Principal's Report

Launch of The New House System

On Monday, 12 February, we officially launched our new House System. Year 7 and Year 8 students excitedly gathered in the Nalleijerring Performance Space for an assembly to mark the occasion, led by our School Leaders and House Leaders.

The Names of the new houses are: 

Everard (Yellow)

Pakana (Blue)

Skipper (Green)

Toner (Red)

We were honoured to be joined by guest speakers representing each of our four newly established houses: Raphael Kilpatrick, the nephew of the renowned artist Sonia Skipper, John and Matthew Everard, the grandson and great-grandson of legendary William (Bill) Everard, Madeline Toner, daughter of the esteemed Pauline Toner, and proud Aboriginal man and advocate for Indigenous affairs, Uncle Charles Pakana.

The launch of the House System marks a significant milestone in our school's history. With each house named after prominent figures in our community, we aim to honour their legacies and inspire students to reach their full potential.

We acknowledge the past Houses of Stewart (Blue); Andrew (Green); and Rutter (Red) which have served us well over many years. In valuing the past, we recognise the importance of moving forward in a meaningful and respectful way that brings current and future generations on board. 

As such, It has always been customary at our school to maintain a link to the past, the name of Everard has been kept from when the House system was first established to recognise the contribution of not only William H Everard to our school, but the continued support received from the Everard/Lynch family over more recent times. The names of Skipper, Toner and Pakana, were selected to link with the present and to recognise the amazing contribution of three local members to the Eltham Community that will prosper into the future. 

From 2024, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of inter-house competitions, events, and activities. From academic challenges to sports carnivals, the House system provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, build cross-year level friendships, and develop essential life skills.

Beyond competition, the House System promotes collaboration and unity, encouraging students to work together towards the common goal of the pursuit of excellence in everything they do.

I would like to recognise the work of the students and staff who got us to where we are at now.  The work began with a question from a group of students, then and idea, then a good deal of research. The students were initially supported by Louise Heathcote, then Nadia Devlin and then by Lauren McNally. A number of other staff contributed support. 

It goes to show that if we continuously provide opportunities for young people to shine and we provide the necessary support they will go beyond our expectations, and certainly beyond their own expectations of what they can and are able to achieve. 

Review of Changes to The School Structure

First of all I would like to thank the students, parents, and staff who have provided some feedback on the new school structure. We are currently in the process of formalising a feedback process in order for us to review the changes and if necessary, make any required adjustments.

Seeing that Term 1 is a rather short term, we will not be making any adjustments until the start of Term 2. The School Leadership Team will meet in the last week of the term to collate feedback and to consider if any adjustments need to be made.

I will keep you informed.

House Swimming Carnival

On Friday 16 February, the whole school headed to Aquarena, in Doncaster for the 2024 House Swimming Carnival.  House spirit was well and truly alive this year with one of our best Year 12 dress ups in years! The senior students led by example and showed what House spirit is all about. With House points up for grabs not only in the pool but in novelty events and tugs of war, everybody had the opportunity to compete for their house. 

In the pool, the swimming was hotly contested. We had some stand out individual performances with Conor Hayes (Everard) winning all seven of his races in his last Eltham High Swimming Carnival. Samuel Hartley (Everard) continued to dominate his age group with five 1st place ribbons. Annabelle Lowe (Everard), Olivia De Jonge (Skipper), Ebony Bire (Pakana), Archie Bonga (Skipper) and Matthew Brophy (Pakana) all won 4 races each.

Records were being broken all over the pool with Conor Hayes (Everard) breaking 4 records in the 400m Freestyle, 200m IM, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly; Ben Van Dijk (Skipper) breaking the 50m backstroke record as well as the 50m butterfly; and Matthew Brophy (Pakana) breaking the 50m backstroke record. 

Congratulations to our teacher relay team of Mr Stubbings, Mr Nicassio, Ms Turner and Mr Meddings who took on the seniors in the relay at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the senior boys were too strong with Conor Hayes swimming the final leg, cruising past Mr Meddings. The teachers got their revenge though in the next race when they took on the Senior girls, coming away with a convincing win. 

Students who won their events have been invited to represent Eltham High School at the upcoming Nillumbik/Banyule District Swimming Sports which will be held on Friday March 1. 

At the end of the day, after over 70 races, EVERARD House took out back-to-back victories ending 246 points in front of their nearest rival. 

Final House points were as follows: 

1st place:          EVERARD          591

2nd place:         SKIPPER            345        

3rd place:          PAKANA            337

4th place:          TONER               311

Also a big congratulations to the following age champions: 

12-13 Girls – Allison Carter (Everard)

12-13 Boys – Ben Nicholls (Everard)

14 Girls – Annabelle Lowe (Everard)

14 Boys – Ben Van Dijk (Skipper)

15 Girls – Olivia De Jonge (Skipper)

15 Boys – Samuel Hartley (Everard)

16 Girls – Maddie Collier (Everard)

16 Boys – Archie Bonga (Skipper)

17 Girls – Ebony Bire (Pakana)

17 Boys – Matthew Brophy (Pakana)

18-20 Boys – Conor Hayes (Everard)

I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Bree Pascoe for her terrific organisation of this event and whilst I know that she was well supported by the PE/Health team who stepped up to the task, Bree did an amazing job in coordinating all aspects of the day. A big thank you also to the staff who worked hard on the day running a range of events and supporting the program. It was a great day and everyone had fun. The students were great and I thank and congratulate them on how they engaged with the event.

Our next whole school carnival is the Athletics Carnival on Friday 15 March. We look forward to seeing all students in attendance. 

School Dress Code

Just a reminder that whilst the school does not impose a school uniform on our students, aligning with our school values, the school does publish a dress code that we expect all students to adhere to. The Student Dress Code Policy can be found on the school website at https://www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au/policies-child-safety/

I ask parents and carers to read through the policy with your children and to then support them to make wise choices about what they wear to school taking also in account the Sun Smart policy.

Your support with this is much appreciated.

Annual Privacy Reminder

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the DET Schools’ Privacy Policy.

Please take time to remind yourself of our school’s collection notice, available in the “Policies” section of the school Website www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au 

Student Accident Insurance

Parents/guardians are reminded that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Likewise the school does not have a whole-school policy for personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including transport costs. Reasonably low cost accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Parents/guardians may wish to purchase such a policy for individual students.

Student Exchange Organisations approved by the VRQA and therefore DET

Whilst it is unlikely that overseas travel will become available in the near future, the following is a 2024 update of the Student Exchange organisations approved by the VRQA to provide student exchange programs in Victoria. The list changes each year so it is important that you check the current list rather than relying on old information. 

Each year we are asked about student exchange programs that provide a reciprocal benefit. It is important that if you wish to engage in reciprocal exchange that you utilise the services of one of the organisations on this list. The school will not be able to enrol overseas exchange students coming through organisations not on this list because they would not be approved by the Department of Education and Training. 

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to call Kate Scalzo on 9430 5111 or e-mail Kate.Scalzo@education.vic.gov.au

School Drop off and Pick Up Times

I remind all parents and guardians, and inform new parents and carers to the school, that student safety is the primary consideration at all times including both drop off time and pick up times.

Whilst traffic seems to flow smoothly through the circular driveway of the school at the start of the day, there seems to be greater congestion at pick up time in the afternoon.

The circular driveway is to be used purely for drop off and pick up. 

There is very little parking available within the school grounds between the following time (8:00 – 10:00am and 2:00 – 4:00pm). “No Standing Anytime” signs are located within the school and it is important that parents/guardians adhere to these. Furthermore, double parking is illegal in the street and within the school grounds, it causes further congestion, which in turn impinges on student safety. 

We will be enforcing the use of the circular driveway purely for drop off and pick up of students. 

As you move into the circular driveway, if your child is not at the front of the school you will need to exit the driveway and re-enter. You may need to do this more than once. Alternatively, it is advisable that you organise with your child another location for pick up.

As always, we will continue to expect everyone to abide by road and safety laws and procedures as they move through the driveway. The same applies at the Ely Street end of the school. Staff parking on the street is now minimal and this means that there is space for drop off and pick up. Please do not park in residents’ driveways. No parents are to drive into the school driveway or park in it or across it. This is the only avenue that students have to get to and from the school buses and we must be vigilant for their safety. 

Subsequently, it is imperative that everyone behaves in a lawful and safe way out in Withers Way, Susan Street, Bell Street and Ely Street. We have informed the traffic division of the Shire of Nillumbik of the school’s strategy and it is possible that the Ranger‘s office may take action against people who disregard road and safety laws out in the streets. Likewise, the police will patrol the area at these peak times and they will not hesitate to reprimand and fine if necessary.

I trust that you will understand the need for this direction and I ask you for your continued support to ensure the safety of our kids. 

If you do use the drop off and pick up zone on Withers Way can you please direct your children to cross the road at the school crossing both on arrival and on their departure from school. We certainly do not want students crossing the road in front of oncoming cars and placing themselves at risk.

Thank you for your support with this matter.

VINCENT SICARI, Principal