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Student
Diary InfORMATION
| Click
here for 'General Information': School
Council, Assistance from parents, Contact with parents, Library,
SWC, Careers, EO, Mirrimbah, Home Group, Student Forum, Dress
Code, Homework, Internet Code |
|
Click here for 'Procedures': Code
of Behaviour, Attendance, Student Cards, Leaving Class, Early
Departures, VCE Study Periods, Buildings & Grounds, Illness,
Change of Address, Fire Drill, Late Passes, Use of Canteen, Local
Area Excursions, Right of Appeal |
| Click
here for 'Property': Lockers,
Lost Property, Property given to Staff, Searches |
| Click
here for 'Extra Curricular Activities' |
| Click
here for 'Costs to students and financial assistance available':
Contributions,
Booklists, Special Costs, Financial Assistance, Making Payments |
| Click
here for 'Code of Behaviour' |
| Click
here for 'College Boundaries & Map' |
GENERAL INFORMATION
- COLLEGE COUNCIL
College Council is responsible for determining the general educational
policy of the College within guidelines issued by the Minister.
Our Council includes parents, students, staff and co-opted members
who have a special interest in the educational program of the College.
Council meets monthly. It has 4 committees – Policy and Curriculum,
Finance, Buildings & Grounds and School Community and Environment.
These meetings are open to the college community and dates are listed
in the weekly Newsletter and annual calendar. A special ‘Council
News’ letter is published two or three times each year. An
additional committee meets occasionally to deal with issues related
to the college’s camp at Mirrimbah.
- ASSISTANCE
FROM PARENTS
All parents and guardians are invited to attend advertised meetings,
parent/teacher interviews and function. Some may prefer to help
by assisting with working bees, offering trade skills, joining the
literacy or numeracy program or one of the faculty support groups.
- CONTACT WITH
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Reporting and Parent/Teacher
Interviews: Individual subject reports are written by
subject teachers and checked by Home Group teachers. Full reports
are distributed to parents/guardians at mid-year and at the end
of year. Interim reports are distributed at the end of Terms 1 and
3, in conjunction with parent/teacher interviews.
Other Interviews:
When parents/guardians wish to talk at length with teachers, it
is necessary to ring the College (9389 0600) to make an appointment.
Newsletter:
Students are asked to ensure that the weekly Newsletter, distributed
during the Home Group meeting each Tuesday, is taken home and given
to parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may choose to have the newsletter
emailed.
Student Diary: There
is provision for parents/guardians to write comments to teachers
and vice versa. Parents/guardians should check this publication
on a regular basis. Students are to record all homework details
into their diary.
- LIBRARY
The Library is a place for quiet work and research.
Hours: Monday
to Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm.
The Library contains over 35,000 books, an extensive video collection,
periodicals, newspapers, a ‘vertical file’ of newspaper
articles on current topics available through the school’s
Network, and computer facilities. Students may access the Network
and Internet subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Students can
book a computer for recess or lunchtime use: Boys’ days are
Monday and Wednesday, Girls’ days are Tuesday and Thursday.
Photocopiers are located in and outside the Library for use with
a photocopy card ($2 = 20 copies). Cards may be recharged for photocopying
at a machine located outside the Library.
Library Borrowing:
Students must present their Student Card to borrow books. Students
in Years 7 – 10 may borrow three books at a time and VCE students
may borrow up to five books. Books in heavy demand are kept ‘On
Reserve’ and are available for use within the Library only.
Periodicals, videos and DVDs are also only available for use in
the Library.
If students have overdue books they cannot borrow until the overdue
books are returned or paid for. If their books are very overdue
their report may be withheld and computer access suspended until
they are returned.
If students have any problems finding material or if they need any
help at all, they can ask the Librarians for assistance.
- STUDENT WELFARE
TEAM
The College has a Student Welfare Coordinator, who is concerned
with the well being of the College community – students, parents
and staff, and is available to assist students and their parents/guardians
with any educational, family or personal problems which may affect
their ability to cope with study. This may include physical, mental,
social and emotional, and health issues.
The College also has a visiting Educational Psychologist and a Nurse.
A Speech Therapist and other personnel are available to the college
community. The SWC has access to agencies outside the College, where
other fully qualified personnel are available.
- CAREERS
The College has a Careers Coordinator who provides counselling and
resources for the college community. The Coordinator facilitates
the integration of Careers Education into the curriculum and provides
links between school, higher education, TAFE, Vocational Education
and Training (VET), part time apprenticeships and employment. Some
of these links are provided via the MIPs (Managed Individual Pathways)
program. Students can access and borrow information and resources
on work and careers from the well-equipped Careers Room, located
on Level 3.
A Work Experience program
will be offered in 2006 to Year 10 students; this usually includes
a work experience placement in Term 2.
- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
COORDINATOR
The Equal Opportunity Coordinator promotes policies and practices,
which aim to ensure qual opportunity for all students regardless
of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic
status or ability, in all aspects of school life. If you would like
a copy of the policy or believe there has been any breach of the
Equal Opportunity guidelines, please contact the coordinator.
- CAMP
The College owns a camp at Mirrimbah. This is located on approximately
one hectare, 34 km east of Mansfield in close proximity to Mt. Buller
and Mt. Stirling. The camp is available for hire. Facilities include
accommodation for up to 30, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room
and recreation room. There are two small houses on the site, which
are available for hire. Contact Brian Pender on 9389 0600 for details.
- HOME GROUP
MEETINGS
All students (Years 7 – 12) belong to a Home Group. Each Home
Group meets its teachers every Tuesday for about twenty minutes.
Administrative and pastoral issues are addressed in these meetings.
The College’s house system is also based on Home Groups.
- STUDENT
FORUM
The Student Forum is the body
that gives students a say in the running of the College. Students
are warmly invited to take part in student activities. They can
discuss this with their Home Group teacher. There is a Student Forum
at each year level.
- DRESS
CODE
The College encourages students
to make responsible choice regarding dress and personal appearance.
The following guidelines should assist students to make these choices.
All clothing, footwear and accessories:
must be appropriate for all normal school activities
must not constitute a health or safety risk (i.e. no thongs)
must not be potentially offensive to other members of the College
community.
For health and safety considerations, changes of clothing, or special
clothing may be required for particular classes or activities.
- HOMEWORK
Homework is set for all levels.
Homework can include assignments, wide reading, completion of work
started in class, revision and preparation for tests. Parents are
asked to encourage students, and to check that set homework is done.
Students are responsible for recording information detailing homework
in their Diary. Students work at different rates, but in general
they should expect to do homework or home study five times each
week; four week nights and one weekend session.
- INTERNET
USE
Students may use the Internet for Curriculum-based
research.
Students may browse on the Internet in the
Library during recess or lunchtime; restrictions apply.
Assessing or entering inappropriate
information on the Internet is in breach of the Student Code of
Conduct. If students use the Internet inappropriately they will
lose their Internet access immediately.
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PROCEDURES
- CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Students are expected to make themselves aware of the College Code
of Behaviour. Within each classroom, special rules in keeping with
the Code of Behaviour may apply.
- ATTENDANCE
Immediately after an absence, students are expected to present an
explanatory note from their parents/guardians to the Year Level
Coordinator. Where absences are known beforehand (e.g. a student
needing to be hospitalised), notice in advance would be appreciated.
Their Diary can be used for this purpose.
- STUDENT CARDS
Each year new students are issued with a Student (or ID) card. The
card is used for identification purposed, borrowing library books,
booking library computers, borrowing sports equipment and making
payments to the Bursar. Students should carry the card at all times.
- LEAVING CLASS
If students are out of class for any reason, they must have a note
in their Diary, signed by the classroom teacher and stating the
reason why they are out of class.
- EARLY DEPARTURES
The College has responsibility for all students during school hours.
Students need to bring a note to the General Office, signed by parent
or guardian and initialled by the Year Level Coordinator, if they
have to leave the College during school hours. Years 7 – 10
students must sign the Early Leavers’ section of the office
diary in the General Office before leaving.
VCE students leaving the College during the day to work at home
in a study period need to sign the VCE book, located in the General
Office.
- VCE STUDY
PERIODS
VCE students may use the VCE study area for quiet work, the Canteen
for discussion or the Library if there is room. If students leave
the College during study periods to work at home they must first
sign the VCE book in the General Office.
During study periods VCE students are to remain inside the buildings.
- USE OF BUILDING
AND GROUNDS
Classrooms and corridors are out of bounds outside class time except
under teacher supervision.
Students are asked to please care for furniture, equipment and the
buildings and use them appropriately.
Running, bouncing and throwing balls, etc. is permitted only outside
the College building. Football, soccer, or any other game that is
not suited to the small grounds of the College is to be played in
Princes Park.
The Canteen and the ‘conversation pit’ under the Level
1 stairs are the areas set aside for eating and drinking within
the building. No food or drink is permitted on Levels 2 or 3.
Students may only enter the General Office area or Staffrooms with
the permission of staff. If there is no member of staff present
in the staffroom, they are not allowed to enter.
The lift is ONLY to be used by students who have obtained a Lift
Key from the Assistant Principal. A deposit of $10.00 is required.
- FIRST AID
AND ILLNESS
If students feel unwell, it is best to stay home. If students become
unwell at school, they should report to their class teacher, Year
Level Coordinator or the General Office. If their teacher considers
that they should go home or have special medical treatment, arrangements
will be made. Every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians
for permission for students to be sent home because of illness.
The College cannot supply pain-relieving medicine. Make sure the
College has all relevant details if a student has a medical condition
that may affect their performance at school.
The College has a “Sun Smart”
policy – students remember to ‘SLIP, SLAP, SLOP’!
- CHANGE OF
ADDRESS AND EMERGENCY DETAILS
Please inform the College of any change to address and emergency
contact phone numbers. Changes are to be given directly to the staff
at the General Office and to the relevant Year Level Coordinator(s).
- EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES/EVACUATION DRILLS
A set of instructions to be followed is posted in every classroom.
These aim to allow each class to eave the building as quickly and
safely as possible in an emergency. Emergency procedure drills are
held regularly. When they occur, students are asked to treat the
evacuation, containment or other drill as if it were a real emergency
and follow the precise instructions of their teachers.
- LATE PASS
SYSTEM
Any student in Years 7, 8, 9 or 10 who is late to any class is required
to collect a Late Pass from the General Office and present it to
their classroom teacher. Continued lateness will be dealt with under
the college’s discipline procedures.
An attendance policy operates at Years 9, 10, 11 and 123. Details
are in the Middle
School and VCE Handbooks.
- USE OF THE
CANTEEN
The College has a Canteen for student and staff use. It is located
on Level 1. Students can order lunch before school or at recess.
Students must leave the Canteen at the first bell after recess or
lunchtime. VCE students can use the Canteen when they do not have
a timetabled class.
- LOCAL AREA
EXCURSIONS
Parents/guardians will be notified of any excursions students participate
in which fall into a zone called our “local area”. Such
excursions are usually within walking distance of the College, and
payment is not involved. The “local area” is bounded
by the South Bank Arts precinct to the south, Queens Parade to the
east, Royal Park to the west and Glenlyon Road (with a ‘bump’
to include CERES Environment Park) to the north.
- RIGHT OF APPEAL
If students wish to discuss a rule or its enforcement, or register
an appeal, they should see the Equal Opportunity Coordinator or
ask their Student Forum representatives to raise the issue.
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PROPERTY
- LOCKERS
All students in Years 7 to 12 are required to hire a locker and
a college padlock. Books are to be selected for both periods between
breaks and bags must be left in lockers. Students are entirely responsible
for keeping their locker combination secret. If they think anyone
else knows their number, they should report immediately to the Locker
Teacher.
At the end of the school year, students clear their locker and return
the lock to the Locker Teacher. A locker in their new area will
be issued at the start of the following year.
NOTE: No responsibility can be taken for items left in lockers at
the end of a school year.
- LOST PROPERTY
If students lose any of their belongings, they should report the
loss to the General Office during recess or lunchtime or to their
Home Group teacher. It is important however, for students to be
responsible for their own property. All books and other items, including
clothing, should be clearly named.
Lost property is stored in the General Office. Unclaimed clothing
is given to a charitable organisation at the end of each term.
- PROPERTY GIVEN
TO STAFF FOR SAFE KEEPING
If students choose to ask staff to mind property, every care will
be taken but staff cannot be held accountable for its safety. It
is in students’ interest not to bring items that may require
looking after.
- RIGHT TO CONDUCT
A SEARCH
Remember that the Principal (or his designated representative) has
the right to search a student’s bag or locker if he believes
it contains items that may harm the student or other members of
the College community.
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EXTRA
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Student Forum (one operates at each year
level)
- Debating (DAV Competition)
- Lunchtime Sport
- School or Interschool Sports team
- Talent Quest (e.g. Princes Hill Idol. Dance
Offs)
- Computer Club
- Science Club
- Textiles Club
- Library
- Chess Club
- Peer Support Training and activities
- Fund Raising (e.g. sausage sizzles)
- Music – performances, groups, events
- Drama – performances, at lunchtime,
at night
- Community Visits (e.g. to PHPS, aged care
institutions)
- Leadership Training (e.g. program run by
Yarra Council)
- Sustainability Events (e.g. tree planting,
competitions)
- Other Competitions (e.g. Writers' Comp,
Maths, Science & Language Comps)
- Excursions
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COST TO STUDENTS AND FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
- CONTRIBUTIONS
For many years, the educational allowances paid to the College have
fallen far short of covering the cost of essential classroom materials
for students. We therefore require contributions from parents/guardians
to maintain a quality education.
At the end of each year, the College Council issues a Contribution
Sheet. Payment is requested in the early week s of February. If,
for any reason, there is a difficulty paying this account, contact
the Bursar.
- BOOKLISTS
Booklists are issued near the end of each year so that most books
are available before the first week of school. Obtain second-hand
books where possible. Second hand books sales are held during December
each year (refer to the Calendar).
- SPECIAL COSTS
Students undertaking some activities, e.g. some excursions, camps
and some arts and technology studies, may be asked to bring money
to cover travel, entrance costs or special items and materials.
If any request for money is hard to meet, discuss it with the Student
Welfare Coordinator or the Bursar.
- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Some students in post primary schools
are eligible for financial assistance. For students up to the age
of 16 year, this is called the EMA.
Families who qualify for this assistance are those who depend on
social service benefits, or persons who hold Pensioner Health Benefit
and Concession Cards, or Health Care Cards.
The EMA is paid to the parents/guardians of the student. Applications
are made in February each year. Application forms are available
form the General Office.
Youth
Allowance
The ‘Youth Allowance’ assists
students from low to middle income families. It is based on the
amount a student or their family earns.
The ‘Youth Allowance’ is for full-time students aged
16 to 24. This payment is sent by electronic transfer into a nominated
bank account. Application forms are available from Centrelink offices
and the Student Welfare Coordinator.
- MAKING PAYMENTS
Parents/guardians are sometimes asked to pay for some excursions,
camps and additional curriculum-related activities. Students hand
in College Payment Envelopes to the General Office. They give permission
slips to the teacher organising the event.
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COLLEGE
RULES AND CONSEQUENCES AS RELATED TO THE CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
The following information is intended to
help implement the PHSC Code of Behaviour. Further information is
to be found in the College Charter; copies are available from the
General Office. The rules outlined in this code operate within state
and federal legislation.
Princes Hill Secondary College expects that
students will:
- follow teachers’ instructions
- have high expectations that students can learn
- have the opportunity to show leadership
- have the opportunity to participate in extra
curricular activities
- be involved in the Home Group and House systems
- participate in and/or support the Student Forum
- be punctual
- not tease or mock other students
- not behave in a deliberately disruptive manner
- refrain from talking when the teacher or designated
student is talking
- accept responsibility for learning by listening
- participate willingly in group work and other
classroom activities
- complete set work and homework on time
- bring appropriate equipment to class
- be considerate, inclusive and supportive of others.
In addition, each student has responsibilities
as a member of the College community. The College has more detailed
policies about specific behaviour; copies are available on request.
The examples below are just
that ….. examples. There are obviously others. Students are
asked to please keep the general principles in mind and use their
common sense. If any of the responsibilities below are breached repeatedly
or seriously, the College’s discipline procedures will be applied.
In general, ‘consequences’ may include detention, at school
or “in house” suspension, then full suspension. After
a number of days of suspension in one year, an enrolment review will
be held.
| RESPONSIBILITIES |
CONSEQUENCES OF DEFAULT |
| Freedom
of Expression |
- The College encourages the expression
of a student’s opinions unless they are perceived to
be racist, defamatory or sexist, to threaten the harmony of
the college or otherwise contravene equal opportunity legislation.
|
Discussion, warning, apology if appropriate.
Possible referral to the Home Group (HG) teacher, equal Opportunity
Coordinator (EOC) r Year Level Coordinator (YLC). Parents/guardians
may be notified. |
| Property
and Privacy |
- Students look after their own property
and use their locker.
Example: keep their bag in their locker, name all books
and clothing, and avoid storing money or valuables in their
locker.
|
Bags may be confiscated.
Unclaimed clothing and other items are stored in the General Office.
NOTE: The College cannot be responsible
for missing bags or personal items. |
- Respect others’
property
Example: avoid theft of personal items, padlock combinations;
avoid use of others’ property, improper use of lockers,
interference with other students’ bags.
|
Theft: compensation, withdrawal of privileges,
police called if necessary. (If police are involved parents/guardians
must be contacted.) |
- Use computers
appropriately.
Example: avoid breaching the Internet Code of accessing
files belonging to other students or teachers.
|
Loss of computer/Internet access: first
offence – 24 hours, second offence – one week, third
offence – rest of term. The nature of the misuse may lead
to detention, “in house” suspension or full suspension.
YLC and parents/guardians may be involved. |
- Respect the privacy
of others
Example: avoid accessing school records or computer
files or damaging the reputation of other students and/or
teachers.
|
Referral to YLC, EOC and/or SWC, compensation
if appropriate, parents/guardians contacted. |
- Care for the school environment.
Example: avoid entering private property, sitting
on fences or cars, allowing balls or rubbish to enter private
property; avoid eating, drinking or chewing gum in any classroom
or corridor; avoid dropping litter; avoid football games near
school buildings.
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Littering or graffiti: clean up wider
area.
Vandalism: compensation, community service.
Referral to YLC, Assistant Principal (AP) and parents/guardians
where appropriate.
Safety |
| Safety |
- Keep within College boundaries.
Example: stay within the boundaries shown on the
map in the Student Diary; ALL lanes are out of bounds; use
footpaths only for access, not for sitting or p laying; avoid
areas set aside for particular year levels/groups; use fire
escape stairs ONLY in a fire drill or real emergency.
|
Out of bounds: parents/guardians notified,
withdrawal of privileges, restriction to particular areas. Discipline
procedures invoked.
NOTE: The Arnold Street shop is only
available before 8.30 am, after 3.05 pm or at recess and lunchtimes
until the first bell. This applies 5 days a week and to students
in ALL year levels. |
- Avoid contact with outsiders.
Example: talking to or being with those talking to
ex-students, strangers or unauthorised visitors to the College.
(Authorised visitors have been introduced to an AP and display
a visitor’s pass.)
|
Students will be asked to move away from
outsiders. The usual consequences will apply if such a request
is refused. Police may be called. |
- Keep other students safe.
Example: act in a way that protects others, avoid
fights or disturbances, inform college staff of possible danger;
use public transport safely; act appropriately between home
and school; obey road rules; wear a helmet if you ride a bike
to school.
|
Discussion with HG teacher and YLC, referral
to SWC; disciplinary action may follow; parents/guardians may
be involved. |
- Follow the College dress
code.
Example: observe safety conditions that apply in
certain classes (e.g. Science, PE, Technology Studies); wear
clothing and accessories that will not cause offence; wear
safe footwear (no thongs).
|
Discussion with HG teacher and classroom
teacher; referral to YC where appropriate. Students may be asked
to remove/cover an item of clothing or accessories. Students may
be sent home if they are not wearing shoes. Parents/guardians
may be involved. |
- Behave in a safe manner
in school buildings and grounds.
Example: refraining from smoking or use of other
dangerous or illegal substances; not having headphones, MP3
players, CD players, laser lights, mobile phones etc in
sight or switched on inside the school buildings; locking
up skateboards and bikes between 8.30 am and 3.05 pm; being
on time to all classes.
NOTE: skateboards and bikes are
kept at school at the student’s own risk. The College
cannot be responsible for theft or damage to these items.
|
Smoking: name records; parents notified;
repeated offences will result in the student’s participation
in a Quit (or similar) program, and the school’s discipline
procedures will be invoked.
Dangerous materials will be confiscated: some items can only be
returned to a parent/guardian.
Breach of rules re mobile phones, headphones etc. will result
in confiscation of the item: first offence – till the end
of the next school day; second offence – one week; third
offence – rest of term.
NOTE: No responsibility can be taken
for items not collected after three months. |
- Avoid harassing, excluding,
humiliating or physically mistreating others.
Example: no verbal harassment
or bullying, no fighting or violent behaviour.
|
Discussion, warning, apology if appropriate.
Referral to HG teacher, EOC, SWC or YLC as appropriate. Disciplinary
action where necessary. Contact with parents/guardians where appropriate.
Police may also be contacted. |
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COLLEGE BOUNDARIES
- College boundaries are indicated by the
heavy black lines on the map below.
- Footpaths are only to be used to get to
and from the school buildings and the park, not as playing or seating
places.
- ALL lanes are out of bounds.
- All students stay within these boundaries
form 8.30 am to 3.05 pm.
- The park is only for use at recess and
lunchtime, unless students are accompanied by a teacher.
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