‘In Knowledge there is

Opportunity’

December 2015, Issue 11

2015 - A Year of Exceptional Achievement at Phoenix P-12

Community College

Acting Principal Report 2015 has been a year of considerable achievement for Phoenix P-12 Community College. The College Values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Cooperation and Excellence are the focal point for all of our student endeavours. The College Motto “In Knowledge there is Opportunity” continues to drive our high expectations and aspirations agenda. Our focus this year has very much been about consolidating our position as a benchmark school. The strength of our Student Learning Programs and the expansion both in the depth and breadth of Co-curricular Programs are the foundations for our vibrant school.

Across the course of the year there has been significant growth in the identity of the Ballarat South Learning Precinct. The Ballarat South Community Hub is now well established within the Ballarat Community. The Ballarat Neighbourhood Learning Centre and the Work Learning Centre have won funding extensions; together they provide a pivotal service across Ballarat for those adults who are seeking further training and also those who are transitioning to work.

The Phoenix P-12 Community College Kindergarten project is well underway. My visit recently to the Arkit Factory in Sunshine filled me with great excitement. The project is being constructed off-site with 11 substantial components. This innovative building project maximises construction time with minimal time lost due to the weather and reduces the environmental impact of onsite construction. This partnership with ECKA Ballarat will see the finalisation of this state-of-the-art, 66 place centre. At this stage the project is ahead of schedule and likely to be completed in April, 2016. Upon completion this project realises the birth to 90+ learning platform that is at the heart of the precinct vision.

The Ballarat Health Service Dental facility has been completed and is now servicing clients from across the Ballarat Region. This building represents a $9million construction and is the home for 20 dental teaching chairs. This building is a wonderful working example of how schools and community agencies can work together for the betterment of all members of the community. We have formulated a partnership with Ballarat Heath Services, which each year awards a scholarship to two Year 12 Phoenix P-12 Community College students, who are going to pursue a career in Health.

Construction of Stage 2 at the College saw the completion of two further Learning Villages and also the total refurbishment of the former Community Challenge building. This now means that all of the core learning spaces on the Sebastopol campus are truly 21st Century learning environments that fit with our high expectations agenda. It is true to say that our students

F1 in Schools State Champions

Team Plasma Strike: Sharon George, Samuel Ludbrook, Christopher Jowett, Aimee Stowe, Mitchell Collins and Joe Micallef (REA).

Team Momentum: Manning Worsley, Hudson Sharp, Jake Roberts, Kruiz Jenkins, Jordan Blake and Joe Micallef (REA).

can be both an exciting and stressful time for students. We encourage students to make full use of the support staff available at the College. There is a comprehensive team including Ms Cheryl Kennedy and our Senior School staff. It is important that students access the information they require to maximise their results and to ensure they are able to pursue the pathway they have dreamed of.

Week 10 of Term 4 continues to be a busy time. Our Middle School students depart for Queensland led by Ms Kylie Mayne. We wish our students and staff safe travels. We know they are going to have a stack of fun.

COLLEGE COUNCIL FINAL MEETING Members of the Council met for the final time for 2015. I would like to thank all of our Council members for their contribution over the course of the year. We have achieved a great deal this year and taken many steps in our journey of realising our intent of being a benchmark school. The Council team has played an important role in ensuring that core projects and partnerships have been delivered on time and in alignment with the Phoenix vision.

I would like to especially acknowledge the work and leadership of our Council President, Mr Jarrod Page. He continues to be a huge supporter of the school, giving countless hours to ensure that all of our projects have the very best chance of success.

Phoenix P-12 Community College Principal Position The recruitment process for the vacant Principal position has commenced, with the position being advertised 29/01/2016. I will continue as the appointed Acting Principal for Term 1, 2016 during the appointment process.

