Year 7 Student Handbook - Attitude Achievement - Whittlesea Secondary College
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2021 Year 7 Student Handbook Attitude Application Achievement
CONTENTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL ....................................................................................................................... 3 OUR VISION ...................................................................................................................................... 4 COLLEGE ORGANISATION ................................................................................................................. 4 CLASS / BELL TIMES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 WHITTLESEA SECONDARY COLLEGE HOUSE SYSTEM ....................................................................... 5 THE HOUSES ..................................................................................................................................... 6 OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP ................................................................................... 7 CARING FOR OUR STUDENTS............................................................................................................ 8 GENERAL OFFICE, BUSES, CANTEEN, LOST PROPERTY, SICK BAY…………………………………………………..9 ATTENDANCE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 SCHOOL UNIFORM……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 BYO DEVICE PROGRAM……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 YEAR 7 CURRICULUM………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....12 SPORTS PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………………………..……13 YEAR 7 TRANSITION CAMP…………………………………………………………………………………….……………………14 SCHOOL POLICIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..14 BEYOND YEAR 7………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14 Year 7 Handbook 2
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Here at Whittlesea Secondary College we hold the development of the whole child at the centre of our
philosophy of education. We have embedded a vertical, student-centred approach with a focus on authentic
student empowerment and personalised learning pathways.
We aim to inspire children’s curiosity, creativity, imagination, compassion, self-knowledge, social skills and
emotional health through the wide range of programs we offer. The curriculum in the junior years is
deliberately broad, ensuring each child can find and explore their areas of passion at the same time as being
exposed to a wide range of knowledge and thinking.
We work in a supported model to ensure the transition for our students from Primary School to Secondary
School is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our core values of Attitude, Application and Achievement are
reflected in everything we do and we look forward to working with your child as they enter Year 7.
Lian Davies
Principal
Whittlesea Secondary College
Year 7 Handbook 3
OUR VISION
At Whittlesea Secondary College, our vision is to empower students to become successful, confident and
responsible contributors in a 21st century community.
OUR STORY
Established in 1977, Whittlesea Secondary College has been educating young people in the community for
40 years and counting. Whittlesea Secondary College provides an outstanding diverse and innovative
curriculum that adapts to the needs of an ever changing global community.
The learning model at Whittlesea Secondary College enables students to access and study a variety of
curriculum areas. Whittlesea Secondary College does not assume that ‘one size fits all’, that all students will
need, and should have, the same knowledge and skills for the future. Our model allows students to choose
for themselves the learning areas they wish to focus on in a supported and informed environment.
At Whittlesea Secondary College we value student empowerment and choice, fostering strong student
leadership across the school. Students are encouraged to build individual pathways for their future and
embrace a collective understanding of the world we live in.
Our facilities include an onsite Trade Training Centre facility delivering Automotive, Engineering, Building and
Construction VET courses. We have extensive Sports facilities, including a double court indoor stadium, table
tennis facilities, a gym with a wide variety of weights equipment and spin bikes, as well as our College oval.
OUR SCHOOL WIDE PEDAGOGY
Whittlesea Secondary College has always taken pride in delivering exciting, diverse, and innovative
curriculum and has established a strong identity and tradition in fulfilling lifelong learning. Our curriculum
has a high focus on individual success where we not only challenge our students, but encourage and reward
persistence and strong work ethic. Our students are empowered in their learning to choose their subjects
based on interests and curiosity.
OUR COLLEGE VALUES
ATTITUDE APPLICATION ACHIEVEMENT
COLLEGE ORGANISATION
Whittlesea Secondary College consists of a Principal and two Assistant Principals who, with the College
Council, ensure that College policy reflects the shared expectations of the whole school community. A
community that is safe, supportive and promotes respectful relationships while fostering strong student
learning.
Principal Lian Davies
Assistant Principal Kathy Mourkakos
Assistant Principal Ben Omizzolo
Business Manager Natasha Skehan
Year 7 Handbook 4
CLASS / BELL TIMES
The School Day commences with classes at 9am
Session 1 9:00 – 10:10
Travel time 10:10 – 10:15
Session 2 10:15 – 11:25
Recess 11:25 – 11:55
Session 3 11:55 – 1:05
Lunch 1:05 – 2:00
Session 4 2:05 – 3:15
Buses (except for the 385, 384 and 382 Public Bus) depart at 3:25pm
OUR HOUSE SYSTEM
Our Houses are a key part of the wellbeing and learning structure, together ensuring that every student is
known, supported and has positive experiences during their time at Whittlesea Secondary College.
Each student is assigned to a House for the duration of their journey while at the College. The Vertical House
System significantly improves relationships between students and staff. Students learn the increasingly
important skill of developing relationships with a broader group rather than just one age group. Peer
support through House activities will continue to develop and grow as we encourage our young leaders to
flourish.
Head of House: Julie Jordan Head of House: Brittany Holland
House Name: FREEMAN House Name: PITT
House Name: Orange House Colour: Blue
House Mascot: Boxing kangaroo House Mascot: Shark
House Charity: Challenge - supporting kids with cancer House Charity: CFA Whittlesea
House Motto: Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much House Motto: Never give up, never give in
House Legacy: Strength, Kindness, Persistence, Resilience House Legacy: Consistency, Persistence, Gratitude
Head of House: Ashtyn Parke Head of House: James Devlin
House Name: NEWTON House Name: MELBA
House Colour: Green House Colour: Yellow
House Mascot: Cheetah House Mascot: Python
House Charity: Olivia New John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre House Charity: RSPCA
House Motto: Do what is right, not what is easy House Motto: I can, I will
House Legacy: Strength, Determination, Success House Legacy: Speed and Strength
Head of House: Samantha Banthorpe Head of House: Bronwyn Hardwick
House Name: JACKMAN House Name: THORPE
House Colour: White House Colour: Black
House Mascot: Wolf House Mascot: Missile
House Charity: The Royal Children’s Hospital/Good Friday Appeal House Charity: Cancer Council
House Motto: Strength, Power and Determination House Motto: Determination, Respect and Support
House Legacy: Unity, Respect, Resilience House Legacy: Teamwork
Head of House: Alice McCarthy Head of House: Paul Horan
House Name: CHISHOLM House Name: DANIHER
House Colour: Red House Colour: Purple
House Mascot: Laurel wreath House Mascot: Polar bear
House Charity: Diamond Valley Special Development School House Charity: Fight MND
House Motto: Believe and Achieve House Motto: Good, better, best, never let it rest (until your good is better and
House Legacy: Pride, Persistence and Positivity your better best)
House Legacy: Determination, Courage, Resilience
Year 7 Handbook 5
THE HOUSES
Our Houses were developed and elected by our student body and based on influential Australians who have
shaped our Nation. Each House has its own colour, mascot, charity and motto that reflect student values.
Heads of House, PAL Teachers and Student Leaders collaboratively work together to create a sense of
community.
Freeman
Catherine Freeman is an Olympic champion for the women's 400 metres sprint.
She lit the Flame at the 2000 Summer Olympics. In 2007 Freeman founded the
Cathy Freeman Foundation which works with four remote Indigenous
communities to close the gap in education between Indigenous and non-
Indigenous Australian children, by offering incentives for children to attend
school.
Pitt
In September 2011, Turia Pitt was competing in an ultramarathon through
Western Australia's Kimberley region, when she was caught in a grass fire and
suffered burns to 65% of her body. In 2014, Turia was named the New South
Wales Premier's Award Woman of the Year and was a finalist for Young
Australian of the Year. In 2016, she was a finalist in the Australian of the Year
award, and the NSW finalist for Telstra Business Woman of the Year award.
Melba
Dame Nellie Melba was an Australian operatic soprano. She became one of the
most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century, and
was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical
musician. Dame Nellie took the pseudonym "Melba" from Melbourne, her
home town.
Chisholm
Caroline Chisholm was a progressive 19th-century English humanitarian known
mostly for her involvement with female immigrant welfare in Australia. A
number of education facilities have been named after Caroline Chisholm and
she has appeared on Australian stamps and bank notes.
