General Information (1 of 2) 

CURRICULUM DAY - FRIDAY, 10 JUNE

KINDER - YEAR 12

We wish to remind families that Friday, 10 June is a curriculum day (no students at school).

There will be no programs or classes running on this day.  

For all term dates, curriculum days and student free days, please check our school calendar.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY 

QUEENS BIRTHDAY 

A reminder that Monday, 13 June is a public holiday (Queens Birthday ) therefore the school will be closed.

BOOM DAY - TUESDAY 21 JUNE

Next BOOM Day - Tuesday 21 June

Theme: BHCS BIG Freeze

Wear: Beanies and a Winter Jacket (with PE or formal uniform)

What: More info to come!

CHILD SAFETY SURVEY RESULTS

At the end of Term 1, we sent home a Child Safety Survey asking for parent/carer input. We want to thank those who participated in this survey. We value your contribution towards creating a Child Safe Community.

From the responses that we received, we can see that our community is eager to increase awareness and education in relation to Child Safety. Your feedback helps us to shape our policies and processes, and makes us aware of where there may be gaps.

Following are the results of the survey:

Reporting Child Abuse

The survey revealed that not all families are sure of who to report matters of Child Safety to, although many indicated that they would make the homegroup/class teachers their first point of contact.

Who students can report to

Students are encouraged to approach the member of staff that they are most comfortable discussing the matter with. This could be their Homegroup teacher, a Team Leader, Head of School, Deputy Principal or someone in the welfare team such as a Chaplain or Welfare Coordinator. These people will seek to assist students in ensuring their complaint is heard and dealt with in line with this policy. 

Who Parents/Carers can report to

Parents/Carers are encouraged to speak to their child's Homegroup teacher, if appropriate. Alternatively, you can ask to speak to one of our Child Safety Officers who are trained members of the School’s Leadership Team. They are appointed to assist parents/carers, staff and students in the processes for reporting child abuse. The school's current Child Safety Officers are: Juliette Krens & Lance Davidson

For those interested, the survey further indicated the following:

Child Safe Standards for Schools

80% of respondents were aware of the Child Safe Standards applicable to all schools

50% were unaware of the measures we already have in place. 

Respondents believe that the following strategies are those that will help to minimise child abuse within the school community

Respondents indicated that the following areas are most important for schools to attend to. These are measures that we are proud to have in place.

Professional Development of staff

Pre-employment checks

Codes of Conduct

Screening visitors

Regular discussion in meetings about child safety 

The school has a Community Code of Conduct, a Complaints Resolution Policy, and a Statement of Commitment to Child Safety. 

40% of respondents were not aware that the school has these policies

50% of respondents were not previously aware that these documents are available on the school's website.

The aforementioned documents are also referenced in our Parent Handbook. The School will take additional measures to ensure families are prompted with reminders to consult this handbook.

We once again thank you for your input and for partnering with us in creating a Child Safe Community.

YEAR 9 PROJECT - WINTER HOMELESS HAMPERS

The Year 9 cohort will be making Homeless Hampers for both men and women on Friday June 24th.  These will be distributed to people in need through Foothills Community Care. 

If you would like to contribute to this cause please purchase new items from the following list and bring them to reception over the next few weeks. 

SEMESTER 1 REPORTS

Semester 1 reports for students in Prep to Year 12 will be emailed home to families. This should occur within the final week of term, unless there are unexpected delays. 

Should you not receive your child's report via email by the end of the final week of term (Friday, June 24), please email reports@bhcs.vic.edu.au and someone will look at resolving the issue to ensure you receive the required report. Queries regarding subject matter and grades should be directed to the teachers concerned.

GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (GAT) 2022

As you may be aware, the General Achievement Test (GAT) is usually held each year in June, for all students undertaking a Year 12 VCE Subject. 

This year, the date for the GAT has been set (by the VCAA) for Wednesday, 7 September.

All students enrolled in a Year 12 (Unit 3/4) VCE or VET Subject, as well as all Senior VCAL students will be expected to sit the GAT in 2022. More information will be communicated to families closer to the date.

BUS SEATS AVAILABLE 

Great news! We have some availability on our school buses that service the following areas. 

Belgrave South, Belgrave Heights, Narre Warren ( including North, South & East) Berwick

Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Boronia and Knoxfield.

If you are interested in morning, afternoon or full-time travel for your child/ren please email buses@bhcs.vic.edu.au

CASUAL BUS USE   

Due to limited spaces the school is unable to accommodate casual bus use requests. Should families require emergency travel they are encouraged to email buses@bhcs.vic.edu.au.  

In cases of emergency, where room is available, the School will work with families to find the most suitable arrangement.

COVID-19 INFORMATION 

If your child tests positive:

Your child will need to remain home for 7 Days. Please advise the school via covid@bhcs.vic.edu.au and we will send you further advice.

If your child is a household contact of a positive case you no longer need to isolate, however:

Parents/carers must notify the school that their child/ren are household contacts by emailing covid@bhcs.vic.edu.au  We can send further advice on what is required for students who are household contacts.

Symptoms at the end of the isolation period

If your child still has symptoms at the end of their 7 day isolation period, there is a possibility they may still be infectious with COVID-19. The types of symptoms they have is important. If they have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath in the last 24 hours of their isolation they should remain isolated until 24 hours after their symptoms have resolved.

COVID Exemption periods:

There is a 12 week exemption period for after a positive diagnosis. If a person does develop symptoms during this period, they should take a rapid antigen test and remain home until symptoms resolve.

Parents/carers visiting the school for meetings:

Parents, carers, and other adult visitors are no longer required to show evidence of a COVID-19 vaccination if visiting for meetings or attending school events.

Volunteers and Parent/Carer Helpers

Parents, carers or other adult visitors who are ‘volunteering’ or acting as guest speakers are captured by the current vaccine mandates that apply to schools and must be fully vaccinated in order to assist in this capacity.

Face Masks for Household Contacts

Students who are household contacts must wear masks at all times while indoors while they are attending school in accordance with health advice.

Face Masks on Buses

Students must continue wearing masks on all school buses, on public transport, and when on excursions, or in rideshare vehicles, as per government COVID requirements.

General face mask use

Staff and students who want to continue wearing face masks are able to do so, including those who are medically at risk.

ABSENTEEISM DUE TO FLU AND COVID

The School is continuing to experience high volumes of student and staff absenteeism due to COVID-19 and Influenza. 

We do ask that families partner with us in keeping their child home if they are unwell, or have any cold and flu symptoms. This will help to minimise the unnecessary spread of illness. 

Although students may be testing negative on RATs for COVID-19, some students have consequently been diagnosed with the flu. If your child is sick or if you have formed the belief that your child may be unwell, we ask that you please keep your child home.