From the School Council

We are thrilled to announce the introduction of our new college uniform, aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging among our students. The new uniform has been meticulously designed to reflect our college's values and traditions while incorporating modern elements. 

Why the change?  From listening to student, parent/guardian and staff feedback through surveys and forums, the key points were comfort, fit for a purpose, value for money, quality, flexibility, and a renewed sense of identity. 

Recognising the financial implications associated with purchasing a new uniform, and considering feedback from our parent community, we have planned a phased rollout that takes into account the needs of our families. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. 

Our goal is to have all students in the new academic uniform by the beginning of the 2026 school year (except for current Year 9 students/2026 Year 12 students). To support families during this change:

• Grade 6 (2024 Year 7 students) will be required to purchase the new uniform.  If families have already made a purchase of the current uniform, they are able to return their items to Bob Stewart for a full refund if tags are still attached.
• Current Year 7 and Year 8 students will not be required to purchase the new college uniform until the beginning of the 2026 school year, as we understand that some existing students may still have uniforms that fit them well for the next few years.  Until the end of 2025, any new piece purchased from the new uniform range can be paired with the current uniform.
• Current Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students will have the option to continue wearing the current college academic uniform for the remainder of their time at the college.  Until the end of 2025, any new piece purchased from the new uniform range can be paired with the current uniform.
• All current students: the current PE uniform will remain acceptable for all existing students until the end of the school year 2026. This decision ensures that students can make the most of their current PE uniforms.
• All new students joining the college, regardless of their year level, will be required to purchase and wear the new college uniform.

A Transition timeline and the current/new uniform items are outlined in the attachments below, along with the uniform list showing images of the 2024 Uniform items. 

To facilitate this transition, we have partnered with Bob Stewart, who will offer the new college uniform at their stores towards the end of 2023. Simultaneously, Bob Stewart will cease selling the current college uniform.  This means that all 2024 new students joining the college, regardless of their year level, will be able to purchase the new college uniform in late 2023.  The exact on-sale dates and price lists will be shared with the community as soon as they are available.  Samples of the new uniform will be on display in the main office shortly. 

We recognise that introducing a new uniform may present financial challenges for some families. If you find yourself in such a situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to the College Wellbeing Team at haw@cheltsec.vic.edu.au or call 9555 5955. We are committed to working closely with families to ensure that every student can comfortably embrace the new uniform. 

We firmly believe that the new college uniform will instil a sense of pride and belonging among our students while honouring the rich heritage of our college. Your cooperation and support in implementing this change smoothly are immensely appreciated. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new uniform or its rollout, please feel free to contact the college at 9555 5955. We eagerly look forward to embarking on this journey together and creating a more unified college community. 

Parents and Friends Association

We continue to seek interested parents and friends to join the Cheltenham Secondary College Parents and Friends Association (PFA).  We are not looking for you to single-handedly run all sorts of complex meetings or events. We simply want the PFA to have a large group of individuals willing to help at any fundraising or school events.  We want it to be a fun group of people rather than a burden and grind for those involved. 

If you are interested in being added to our mailing list, please complete the PFA Expression of Interest survey.  To find out more contact Sharon: pfcheltsec@gmail.com

*If you have already completed the EOI, thank you.  We have your details and will be in touch soon.

About Chelt.Sec School Council

Every government school has a council. Council’s role is governance and oversight. Council assists to develop and monitor strategic priorities, plans, policies and budgets, working with school staff leadership. School Council members are drawn from students, parents, Department of Education staff and the community. 

2023 School Council

Susannah Bowen-Wheatley: President

Rory Hall: Vice President

Bridget Geers: Treasurer

Parent members: Ester Yefet, Andrew Hall

Student members: Campbell Hall, Hassan El-Manea

DET members: Karl Russell, Brooke Matthews, Emily Nicholls, Peter Allen

To find out more or get involved in School Council, contact Susannah (President): 

cheltpresident@gmail.com

Join the family community on Facebook for swapping information, textbook, etc: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheltsecfamily