available to help each and every student child succeed. These

opportunities are included in our academic programming, which ensures that each student is

challenged appropriately while building a foundation of knowledge and skills. In addition to basic core

subjects, students have access to electives, extracurricular activities and other resources that help

them develop their strengths, interests and talents, whether in the arts, history, athletics, Performing

Arts, STEM, or other areas.

Koo Wee Rup Secondary College is a community of professionals. We all—teachers, administrators,

school counsellors, support staff and the many others working with us—are collaborating to create a

safe, supportive, welcoming learning community where all students are treated fairly and have the

opportunity to reach their full potential.

Families and other community members play a critical role as partners in supporting both your

students at home and work in the schools. We look forward to working with you throughout the year

to make important decisions that impact both your child as an individual and the school as a whole.

As a start to this partnership, we hope you will join us and attend college information nights and

student presentations when they are held.

We welcome our new staff to our great College and look forward to the wonderful new skill sets and

ideas that they will bring to our students. Our new staff for 2020 are:

Todd Slater, Acting Assistant Principal term 1 while Margaret Nicolson is on leave.

Jordan Doddridge, PE and Humanities

Melike Hatifoglu, English

Rhiannen John, Art and Technology

Josh Mitchell, Music and English

Chris Powell, English

Sunny Sun, Maths and IT

Karen Unkles, Administration

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As our numbers continue to grow we continue to work with the Department of Education to upgrade

our facilities I order to not only cater for the growth but also to ensure that our students can have a

great learning environment. This year will see the completion of our upgrades to the oval and hockey

playing surfaces as well as the creation of new learning spaces in year 7 and the senior building.

Our community, like many communities have been touched by the bush fire events across the country.

We will be doing everything we can to support other communities that have been affected either

directly or indirectly by these devastating events.

I continue to look forward to working with all of you in 2020 and feel very proud to be the Principal of

such a wonderful school and community.

Yours sincerely, Felix Patton, Principal

MORE ABOUT THE BUSHFIRES AND DAYS OF SMOKE HAZE

If any student needs counselling or other forms of support because of the bushfires during the holidays, please

contact the Student Wellbeing department at the school. Your contacts are Tim Ward or Debbie Hobson.

The Education Department has a website with information for parents and carers at this link:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/safety/Pages/bushfires.aspx

SMOKE HAZE

The health of our students is always a priority. We will be monitoring the weather and we also know that we

have a significant number of students who suffer from some degree of asthma. If there are days of smoke haze

as there have been during the holidays where it is not safe for students to be outside, we will arrange for

students to remain inside at recess and lunchtime – and the PE Sport program will be modified so that students

are not outside for classes.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE START OF THE TERM

For the benefit of new students and to add to the details provided at the end of last year, we would like to provide you with the following information which should help to ensure that there is a smooth start to the year for everyone. Parents/Guardians please share the information which follows with your child so that he/she is well prepared for the first day.

All students start on Thursday January 30th.

All students need to be at school by 8.50am at the latest and preferably by 8.45am. All students will go straight

to Learning Community assemblies starting at 9am. They should take their bags with them.

Year 7 students go to the Year 7 Centre (blue building))

Year 8 students go to the Year 8 Centre (green building)

Year 9 students go to the Gym

Year 10 students go to the hall

Year 11 students go to S5 and S6

Year 12 students go to rooms S7 and S8 in the Senior centre

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At the assemblies, students will be welcomed, given diaries and key information for the day.

New students who do not have COMPASS access will be given copies of their timetables.

Lockers will be allocated during the day.

All students in Years 8 to 12 must bring a padlock or combination lock.

There will be a uniform check of all students either at the end of the assembly on Thursday if there is time or during the following days. If there is a reason why a student does not have all uniform items yet, please make sure they come to school with a note explaining the situation and show it to their coordinator. We do understand that for some families there may be a delay because the student is new or there are financial reasons and you are waiting on assistance from Student Wellbeing. We just need to know please.

NEW STUDENTS YEARS 8 TO 12 who did not attend rollover classes at the end of term 4 last year and NEW YEAR 7 STUDENTS WHO DID NOT ATTEND ORIENTATION DAY: Please report to the General Office at the front of the school by 8.55am and you will then be escorted to your relevant assembly. BELL TIMES will be adjusted on Thursday 30th to allow for Learning Community assemblies at 9am and a whole school assembly later in the day. There will be five shortened lessons for the day. There will be no House groups on Thursday. The first House group session will be on Friday 31st at 9am. Whole school assembly in the Tennis Courts at 1.10pm.

Students sit in House Groups.

The following students should sit up the front of the assembly: College Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains and House Vice Captains including Year 9 Junior House Captains, and the Captains of the Performing Arts and Sustainability.

Lunchtime and period 5: special program and BBQ lunch for Year 11 students Note also:

1. We are a school community of over 1100 students with a healthy lost property collection. Please ensure that your child’s belongings are very clearly labelled with their name.

2. All students will be given a locker on the first day so that their belongings can be safely put away. If a student is likely to lose a padlock key, please send a spare key to be given to the Learning Community leader. The locker fee for the year is $20 and we would like this to be paid by the end of February please.

3. The canteen will be open to provide food at recess and lunchtime on the first day. Students are not allowed to go down the street to buy food at lunchtime unless they are in Year 12.

