Staffing Changes

At the commencement of 2026, we have been joined by the following new and returning staff members:

Megan Godkin-Briggs (Primary)
Lucy Nihill (English and Humanities)
Phil Britton (English)
Rachel Smyth (VET Sport and Recreation)
Erin Dohrmann (Science)
Karen Medlyn (Woodwork)

Over the holidays, Bianca Winslade informed me that she will not be returning to Charlton College and had taken a job at Beechworth PS. We wish Bianca all the best and thank her for all the great work she has done teaching VET Animal Care and Year 9 Agriculture. The college is currently working through a process to fill this position to ensure that we provide the best possible learning experience for our students.

Student Attendance

It is important that students attend school regularly. In the past we have had students take a day off here and there to go shopping or visit someone. These days quickly add up and greatly effect learning. Research tells us that students who are absent from school for more than 5 days a month put their learning at risk.

We realise absence is unavoidable, as children often get sick, and the best place for them during this time is at home to allow them to get well and reducing the spread of illnesses. It is important that student attend on all other occasions.

If your child is away for whatever reason, please let the College know via the Compass App or call the Office, otherwise the school will make a contact phone call to establish the nature of the absence. The school has to code absences in various categories.

If your child is absent for more than 3 days, teachers will contact you to see if work is required.

Newsletter

There will be some changes to the college newsletter this year. From 2026, the newsletter will be published fortnightly and distributed on Fridays rather than Wednesdays.

House Swimming Sports – Friday 20 February

Our annual House Swimming Sports will be held on Friday 20 February, running during normal school hours.

This is a key House event and an important opportunity for students to contribute through participation, effort and team spirit — whether they’re racing, cheering, or helping out poolside. The more students involved, the better the day is for everyone.

Parents, carers and family members are very welcome to attend and support from the side of the pool. A strong crowd makes a big difference and adds to the atmosphere of the day.

Students should come prepared with swimmers, towel, hat, sunscreen (if required) and House colours where possible. There will be opportunities during Sport and PE classes in Week 4 for students to attend the pool and prepare. Further details will be shared closer to the date.

A canteen will be available for snacks and drinks (no lunch orders).

Let’s get a big turnout and make it a great day of competition and school spirit!

CSEF

Applications are open for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF). The CSEF helps eligible families cover the cost of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

Payment amounts for eligible families this year have increased to $400 for primary and secondary school students. This is up from $154 and $256 respectively.

You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:

new student enrolments: your child has started or changed schools this year.
changed family circumstances: such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.

Please see the attached flyer for more details. If you wish to apply, please visit the General Office for assistance.

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy (Charlton College Photographing, Filming and Recoding Students Policy) describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education] safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education], please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents.

Collection of Students

Schools have a legal duty of care to all students and must always ensure their safety. This includes the safe collection of students during normal school hours. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds between 9:00 AM and 3:15 PM unless they are officially signed out by a parent or guardian. All sign-outs must be completed at the main office.

Important Safety Reminder

To ensure the safety of all students, please do not collect your children from across the road. Kindly use the stadium car park, or alternatively, the staff car park, to safely drop off and pick up your children.

School Uniform

All students are expected to wear full school uniform, as outlined in the uniform policy. This includes wearing a broad-brimmed hat when outside during Term 1. Students are required to bring a signed note from home if the correct uniform cannot be worn for any reason.

We ask that all students and parents support the College by following this process.

Shoes

Black shoes or boots, no higher than ankle height. Black sports shoes are accepted providing they are entirely black.

Socks

White or dark socks

Shirts

Cobalt blue polo

Shorts

Navy Blue Max Daxx F-12, Navy Blue-Lenaren Fashion Dress Shorts F-12 or Navy Blue cotton short F-4

Dresses

School Gingham Dress Blue/White-Lenaren School Wear.

Windcheaters/Jackets

Navy windcheater/Hoodie

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Our second-hand uniform shop is stocked with uniforms and are only $2 per item. If you would like to please contact Heidi Gibbeson to arrange a time.

Hats

Students are required to have hats as outlined in our Sun Smart policy – no hat, no play. Hats are available through the office. All new students are given their first hat by the College Parents Club.

Name It PLEASE!!!

Please name all clothing clearly as it helps us reunite missing items to its owner.

We generally get a good collection of lunch containers – names on these are also useful.

Badge Conferral

Badge Conferral will take place on Monday 9th February. It is important that students are wearing their full and correct uniforms on the day.

Community News