Mrs Karen Snibson Acting Principal

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT The Senior School year has now completed and each year level should be commended for their effort and results. The Years 10 and 11 orientation programs have been finalised and students will have holiday work to complete. This should be a priority if they want to set up 2016 as a successful year and will allow them to ‘hit the ground running’. Parents need to make sure they are aware of their children’s pathway choices and have discussed these with them and their House Manager if necessary. The decisions they have made for 2016 will have an impact on their chosen pathway and need to be based on good advice. Booklists are also ready to be handed in and in particular it is important to make sure students have their text books and equipment, such as the correct calculator. The school does not have a large supply of these and they are vital for success. VCE results will be in on 14th December and students will have access to the Senior School staff and Ms Kennedy when they arrive. Please ensure they utilise the

deserve to be inspired in exciting classrooms.

Planning for the $10 million Stage 3 development has been fast tracked!!! We have already completed the schematic design process and will enter the “prep” stage in early January. The Stage 3 building program will see the completion of a 250 seat auditorium and double gymnasium space; these will be key assets to the school and also the Ballarat South Community. In addition the project will see the development of an Innovative Middle Years 5-6 Learning Centre and Technology Centre. It is envisaged that construction will commence mid-2016 and the entire project completed at the end of 2017.

The BA@Phoenix The BA@ Phoenix continues to be an exciting learning innovation not only for Phoenix College and Ballarat students, it is the exemplar model for students across the State. There is no doubt that this innovative model of engaging students in tertiary education will be a model that shapes the future of tertiary learning for years to come.

CELEBRATION WEEK

As the year draws to a close as a school we have much to reflect upon and celebrate. The two premier celebrations of the year were held on 30th November and 1st December respectively, both at the Federation University Founders Hall. The Redan Campus Community Celebration showcased the talents of our primary aged children with a dance and song routine from each grade, based on the theme of Australiana. The Sebastopol Campus Presentation Evening showcased the academic achievements of students in the middle and latter years. Our key note Speaker, Mike Rolls, was incredibly inspiring. He challenged our thinking and pointed out that we all have the ability to persist, strive and aim for “Excellence” when faced with adversity. In addition to this Mike was able to reflect on his own life journey as a survivor of Meningococcal disease, with a sense of humour and dignity that we all found incredibly engaging.

Our Year 12 students have completed their exams and now their final results are less than a week away. This

resources on offer to change selections and seek advice. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Mr Andrew Greed SENIOR SCHOOL - Assistant Principal

MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT FINISHING STRONG IN TERM 4 It has been very pleasing to see the majority of students ensuing they continue to work hard in class and meet our high expectations. All Middle School students are expected to be in classes until Friday 11th December. The final week of school from Monday 14th—Thursday 17th is Activities Week, where students are invited to select from a variety of activities run by teachers to enjoy both in and outside the school. Timetables have been sent out and if you require more information or another form please contact the General Office.

YEAR 9 GRADUATION The Year 9 Graduation evening was a great success and I was really pleased to see how well the students conducted themselves that evening. It was wonderful to see the Year 9 students get dressed up and have a great night celebrating reaching the end of Middle school. I wish all of the Year 9 students every success as they face the exciting times ahead during their transition to Senior School.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP We said goodbye to two busloads of very excited and eager Middle School students and teachers about to experience a 26 hour bus trip up to the Gold Coast for Middle School Camp. They have many days of theme parks ahead of them to look forward to. No doubt all involved will have a fantastic time and have lots of great memories from this trip. We are looking forward to hearing all about how many times they went on the giant drop when the students return next week.

A TIME TO REFLECT End of year reports will soon be able to be accessed by parents and we would like to encourage students to ensure they take the time to read their report also. It is a good opportunity to sit down together and reflect on the great achievements you have had throughout the year as well as identifying areas you can set as goals to improve upon next year.

Mrs Deanne Joosten

F1 IN SCHOOLS STATE CHAMPIONS continued….

This year, students worked with dedication in the Professional Class “Team Momentum” and Development Class “Team Plasma Strike”. All team members represented themselves and the College with professionalism.

Team Momentum:

Awards won: Best Manufactured Car, Best Engineered CAD, Best Team Portfolio, Grand Prix Race Winners, Fastest Lap, Best Engineering, Best Managed Enterprise, Knock Out Champions and were named overall State Champions.

Team Plasma Strike:

Awards won: Best Engineered Car, Best Engineered CAD, Grand Prix Race winners, Fastest Lap and were also named overall State Champions.

Ms Elaine Rooney F1 Teacher

Service Award

Congratulations to Peter Luke for receiving a 10 year Service Award for his involvement in the interschool sports from the Victorian Schools Sports Association.

Well Done!

Peter Doherty Science Awards

The Peter Doherty Science Award is intended to

encourage excellence in scientific thought and

activity in State Secondary Colleges and the

community. Emiley Cody and Mary Greed had

found contrary evidence that both proved and

disproved the theory that if you pick up food within

five seconds of it hitting the floor, that it is safe to

eat and decided to investigate. This experiment won

them the award.

Congratulations Emiley and Mary!

Ms Sonia Kahanoff

Head of Science

FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER…..

WOW - the year has flown and here we are at the end of another productive, busy and successful year at Phoenix P-12 Community College.

Welcome to all families who have joined the Phoenix P-12 Community College community. I am sure you have all enjoyed a visit to the College for Orientation Day and Information sessions.

Please make sure you read the Newsletter each month to keep you informed about what is going on at the College.

ENROLMENT INFORMATION If you have recently enrolled your child at Phoenix and have any outstanding documents, such as Birth Certificate, Immunization Certificate or other family documents, please drop them in ASAP to ensure a smooth start to the new school year.

IMPORTANT - Help us keep our data accurate Please contact the General Office if you have any changes to your family contacts, emergency contacts, employment or family guardianship changes. We need to have current data to make sure we can contact you if required. If you have a new or recently changed email, please make sure you let us know. The monthly Newsletter and family accounts are emailed out to families, along with other vital information regarding the education of your child/children.

THE FINANCIALS My thanks to all those families who have diligently paid off their family educational costs, and a little reminder to those with outstanding amounts – payment should be made to finalise accounts by the end of the school year please. Family statements will be sent out again in the last week of term, which will include all costs for 2015 –payment would appreciated. 2016 costs will be processed early January for core fees and an electronic statement sent out again. Student subject elective charges will be processed in February once selections are confirmed.

Payments can be made anytime through BPAY or Direct Debit and will be processed directly into your family account. Many families already have some funds sitting in their account waiting to be allocated to their 2016 costs and this will occur in January also.

2016 BOOKLISTS Sebastopol Campus: Ballarat Books will be here at the College on Thursday January 21st, 2016 for the collection of your books to start the new school year. Please note full payment to Ballarat Books will be required prior to collection of goods. If you wish to arrange a payment plan, please contact Ballarat Books direct as this payment DOES NOT go through the College. Redan Campus: The Redan Campus booklists - Years 0 – 6 will be available for collection at RADMAC from: Friday 22nd January 2016 MON – FRI 8.30AM–5.30PM, 110 Armstrong St. Sth Ballarat. Please Note: All items are to be named and brought to school on the first day.

FREE ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL SHOP The Sustainable School Shop offers online trading and is an efficient, low cost way for families to buy and sell / even swap their school text books, uniforms and school supplies. (Although you cannot sell old Sebastopol uniform you may have new uniform or be looking to buy.) Over the past two years we have had over 2,000 goods listings on the website and almost as many trades.

The College would like to encourage families to use this system and are again offering free membership for all families to the Sustainable School Shop for the next twelve months. This means you can try the website and see how easy it is to use for no cost. Mrs Bedford, our Parent Liaison Officer, is available to give advice and assist you to upload your goods. You add a search to find what you want to buy if you are not confident in computer use. As we no longer run a second-hand bookshop we are hoping that families take advantage of this terrific online system and buy and sell unwanted books or items of uniform.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.

