Parent Information

PARENT PRIVACY REMINDER

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 https://web.westallsc.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WSC_Photographing-Filming-and-Recording-Students-Policy_2025.pdf, 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 The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.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. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

Amharic
Arabic
Chinese
Dari
Gujarati
Mandarin
Somali
Sudanese
Turkish
Urdu
Vietnamese

School Drop Off and Pick Up

Parents please be aware that car drop offs are not allowed at the front of the school due to safety reasons. Please park on Rosebank Ave when dropping off students.

Westall Front Office Opening Hours

Please be aware that school front office hours are open at 8:30 am to 4:15pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4pm Friday.

Payment Information

Ongoing support of our families ensures that our school is able to offer the best possible education and provisions for our students. We want to thank you for all your support, whether that’s through fundraising or volunteering your time. This makes a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer.

Financial Support for Families

Westall Secondary College understands that some families may experience financial difficulty and offers a range of support options, including:

Parent Payments

We would like to sincerely thank the many families who have already made a voluntary parent contribution this year. Your support assists the school to provide valuable resources, materials and learning opportunities that enhance the educational experience of our students.

Parent contributions enable the school to supplement funding provided by the Department of Education and help provide a range of programs, resources and opportunities that benefit all students.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to make a contribution and would like to do so, payment can be made via Compass or at the General Office. Flexible payment arrangements, including instalments are also available.

We understand that every family's circumstances are different and appreciate the support of our school community in whatever way they are able to contribute.

Families who wish to further support the school may also choose to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Westall Secondary College Building Fund. Contributions to the Building Fund assist the school to maintain, improve and enhance our buildings, grounds and learning environments, helping to create welcoming and engaging spaces for both current and future students. Building Fund contributions can be made via Compass or through the General Office.

Thank you for your continued support of Westall Secondary College and the opportunities we provide for our students.

Family Payments

For families who elect to pay the Voluntary contributions School Council is offering the following options for payment of the Charges and Contributions:

a) Full amount at the beginning of Term 1, or

b) Payment at the beginning of each Term (4 instalments), or

c) Half-yearly payment: beginning of Terms 1 and 3 (2 instalments).

For a confidential discussion about alternative payment arrangements, contact: 9546 3233 or

email westall.sc@education.vic.gov.au -attention to

Alice Paget - Assistant Principal - Year levels 7/ 8 OR

Travis McIntosh - Assistant Principal - Year levels 9/10

Jason Tickner - Assistant Principal - Year levels 11/12

Payments can be made via Compass, credit card, BPay, or Eftpos. Please contact our office on 9546 3233 for further details.

Please be aware that school front office hours are open at 8:30 am to 4:15pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4pm Friday.

Updating Your Contact, Custody and Medical Information

Have you moved house or changed phone numbers?

If so, please remember to fill in a ‘Change of Details’ form (attached below). The form can also be collected from the General Office. Please return this form as soon as possible. It is important that we have your most current details for general purposes and in the case of an emergency. It is also important that you keep your mobile phone and email address details up to date on Compass. This is to ensure you do not miss out on vital information, including student attendance alerts, student report information, curriculum days, etc. Similarly, with emergency contact details, any custody arrangements and medical details, please ensure these are current.

Instrumental Music lessons!

What can I learn?

SINGING, GUITAR, BASS GUITAR, DRUMS, KEYBOARDS/PIANO, CLARINET, FLUTE & SAXOPHONE.

If your student is interested in having instrumental lessons as school, talk to Mr Coco and he will talk to you about any questions you may have. The lesson time changes each week, so students don’t miss out on the same class every time. Lesson times are 35 minutes in duration.

Lesson fees are $120 for the year and an extra $100 for instrument hire. (For Drums, guitar/bass guitar or Piano/Keyboard instrumental hire does not apply). If you are eligible for the CSEF (if your parents/guardians) have a Health Care Card, you don’t have to pay these fees. If you are unsure, ask at the front office.

Instrumental music enrolment forms may be collected from the front office or from Mr Coco or Mrs Mcalister (Instrumental Music room).

Mr Michael Coco

Instrumental Music Coordinator

Michael.coco@education.vic.gov.au

relationships and positive behaviours.

Foster Carer Recruitment for the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA).

Victoria is currently experiencing a shortage of foster carers, and our aim is to raise awareness about foster care within our local community. We want to recruit potential foster carers who could truly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

For further details contact:

Tabatha Cook – She/ Her

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM,

Carer Training, Assessment & Support Worker (CTA&S)

Carer Training, Assessment and Support Program

E: tabathac@vacca.org M: 0448 289 845 W: www.vacca.org

Help your learner get on the road with a free driving lesson!

The myLearners Free Driving Lesson program offers a FREE 60-minute Lesson with a professional driving instructor for learners aged 16–21 who have completed 10–50 hours of driving practice. The lesson is taken alongside their supervising driver, helping both the learner and supervisor build safer, more confident driving habits together.

This program supports families by making the learning experience more positive and less stressful. It aims to reduce crash risks for young drivers, strengthen supervising skills, and encourage safer driving behaviours early on all at no cost to participants.

Find out more go to - https://mylearnersdrive.com.au/

Ourplace Services

Melbourne Youth Orchestras 2027 Summer School

Join over 800 young musicians at the University of Melbourne Southbank Campus from Monday 11 January to Saturday 16 January for the Melbourne Youth Orchestras 2027 Summer School.

This inspirational week features daily rehearsals across Symphony Orchestras, String Orchestras, Symphonic Bands, and Jazz Orchestras for all skill levels, alongside engaging workshops, surprise guests, and celebratory concerts.

Expand your technique, explore new repertoire, and make unforgettable musical discoveries in the heart of Melbourne's arts precinct.

As 2027 marks MYO's 60th anniversary, the week will also carry a special celebratory flair, with extra events throughout.

Read more and apply here: https://myo.org.au/programs/summer-school/

Please note applications close Monday 14 September

Join Springvale Scout Group

Our Venturer Group is specifically for 14-17 year old youth And Rovers are 18-26 year olds (VCE AGE).

Scouting provides Youth with an extra-curricular activity that develops both personal development, community engagement and a sense of adventure in a safe environment.

All Youth who would like to try out scouting receive a 3 week free trial.

See attached brochure for details.

Melinda Young

(Scout Leader - 2nd Springvale Scout Group)

Creative Year 12 Students: Scholarships for 2027

Passionate about animation, games, digital art or visual effects?

CG Spectrum Institute’s 2027 Next Generation Scholarships offer 12 full and half tuition scholarships, valued at over $580,000, for students commencing a Bachelor Degree in February 2027.

No ATAR requirement. Year 12 students with creative potential are encouraged to explore the scholarships and apply.

Applications close Friday 18 December 2026.

pamelafrost@cgspectrum.com

https://www.cgspectrum.com/

Melbourne (Australia)

Greater Dandenong Table Tennis

The Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association is thrilled to announce the 2nd season of our Junior Table Tennis League, open to players aged 8 to 17 years. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids and teens to learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun in a welcoming and structured environment.

🗓 When: Every Wednesday afternoon, from 5:15pm to 7:00pm, during the school term

📍 Where: Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Centre. Conveniently located next to Oasis Swimming Pool on Heatherton Road, Dandenong.

🏓 With a rich history of developing junior talent, our club has seen many young players progress to become State and National Champions, with some even representing Australia at the Olympic Games!

For further information contact:

Greg Bristowe

Centre Manager

Mobile 0411 237 351

t: 0493 209 116

e: gdtta-manager@outlook.com

a: 1510B Heatherton Rd Dandenong 3175

Junior Players Wanted

Berry St Foster Carer

Interested in becoming a Foster Carer

Ph. 1800 816 037 or enquire today at berrystreet.org.au/fostercare

Download and Share our Digital Resources

Camilla Feather

Regional Recruitment and Community Engagement Foster Care

t: 03 9239 1400 | m: 0499 935 852 e: cfeather@berrystreet.org.au

w: www.berrystreet.org.au

Sustainable Schools

Second-Hand Textbooks and Uniforms

Free Trial for Maths Online

Maths Online is offering a free trial for their mathematics tutoring program. Please refer to the flier or website www.mathsonline.com.au

Direct enquiries to Sarah Murray

Ph. 1300 88 2045 or email sarah.murray@mathsonline.com.au

Autism Connect

Saver Plus Program, delivered through Berry Street.

Saver Plus is a free matched savings and financial education program that matches participants’ savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500, for education costs such as uniforms, books, excursions, sports fees and laptops. Over 55,000 participants have benefitted from Saver Plus.

With the increasing cost of living impacting so many Australian families, helping to ease the financial strain for low-income earners where able, is important to our team at Berry Street. The advice provided through our Money Minded program is intended to not only assist families to achieve their saving goal of $500, but to develop lifelong financial skills and habits as well as build their financial confidence.

About Saver Plus

Saver Plus was developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2003 and is now delivered nationally through Berry Street and The Smith Family. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and ANZ.

Participants set a savings goal for education costs, make regular deposits into a savings account over 10 months, and attend financial skills workshops. At the end of the program their savings are matched by ANZ, dollar for dollar, up to $500, to be used for education costs such as uniforms, books, excursions, sports fees, and laptops.

Participants are also supported over the 10 months by one of our dedicated Savings Coaches who will stay connected with the participant to guide them through the program.

Parents are eligible to join Saver Plus if they meet all the following the criteria:

be over 18 years old.
have a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession card.
be in receipt of an eligible Commonwealth social security benefit, allowance or payment.
have some regular income from work (themselves or their partner) including casual, part-time, full-time or seasonal employment; and
have a child enrolled at school (or enrolled to start school) or attend vocational education themselves.

Please find attached further information on the program and contacts for Saver Plus.

Noble Park Junior Football Club

Our club runs multiple programs to suit children aged 4–17, including:

Auskick (ages 4–6)
Superkick (ages 7–12)
Junior Football (boys & mixed teams)
Girls Football

Our main aim is to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children who wish to participate, while removing the key barriers that often prevent families from getting involved.

For the 2026 season:

The only mandatory cost to play junior football for our Club is the $21 league fee.
The club does not charge additional registration fees.
Auskick and Superkick fees have been reduced from $85 to $55. But for this cost, we offer 28 sessions instead of the usual 8-10

We are committed to making community sport accessible and ensuring every child has the opportunity to be active, build confidence and feel part of a team.

We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing our flyer via your newsletter, parent communication platforms or social media channels.

Thank you for everything you do to support young people in our local community.

If you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Trish Marson

Sports & Community Liaison Officer

M: 0438 921 516

E: sclo@clubnoble.com

W: www.clubnoble.com

Bharathi academy

Bharathi academy is a Tamil language school dedicated to teaching Tamil to children across Melbourne.

Our goal is to promote the Tamil language and culture among young learners in our community. Teaching the Tamil language to school children is vital in preserving our rich cultural heritage and fostering a strong sense of identity and connection to our roots.

For further information contact:

Rahula Raveendiran,

Principal of Bharathi Academy Clayton Campus,

Phone 04 02 906 389.

E rahuleswary.raveendiran@bharathi.org.au.

Maths Online

MathsOnline is a program to help students succeed and build maths confidence. With over 1,400 video tutorials and 50,000 interactive questions and worksheets, MathsOnline helps guide your students through their exam revision lesson by lesson. See information below and refer to attached flier.

Arliam Allied Health

Looking for an Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist

We have availability!

Services are available at your home, school and / or workplace, in the following areas:

* Melbourne South-Eastern Suburbs

* Melbourne Southern and Eastern Suburbs

* Melbourne Bayside Suburbs

Arliam Allied Health

Call: 03 8552 2286

Karate for Students

Contact;

Tri Le Nguyen

Membership Consultant

P: 0426 191 218

E: tnguyen@gkrkarate.com

W: gkrkarate.com

STEM/ Science News

Ms Smrithi Buyya

Here's what's happening in STEM and Science!