Computers are being used more frequently in many aspects of our teaching and learning programs, and Nhill College strives to make a 1:1 provision of devices available for student use in the classroom.  However, students using school-owned laptops are not permitted to take them home at night and these devices must be returned to the charging station in the library at the end of each day.  Students wishing to access devices at home to support their learning are encouraged to explore the range of devices available through Edunet as part of our BYOD program.  In addition to gaining access to your own device, purchases through Edunet provide students with school based IT support and manufacturer's warranty, as well as access to the College's network, servers and printers.  Families purchasing a BYOD will also be provided with access to the Department of Education's Microsoft 365 suite, which gives free access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc on up to 5 family devices.

To assist those families interested in exploring BYOD options, we have new and updated models for our BYOD program through Edunet.  Please open the link below for details about the devices.  Mr Shrive is happy to take questions from parents or students if they are looking at purchasing a BYOD.  Devices specifically chosen for Nhill College students cover a range of specifications and price levels, and include the following options:

• Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Yoga 5th Gen
• Lenovo 500w Gen 3
• Lenovo 13w Yoga
• Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3 
• Apple MacBook Air 13.6"
• Apple MacBook Pro 13.3"

All devices are listed at education prices, which can be viewed along with each device's specifications at Edunet's online ordering portal via http://nhillcollege.technologyportal.com.au . 

The Access Code you will need to access the portal is NCBYOD.

Alternatively, scan the QR code attached to this article to be taken directly to the Nhill College Edunet portal.

A video explaining the benefits of using Edunet can also be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bWjEs_iA58    

• Little Desert Swimming Sports: Monday 27th February
  
• Year 9Y Canoe Camp: March 1 - 3
• Curriculum Day - No Students at School:  Friday 10th March
• Labour Day Public Holiday: Monday 13th March
• GWR Swimming Sports: Tuesday 14th March
• Year 8 Mt Arapiles Excursion: Thursday 16th March
• Year 8 Rubicon Camp: March 27 - 31
• Year 9X Canoe Camp: March 29 - 31
• Year 5-6 Melbourne Camp:  March 29-31

Nhill College reward system called ROARWARDS has continued with numerous students receiving ROARWARDS on a daily basis already this term. Students receive ROARWARDS by demonstrating Being Respectful, Being a Learner or Being Safe. At the Secondary assembly, all the students that received an award in the last two weeks were placed in a draw to win a lucky dip prize. Students are randomly drawn by using an electronic spinning wheel. The winners were - Tom and Jayda

Congratulations to all students who received a ROARWARD in the last week. Don't forget to scan them for points for the Reward shop.

In the primary section each week, students learn a different value to practice in the classroom and out in the yard. These values can help to influence students physical health, promote self-esteem, assist them in developing a sense of belonging in our school and enhance stronger social skills with mutual respect for everyone. 

The Respectful Relationship Values for last week was Confidence

The award winners were  F - Abbey,1/2 - Ayden, 3/4 - Hugo A, 4/5 - Eric and 5/6 - Jack

The Canteen voucher was awarded to Lily.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated. 

Students in the junior primary classes were recognised for their excellent progress in reading this week at the primary assembly.

Learning the most commonly occurring words in English is essential to every child's reading success.

The Magic Coloured Words make up 70% of all words in reading and writing. 

The Magic Coloured Words have been divided into coloured levels according to their frequency - Golden Words, Red Words, Blue Words, Green Words, Orange Words, Indigo Words and Violet Words are contained in the first 100 words.

 Congratulations to Penny and Liam M on your great achievement in reading.

Students are reminded of the requirement for them to wear a broad brimmed hat in the yard during recess and lunch times on days when the UV rating reaches 3 or above.  Nhill College parents are now able to use the school's website to find out when it is predicted that UV index levels will reach 3 or more, which generally occurs between mid-August and April.  The Sunsmart App - which can also be downloaded onto your mobile devices - tells parents the maximum UV index levels predicted for the day as well as the hours when sunscreen measures are recommended.  This link has been attached to the front page of our website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), so please visit often and keep your children safe.

Now that we are entering into that time of year when UV levels are likely to reach 3 or above, it is an appropriate time to remind everyone to ensure that students have remembered to bring their broad brimmed hats to school.  Very affordable options are available in the Uniform Store if required.  In addition, extra shade has been secured in the yard following the installation of the large shade sail in the courtyard as well as the one placed over the school BBQ area earlier this year.  

Research shows that the academic and social development of students is affected each day they are absent, and that going to school every day is the single most important part of your child's education.  Following the potential disruptions to the social and academic progress of students caused due to COVID-19 over the past two years, it is more important than ever for children to be at school. 

If your child is unwell or absolutely cannot attend school for some reason, it is important to let the school know of their absence and the reason why prior to the day if planned or at the start of the day if the absence is not planned.  The easiest way to do this is via Compass.  Alternatively, you can contact the office at school on 5391 2111.

If your child is absent and we have not been notified, you will receive a text message asking you to contact the school with an explanation.  If we do not receive a reply to our text message, we will be following up with a phone call.

Nhill College now has a Facebook page to help us promote school events and activities with the wider community.  We will continue to use Compass, our web page and the weekly newsletter to keep families associated with the school up to date with all of the events and activities that occur in and around the school each week.  However, our Facebook page has allowed us to broaden exposure to the school and reach a number of people who may not have otherwise had access to our formal communication channels.  Our Facebook page will continue to be purely for promotion, publicity and to inform everyone of the upcoming events and happenings within the College.  All notes, questions, concerns or communication to staff regarding students still need to be directed to the College via Compass or on (03) 5391 2111.  To find our Facebook page, simply follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/nhillcollege/ or type Nhill College in the search function on Facebook. (Please be aware there is also an unofficial Nhill College facebook page that does not show the Nhill College logo).

Please like/follow the page and then you will be kept up-to-date with all of our posts.