Highvale Secondary College Newsletter

General Reminders

General Office & Reception

Office Hours:  Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Telephone: (03) 9803 5144

 

The General Office is the first point of contact for all parents, visitors, and contractors. All visitors must sign in and out using the Compass touchscreen kiosk located in the General Office.

 

Appointments with teachers are recommended and can be arranged via the Compass Parent Portal or email.

School Drop-Off & Car Park

  • The school car park is for staff use only.

  • Parents and students, including learner drivers, are not permitted to drive into the school grounds for drop-off or pick-up.

  • School buses need clear access in and out of the car park at all times.

  • Where possible, drop your child off a short walking distance from the school to reduce traffic congestion.

  • Please be considerate of our neighbours:

    • Do not park across driveways.

    • Obey all street signage.

Attendance Reminders

At Highvale Secondary College, we expect high standards of attendance and punctuality. Arriving on time is essential for instilling good discipline and minimizing classroom disruption, both of which benefit all students. We appreciate your support in this.

 

Absences:

  • Families are responsible for reporting absences with the reason for any absence via:

    • Compass attendance notes
    • Phoning the office on (03) 9803 5144 and press 1 before 8:30am.

     

    N.B: Please upload a medical certificate as an attachment as applicable.

     

School Day:

  • Students must arrive by 8:20am.

 

Punctuality Matters:

  • Parents are encouraged to discuss the importance of punctuality and clear any unexplained lates via Compass using ‘Parent Choice’ if no other reason applies.

  • Students late to class during the day will be marked late.

 

Additional Support:

For additional support regarding attendance, please contact:

Where necessary the school will support the student’s family to engage by: 

  • being responsive and sensitive to changes in the student’s circumstances and health and wellbeing 
  • collaborating, where appropriate and with the support of the student and their family, with any external allied health professionals, services or agencies that are supporting the student 
  • monitoring individual student attendance and developing an Attendance Improvement Plans in collaboration with the student and their family 

Late Arrivals

  • Students must check in at the appropriate counter:
    • Years 7, 8, and 9 Dedicated kiosk in the Junior School Office next to the Library.
    • Years 10, 11, and 12 Dedicated kiosk outside the Senior School Office in the VCE Centre.
  • Families also should update Compass with a reason. If no parent approval has been submitted via Compass, the absence will be recorded as unexplained until updated.

  • A written note can be submitted at recess or lunchtime at the General Office.

Early Departures

  • Approvals should be submitted by parents via Compass using the appropriate DET-listed reasons.

  • Students will be excused from class and must sign out at the Compass Kiosk located in the General Office.

  • If a written note is provided, submit it to the General Office before school or at recess.

  • No early departures will be permitted without Compass approval.

  • For unexpected collection, please call the General Office.

VCE SAC Absences:

  • If a student misses a SAC (School‑Assessed Coursework), a valid medical certificate must be provided before a make‑up attempt can be scheduled.

 

This policy aligns with the Department of Education’s attendance guidelines which emphasise that regular attendance underpins student engagement, academic success, and classroom continuity. 

School Crossing Safety

Follow the procedure: STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, THINK

 

  • STOP take one step back from the kerb.
  • LOOK and LISTEN in all directions.

  • THINK before crossing—ensure it’s safe.

     

⚠️ Important: Please always cross at the designated crossings with our Crossing Supervisors. We’ve observed unsafe practices and remind everyone to follow supervisors’ directions respectfully.

Lost Property

  • Label all school items.
  • Items found should be handed in to the General Office.
  • Labelled items will be returned to owners.
  • Check lost property drawers for uniforms, books, pencil cases, etc.
  • Valuables (phones, jewellery, watches) are held at the General Office.

Canteen – Online Lunch Ordering

  • Orders must be placed before 8:30am for lunch only.

  • Create an account or use the “QKR!” app.

  • Payment options: Cash or EFTPOS card. Note: Mobile phones and smartwatches are not accepted for payment.

Public Transport – Prepaid Buses

  • Cash is no longer accepted on Myki-enabled buses (since 13 July 2020).
  • Ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding:
    • Online
    • PTV App
    • Auto top-up
    • Myki retailers & machines
    • Train station ticket offices
  • This helps reduce travel times and increases service reliability.

Library Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm