Secondary Years, Tarneit

New Start and Fresh Beginnings

Welcome to the 2025 school year! This year we will welcome over 70 new students to the Secondary Years from Year 7 through to Year 12. To our new students, we warmly welcome you and your families and wish you the very best for the year ahead.

A successful education for students occurs when we all work in partnership – students, teachers and parents – thus ensuring that quality learning occurs for our students.

The start of the year is a time of new hope, as well as a time of uncertainty and anxiousness. I encourage all of you, as you start the year, to find comfort in these words from St Paul:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present y

our requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Wishing all families God’s richest blessings as we begin this new school year.

Joanne Wegener

Deputy Principal - Secondary

Where to go and What to do on Day 1 

(Thursday 30 January)

All Secondary Years students will attend an extended PC lesson for the first three lessons of the day so that a number of housekeeping matters can be addressed.

• All returning students should report to their PC class at the start of Lesson 1, according to the location of their PC class. (Students can access their timetable via Schoolbox for room information)
• New students should report to the Chapel at the start of the day and will be directed to their PC classroom by their Assistant Head of Secondary.

Uniform Expectations

Neat presentation and abidance to school uniform expectations is an expression of our respect for our school community and also a reflection of our self-discipline and dignity. Students and parents are reminded of uniform expectations, which exist for the safety and wellbeing of students. Please endeavour to address these matters before school starts.

• HATS must be worn at all times at Recess and Lunchtime when students are outside. Please have your hat ready to wear at the start of the year.
• Dress/skirt length must be to the knee (not above). Please adjust the lengths to meet the requirements.
• BLAZERS are required for assemblies and chapels and must be worn to/from school.
• Hair must be natural-looking. Hair that goes beyond the shoulders must be tied back• Facial hair is not allowed. Boys should be clean-shaven.
• Makeup/nail polish: not allowed. Please ensure all nail adornment is removed before the return to school.

Refer to the attached documents for further information:

Safety and Security

1. Locks and Lockers: Lock/ers are provided to students at the start of each year. Lockers are to be used for the safe storage of personal items during the day. Students are reminded to bring their locks to school on the first day.

• New students will be provided with a lock on Day 1
• Returning students will be required to purchase a replacement lock from the Secondary Years SSO (located at the Front Office)

2. Mobile phones & smartwatches: Students are reminded that mobile phones and smart watches must not be used for communication during the school day.

• Mobile phones must be kept in lockers
• Misuse of phones will result in confiscation

3. Naming of personal items: please ensure that all personal items are clearly named to reduce lost property accumulation.

• Uniform items (especially Hats and Blazers) & school bags
• Stationery items, including calculators
• Drink bottles, lunch boxes, etc.

iPads and Laptops

The College issues devices to students, providing secure access to necessary ICT services while protecting privacy and ensuring appropriate use of technology. The responsibility for appropriate use of technology is shared between the College and families. While on college grounds, devices are to be used solely as learning tools and are used for the purpose of learning, as set by the teacher.

• During any break times, devices are not to be used in any outside areas.
• Devices can be used during lunchtime breaks in the Resource Centre only.
• Devices are not to be used before and after school while on college grounds unless supervised by a staff member.

New Devices (iPad or Laptop) will be issued to Year 7, Year 10 students and any new students on Day 1. If you are swapping out a device, please make sure that you bring the required equipment to school on that day. A new device will be issued when:

• Existing device is returned
• ICT user agreement is signed (see attached)

Booklists and Stationery Items

Students are reminded that they are to supply their own stationery and booklist items this year. Please refer to the information sent out to your family at the end of last year with details of the booklist items required for this year.

Parent Information Nights

Year 7 – 11 Parent Information Night

When: Tuesday 4 February from 6 – 8 pm

Meet: College Chapel

Parents are invited to attend a general information session, followed by an opportunity to meet with PC teachers.

Year 12 / VCE Information Night

When: Thursday 6 February from 6.00pm - 8.30 pm

Meet: SY Building Auditorium

Parents are invited to attend a general information session, followed by an opportunity for a “meet and greet” with the VCE 3/4 subject teachers. Parents of Year 11 students undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject are also welcome to attend.

Please note: both information sessions are intended as “parents only” events.

Further information about each Information night be provided next week.