Ms Lorraine Hayes Business Manager

Welcome to Compass Photos Parent Benefits: Provides parents with the ability to buy school photos online, through the Compass Portal Parents can view the photos before purchase Parents can pay with cash via a Compass Kiosk Access to online identity card ordering for parents We offer both traditional packs and digital purchase options School Photos will be taken on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 Catch Up Photo day, for students who are absent or unavailable on the initial photo day is Thursday 2nd March 2016 How to Order: View your photo, then order and pay online, using a credit card: Parents can order their photos online through the Compass Portal, which is the preferred method. Online Compass accepts VISA and MasterCard. Students can also order their own photos through the Student Portal. Order and pay cash: Parents can pay cash for photos through the Compass Kiosk. This is available for families who do not have a credit card or prefer to pay cash. To use the kiosk you must have the exact money - the kiosk does not issue change. Please determine what photo pack you wish to order, using the manual ordering form which is published on the News Feed within the Compass Portal, before coming to the school, with your exact money to order your photos. The kiosk takes both notes and coins. Manual order and pay by cheque or credit card: Alternatively parents who prefer to pay by cheque can order manually and post their order directly to the school photo company. Offline payment methods will incur a $10 processing fee. Additional Information: School photos do not need to be ordered or paid for on school photo day. Parents have up to 4 weeks after the “catch up” day to order their child’s photos, for the photos to be included in the initial bulk delivery to the school.. Parents are able to log on to the Parent Portal and view their child’s photo before ordering. Photos are normally uploaded within 5 days after they are taken. The photographers issue all students with a manual photo ordering form and information regarding photo packs, on school photo day. A copy of this flyer will also be published on the News Feed within the Compass Portal. Schools may also choose to publish the ordering form in the school newsletter. The school photo company also provides the schools Student ID cards. Your child’s initial card is provided after their school photo is taken and is free of charge. Replacement cards, if your child’s card is lost of damaged are ordered through the Parent or Student Portal. The Identity card contains a RFID chip and cannot be hole punched or altered in any way. Photo orders are still accepted all year, however late orders will incur a $10 processing fee and will be sent directly to your home address. Please note: In most instances, with the exception of the year 12 group photo and leadership photos, all “group” or “compilation” photos or booklets refer to compilation composite photographs not custom group photographs.

The Boys Under 17 Specialist Basketball team departed Phoenix College bright and early Sunday morning (7.30am) to commence their long bus trip to Canberra to compete in the Australian Schools Basketball Championships. Our first game was against Lilydale High and they were a very classy outfit, who later went on to win our division. Unfortunately, we were out played and did not play up to our best, going down convincingly. Game 2 saw us play an athletic Alfred Deakin High. We were behind the eight ball from the centre jump and had trouble slowing their aggressive drives to the basket. Our boys were a little flat and struggled to find composure, finally losing by 25 points against a team we matched up well with. The boys showed excellent character in Game 3 (All Saints Anglican School) and motivation was high during the warm ups; this transferred into the game and we were in striking distance all game long. In the final minutes Ashley Gray showed excellent composure making five from six free throws to ice a three point win, 54-51. Celebrations were had in a thrilling finish and this again lifted the boys to a higher level. We played our final pool match against the favoured Wedderburn High; again it was a low scoring affair with tight defensive pressure. Liam Wood and Benjamin Blower played crucial roles and with Benjamin rebounding well and contesting shots and Liam sinking two vital foul shots to put us up one with 1.20 minutes remaining. After an unexpected foul we put one of their players at the line and thankfully they missed both foul shots. We rebound the ball and with a quick pass to a running Clinton Howell we managed another basket to win by three, 32-29. In our first final we played forth place Unley High as we finished third in our pool. Samuel Douglas, Benjamin Blower, Scott Baldwin and Ashley Gray again stepped up their efforts and put us up two in the dying seconds. Unley launched a long three point attempt which went in and out on the buzzer to give us another dramatic win. This put us into the playoff for fifth against Damascus College. Yes all the way to Canberra to play another Ballarat team. We began extremely well with a 10-0 run. Unfortunately we could not capitalise on this lead and by ¾ time we were trailing by three. Down five with 20 seconds remaining when Ashley Gray fired up a long three which went straight in. We quickly fouled to stop the clock at 11 seconds giving them two pressure shots to increase their lead. Disappointingly they made both and we lost by five, 30-35. A great week away together forming new friendships and experiencing new and lasting memories. Well done to a fantastic bunch of young men. Mr Ryan Stevens Basketball Coach

The RACV Energy Breakthrough event went over three days. Students had to prepare and present three oral presentations.

They competed in the obstacle course and came an credible third and second in the time trial. At their night practice they came fifth in their division and tenth overall in the four divisions.

Race day: The eight hour race is the key part of the triathlon and the students came tenth in their section out of 25 and 23rd in all sections out of 53. They covered over 200kms, overcame flat tyres and an old bike to be competitive. People were generous and were very complimentary of the team work displayed in the pits.

A very credible effort from the eight students who have never competed before.

Mr Andrew Greed Assistant Principal

Rowing Regatta

At our first regatta for the season at Dimboola, our

Senior girls crew won their section of the 6.2km

Head of the Wimmera!! Please congratulate Ally

Dennis, Holly Dawson, Caitlin Ritchie, Abby

Simpson and Mary Greed. A fantastic weekend.

Ms Wendy Tangey

Rowing Coach

Congratulations to Phoebe Norris for successfully gaining entry to Questacon 2016. This is a national selection process and a huge achievement.

Well Done Phoebe!!

Year 10 Fashion Design students explored the world of fashion by undertaking the roles of client, designer and manufacturer. Phoebe Norris “Spectacular Red Dress’ Ms Sharrie Milligan-Brown Head of Technology/Design

Heath and Safety Management Plan

Dear Parent ,

As part of the Department of Education and Training’s

Health and Safety Management Plan, new labelling will

be installed at our school.

The labels remind people to contact school reception

prior to undertaking any works at the school, to ensure

they have up-to-date information from the school’s

asbestos register.

Asbestos - which was used extensively in building

materials in the past but is now banned - is considered

safe unless damaged or in poor condition.

The new labels form part of a comprehensive program to

ensure Victorian government schools remain safe.

Children’s safety is our number one priority. That is why

we are taking this extra step as a precaution.

Ms Lorraine Hayes

Business Manager

Recently our Year 9 students developed a deeper understanding of the Ballarat and surrounding community and the trials that are faced every day by individuals not as well off as themselves.

During their study of ‘homeless youth’ our students decided that they wanted to make a difference. Craig Schepis, the director of the SoupBus, was contacted and plans were made to begin raising money. The SoupBus travels in around the Ballarat area, supplying food and basic necessities to people experiencing great hardship.

A call for donations of blankets and sleeping bags, a BBQ and Gold Coin Donation Drive, along with posters and displays presenting the plight of homeless youth prompted a high community response.

Our students raised enough to fuel the bus for a month. Craig extended the invitation for any students to ride along and experience a night or two with him in our community.

Our students were eager to take part. There is also another new bus to be added to the SoupBus collection. The new bus will be decorated in ‘graffiti artwork’. Some of our students may be selected for this job.

When the classroom can hit the streets the lesson is enriched for all who are involved. Well done!

Mrs Jade Browning English Extension Programs Coordinator

The Year 8 HAPE and Year 9 Phoenix Connect classes

have been working like busy beavers making some great

lanterns.

But this event is more than just making lanterns; the

students have had some very important conversations

regarding respectful relationships and domestic violence.

It has been great to see both year levels discussing what

makes a healthy relationship and ways they could

support their peers if they find themselves in an

unhealthy one.

These lanterns and stars were displayed at the Stars on

the Lake community event that took place on 4th

December. The evening involved music, dancing and

lantern making workshops.

Anna Coloe

Leading Teacher Wellbeing

Year 7 students and selected Redan Campus students had the pleasure to attend the China Focus Performance Day. Feedback from students indicated they were pretty "stoked", especially with the dragon dance where they were able to get involved at the finale. The musical instrument demonstrations and shadow puppet show was very impressive. It was a fantastic cultural experience for all the students and staff.

Ms Kathy Yu Chinese Teacher

2015 saw 20 Year 10 students complete two semesters with Emerging Sciences Victoria run by the John Monash Science School. The first semester’s curriculum was Bioinformatics and the second was Nanotechnology as well as Astrophysics. The students loved the online learning environment and assessment as well as being taught by experts in the field.

We are now accepting applicants for 2016. This is an exceptional opportunity for those who love their sciences and want study Science at a VCE level. Please see Ms Kahanoff for any extra information.

Ms Sonia Kahanoff Head of Science

Maths With exams finished, our Year 10 Extension students are using the last few weeks of Term to get an early start on next year's Maths Methods work. Ms Caitlyn

Anderson-Whitecross

Maths/Science

Teacher

These are the final results for our 2015 Spelling Program. As a whole, results showed a change in commitment to spelling, encouraging students to develop their spelling strategies further. On the basis of the improvement of spelling results ‘Spelling Bee 16’ will be up and running in Terms 1 and 4, 2016. Results are split into year levels classes (top of the class, most improved). Overall year level winners are displayed at the end of each year level results. Please congratulate your students for their hard effort and commitment to the first Phoenix Cross-Curricula Spelling Bee Program. Thank you to all staff who helped this happen; it is great to hear classes other than English engaged in spelling and discussions prompted by new words. Year 7 Final Scores: Top Students: Ryan Linahan, Brett Smith and Cameran Howlett. Most Consistent: Shakaya Dawkins Most Improved: William Kulundzic Year 8 Final Scores: Top Students: Alyssa Badari, Sebastian Halloran, Joshua Pickering, Olive Evans , Olivia Harrison, Noah Hicken, Kellie Monger, Jordan Paddock and Jordan Achterbosch. Most Improved: Ruby Kay Most Consistent: Manequa Ogg Year 9 Final Scores Top Students: Samantha Marchant and Jack Wilson Most Consistent: Jordyn Slingo Most Improved: Joshua Wearne Year 10 Final Scores Top Student: Lucy Whitfield Most Improved: Mason Keast Most Consistent: Escher Russell Mrs Jade Browning English Extension Programs Coordinator

This year 231 P-6 students participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge which is a program designed to encourage and inspire children to read. The students as a group read a total 6,360 books. The students were awarded a Certificate of Completion from the Premier of Victoria and a book from the College. With a well-stocked Library and some wonderful reading programs put in place on the Redan Campus by the teachers, the future is looking bright for the readers of our school. Pictured are the P1S and P1B classes with their awards.

Mr Mark Macnamara Manager Learning Resource Centre

Pictured Above: P1S with their awards

Pictured Above: P1B with their awards

SpringFest at the Lake was a different experience

for our kids. Instead of performing to the usual

“formal seated” audience, there were haystacks and

grass to sit on and stalls and children events and

rides. The nerves were a little higher than usual,

being out in the open with amplified backing, but

they all stood as one, proud to be a Phoenix P-12

Community College student.

The Primary Choir and Senior Choir members

performed Gold (Music: Count Us In) and

Christmas Songs.

The Senior Choir performed four pop/musical songs,

and John and Sharni finished the event beautifully

with the classic, “Lean on Me”.

I am so proud of our students dedication to rehearse

and attend so many out of school hours events. The

parents have been amazing, even offering to assist

with transport, and their feedback of their children

performing has been amazing to receive.

Ms Lana Ford

Choir Director

Our awesome College Band, Vocal Magic and

Choir students performed at the Sebastopol and

District Lions Christmas Concert, in front of a full

audience in the Ballarat South Community Hub.

The Band started the program with a few non-

Christmas songs, which were highly appealing to

the audience and then the Christmas songs began

too! Soloists were Frances Robbins, Phoebe Norris

and Michael Georgiou. Jemma Harris and Rachael

Keen performed an instrumental Christmas duet.

