Community News
Madeline HELLEREN
Business Manager
As the school year continues, many students are using devices such as laptops, tablets, phones, e-bikes and e-scooters. Most of these devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which have become part of everyday life, but need to be used safely.
Fire services are responding to an increasing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, often caused by incorrect charging or leaving devices unattended. That’s why fire safety at home is especially important during the school year.
You can help reduce the risk by:
Only using the charger and battery designed for each device
Unplugging devices once fully charged
Never charging devices on soft surfaces like beds or couches
Not charging devices overnight, or when no one is home
Charging larger devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters away from living spaces and keeping them clear of exits
Regularly checking devices and stopping use if a battery looks damaged, swollen or overheats
You can watch Fire Rescue Victoria’s safety video here.
It’s also important to make sure smoke alarms are working and tested every month. Fire Rescue Victoria recommends installing smoke alarms in bedrooms, living rooms and near areas where devices are charged—because working smoke alarms save lives.
For more tips on lithium-ion battery safety, visit: https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/battery-safety
A few simple habits can help protect your home and your loved ones.
Updated Bus Timetable
Please check the updated timetable on Ventura's website via link below before travelling.
Highvale Secondary College – Ventura transit
We recommend that students arrive at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time to avoid rushing and potentially missing the bus.
Free public transport
From 1 January 2026, people aged under 18 can travel free on all Victorian public transport services using a new youth myki card. This includes trams, trains, buses and coach services.
To access free travel, they must tap the myki card on and off each time they travel. For areas that do not use myki cards, they must show their myki card to travel free.
For information on how to access the new Youth myki card please visit transport.vic.gov.au. If you have any questions or require more information about the school special changes, please contact nsc@transport.vic.gov.au.
For more information about other travel options to school, and support for eligible students, refer to the Travelling to school webpage on the Victorian Government website - Travelling to school | vic.gov.au
Webpage to help families and students prepare for a new school year
A new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it can be a big step – particularly for those starting Prep, secondary school or VCE.
The Department of Education has a webpage with resources and information to help you prepare for the new school year.
During the school holidays, please consider reading through the resources, which include:
tips to help transition from kinder to Prep, primary to secondary school, and Year 10 to VCE
what to expect at school
help with school costs and fees
health and wellbeing guidance to support children’s mental health. Please refer to the New year of learning webpage - A new year of learning | vic.gov.au
Social Media Age Restrictions: A guide for parents and carers
