Nhill College Newsletter

Announcements earlier this week have altered the requirements regarding the wearing of face masks at school.  As of Thursday, the following conditions apply:

• People aged 12 and over must wear a fitted face mask when in public indoor spaces unless there is a lawful reason not to.
• Students aged 12 or older must wear a face mask indoors when at school, unless they are attending a primary school
• Children under 12 years of age and students at primary school are not required to wear face masks.
• School staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching or caring, but those who wish to do so, can.
• Staff must wear face masks in indoor areas of the school when not teaching or caring.
• Visitors to school sites must also wear masks when indoors.
• All visitors are asked to sign in at the office.

Any students feeling unwell are asked to stay home.

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 last year, 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.

For any questions regarding attendance, please contact Kim Magrath on 5391 2111.

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life.

Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and those at risk of grassfire (Category 4) will be closed when a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district.  Our school has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire or grassfire risk.   

Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days notice of a potential Code Red day closure by letter via Compass.  A Code Red day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure.  Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Code Red day we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast.  This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child.  It is also important to note that:

• No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Code Red day.
• School camps will be cancelled if a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.
• All bus routes that travel through the Code Red area will be cancelled.

On these Code Red days families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Code Red days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Code Red day.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan, 

What can parents do?

• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.  
• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers.  Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters and any messages sent home via Compass,  
• Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan. 

• You can access more information about children’s services closures on the Department of Education and Training website – see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx

Multiple sources that offer information on emergencies are listed below:

·        VicEmergency app – that can be downloaded on your android and iOS mobile devices

·        VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)

·        Website https://emergency.vic.gov.au

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vicemergency)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/vicemergency)
• ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

At assembly this week, the 2021 secondary production was announced as the play, "Pride and Prejudice". Adapted from the book by Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice" focuses on the fortunes - and misfortunes - of the Bennet family and, in particular, the second oldest daughter, Elizabeth. Mrs Bennet is keen to see her five daughters married as soon as possible. Whilst this task looks easy when it comes to the lovely Jane, intelligent Elizabeth is a bit more of a problem, as she seems to be making a habit of turning down potential suitors. Mary is too interested in books, and Kitty is happy to be in the shadow of younger sister Lydia and Lydia's flirtatious ways. Add to the mix a rich new neighbour, his even richer but seemingly cold-hearted friend, a somewhat slimy distant relative, and a dashing army officer, and watch as chaos and romance unfold.

Being a play, there will be no singing this year.  There will, however, be a ballroom scene, involving the majority of the cast (including all non-character, non-speaking roles), in which some simple dancing will take place.  Any student who wishes to appear on stage must complete an audition, even if they just wish to be in this ballroom scene.  Every student who auditions will appear on stage.

Audition information booklets and audition booking forms are available for students in years seven to twelve to collect. The booklets contain important information, including rehearsal and performance dates, and it is important students are aware of these details before they commit to auditioning. Please note, Saturday July 31st is the date of a Nhill Tigers bye.

We look forward very much to putting on this production and working with our amazing students, and showing the community the abundant talent that can be found at Nhill College!

Just a quick reminder that every student from Foundation to Year 12 are invited to wear their funkiest socks on all Fridays! Whether you have pairs of socks with wacky patterns, palm trees on them or brightly coloured designs, so long as it is funky then feel free to wear them on Friday. Students are also requested to bring with them a silver or gold coin which will be donated to the organisation Mates4Mates. They are one of Australia’s leading charities actively changing the lives of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their families, impacted by service. Australian Defence Force Veterans have already given so much back to us so it’s time we gave back to them.

As part of the Australian Government Job-ready Graduate Package, the Tertiary Access Payment – (TAP) aims to encourage, assist and support students relocating or are living remotely to access tertiary education despite financial and/or geographic barriers.  Students who are eligible for the payment will receive $5000 to help make the transition to tertiary education more comfortable and stress-free. The TAP can be used to cover costs associated with study, such as accommodation, technology upgrades, stationary or textbooks. You are eligible for the TAP if you are:

• From an outer regional, remote or very remote area [hyperlink].
• Relocating to study at an institution at least 90 minutes by public transport away from home.
• Enrolling in a Certificate IV or higher qualification with a duration of 12 months
• Enrolled in full-time study load (75% minimum) over the 12 months
• Looking to access TAP immediately after completing year 12 or equivalent

To express interest in being considered for the Tertiary Access Payment, students are asked to complete Expression of Interest to receive notifications from us when the application process is open.   Submit Expression of Interest

The Women's invites secondary schools to encourage and support the participation of girls in STEMM and join our 'Meet a Scientist' event, tailored to female students in years 10 - 12 with an interest in biomedical science.

Students will hear from four Women's research scientists, experience engaging presentations, have the opportunity to learn about career pathways in science and ask questions in our Q&A panel.

Traditionally, we welcome students to visit the Women's and meet our presenters in person. However, due to the uncertain times we find ourselves in, the 2021 event will be live streamed to schools. Live stream access will be provided closer to the date.

Thu, 11 February 2021

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM AEDT

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Online Event

Last year we successfully trialled a Nhill College 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.