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ACHIEVING EXCELLENCEMultiple Learning Pathways | Engaging Curriculum | Positive and Secure Learning Environment

Extensive Extracurricular Activities | Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL)

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Helping our new Year 7 students to feel happy and secure as they adjust to the greater complexity of secondary school begins with our Primary School Secondary Sampler Program. Year 5 and 6 students visit the school for cultural, sporting, science and technology experiences and, of course, Orientation Day in December.

These positive experiences help primary students to quickly form new friendships at the school, broaden their horizons, meet future teachers and build the confidence they will need to feel welcome on commencement at Fairhills.

A CONFIDENT START

Year 7 students experience the personal care of a Home Group Tutor who takes them for at least one subject. A compact team of subject teachers, an orientation camp and the peer support of older children enable our juniors to quickly develop positive relations with teaching staff and each other.

This process is markedly assisted by a specialist pastoral support team consisting of a student wellbeing

coordinator, year level coordinators, a chaplain, a social worker, a psychologist and a Sub-school Manager. Fairhills has an effective anti-bullying policy and provides Year 7 students with their own designated Home Group room, toilet block and courtyard to foster a feeling of security and a sense of belonging.

Parent focus groups and feedback from feeder primary schools have indicated six important expectations parents have of their chosen Secondary School.

• Personalised and effective teaching and learning

• A safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment

• Pleasant, respectful and helpful staff

• A wide variety of subject choices and co-curricular activities

• Effective student wellbeing and discipline procedures

• Attractive and well maintained facilities

At Fairhills we value and take pride in our achievements in each of these six areas.

A SEAMLESS AND ENJOYABLE TRANSITION

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PROFESSIONAL PRIDE

Fairhills is fortunate to have an outstanding teaching staff, many of whom have outside professional responsibilities and have received awards. The School Principal is Vice President of the Principals’ Association and a Fellow of the Australian College of Education.

Fairhills has had at various times, teachers who have been finalists in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards, written educational articles for the Age, leaders in the Science Teachers Association, Subject Reviewers for VCAA and have won awards for Outstanding Achievements in Sport and the Performing Arts.

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES

FACILITIESOUR SCHOOL

Built on the site of an apple orchard, Fairhills High School has an attractive campus overlooking a lake to the West, pleasant bike paths and waterways to the North and views of the Dandenongs to the East. The buildings are attractive, functional and well maintained, surrounded by pleasant garden courtyards, extensive playing fields and some open woodland affectionately known as ‘Snake Gully’.

Located in Scoresby Road near Burwood Highway we are serviced by several bus routes and are in close proximity to the Commercial and Civic centres of the City of Knox.

SPECIALIST FACILITIES

At Fairhills we have an Information Technology laboratory, a well- equipped Visual Arts centre, a music complex, a specialist science facility with five laboratories, a computerised Library Resource Centre, a Learning Resource Centre for special programs, a Sports Stadium, sports ovals and a Performing Arts Centre. The School has a master plan to build a new VCE Centre, a Japanese style Administration complex, and an upgrading of the Performing Arts Centre to include a Theatre. Our Science complex will also be extended to include related technology rooms. KIOSC, our second campus (shared with the other Knox schools) provides state-of-the-art technology facilities

Expectations for our students are high at Fairhills. We firmly believe that every girl and boy can experience success and go on to graduate as a responsible, resilient and confident young adult, well prepared to take charge of their future and to become a productive member of the community.

Our programs at Fairhills are stimulating, rewarding and forward looking. They focus on holistic student development by embracing academic progress, the building of character, self determination, social skills and leadership ability.

A rich array of co-curricular activities provides many opportunities for personal growth.

The School is committed to excellence in all things. We have a strong code of conduct, firm structures and clear expectations. We foster and develop exemplary values of self discipline, initiative, trust, tolerance and respect for self and others.

We are proud of our students at Fairhills High School – they graduate well prepared for the world beyond school, tertiary study, vocational training and direct employment.

KIOSC - Our second campus in partnership with Swinburne University and local Knox Secondary Schools.

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INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Fairhills is one of the few schools that provide opportunity for some students to study two languages, Japanese and German, throughout their studies from Years 7 to 12. Other students can choose to study one or the other. Language is a core subject to year 10. Students are strongly encouraged to continue with their language in Years 11 and 12 to become eligible for the Victorian Baccalaureate.

Fairhills has sister schools in Ludwigshafen Germany, Fukuyama, Hiroshima Japan, Pusan South Korea and China.

There are regular reciprocal exchange trips to Japan (with KSKK) and Germany and low cost individual overseas study opportunities (short and long-term) at any of the sister schools. Study tours are also run to the USA and a South-Eastern Asian country (e.g. Thailand).

Our cultural enrichment is further enhanced by our Department accreditation to accept overseas students from a variety of countries including Japan, Germany, South America, USA, Vietnam and China.

At Fairhills High School, meeting the emotional and social needs of our students is of utmost importance. We pride ourselves on providing all our students with the care and support they need to complete their education.

We aim to build resilience through a whole school approach model, which consists of positive teacher-student relationships and our pastoral care program. Pastoral care is incorporated into the classroom and through specific targeted programs to address issues such as peer relationships, bullying and positive use of social media, as well as a range of other issues related to young people.

The Wellbeing centre is the hub of wellbeing at Fairhills, which provides a safe and comfortable space for students to take a break or access the support they need. We provide a range of counselling services and expert advice to students, families and the school community through our full time Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator and school chaplain.

STUDENT WELLBEING

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STEM ACADEMY

Fairhills is a designated Specialist STEM Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) within the Knox Network of Schools. Our goal over several years is to develop an integrated approach to the teaching and learning of Science within a technological context.

We believe that this is the way of the future, bringing into the curriculum real-life relevance, hands on activity and career focused curriculum options including nanotechnology, medicine, materials, systems, environmental sustainability, electronics, climatology and ICT.

Fairhills is a member school of KIOSC (Knox Innovation, Opportunity, and Sustainability Centre) and shares with the other Knox Secondary Schools, an $11M state-of-the-art Technology Training Complex as a second campus in the grounds of Swinburne University in Wantirna. Students from Years 7-12 visit the campus to undertake specialist programs using facilities and equipment not normally available in schools.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – STEM is the fastest emerging area today! Job opportunities in STEM fields are growing enormously. At Fairhills we recognise this and have developed a STEM Academy to promote this area and provide an abundance of STEM opportunities for our students. Our program challenges and engages students interested in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Fairhills High School has a rich Science, Technology and Mathematics curriculum which all students experience. We offer a broad range of interesting subjects and activities that are tailored to support and enhance the Science, Maths and Technology disciplines within the National Curriculum through research, practical application and experimentation. This core curriculum is enhanced by the STEM Academy, giving students additional, in-depth opportunities to be involved in special STEM activities.

Fairhills places a high emphasis on learning concepts through hands on experimentation, where our science and technology classes are rich in practical experiences with students learning concepts whilst gaining valuable skills.

Classes regularly use the state of the art facilities at our second campus at KIOSC, where they use cutting edge technologies such as Robotics, 3D Design and Printing, Virtual Reality Ocular experiences and the latest of laboratory equipment. Many of our senior students also undertake vocational training in Laboratory Skills and other technology subjects.

Emerging new science subjects such as Frontiers of Physics, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, and Mathematical Logic2Magic are offered in a virtual classroom setting in collaboration with John Monash Science School and Monash University.

ACADEMY PROGRAMS

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PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

Fairhills has a designated Specialist Performing Arts Academy within the Knox Network of schools. For over a decade, Fairhills consistently performed at the highest level in the Rock Eisteddfod winning a first place in the highest division five times. We have now transferred this expertise and commitment into our annual Musical Production.

Students are introduced to Theatre Studies, Drama, Dance and Music in Year 7 and can continue through to Year 12.

Fairhills has an extensive instrumental music program which includes various musical ensembles, several of which perform publicly. Each year Fairhills presents a range of performances, including semester concerts, primary school visits, a Performing Arts Festival, a Solo Performance Drama evening and DanceFair (an interschool Dance competition) to encourage student participation and develop their performing talents.

