Welcome back to School

It is wonderful to finally have all students and staff back on the College grounds and in classrooms after our long periods of lockdown. We hope that with increasing vaccinations in the community, this will be the last lockdown we need to navigate.

The Parents’ Club provided all students with an unexpected treat of hot chips on their first day back (Friday, 22nd October). The staff also organised for each student a cookie and balloon on Friday, 29th October, to further welcome students back.

VCE Exams Commence

Wednesday, 27th October, saw the commencement of VCE exams at the College, with our Year 12 students sitting their English exam (3 hours, 15 minutes). Students will have exams for each of their subjects over the next three weeks, with the last exams finishing on the 17^th November. Exams will be undertaken in the school’s ILC during this period, meaning other classes will be moved. Students also need to keep away from the ILC during the day, during this exam period. We wish our Year 12 students all the best with their final assessments.

COVID-19 Requirements On-Site

When on-site, all staff and students are required to have a mask, engage in social distancing and be using hand sanitiser in and out of the classroom. Students need to make sure they have their correct equipment for classes, including laptops, textbooks, workbooks and stationery.

Melbourne Cup Holiday

Next Tuesday (2^nd November) is the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday; students are not required at school on this day. Monday 1^st November is a usual school day and students are required to attend.

School Uniform & Sun Smart Hats

When at the College, students need to ensure that they are wearing full school uniform. During Term 4, this includes a sun-smart hat, which needs to be worn when outside. Students who are out of uniform should have a parent note and need to get a uniform pass from the Assistant Principal at the start of the day.

World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day was held this year on Friday, 29^th October. A morning tea was organised to recognise the dedication they continue to display towards their work supporting students. We have been impressed with their willingness to go above and beyond, particularly over the past two years of the pandemic.  

Year 7 Transition

At this stage, we are planning for the Year 7 students for 2022 to have a Transition Day on Thursday 4^th of November. We look forward to welcoming our new students from both St. Patrick’s and the St. Arnaud Primary Schools.

Year 7 - 2022 Enrolments

Just a reminder, that if families have not received an enrolment pack, they are available at the General Office at the Secondary College. It would be greatly appreciated if enrolment packs with all required documentation could be returned as soon as possible.

Calvin Taylor & Russell Marland

Acting Principals

The GP's provide medical advice and health care to those students most in need. Currently every Tuesday, between 10am and 2pm at St. Arnaud Secondary College for students attending. Please contact Mrs. Chapman in advance for appointments.

The Doctors in Secondary Schools program provides primary health care services to 100 Victorian government secondary schools. The program funds a general practitioner (GP) and Practice Nurse (PN) to provide onsite primary care for students up to one day per week. Fit-for-purpose clinic consultation facilities have been installed onsite at all participating schools as part of the program. The initiative complements existing student wellbeing programs aimed at improving health literacy, and preventive health.

The Program is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) and implemented by Victoria’s six Primary Health Networks (PHNs). PHNs are supporting the GPs to be integrated with community-based primary care services to enable best-practice, patient-centred care.

It is up to you to involve your parent/s or support person, but we are happy to see you alone if you feel comfortable. Your confidentiality is of the upmost importance, as it is at all medical facilities.

If you are unable to come to school for a physical consult (such as experiencing a cough/cold; too unwell), we can have a telephone or telehealth consult if you have been seen in the clinic physically in the past 12 months.

Useful links

Headspace (https://headspace.org.au )

• Free phone, telehealth and face to face consults with mental health clinicians, who focus of those between 12 and 25 years of age.
• Useful information regarding things including mental health, relationships, life issues, health and wellbeing, alcohol and drugs and crisis help.

Family Planning Victoria (https://www.fpv.org.au/)

• A non-for-profit organisation with Victorian Government funding that provides information regarding areas including sexuality, relationships and contraception.
• Useful links, resources and fact sheets for a variety of topics.

Family Statements – Family Statements have been posted and emailed to families.  If you have not received your statement, please contact the General Office.

1:1 Notebook Program payment is now due and payable.

Edrolo Subscription payment is now due and payable.

Food Technology - due now for students undertaking Food Technology

Please support the College by making payment of outstanding accounts.

Contact the General Office for assistance if required, and for any enquiries regarding your account.

Parent Payment Arrangements and Options:

• Parents will be provided with early notification of annual payment requests and reasonable notice will be given for any other payment requests during the year (i.e., excursions, camps)
• The College offers Parents the option to make payment by instalments. Please contact Kerrie Swanton, Business Manager, to make these arrangements.
• Methods of payment are BPAY, EFTPOS, cash or cheque.
• Eligible families that receive Camps, Sport & Excursion Funds can allocate these funds for sports travel, camps and excursions only.
• The payment for Optional Items including camps and excursions must be paid by the specified due date prior to departure. Other payments for Optional Items including Food Technology must be paid in week 2 of each Term, or by negotiated instalments.

***When making payment via BPAY please note the receipt number on the returned permission slip.

All camps and excursions are required to be paid prior to attendance, unless payment plans have been approved.

Camps and Excursions Refund Policy:
https://www.starnaudsc.vic.edu.au/page/224/Policies

As the College cannot meet any shortfalls in funding for camps and excursions due to the subsequent non-participation of a student who had previously indicated attendance, costs already paid may be refunded in full or in part, or not at all, having regard to the associated expenses incurred, any refunds from the supplier, and the circumstances of the non-participation.     A refund will only be considered for accident, injury or illness.  

Business Manager – Kerrie Swanton

Student Administrator – Debbie Hancock

Office Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30pm

Phone 03 5495 1811

Email: st.arnaud.sc@education.vic.gov.au