Fantastic to see all in the Christmas spirit and so

many Christmas hats and even stage make-up!

Even more so….. terrific to see our Primary Choir

so welcoming of other choirs from Ballarat

Christian College and Delacombe Primary School.

There was an evident sense of community and pride

when all choirs performed the final item of Silent

Night together.

Well done to all involved!

Mr John Netherway & Ms Lana Ford

Director of Music and Choir Director

I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of our

Phoenix College Singers open the Tree of Life One

Voice Ballarat Community Event in the Buninyong

Town Hall. Here Music, Faith and Art united in a

full program of events featuring an art exhibition,

Soul Food and talks by various faith leaders.

Our students performed five songs with a friendship

theme and Felicity also spoke of her belief in the

importance of friendship and peace. Students

involved were Sharni Shields, John Smith, Felicity

Liston, Riley Widgery, Aimee Lee, Holly Oldaker

and Frances Robbins.

Ms Lana Ford

Choir Director

The End of Year Concert showcased the Inter-mediate and Senior Bands work throughout the year. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents and friends to come and listen, and to see the end result of the effort their children have put into their musical endeavours throughout the year. Ms Karen Spiller Science Technician/Trumpet Player

This year as part of the Years 11 and 10 Orientation Program. The Year 11 students visited Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, where they undertook a study skills session to support their endeavours during Year 12. This session was followed by a campus tour and a hands-on learning program in the Nursing and Architecture faculties. The Year 10 students travelled to Monash University, Clayton Campus, where they listened to a Uni Discovery Session as well as a campus tour and lunch. Both groups found their visits to be informative and thought provoking. University staff complemented all students on the levels of engagement, enthusiasm and response shown during the visits.

Ms Cheryl Kennedy Careers Development Practitioner

Year 10 at Deakin Year 11 at Monash

Our Phoenix P-12 Community College Primary

Choir performed at Kmart for the opening of

the Kmart Christmas Tree Appeal. The Deputy

Mayor was present and a member from the

Salvation Army requested our students to

perform at an upcoming Carols by Candlelight.

They performed Christmas songs before and

after the official cutting of the cake. With some

great singing, a surprise visit from Santa and

presents for all of our performers, it was a

memorable event

and one that our

fantastic Phoenix

College students

can be proud of.

Ms Lana Ford

Choir Director

Program background Each year, State Schools’ Relief (SSR) provides tens of thousands of children with school clothing, shoes and other essential items. As part of the Victorian government’s uniform expansion program, every Year 7 (in 2016) government school student who is a recipient of the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF) automatically qualifies for a free uniform pack. Eligibility requirements for CSEF can be found at www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.

What’s included in the uniform pack? The uniform pack includes all basic uniform items needed to start secondary school (approx. value $225): Jumper x 1, PE shirt x 1, PE shorts x 1. For girls: a dress (or shorts or trousers x1 and a shirt x1 (long or short sleeve). For boys: shorts or trousers x1 and a shirt x1 (long or short sleeve).

How can parents apply for the packs? The 2015 CSEF recipients can apply for a pack from 1 December 2015 by contacting the secondary school where their child will attend. Secondary schools are required to make applications on behalf of parents. Parents who missed this year’s CSEF applications or were ineligible in 2015, can apply in 2016.

What if parents have already purchased their child’s uniform? Eligible parents who have already purchased their child’s uniform for 2016 are entitled to a winter package available next year.

Can parents who are ineligible for the Camp, Sports and Excursion Fund or who have children in other year levels receive assistance from SSR? Yes. Applications for parents requiring financial assistance for uniforms, text books or shoes are encouraged via the regular SSR services – www.ssr.net.au/schools. SSR only responds to requests from schools (not from parents directly). Parents are encouraged to talk to their school principal, assistant principal or student welfare coordinator about their situation and they will assess their eligibility. Terms and conditions

Only CSEF recipients are eligible for the uniform packs.

Each student is eligible for a single uniform pack.

A voucher is dispatched electronically to the school, uniform shop or uniform supplier on approval. The school will provide the voucher to the parent/student to present at the uniform retailer (and not at SSR).

The order is valid for 75 days from date of issue.

Once expired, a new application must be lodged. Expired vouchers cannot be redeemed.

Each voucher specifies the individual items funded by SSR.

No change to the items can be made unless through the school.

Changes made in store will not be honoured by SSR.

The maximum voucher value is $225 and any short fall will not be covered by SSR.

More information: www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

New clinical trial investigating

the effects of a natural medicine on boys 6 - 14 years with

inattention and hyperactivity

Swinburne University and SFI Research are currently looking to recruit participants for a Melbourne based clinical trial, focused on examining whether a specific extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08®) can improve cognitive, mood, sleep and behavioural measures in boys aged 6-14 years with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. Participants will be given KeenMind® (CDRI 08®) or a placebo and sit tests measuring their IQ, memory, attention, reaction time, inhibition and behaviour over a period of 16 weeks. Parents will receive a report summarising some of their child’s test results. Main inclusion criteria: • Male • Aged between 6 – 14 years of age • Speak fluent English • Currently free of any medication or other natural supplements For more information about how participants can enrol into the trial or to access clinical papers on KeenMind, visit www.inattentiontrial.com or call (03) 9214 4444

Dear Parents and Guardians, Year end is in sight and now is the time to consider buying and selling second-hand textbooks. Sustainable School Shop provides the second-hand textbook trading system for the school. Our school’s 2016 booklist/textbook information for Years 7-12 has been uploaded and is ready to use on the Sustainable School Shop website. To get started, go to www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au and either register as a parent or log-in if you’re already registered. Buying second-hand textbooks Click Find Books, select your booklist, and tick the boxes of the books you need. The system will show you the correct second-hand books to buy. Click Member With Most Matches to see who has most of these books, or click Cheapest Books. You'll receive Ad Match emails when newly listed books match your wanted ads. Selling second-hand textbooks Get your books home and list them for sale asap. Click Sell Books and follow the prompts, the system will assist ad construction and provides a pricing guide. Write the availability date in your ads if your books are still being used. To sell books that are not on your old booklist, please click MyAds/Create Ads and follow the prompts. Other tips -Searching for second-hand textbooks begins as soon as the new booklists are distributed. -People with wanted ads always get first choice of the newly listed books for sale. -Be mindful to price your books reasonably, this is a competitive marketplace. -Don't make special trips when collecting books, just fit it into your normal routine. -Only buy secondhand workbooks that have not been written in. -Many book suppliers have very good returns polices that will enable you to continue looking for second-hand texts, even after submitting your new book order - check your suppliers returns policy. Be considerate to others by delisting your ads promptly as your books sell - this assists everyone using the service. To delist, log-in, click the red Delist button and then the sold button on the right side of your ad. Please remember, by recycling your textbooks you are helping another family in our school community. We trust this is of assistance and wish you well for the coming trading season.

Phoenix P-12 Community College P.O. Box 49 SEBASTOPOL VIC 3356

P: 03) 5329 3293 F: 03) 5335 7582 Phoenix.p12.cc@edumail.vic.gov.au

IMPORTANT DATES 2015/16

DECEMBER

14th - 17th Activity Week for Years 7, 8 & 9 students

17th - Reports published on COMPASS 18th - No Formal Classes 18th - End of Term

JANUARY 2016

26th - Australia Day (Public Holiday) 27th - First day of Term 1 (Staff only) 28th - Students resume

FEBRUARY

3rd - School Photo Day

As per Mid-Year Reports,

Student End of Year Reports

will be available on Compass

for parents to access and read on

Thursday, 17th

December.

Any parents who do not have internet

access can request a printed report by

contacting the College on 5329 3293.

Mr Wayne Johnston

Assistant Principal