4. Students who live in the town are normally allowed to go home for lunch if they bring a note from their parents asking permission and then see Miss McGinley to get a street pass for the year.

5. Students are allowed to have plain bottled water in class and this is highly recommended, particularly if we continue to have extreme heat days in term 1.

6. Students will be able to check on COMPASS if they have PE and then know whether to bring their PE uniform. If students – especially new students – cannot access COMPASS yet, they should not worry about bringing their PE uniform and should not panic.

WHAT TO BRING ON THE FIRST DAY: 1. All students who were at the school in 2019 and have a COMPASS password should access COMPASS

on Tuesday January 28th so they can see their timetable for 2020 and know which books to bring on Thursday January 30th. Students who do not yet have a COMPASS password – our new Year 7 students and any other new students at other levels – will be given a timetable on their first day. Please bring your main text books and some stationery on Thursday.

2. If families have not yet ordered their textbooks, they need to go online to www.lamontbooks.com.au where you will see the booklists and can place an order. You can then choose to go and collect them when they are ready or pay a cost for them to be home delivered.

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3. All students should bring their DEVICES on the first day and make sure they are charged. If they have an iPad please make sure they have a strong cover to protect it. The biggest problem we had with iPads last year was damaged screens when students dropped their devices!

4. If you placed a late order through Edunet for a device, these have now been delivered to the school but the computer technician now needs time to set them up. They will be available for students later in the week.

5. Please ensure that all items are labelled with the student’s name so that they do not go missing on the very first day! Students who have purchased the very expensive graphic calculators for senior Maths should ensure that the calculators are engraved with their names.

6. Where students have textbooks and an ebook version of them as well, it is normally useful to have one version at school and one version at home.

WHO TO CONTACT IN 2020

GENERAL INFORMATION

• KWRSC phone number (03) 59 971444

• KWRSC fax number (03) 59 971304

• Postal address: 345 Rossiter Road, Kooweerup 3981 or P.O. Box 30 Kooweerup 3981

• Website: www.kwrsc.vic.edu.au

• KWRSC email address: koo.wee.rup@edumail.vic.gov.au

PRINCIPAL: Mr Felix Patton

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS:

Mr Ben Gwynne – Curriculum, NAPLAN, VCE and VCAL policies, DECV studies, exit interviews, assessment and exams

Miss Leonie McGinley – Student Wellbeing, Student Management Years 9 to 12, Enrolments Years 9 to 12, serious student issues, the school bus system, school facilities

Mrs Margaret Nicolson – Staffing, Student Management Years 7 and 8, Enrolments Years 7 to 8, Transition programs, Integration, Information Technology issues. (Please note that while Mrs Nicolson is on leave in term 1, Mr Todd Slator will be Acting Assistant Principal and looking after her areas of responsibility.)

OUR LEARNING COMMUNITIES

YEAR 7 LEADER: Mr Sam Scott YEAR 7 COORDINATORS: Mr Tony Ham, Ms Wendy Young, Mr Nick Bransgrove YEAR 8 LEADER: Mr Max Eldridge YEAR 8 COORDINATORS: Mr Mitch Andrew, Mr Doug Dixon YEAR 9 LEADER: Mrs Heather Southgate YEAR 9 COORDINATORS: Mr Ken Jones, Ms Aviva Miller YEAR 10 LEADER: Mrs Jo Anketell YEAR 10 COORDINATORS: Mr Tim Sturges, Mr Ben Verbi YEAR 11 AND 12 LEADER: Mrs Tania Miller

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YEAR 11 AND 12 COORDINATORS: Mrs Tania Hamilton, Mr Jarryd Palser CURRICULUM COORDINATOR: Ms Sally Markham. All subjects areas have a staff leader. Details from Ms Markham. E LEARNING COORDINATOR: Mr Tommy Olden - provides advice about digital learning and devices CAREERS COORDINATOR: Ms Liz Miller - available to help students at any year level to plan their future pathway. Parents welcome to make an appointment to discuss subject selection, courses, job requirements, TAFE and VET programs SEAL COORDINATOR: Ms Karen Pain VCE COORDINATOR: Ms Shona Perrin VCAL COORDINATOR: Ms Melissa McCallum ABSENCES: Mrs Claire Keane STUDENT WELLBEING: Mr Tim Ward and Mrs Debbie Hobson - provide access to counselling, student wellbeing programs, State Schools Relief, financial assistance with uniform, stationery, etc. INTEGRATION: Ms Leanne Chaplin INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Mrs Claudia Barker - Contact her about arranging instrumental music lessons and for information about our many bands PERFORMING ARTS: Mr David Campbell - Contact him regarding the House Music Festival, Performing Arts nights, the annual musical, the choirs and concerts INTERSCHOOL SPORT: Ms Claire Notman - organises all interschool sport and major House sport events HPV: Mr Tim Sturges

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

We had a wonderful Presentation Night in the last week of term 4, 2019 where we celebrated the

achievements of our students in academic work, leadership, citizenship, sport and the Performing

Arts. A copy of the Presentation Night program with the names of all winners is located on the

College website. Special congratulations to the Dux of the school Mia Rodgers and the Runner Up

Dux Adrian Gelley.

Students who received Honours awards (for averaging 90% or more in a subject) will receive their

Honours certificates at assemblies early in the year.

We would also like to highlight the following achievements which occurred in term 4:

The HPV team attended the 4 day HPV competition at Maryborough. This is the biggest and most important HPV competition of the year. They got FIRST PLACE in the Try-Athlon CLASS B/C for Design and Construction. We were also the overall RUNNER UP for Try-Athlon B/C. Well done to Tim Sturges who trained the kids and organised our school team and many thanks to Kristy Cusack who also assisted at the competition.

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Corey Shipton Year 11, 2019 studied Year 12 VET Music last year. From all the students who study a Year 12 Music subject in the state, the best are chosen to perform at a special concert in March called Top Acts. We are delighted to announce that Corey, who sings and plays the tuba, has been chosen to perform at this prestigious concert.

Riley Wade Year10, 2019 has been chosen as a Kwong Lee Dow scholar by the University of Melbourne. The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high achieving Victorian Year 11 and Year 12. Winners get the exciting opportunity of experiencing university life and taking part in a range of academic events and activities. When he finishes Year 12, he could also be offered a guaranteed place in an undergraduate degree, financial assistance to move to Melbourne, and an overseas scholarship during his studies. Riley a very keen music student has also been accepted into the Accelerando Program at the Melbourne Recital Centre, and is one of only four students who were accepted from everyone that applied! He had to write an application, send in a 10min audition video, which got him through to the interview and live audition process.. Consequently he will be able to work with industry professionals, attend concerts, Master Classes and music workshops and perform in an end of year recital in Melbourne Recital Centre’s Salon. (Many thanks to Mr Campbell who helped him put his application together and helped him prepare for the audition.)

2019 MapIT! Challenge

On Tuesday the 3rd of

December Koo Wee Rup

Secondary College was well

represented at the MapIT!

Awards Evening, held at the

Cardinia Shire Offices.

The competition required

students to use the program

MapIt!, to research and

propose evidence-based

improvements to the

liveability of their local

neighbourhoods. Students

would examine the characteristics of their neighbourhood to determine its immediate needs, as well as those

extending into the future, and propose changes to infrastructure and facilities to meet these requirements.

Our state finalists for the competition were Charli Allen, Sophia Hawkins Amy Holland, Ciara Horsburgh, Isis

Huiskens, Bridie Jagoe, Cristina Jonoski and Aidan Neutze.

The top students from each school represented at the awards evening presented their research and proposal to

the audience, which included Executive officers Stephen Latham and Libby Hillman of GTAV, and Deputy Mayor,

Councillor Graeme Moore and Councillor Collin Ross. Students were thrilled to have the opportunity to share

their ideas and have them heard by the people who can help them to effect positive change in their towns in

the future.

Sophia Hawkins received the Best in School Award and presented her proposal for changes to Koo Wee Rup. She

spoke eloquently and passionately about her town and what she has learnt through taking part in the challenge.

Dean Beard also presented to the audience, sharing his own enthusiasm for the Geography challenge and the

ways in which he has been able to put his own mathematical twist on the program.

To top off a wonderful evening, Koo Wee Rup also received the award for best school, which was graciously

accepted by Dean Beard.

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Congratulations to all of the students who took part in the challenge and the award winners on the evening.

Special thanks to the Geography and SEAL teachers who have supported the program, especially James Page,

Dean Beard and Judy Orr. Thanks as well to the proud families who accompanied and supported their students

on the evening. Karen Pain

THE NEW MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Just a reminder that the new policy which started at rollover on Monday November 25th last year continues.

Students who choose to bring a phone to school must place it in their locker by 8.55am and it stays there until

the end of the day. Students are not allowed to access their phones at recess or lunchtime. The first time a

student is caught breaking the policy the phone is handed into the office and given back at the end of the day.

Every other time a student is caught breaking the policy the phone is handed into the office and stays there until

a parent comes to collect it. Students who have already been caught since November 25th 2019 breaking the

policy should note that their status continues on to this year. That means that if since November a student has

already been caught using their phone when they shouldn’t have had it out, for the rest of this year if they do it

again they will have to hand the phone into the office every time and their parents will have to come and get it.

We have over 1100 students. As of the end of term 4, we had about 50 students who breached the policy and

in future, if caught again, will have to have their parents collect their phones. We do contact parents via

COMPASS if their child is in this situation.

If there are compelling medical or personal reasons, students can be given an exemption to keep their mobile

phones with them. If your child is in this situation, you need to contact Miss McGinley please.

THE NEW MILNER’S ROAD BUS ROUTE – Lang Lang students The growth in student numbers, especially from the Lang Lang area, has led to the Education Department

agreeing with our request for an extra bus from Lang Lang which will be called the Milner’s Road bus. At the end

of term 4 a number of families were sent a letter letting them know that their children had been allocated to

this new bus run. We had to move students who live in Lang Lang from the Kettles Road bus, the Grantville bus

and the Lang Lang Direct bus onto this new bus run so that we had room for everyone across the four buses. We

also look after primary school bus travel so they were part of the situation too.

In the afternoon, this new bus run will be parked in spot 16 – the closest to Rossiter Road. It needs to leave FIRST

so that it can then go to Lang Lang, drop off our students and then collect students from Lang Lang Primary

School. If your child has been allocated to this bus, can you please pass on this information to them so that they

don’t dawdle in the afternoon! Any concerns about this new bus situation should be directed to Jade Thom in

the General office.

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NORMAL BELL TIMES:

Attendance at the 9am sessions is compulsory and rolls will be marked.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Locker Bell 8.55 8.55 8.55 8.55 8.55

House Group/

Assembly or LC

meeting

9.00- 9.15 9.00 – 9.15 ------------------- 9.00 – 9.15 9.00 – 9.15

Period 1 9.15 – 10.12 9.15 – 10.12 9.00 – 9.57 9.15 – 10.12 9.15 – 10.12

Period 2 10.12 – 11.09 10.12 – 11.09 9.57 – 10.54 10.12 – 11.09 10.12 – 11.09

Recess 11.09 – 11.34 11.09 – 11.34 10.54 – 11.24 11.09 – 11.34 11.09 – 11.34

Locker Bell 11.34 11.34 11.24 11.34 11.34

Period 3 11.39 – 12.36 11.39 – 12.36 11.29 – 12.26 11.39 – 12.36 11.39 – 12.36

Period 4 12.36 – 1.33 12.36 – 1.33 12.26 – 1.23 12.36 – 1.33 12.36 – 1.33

Lunch 1.33 – 2.13 1.33 – 2.13 1.23 – 2.08 1.33 – 2.13 1.33 – 2.13

Locker Bell 2.13 2.13 2.08 2.13 2.13

Period 5 2.18 – 3.15 2.18 – 3.15 2.13 – 3.10 2.18 – 3.15 2.18 – 3.15

UNIFORM REMINDERS

SHOES

Boys: Totally black leather lace up shoes that must take polish and must have a heel. (Boots, desert boots, black runners and platform shoes are not acceptable. ‘Runner style’ and mesh shoes are not acceptable.) Girls: Totally black T-bar shoes or totally black leather lace up shoes that must take polish and must have a heel. (Boots, desert boots, black runners and platform shoes are not acceptable. ‘Ballet’ style shoes and ‘Runner style’ mesh shoes are not acceptable.)

SOCKS Students are only allowed to wear socks which are TOTALLY black or TOTALLY white. No wording or logo on the socks will be allowed.

THE PE UNIFORM

From 2018, all students were required to wear the new style of PE top.

From 2020, all students are required to wear the new style of PE shorts which are designed to match the top – navy blue, with gold trim and the school logo.

BOYS’ SHORTS: We have noticed that some of the boys, especially at the senior end, are wearing the wrong style of grey shorts. The policy states that boys are to wear grey tailored SCHOOL shorts (fabric is normally Polyester/Viscose Melange). Shorts must be above the knee in length. Cargo style is not acceptable. ‘Short’ shorts are not

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acceptable, especially the pale grey lightweight cotton shorts which are presently fashionable or the chino style shorts.

HATS FOR PE: As part of our Sunsmart policy all students are reminded that in terms 1 and 4 they must wear

a navy blue hat for outdoor PE classes and for sports training.

HAIRCOLOUR: Students are allowed to have coloured hair but the colours must be natural hair colours (e.g. no

green, blue, pink, bright red, etc.). If students have dyed their hair over the holidays an unacceptable colour, they are not allowed to come to school with this colour until it eventually grows out. They should ensure that their hair is correct BEFORE they return.

PIERCINGS: Students are allowed to wear one tiny (no wider than 2mm) stud in their nose – all other forms of facial piercing are banned. If they have a banned type of piercing, they either have to remove it while at school or wear a clear plastic stud in its place while at school. This does not apply to practical PE/Sport classes, Food Technology classes or any other practical classes where the school deems that the possibility of a stud falling out poses a health and safety risk. Please note that if a student gets any form of banned piercing during holidays or term time, they will not be allowed to keep it in while the hole settles. UNIFORM NOTES: If there is a good reason why a student is not wearing part of the uniform on a particular day, they are expected to bring a signed/dated note from home explaining the situation and give it to their Learning Community Leader BEFORE 9am. If students are out of uniform and they forget to bring a note, they are usually given detention.

THE UNIFORM SHOP – OPENING HOURS

The uniform shop is located at 1/311 Rossiter Road, next to the Indian restaurant. The normal hours are:

Tuesday 8am to 12 noon; Thursdays 12.30pm to 4pm; Fridays 12.30pm to 4pm; Saturday 9am to 12noon. For

further info phone Julie on 0417888611.

A NOTE ABOUT TATTOOS

We have noticed that a few older students have tattoos. This is the College’s policy:

Tattoos: legal issues

The legal situation with teenagers and tattoos and body-piercings varies around Australia. In Victoria, South

Australia and Queensland, it’s a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years.

Therefore no student under the age of 18 is allowed to have a tattoo.

At Koo Wee Rup SC students over the age of 18 must cover up any tattoos that they have. They must not be

visible.

GENERAL REMINDERS

COMPASS: The College uses a computer program called COMPASS which allows parents to log on and

approve absences, see if their students are attending school that day, see if their child has completed their

homework and what their results are, and send messages to their child’s teachers. The site is also used when

parents need to make payments for excursions, complete consent forms, make bookings for parent teacher

interviews and read school reports online.