Within the Performing Arts Academy of Fairhills High School we offer a wide range of opportunities for students to discover and enhance their love of the Performing Arts. With a focus on Dance, Theatre Studies and Music, students have many opportunities to be involved within our curriculum and extra curriculum based activities. Our teachers are industry professionals who each have extensive experience in their respective areas.

The Performing Arts Academy program is available to all students who wish to undertake a fully-integrated academic and Performing arts specialization offering students an unique range of opportunities.

The Academy is open to students from Years 7 to 12 and offers pathways in Music, Dance, Theatre, Drama and Visual Art. All members of the student population can apply for and will be accepted into the academy.

EXTRA CURRICULUM PERFORMING ARTS

Each year our students are offered a range of opportunities that they can participate in, the biggest of which is our annual Musical Production. With the successes of “Hairspray: The Musical” in 2013, “Grease: The Musical” in 2014, “Footloose” in 2015, and most recently “The Adams Family” in 2016, our Production involves more than 80 students onstage and backstage each year. Other opportunities include participating in the Victorian School Spectacular as a mass dancer or instrumentalist, participating in our cheerleading course and dancing in our annual DanceFair dance competition. Each year our students are given the opportunity to better understand the performing arts by viewing live professional shows. Recently we have seen “Strictly Ballroom”, “Dirty Dancing” and “The Lion King”.

DANCE

Students start to learn the basics of Dance in Year 7 Performing Arts and can then take Dance as an elective from Year 9 onwards. Fairhills offers both VCE Dance and VET Dance (Cert II in Dance) for those with a love of Dance in their senior years of schooling. All Dance courses are practical courses in a range of styles that are industry relevant and exciting.

THEATRE STUDIES

Students begin to learn the basics of how the theatre works in Year 7 Performing Arts which includes acting and directing through to technical production. These skills can transfer all the way through to VCE Theatre Studies. The Fairhills Theatre Studies courses are linked with viewing new and exciting theatre productions, giving students the opportunities to witness live professional theatre.

MUSIC

Classroom Music is offered from Year 7 right through to VCE, and concentrates on students learning the practical and theoretical concepts of music performance on a range of different instruments. The classroom music courses are complemented by our instrumental Music Program. Experienced Instrumental Tutors teach a range of stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to our students on an individual and small group basis. Vocal tuition is also available and we have a range of instruments available in our hire program.

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BASKETBALL ACADEMY

Fairhills High School offers students the opportunity to join our Basketball Academy, from Year 7. The Basketball academy is run in conjunction with a normal academic Year 7 program but offers students an additional two sessions a week of intense training and skills development in Basketball. Once during period 4 on a Wednesday and at least one lunchtime a week.

Our Basketball Academy is located in our state-of-the-art double court stadium developed in conjunction with the Knox Basketball Association. This school/community cooperative offers students a unique opportunity to combine academic studies with specialised sports training and skills development under the direction of an outstanding team of teachers and coaches.

On a weekly basis, students in our Basketball Academy will develop their individual skills and team skills so that we can enter teams in Term 2, in the Victorian College Championships, in term 3 in our Sports District and then at the end of term 4 at the National Schools Competition.

The benefits of joining the Basketball Academy are wide and varied. Students will have the opportunity to develop their individual skills within a supportive environment where it is ‘ok’ to make mistakes. They will be able to develop their skills with like-minded students and form teams that will have the opportunity to compete in several competitions. Research shows that students who are physically active and pursue sporting interests are also more disciplined and focused students in their other school activities.

This is also a good place to introduce Leadership, Sportsmanship, Working in Teams, Diversity in Learning and Pathway Opportunities – like Umpiring and Coaching, maybe eventually studying and playing in the USA.

The program is available to all students whether beginners or experienced. The emphasis is on skill development.

Mr Andrew Potter is the Director and Head Coach of the Basketball Academy. With more than 30 years basketball experience including being an Assistant Coach at the NBL, WNBL levels, Head Coach of a SEABL program, long time Junior Coach with the Frankston Blues Association, works with Basketball Victoria in developing current and future Australian players, Assistant Coach to the National Championship winning Victorian Under 20 Women’s Team 2014 and Head Coach of the 18 and Under Women’s Victorian Schools team 2015 and 2016.

Andrew also has access to many like-minded coaches who assist in developing and coaching groups as needed.

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ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

At Fairhills we also have an Enhanced Learning class which complements the SEAL Program. It is designed for those students who don’t quite meet the requirements necessary for SEAL but none-the-less are capable students well able to work at a faster rate.

It has a similar accelerated structure to the SEAL Program but the depth of the work is set in between the SEAL class and the normal Mainstream classes.

All the same SEAL benefits of acceleration are available particularly the increased challenge and depth in the junior school and the increased breadth of the three year VCE.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

SEAL Select Entry, Accelerated Learning

Students whose families wish them to enter the Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program will participate in a selection process. This includes:

• A Learning Aptitude Test

• A reference from the student’s Primary School

• An interview at Fairhills High School with the student and their parents

• A portfolio of student work

Enhancement Program

Applicants for the SEAL program will automatically be considered for the Enhancement Program.

Application brochures can be obtained by phoning the school on 9758 5022.

SEAL PROGRAM

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program is a state-wide program enabling gifted and talented students to accelerate and enhance their learning. Fairhills is the only Department accredited SEAL school for the Knox Area.

The Fairhills High School Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) class is specifically designed for students who are genuinely strong across all academic areas and who want to be challenged. These students are already performing (and are capable of continuing to perform) in the top 10 to 15% of a mixed ability class. Our selection process will allow us to assess the suitability of your child.

Students selected for the SEAL Program are provided with work which enriches their studies and extends them personally. Classroom work involves the study of more complex and abstract concepts with a greater emphasis placed on high level thinking skills, independent learning and problem solving.

It actively encourages students to develop creative thinking, research and problem solving skills which will provide an excellent foundation for their VCE years and beyond.

Curriculum acceleration enables students to move through a normal Year 7-10 curriculum at a faster rate as well as in greater depth. At Fairhills students are able to complete their six years of secondary schooling with a much broader VCE experience spread over three rather than two years.

Prospective students are required to undertake an entrance examination, provide references from their primary school and participate in a panel interview. A faster paced curriculum is offered which provides greater depth and encourages the study of more abstract ideas.

The philosophy of Accelerated Learning is to provide high ability/faster working students with an environment that allows them to fulfil their full academic and social potential.

We believe that this outcome is best achieved by starting the students together in a single cohort within a uniformly accelerated curriculum, rather than by accelerating them only in some subjects or by providing enrichment activities that augment a standard secondary school curriculum.

At Fairhills, Accelerated students complete the normal Years 7 to 9 curriculum in two years as a separate class. They then join with other students in the comprehensive Year 10 elective program (but remain together for pastoral care tutorials) in preparation for their VCE which is then spread over their final three years.

For example, a straight Maths/Science VCE student can also study other subjects such as Music, Language, Art, Literature or Technology, gain a valuable insight into their anticipated careers through our many work related VET options as well as completing a first year university subject of their choice. Some students build in an overseas study year to their three year VCE. This arrangement helps students to gain higher ATAR scores and prepare for a wider range of future studies including double Degrees.

Two levels of Acceleration are available:

ACCELERATED LEARNING

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Fairhills High School has a comprehensive computer network with cable and wireless access.

• Electronic Whiteboards or LCD screens in most classrooms

• Twelve networked PCs are located in the Library

1:1 COMPUTER PROGRAM

Fairhills High School began its 1:1 computer program in 2011 by providing a comprehensive computer package for parents. Students in all year levels have a notebook computer, which are used in class to further enhance student learning. It also allows students to enhance their technology skills.

Fairhills introduced the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) computer as an alternate option in 2015. Students are able to bring their own notebook to school, on which they can access the school internet.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

We have technicians on site each day of the week. Students can see the technicians at recess or lunchtime for help with their school device.

SCHOOL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Fairhills High School utilises the web-based portal of Compass. This portal is accessible on any portable device and has a free app for mobile phones.

Staff utilise this portal for

• Marking attendance

• Uploading assessment tasks and grades

• Making announcements to students/parents

• Communication with parents via its email facilities.

Students are able to access

• Their weekly timetable

• View, download and submit completed tasks electronically

• Additional resources through the portal.

We hope that parents will help support the use of Compass for

• Effective communication with your child’s classroom teachers, coordinators and school administration

• Monitoring of student attendance

• Monitoring your student’s progress in the subjects, they are studying.

LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

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ENGAGEMENT & PREPAREDNESS

Fairhills has been most pro-active in developing a range of up-to-date and effective strategies for enhancing teaching and learning in the Middle Years. These strategies build on the ‘middle schooling’ approaches introduced to Years 5 & 6 in our feeder primaries and are based on the research which underpins various Department of Education strategies including the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PoLT), the Australian Curriculum, its General Competencies, and the newly developed instructional model for effective Teaching and Learning.

Fairhills emphasises the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy enhanced by the use of learning technologies and higher order thinking approaches across all subjects in the curriculum. Teachers employ engagement strategies which actively involve students in their own learning, provide them with more responsibility and more closely relate their learning to real life experiences. Good study habits, regular homework and pride in achievement are encouraged, expected, rewarded and celebrated.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

An exciting and extensive Independent Learning Program (ILP) provides co-curricular opportunities both in school and in the community to cater for Years 7-9 students’ individual interests, abilities, personal development and emerging career pathways.

An innovative and highly valued 21st Century Global Classroom program at Year 9 integrates Geography, History, current events, social issues and personal development. Students form task forces to develop and implement various projects with the specialised assistance of volunteer mentors. The program includes a camp and an optional Overseas Aid study tour to a South-Eastern Asian country. It receives special Department funding to cover related costs and is very effective in increasing the engagement of students in their learning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AT FAIRHILLS

YEARS 7-9

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Pastoral Care Year 7-9

Year Level assembly once a week for 15mins

Each period is 75 minutes duration

SUBJECT YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9

Maths 3 periods 3 periods 3 periods

English 3 periods 3 periods 3 periods

Science 2 periods 3 periods 2 periods

Humanities / Global Classroom 2 periods 2 periods 3 periods

Health and Physical Education 2 periods 2 periods 3 periods

Language

• Japanese

• German

• Literacy Development (Bridge)

3 periods 2 periods 2 periods

Arts

• Performing Arts / Theatre Studies

• Music / Dance

• Art / Studio Art

• Food Technology

• Visual Communication

3 periods 3 periods 3 periods

Home Group Tutorial 1 period 1 period 1 period

Independent Learning Program (ILP)

(cocurricula activities)1 period 1 period 1 period

TOTAL PER WEEK 20 20 20

Basketball Academy (optional) 2 periods 2 periods 3 periods

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LEADERSHIP

Student leadership is an integral part of our school culture. An active leadership program includes a junior and senior Student Representative Council, a team of 10 School Leaders, Peer Support, Cross Age Tutoring, student representatives on School Council, public speaking opportunities, sports captains and coaches and student participation in Assemblies.

Fairhills is proud to participate successfully in public speaking programs, Inter-school Debating and Australian subject competitions including English, Mathematics and Science.

Academic rigour, initiative and self discipline are central to life in senior school. A strong work ethic and a focus on our motto of ‘Achieving Excellence’ brings students, teachers and parents together as teams which work to maintain and further enhance our consistent VCE and VCAL successes and our high levels of placement in University, TAFE and Apprenticeship courses.

SENIOR SCHOOL AT FAIRHILLS

YEARS 10-12

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SENIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Pastoral Care Year 10-12.

15min Level assembly each week and one tutorial period each week

YEAR 10 (VCE preparation) YEAR 11 & 12 (VCE)

English

• English

• EAL

English

• English

• Literature

• EAL

Maths

• General Maths (Further)

• Maths Methods

• Foundation Maths

Maths

• Specialist Maths (VLNW)

• General Maths (Methods or Further Options)

• Maths Methods

• Further Maths

Science

• General Science

• Biology/Psychology

• Chemistry/Physics

• Applied Science

Science

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Psychology

Humanities / Business

• Commerce

• Geography

• History

• Digital Technology

Humanities / Business

• History: The Twentieth Century

• History: Australian History

• Geography

• Business Management

• Legal Studies

Language

• Japanese

• German

Language

• Japanese

• German

Health and Physical Education

• Sport and Fitness

• Basketball

• Health/PE

Health and Physical Education

• Outdoor & Environmental Studies

• Physical Education

• Health & Human Development

Arts

• Dance

• Food Technology

• Studio Art

• Theatre Studies

• Visual Communication

• Music

Arts

• Food Technology

• Studio Arts

• Visual Communication and Design

• Music Performance

• Theatre Studies

Foundation VCAL (at MDLC) Intermediate and Senior VCAL

VET (Wednesday) A range of over 40 VETs to choose from through the Mullum VET Cluster. These are available for both VCE and VCAL students.

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Fairhills participates in a wide range of sports, achieving some excellent results at Zone, Regional, State and National levels.

Summer Sports include Cricket, Volleyball, Tennis, Softball, Baseball, and Athletics. Winter Sports include Football, Soccer, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Table Tennis, Athletics, Cross Country, Indoor Soccer and Skiing.

We have won State and National awards in Baseball, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Athletics, Girls Soccer and Girls Football. The School has an outstanding Outdoor Education program and participates in bicycle tours, kayaking, surfing, caving, rock climbing, life saving and wind surfing.

Sport and PE are core subjects in Years 7 – 10 providing a wide range of sporting and recreational options which engender positive peer relations, self esteem, team work, school spirit and unity.

SPORT & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

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CAMPS PROGRAM

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Year 12 Great Ocean Road Bike Tour

Activities:

Cycling (40km/day), Camping, Surf Lessons, Swimming, Bushwalking, Fishing, Star Gazing, Night Games, Surfworld Museum

Students study:

• The indigenous history of the area

• Uses of the environment

• Conflict of Interest over use of environment

Year 11 Wilson’s Prom Camp

Activities:

• Swimming, Surfing, Hiking, Camping, Cooking

• Students study:

• The history of whaling & sealing

• Strategies for looking after the environment

Y12 High Country Camp

Activities:

Horseriding, Abseiling, Camp fire games, Wood hunt, Night walk, Camping, Cooking

Students study:

• The history of the area

• Logging & gold mining in the area

• Cattle grazing

YEAR LEVEL CAMPS

Year 7 (Phillip Island)

Activities:

Flying Fox, Giant Swing, Archery, Human Foosball, Swimming, Beach Games, Wild Life Park, Amaze ‘n Things, Mini Golf, Visit to the Nobbies

Year 9 (Charnwood)

Activities:

Canoeing, Abseiling, Bike riding, Camp fire

INTERNATIONAL

Japanese & German Study Tours

Study tours enable students to experience language development, school visits, sightseeing, cultural experiences and reciprocal visits by our hosts.

Thailand Trip

On past Community Service trips students have been involved in Community Projects, worked in the local school in a small hill tribe community, embarked on a Trek in north eastern Thailand and worked in the slums alongside the Urban Neighbours of Hope.

For this trip students prepare & plan fundraising activities, learn about Thailand, its people and the country, walking the 1,000 steps to build up fitness and general team building activities. Fundraising involves the generous support from various community groups, businesses, school community and support of the parent group.

R espectPersistence

Persistence PersistenceInclusion

InclusionIntegrity

Integrity

ResponsibilityIntegrityR esponsibility

PersistenceInclusionR espect

FAIRHILLS HIGH SCHOOLScoresby Road, Knoxfield, Victoria 3180

Telephone +61 3 9758 5022 Facsimile +61 3 9752 2597

Email fairhills.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au www.fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Code 00861K

Course Code 019048F

Victorian Government Schools

OUR FAIRHILLS VALUES: