Welcome to Middle School
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CORNER
Welcome to Middle School Years 7-9
I am Christine McFarlane, the Head of Middle School and I want to extend a warm welcome to all families for 2026. I will be working with the Year Level Coordinators, Wellbeing Team, and Principal Team during Semester 1 to ensure that all our students flourish here at Heathmont College. I have an extensive history in behaviour management and coordination during my 10 years here at the College and I have a passion for supporting students in finding inclusive, safe and engaging learning experiences and environments so that every student can access their learning and thrive.
The Year 7’s have been enjoying their Transition Program this week where they have completed a range of activities organised by our Transitions Coordinator Michael Starr. Thank you Mr Starr and all the staff participating in this program for ensuring the students have an engaging and enriched start to their time here at Heathmont.
Year 7 students also left for camp on Wednesday 4th and returned today Friday 6th February. We look forward to the Year 7’s sharing their experiences with us when they return to classes next week.
Year Level Parent Information Sessions:
Each Year Level Coordinator will be hosting a Parent Information Session over the coming weeks. During these sessions we will go through information pertinent to the individual year levels
Year 7 Parent Information Session.
Thursday 12th February
5pm-6pm
Learning Centre
Parents and Students, welcome to attend
Year 8/9 Parent Information Session
Thursday 19th February
5pm-6pm
Learning Centre
Parents and Students, welcome to attend
Meet the 2026 Middle School Team
Assistant Principals
Assistant Principal Shane Hunt
Year 7 and 8
Assistant Principal Rachel Weiss
Year 9 and 10
Head of Middle School
Head of Middle School – Year 7-9
Christine McFarlane
Year Level Coordinators
Year 7 Coordinator - Sam Shannon
Year 8 Coordinator - Brooke McDermott
Year 9 Coordinator - Jessica Lawson
Communications:
As a team we know that prompt communication is important, so we ask if you need to contact a member of the Coordination team that you allow approximately 24-48 hours for a response. The best method of communicating with the team is via Compass Email or phone call.
If your matter is urgent however, we prefer a phone call so that your concerns will be addressed by an appropriate member of staff quickly. When you call please notify the administration staff that the matter is urgent and they will find an available member of the team to assist you.
Attendance and Academic Progress
The Coordination Team will monitor your child’s attendance and academic progress throughout the year. They will communicate with the teaching staff about any supports or issues that may need to be discussed.
School Can’t
School Can’t is an increasingly ongoing issue. All schools are seeing increasing numbers of students experiencing school can’t. ABC News released a new article on Wednesday about this very issue you may find the article here: School Can't ABC News.
We know that proactive support is effective in assisting students and families to navigate this issue and it is important that if you see any signs of avoidance, anxiety, or changes in attitude towards education or attendance you can contact us to discuss it. Early prevention is better than the alternative.
If you require a meeting to discuss your child’s progress, please email the Year Level Coordinator and they will promptly organise a time for a phone discussion or face-to-face meeting.
Christine MacFarlane
Head of Middle School