If you are new to the school this year, you will be sent a log on and password early in term 1. Please KEEP this

information in a secure place for the rest of the year. Families who had children at the school last year can use

their COMPASS access log on/password from last year. If at any time, you forget/misplace the details please

contact the General office.

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Note that students are also given a COMPASS password but it is different to the one given to their parents and

does not access as many sections. It is primarily for them to see their timetable, school resources, class lesson

information from their teachers, the Daily Bulletin and receive messages from their teachers about classwork

and school events.

OUR ATTENDANCE POLICY:

We strongly believe that all students should attend ALL classes unless they have an acceptable reason for

being absent e.g. illness.

Therefore our Attendance Policy requires that:

All students attend school unless a reasonable and valid reason exists.

Attendance includes being on time for school and for all classes throughout the day.

All students are required to attend 100% of classes. Authorised absences do not count against

them.

A student’s attendance data is included on their school report.

VCE and VCAL students (including Year 10 students undertaking VCE studies) must produce a

medical certificate for any absence, within a week of a student’s return to school. There are

specific rules about what happens when a VCE or VCAL student misses class due to absences.

Students should consult the school diary.

We are very concerned at the number of students who take family holidays during term time rather than during

term holidays. Unless there are special circumstances, these absences are not approved. It is expected that

students will let their coordinators know in advance if the absence is unavoidable so that schoolwork can be

organised.

DEVICES

TAKING PHOTOS/FILMING: Students are banned from using their devices to take photos of, or film, any

person at school or off site at a school event, unless permission has been given. It is an invasion of privacy and can lead to harassment. This ban includes taking ‘selfies’ with friends.

FACEBOOK and other social networking sites: Students are banned from accessing Facebook or other

social networking sites (e.g. snapchat, Instagram) at school. Cyberbullying is the main reason for this decision. Please consult the information on the College website under PARENTS for key information about cyberbullying and how to report problems with social media.

CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS AND EXTERNAL SPORTING EVENTS

Information is provided to parents and students via COMPASS. Reminders are posted in The Daily Bulletin. To

ensure that all organisational details can be taken care of properly, including booking buses and arranging

admission fees if required, students are required to complete consent forms and make payments at least ONE

week before the event unless an even earlier date is given ( e.g. for camps), in which case that date must be

observed.

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TRANSPORT and THE SCHOOL BUSES:

Jade Thom in the General Office handles all general enquiries about travelling on the school buses. This

includes:

Letting you know if you are eligible as we are zoned for school bus travel

Application forms

Allocation to bus routes

Letting you know which stop and time for pick up and drop off

Serious concerns about eligibility for bus travel and behaviour problems can be referred to Leonie McGinley,

Assistant Principal.

Only eligible travellers should use the school bus service. We will be doing a check on every student on each of the school buses in the first week back. Families who live out of zone and are hoping they will be able to purchase a seat for their child on a school bus will not find out until March if there is a spare seat to be purchased. We are required to wait until after the census on February 28th. For those who are out of our school bus zone please remember that just because one child in a family is given a bus seat, it does not automatically mean that all other members of the family are entitled to a school bus seat. The cost is $120 per term, payable one term in advance. This payment goes totally to the education department/PTV.

Students who are driven: There is a chronic shortage of parking at the school. In the morning students can be dropped off any time after 8.30am. (You may find it easier to drop them off down the street and they could walk up to the school!) In the afternoon, if you can delay collecting your child until 3.30pm you should find parking easier. You can drive into the school grounds after 3.30pm and meet students in the basketball court area.

SCHOOL BUS TRAVELLERS: students are ONLY allowed to travel on the bus they are assigned to. They cannot use a different bus in order to attend part time work after school or to visit a friend’s place – even if they have a note.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY e.g. what happens to the school bus routes if there is a bushfire warning. Information is provided further on in this newsletter and is also on the College website. Please look at the opening page of the College website. On the left hand side is a heading ‘IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES’. Please read this section so you are prepared.

STUDENTS WITH CONCERNS ABOUT SUBJECTS: Year 9 electives or Year 10, 11 or 12 subjects: see Mr Gwynne in his office.

Correspondence subjects (DECV): see Mr Gwynne

PARENTS’/GUARDIANS’ CONTACT DETAILS – EMAIL ADDRESSES AND MOBILE

PHONE NUMBERS: Could you please ensure that the College has your correct email address and/or

mobile phone number. Increasingly we find it easier to send messages via email rather than hope that both

parents and staff are available at the same time to have a phone discussion. Furthermore we use SMS messaging,

whereby parents will have a message sent to their mobile phones if their child is away and we have not already

received an explanation from home. We also need an emergency contact for each student in case we cannot

contact a parent/guardian.

CUSTODY AND ACCESS CONCERNS

If there are special requirements which need to be followed where a student is not living with both biological

parents and/or has a special guardianship arrangement, please ensure that we have supporting paperwork

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which is up to date. This is especially important if there are restrictions on who has access to children at school

and information about children at school.

If a student needs to be collected by someone who is not their parent/guardian, please send this additional

person with a letter signed and dated by you giving them authority to collect your child.

If you have any concerns about these matters, please contact Leonie McGinley Assistant Principal or Tim Ward

Student Welfare Coordinator.

STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS e.g. asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes and any other

concerning medical information. This information must be updated regularly and you are welcome to discuss

the situation with Jill Brown our First Aid officer at the General Office.

PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE ASTHMA Please go to this link for important information: https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/news/national/parents-urged-to-get-children-asthma-ready-for-school

CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) to ensure all eligible students are able to

participate in school trips and sporting activities.

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card are eligible to apply. A special consideration category also exists.

Eligible families need to apply for the CSEF at their child’s school with applications to be entered by school administrators onto a web-based system. If in the past you were eligible for the EMA you are most likely to be eligible for this payment.

A payment of $125 for primary school students and $225 for secondary school students will be paid directly to the school each year to be used towards camps, sports and excursion costs for the benefit of the student. The balance each year can be forwarded on to the next year.

Please contact the Business Manager at the school if you want to make an application.

HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AT OUR COLLEGE IF

THERE IS AN EMERGENCY 1. On the internet: go to the College’s web page www.kwrsc.vic.edu.au – there will be a message on

the first page under RECENT POSTS which will be regularly updated.

2. Go to the College’s official Facebook page: there will be updates there.

3. SMS: parents who have provided their mobile phones numbers will be sent a text with the latest

information.

4. Information from the government and education department: always check radio stations and the

CFA site for the latest information.

Concern about students’ mobiles: Given that over 90% of our students have mobile phones it is likely

that they will seek to communicate with their parents in the event of an emergency. Please keep in

mind that while we hope the information they send is correct it is not the official information from

the College or the Education Department.

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BUSHFIRE EMERGENCIES

Kooweerup Secondary College is NOT listed

on the Bushfire at Risk Register and therefore

will not be pre-emptively closed on CODE RED

(catastrophic) days. However we are a

regional school and our students come from a

very wide geographical area. The majority of

students travel on the school bus system but

there are also students who are driven by

their parents from outside our zone.

CAN YOU KEEP YOUR CHILD AWAY FROM SCHOOL IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISK OF

FIRES – EVEN THOUGH THE SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN?

Yes. If your family decides to enact its bushfire survival plan, the most appropriate place for your child

may be with you and your family, and not at school. Please advise us by phone or email as soon as

possible of your child’s absence.

PARENTS WHO DRIVE THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL

Parents who drive their children to school and come from areas which may be affected by bushfires

are always advised to enact their family fire plan on days of emergencies. If necessary, do not send

the children to school on days of high risk – particularly if there are concerns about travelling through

the area and getting home again in the afternoon.

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT DURING A FIRE DANGER PERIOD

It is possible that some of our school bus routes may be ‘at risk’ in an emergency given past history of

bushfires, where the routes terminate and the nature of the local environment. The government’s

position is that if any part of school bus route would place students at risk in the event of a bushfire

then the entire bus route is closed down. We will not close down the whole school bus system but

individual bus routes passing through high-risk areas will be closed on high-risk fire days. A school bus

route will be closed if it has to pass through an area affected by fire even if our school is not affected

by fire and remains open. If a bus route is threatened by unexpected fire, the school will enact its local

emergency management plan. Buses will not be released from school until appropriate authorities

have been contacted and any risk assessed. The above will also apply to excursions and camps (both

departing and returning).

WHAT HAPPENS IF BUSES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL

Students will remain at school under the supervision of staff until Emergency Services indicate that it

is safe for buses to leave.

PARENTS COMING TO THE COLLEGE TO COLLECT THEIR CHILDREN

As it is unsafe to be on the roads during a time of bushfire and given that the police are likely to close

roads in some areas to allow access for emergency vehicles, we encourage parents to listen to the

local radio or contact police/emergency services to determine when it may be safe to collect their

child. If you do arrive to collect your child during an emergency we request that parents line up in the

foyer of the General Office area and speak to one of the Assistant Principals so that your child can be

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located and signed out. Please note that at such a time, the school can only release students to a

parent or legal guardian in person.

WILL SCHOOL OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES (e.g. camps and excursions) CONTINUE TO OPERATE DURING

BUSHFIRE SEASON? WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD’S OFF-SITE ACTIVITY IS THREATENED BY FIRE?

Yes, off-site activities will continue throughout the year as they are an important part of school

programs. We will assess the likely threat of fire when organising off-site activities during the bushfire

season. If an off-site activity is threatened by fire, our school will enact its emergency management

plan. Off-site activities in areas affected by a predicted Code Red day will be cancelled or recalled. If

you have any questions about the College Emergency Procedures, please contact the Assistant

Principals. Further information is available from the CFA website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ and the

Education Department website: www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires

2020 SCHOOL PHOTOS: Monday March 23rd We are using a new company for our school photos this year: SchoolPix

PO BOX 5222, HALLAM, VIC, 3803

M: 0408 122 844

P: 8786 4800

www.schoolpix.com.au

Please click on this website, choose VIEW PHOTO PACKAGES and then choose SCHOOL PACKAGES to

see what the options are and the costs. Further details will be provided closer to the date about

payment methods.

THE PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM FOR 2020

The Band Information Night February 18th, 5pm. If you would like to find out about the instrumental program and/or have your child join the program, you are most welcome to come along to this evening. Further details from Mrs Claudia Barker. The College has a very well-known instrumental program which commenced in 1983. We have a number of ensemble groups and prepare the students for a range of VCE music subjects plus providing them with the opportunity to participate in exams, school and public performances. A highlight of each year is the band’s participation in the ANZAC Day parade in the city.

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The Soloists’ Night competition Monday March 23rd at 7pm in the College Hall. Part of the annual Music Festival is the soloist’s’ section. There are so many entries from the students that we have a separate night where all the students perform and then the winners go through to the main concert in May. Students who wish to perform at this competition need to contact Mr David Campbell.

The annual House Music Festival will be on Friday May 1st at 7pm in the College Hall. Practices will start in week 3 of term 1. All students are welcome to be involved to support their House, have fun and learn new skills. The Festival has been going for 62 years and is a major feature of the College calendar. It features singing groups, dance groups, soloists, musical entertainment numbers, a Year 12 item, a staff item and the school choir. This year the musical entertainment section which is worth the most points must draw on themes from the music of The Beatles (think of the film Yesterday) for its inspiration.

The annual Musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ September 10th, 11th and 12th at the Cranbourne Community theatre.

We are delighted to announce that we will be

doing Beauty and the Beast as our musical this year. It requires a large cast, big singing and

dance numbers and amazing costumes. Auditions will take place in term 1 and will be advertised through the Daily Bulletin. Practices will commence after the Music Festival and we normally rehearse each week for three months.

THE SCHOOL REVIEW

Every four years a school undertakes a school review of its policies, programs, achievements and

concerns. Koo Wee Rup SC will be having its review in semester 1 this year. There will be opportunities

for parents to provide feedback through their representatives on College Council, through

participation I focus groups and through responding to information circulated via newsletters, the

College website and COMPASS messages.

One of the policies we are reviewing in term 1 is the Statement of Values and School Philosophy.

The policy is modelled on the exemplar version provided by the Department.

Our vision and values were recently reviewed and can be found in the student’s diary:

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VISION

To inspire a passion for lifelong learning and excellence in a community which provides all students with the opportunity to achieve their personal best.

VALUES

Our College community has identified the following values as essential for promoting positive relationships and a thriving learning environment. PERSONAL BEST • Set personal goals and plan actively for the future • Always work towards your personal best • Celebrate your achievements and success RESPECT • Be polite and cooperative • Respect other people’s beliefs, property and right to privacy • Treat others fairly and accept differences RESPONSIBILITY • Take responsibility for your own learning • Accept responsibility for your actions and their consequences • Be community minded and support a sustainable future RESILIENCE • Remain focussed and determined • Seek support when needed • Value positive relationships with others HONESTY & INTEGRITY • Be honest, dependable and reliable • Help out other people when you can • Be sincere and match actions to words

The department also recommends that schools include the following information. Feedback is

welcome and can be passed on to Leonie McGinley, Assistant Principal.

BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS

Koo Wee Rup Secondary College acknowledges that the behaviour of staff, parents, carers and

students has an impact on our school community and culture. We acknowledge a shared responsibility

to create a positive learning environment for the children and young people at our school.

As principals and school leaders, we will:

model positive behaviour and effective leadership

communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community

work collaboratively to create a school environment where respectful and safe behaviour is expected of everyone

behave in a manner consistent with the standards of our profession and meet core responsibilities to provide safe and inclusive environments

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plan, implement and review our work to ensure the care, safety, security and general wellbeing of all students at school

identify and support students who are or may be at risk

do our best to ensure every child achieves their personal and learning potential

work with parents to understand their child’s needs and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly

respond appropriately when safe and inclusive behaviour is not demonstrated and implement appropriate interventions and sanctions when required

inform parents of the school’s communication and complaints procedures

ask any person who is acting in an offensive, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate way to leave the school grounds.

As teachers and non-teaching school staff, we will:

model positive behaviour to students consistent with the standards of our profession

communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community

proactively engage with parents about student outcomes

work with parents to understand the needs of each student and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly

work collaboratively with parents to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students with additional needs

communicate with the principal and school leaders in the event we anticipate or face any tension or challenging behaviours from parents

treat all members of the school community with respect. As parents and carers, we will:

model positive behaviour to our child

communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community

ensure our child attends school on time, every day the school is open for instruction

take an interest in our child’s school and learning

work with the school to achieve the best outcomes for our child

communicate constructively with the school and use expected processes and protocols when raising concerns

support school staff to maintain a safe learning environment for all students

follow the school’s processes for communication with staff and making complaints

treat all school leaders, staff, students, and other members of the school community with respect.

As students, we will:

model positive behaviour to other students

communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community.

comply with and model school values

behave in a safe and responsible manner

respect ourselves, other members of the school community and the school environment.

actively participate in school

not disrupt the learning of others and make the most of our educational opportunities.

As community members, we will:

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model positive behaviour to the school community

treat other members of the school community with respect

support school staff to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students

utilise the school’s processes for communication with staff and submitting complaints.

UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOURS

Schools are not public places, and the Principal has the right to permit or deny entry to school grounds (for more information, see our Visitors Policy).

Unreasonable behaviour that is demonstrated by school staff, parents, carers, students or members of our school community will not be tolerated at school, or during school activities.

Unreasonable behaviour includes:

speaking or behaving in a rude, manipulative, aggressive or threatening way, either in person, via electronic communication or social media, or over the telephone

the use or threat of violence of any kind, including physically intimidating behaviour such as aggressive hand gestures or invading another person’s personal space

sending demanding, rude, confronting or threatening letters, emails or text messages

sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or derogatory comments

the use of social media or public forums to make inappropriate or threatening remarks about the school, staff or students.

Harassment, bullying, violence, aggression, threatening behaviour and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school. Unreasonable behaviour and/or failure to uphold the principles of this Statement of Values and School Philosophy may lead to further investigation and the implementation of appropriate consequences by the school Principal.

At the Principal’s discretion, unreasonable behaviour may be managed by:

requesting that the parties attend a mediation or counselling sessions

implementing specific communication protocols

written warnings

conditions of entry to school grounds or school activities

exclusion from school grounds or attendance at school activities

reports to Victoria Police

legal action

Inappropriate student behaviour will be managed in according with our school’s Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and Bullying Prevention Policy.

Our Statement of Values and School Philosophy ensures that everyone in our school community will

be treated with fairness and respect. In turn, we will strive to create a school that is inclusive and safe,

where everyone is empowered to participate and learn.

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KEY DATES FOR TERM 1, 2020:

Wednesday January 29th: General Office open for parents.

Thursday January 30th: Term 1 starts for all students.

FEBRUARY

DATE YEAR LEVELS INVOLVED

EVENT

February 3rd Whole school 9am Learning Community Assemblies

February 4th Whole school 4.30pm Finance Committee 5pm College Council meeting

February 5th to 7th Year 12 Year 12 camp

February 10th Years 11 and 12 Interschool Senior cricket and volleyball 4pm Deb Ball training starts

February 11th Whole school 9am House Assemblies to sign up for the swimming sports 3.30pm Music Festival practices start

February 12th to 14th Year 11 Unit 3 Outdoor Ed camp

February 13th Whole school Year 12 Music students

Dental appointments 6pm Year 12 Investiture Night 6.30pm Music excursion

February 17th Whole school Interschool Softball and Baseball

February 18th Year 12 Whole school

Geography excursion 5pm Band Information Night

February 20th Whole school House Swimming Sports at the KWR pool

February 24th Year 7 Interschool Cricket and volleyball

February 25th Years 11 and 12 Interschool Senior Boys and Girls cricket

February 27th Whole school Music students

Dental appointments 6.30pm Music excursion

MARCH

DATE YEAR LEVELS INVOLVED

EVENT

March 2nd Years 9 to 12 Interschool Intermediate and Senior tennis

March 3rd Whole school 4.30pm Finance Committee 5pm College Council

March 3rd to 6th 902 902 camp

March 4th to 6th Year 7 Year 7 camp

March 5th Whole school 9am Learning Community Assemblies

March 9th Whole school PUBLIC HOLIDAY

March 10th Whole school PUPIL FREE CURRICULUM DAY – NO CLASSES

March 12th Whole school Division Swimming

March 13th Year 8 VCE/VET Music students

Year 8 excursion to the Grand Prix VCE/VET Music excursion

March 16th Whole school Year 8

9am House Assemblies to sign up for the Aths sports Interschool Year 8 cricket and volleyball

March 17th Year 12 Elevate Educate seminar

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March 18th Grade 6 students and their parents

Grade 6 Information Night about Year 7, 2021

March 19th Year 7 and 8 Whole school

Interschool Year 7 and 8 tennis House Athletics 1500m events

March 20th Whole school Year 7

Interschool golf Year 7 injections

March 23rd Whole school Years 9 and 10 Whole school

School Photos Interschool intermediate cricket and volleyball 7pm Music Festival soloists’ night competition

March 24th Whole school House Athletics Sports at Casey Fields

March 25th Whole school Parent Teacher interviews. Parents will need to go online and book an appointment. There will be no classes on this day.

March 26th Whole school Whole school

School photos backup for those absent on the 23rd SMR Swimming

March 27th Whole school Term 1 ends at 2.15pm

APRIL

DATE YEAR LEVELS INVOLVED

EVENT

April 14th Whole school Year 10

Term 2 starts Year 10 Science excursions

April 15th Year 10 Year 10 Science excursions

April 16th Whole school Year 10

9am Learning Community Assemblies Year 10 Science excursions

April 20th Whole school 9am House Assemblies

April 21st Years 9 and 10 Careers Expo

April 22nd Whole school State Swimming

April 25th Music students ANZAC Day march in the city

April 26th Whole school Rehearsal for the Music Festival 1 to 5pm

April 27th Years 11 and 12 Interschool Senior AFL, soccer and netball

April 30th Whole school Full dress rehearsal for the Music Festival periods 1 to 5

We will have over eleven hundred students in 2020 and with such a large community it is vital that

important information is distributed as effectively as possible. If at any time during the year you need

more information or wish to meet a staff member, please do contact us on 5997 1444. Despite our size

we still see ourselves as a community school and parents/guardians are always welcome to make

contact and/or visit as we work together to help the students achieve their Personal Best.

Many thanks

Leonie McGinley, Assistant Principal