Newton
Olivia Newton-John is an Australian singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur,
dancer, and activist. Olivia is an advocate for health awareness, becoming
involved with various charities, health products, and fundraising efforts. Since
2008, she has raised funds to help build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer
Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Year 7 Handbook 6
Jackman
Hugh Jackman is an Australian actor, singer, and producer. Jackman was
awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen's Birthday
Honours for services to performing arts and to the global community, and for his
ongoing philanthropy work.
Daniher
In August 2014 it was revealed that Neale Daniher has motor neurone disease
(MND), which is currently incurable. He is now known as a prominent
campaigner for medical research. Beginning in 2015, the annual Queen's
Birthday long weekend game between Melbourne and Collingwood has been
partnered with the Big Freeze in raising funds for MND research.
Thorpe
Ian Thorpe is an Australian swimmer who won five Olympic gold medals, the
most won by any Australian. Thorpe was the most successful athlete at
the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. In 2019, he was awarded a
Member of the Order of Australia in recognition for his "significant service to
swimming and also to youth and indigenous education through charitable
initiatives”.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
There are many opportunities for leadership in all areas of college life including School Captains, House
Leaders, PAL Leaders, Sports Captains. Student leadership is fostered at all levels and the College and
external bodies provide leadership training.
Year 7 Handbook 7
CARING FOR OUR STUDENTS
The College prioritises the welfare of each student ensuring they feel a sense of belonging.
Whittlesea Secondary College has a wholistic approach to education, focusing on both wellbeing and
learning. The primary goal of our dedicated Student Wellbeing and Student Engagement Teams is to ensure
students feel safe, are engaged and connected to their school.
Wellbeing Coordinator
Our Wellbeing Coordinator is available to all students and parents for support and advice on behavioural,
social and learning problems. They are responsible for an overall view of the wellbeing of students,
coordinating the work of all teachers, including Heads of House, PAL Teachers and Counsellors from both DET
and outside agencies where necessary.
The Wellbeing Coordinator may act as an advocate to assist students and parents in discipline and wellbeing
matters and provide assistance in the supply of uniform and other equipment when needed.
Professional Support
The College community has the services of:
Adolescent nurse / health educator one or two days a week
Psychologist can be contacted to conduct student educational assessments
Social workers from Kildonan Child and Family Services, Berry Street and Salvation Army
Crossroads who conduct group work and individual counselling on a casual basis
Other agencies including Plenty Valley Community Health, Berry Street, Anglicare, Youth Projects
and the City of Whittlesea, who are involved with individual case work and group work within the
school
Doctors in Secondary Schools program. For more information or enquiries about this initiative please
refer to doctors.in.schools@edumail.vic.gov.au
Integration Coordinator supports students who qualify for the Program for students with
disabilities and students with additional needs
College Wellbeing Team consists of a wide range of professionals including social workers,
counsellors, youth workers and our College Chaplain
Year 7 Handbook 8
Bullying and Harassment
Whittlesea Secondary College is committed to providing a safe and caring environment that promotes
learning, personal growth and positive self-esteem where individual differences are respected. Students are
encouraged to support and look out for each other. Harassment is unwelcome and offensive and hurts people
whether or not the instigator intends or understands it to be hurtful. If any student feels he/she is being
harassed or suffering discrimination in any of its forms, they are encouraged to let a member of staff know.
All reports will be taken seriously.
Mediation is used as an effective means of resolving student conflict. With the help of a facilitator, students
involved share their feelings and concerns with each other and work together to find ways to resolve the
issues.
GENERAL OFFICE
The General Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 4:30pm. Students can access the General Office
to make payments before school or at recess. Parents are encouraged to contact the College over matters of
concern. If a meeting with a teacher is required, appointments can be arranged via phone call or email.
BUSES
Approximately 80% of our students travel to and from school by bus.
The school bus service is available free to all students who reside more than 4.8km from the school, provided
they are attending their closest government school.
Fares and more details on specific routes/schedules are available on request from the Bus Coordinator.
Students are expected to be in full College uniform (including black leather polishable shoes) whilst travelling
on a bus to and from the College.
Students who wish to travel on a friend’s bus need to submit a written request to the Assistant Principal
during the day so that a bus pass can be issued for travel that afternoon.
CANTEEN
The College Canteen is a privately contracted business and is equipped to provide students with food.
Reasonably priced nutritious food and drinks are sold before school, at recess and lunch. EFTPOS facilities
are available for purchases.
LOST PROPERTY
All items of personal property (books, clothing, bags etc) that are lost will be handed in to the General Office.
It is very helpful if all students’ property is clearly named in permanent ink so the College can easily identify
the lost item and return it promptly.
SICK BAY
The school is able to provide only very limited treatment for unwell or injured students.
If a student becomes unwell at school, the College will contact and inform the parent/guardian of the
situation. In cases of extreme emergency the students may be sent to hospital by ambulance.
To assist us in the care of your child, please inform us of any medical condition of which The College should
be aware. Please ensure the College has your up to date contact information, your emergency contact
person’s detail and copies of any medical management plans. Private health insurance and ambulance
subscription details are recommended.
Year 7 Handbook 9
ATTENDANCE
Attendance at all classes is compulsory. Regular, punctual attendance is essential if students are to maximise
their learning. Rolls are electronically marked for all classes. Poor attendance will be referred to the Head of
House.
Parents are encouraged to contact the College through Compass over matters of concern including
notification of student absence and any required appointments with staff.
If a student is to be absent for an extended period due to illness or family reasons, the College would
appreciate a phone call to inform us of the situation.
WSC Attendance Officer
24 hour direct line – 9719 1290
studentabsences@whittleseasc.vic.edu.au
or through Compass
whittlesea.vic.jdlf.com.au
Late to School
Students who arrive after 9:00am must report to the General Office to sign in. This will be recorded on the
attendance roll through Compass. Frequent lateness will be referred to a Head of House for possible further
investigation.
If a student is late, parents/guardians are requested to write an explanatory note for their child to give to the
General Office when signing in.
Pass to Leave School Early
Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without permission. To obtain permission, students
who have a legitimate reason (excluding personal shopping and buying lunch) and must bring a note signed
by their parent/guardian to the General Office.
When parents require their child to leave school during the day or the student is ill, parents are asked to
meet their child at the General Office to sign out.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Students attend school in full school uniform at all times and also This enables all students to be
treated on a basis of equality, helps foster a sense of identification with the school and a feeling of
belonging amongst the students and enables the staff to quickly identify anyone not part of the
student body.
Uniform: Academy Uniforms Thomastown Store
Phone: +61 3 9460 8011
Address: 238 Wolseley Pl Thomastown VIC 3074
Opening Hours:Mon to Fri 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Online shop: https://www.academyuniforms.com.au/
Password: Whittlesea
Year 7 Handbook 10BYO DEVICE PROGRAM
All students at Whittlesea Secondary College will need to have a computer as a basic tool of learning. Having
access to a device in class enables students to lead some elements of their learning and to collaborate and
access resources in different ways. Having a device to use and maintain also helps to develop a student’s
sense of responsibility. Some advantages of having a device at school include:
• Developing digital literacy skills relevant for future learning and engagement
• Students can access necessary resources online to support learning
• Supporting effective online collaboration
Our aim is to make this as easy as possible. Parents or guardians of students entering Year 7 require a device
that will last them until at least the end of Year 10. Students entering Year 10 are likely to have to upgrade
their device.
Parents or guardians can choose to either provide the device themselves (BYOD) or use the WSC purchasing
portal, with an outright purchase or utilise the available finance options.
Parents may decide to purchase a computer from another supplier. If this is the case, please consider the
following:
• Software is available for students to install themselves
• Technician support is limited to assisting students when loading the settings required for the WSC
wireless network and internet access
• College technicians cannot fix software or hardware issues for these devices
Please find further BYOD information, support and specification requirements on our College website:
https://www.whittleseasc.vic.edu.au/elearning
Year 7 Handbook 11CURRICULUM – EMPOWER PROGRAM
At Whittlesea Secondary College, our vision is “to empower students to
become successful, confident and responsible contributors in a 21st
century community.” The Empower program allows students to take
control of their learning journey and become independent thinkers with
a love of learning as they grow. Whittlesea Secondary College introduced
the Empower model in 2019 as a contemporary, vertical model
increasing student choice and engagement in their subjects and
pathways. Our philosophy is based on the concept that students have far
greater skills and abilities than they are generally given credit for and
with the support and guidance of parents and staff, they have the ability to manage their own education.
Students have the flexibility to follow a path towards a specific VCE or VCAL pathway, or they can opt for a
more traditional high school experience. The program’s flexibility empowers those who have pathway ideas
in mind and allows a breadth of choice and exploration for those who want to work out what they enjoy.
We believe education should not be ‘done to students’ and instead we are active partners in learning.
Our students are not bound by traditional year level classes. The Empower program has 3 parts:
Explore, Evolve and Emerge. This vertical offering of subjects creates student’s choice and provides
flexibility in the learning program ensuring that all students are engaged in their learning at their point of
interest and challenged at their point of need. Student wellbeing is a key element in supporting growth and
development of the whole person. Every student has a House and a PAL (Pathways and Learning) leader
from the teachers at WSC. The PAL will be their essential guide through their learning journey. They, in
partnership with family, will support each of their students in their overall growth and development. PALS
track learning, engagement, connection to the school and friendships and provide subject selection advice
in accordance with co-developed learning plans to enhance and ensure successful outcomes for each
student. The individual learning plans allow students to set goals and targets and cater for each student’s
passions, needs and interests.
EXPLORE
Our students enter into the Explore phase of their secondary
education when they enter Year 7. As a crucial transition year we
engage with students in a variety of ways introducing new
subjects, ideas and activities linked to the Victorian Curriculum.
Working with parents, teachers, Heads of House and PAL
teachers, students will explore new ideas and learn about their
own interests, abilities and goals. This year supports our students
to understand how secondary school operates, meet new friends
and make connections with their peers. It also allows them to
understand the range of opportunities, camps, activities and
subjects available to them in the next stage of their learning. At
the end of this year students feel connected, empowered and
excited to choose subjects of interest.
For further information on our Empower model, including 2021 subject handbooks please refer to:
https://www.whittleseasc.vic.edu.au/curriculum
Year 7 Handbook 12Sports Program
Intra-school Sport consists of the College’s annual Athletics Carnival. This event is contested by the College’s
eight Houses and is run as an age based carnival. Students have the capacity to participate in as many athletic
events as they choose.
Inter-school Sport is organised through affiliation with The Victorian Secondary School Sports Association.
Competition is available in Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Cricket, Golf, Basketball, Netball, Football,
Tennis, Soccer, Table Tennis, Badminton and Volleyball and provides the opportunity for students to
progress to Northern Zone and State Levels. All sports have male and female teams representing the
College.
Instrumental Music Program
Instrumental music lessons are offered on a range of instruments including Bass Guitar, Guitar, Saxophone,
Clarinet, Flute, Piano/Keyboard, Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Horn, Euphonium and Tuba. Lessons are
individual or in small groups, taking place during 30 minutes of one session per week. Students are
responsible for attending their lessons according to their timetable on Compass. Cost: $299 per year.
YEAR 7 TRANSITION CAMP
Camp Howqua is situated in the Victorian High Country just south of Mansfield. The College values this three
day camp and encourages all students to take part in this fun filled adventure. The camp is designed to ensure
student’s transition into secondary school is as smooth as possible. Students become familiar with their peers
and build positive relationships with their teachers. Throughout the camp, students are faced with individual
and team challenges. Some of the fantastic activities and experiences include the water speed slide, flying
fox, river tubing, high ropes course, horse riding, archery, orienteering, initiative course, survivor course,
team-building games and class talent quests.
Dates: Monday 22 February - Wednesday 24 February 2021
Cost: $400
*** Please note a $100 deposit is due by Information Evening Monday 23 November 2020.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Whittlesea Secondary College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.
The school policies provide a framework for all students to feel that they are in a safe learning environment
that respects and tolerates the diverse community. The policies are a strategic link between the day to day
operations of the school, our values, and our vision.
You can view our College policies using the following link: https://www.whittleseasc.vic.edu.au/our-policies
Year 7 Handbook 13You can also read
