2015

Beaconhills College

1/1/2015

New Staff Booklet

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elcome to Beaconhills – one of the region’s most

innovative and successful independent schools. Nearly

3000 students, from our Little Beacons Learning Centre

through to Year 12, thrive in an environment where all students in our

care feel supported in working to achieve personal excellence. A key

aspect of our educational philosophy is integrated learning. By

relating individual subjects to each other wherever possible, we

constantly provide opportunities for innovative and lateral thinking,

while at the same time assisting students to see the relevance of all

aspects of their learning.

The world of education is undergoing rapid change, and at Beaconhills

our staff are vital to ensure a high level of education excellence. The

success of our College is dependent upon the skills, energy,

commitment and determination of all our staff.

Beaconhills is committed to providing employees with a working

environment which will encourage you to develop your capabilities to

the fullest. Congratulations on your appointment, and I wish you

success with the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities which

will come your way.

Yours sincerely,

AC Sheumack

Headmaster

W

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Beaconhills College ............................................................................... 6

Learning that matters ............................................................................ 6

Introduction .......................................................................................... 7

About This Handbook .................................................................. 7

Staff Handbooks .......................................................................... 8

History ......................................................................................... 8

Structure ................................................................................... 10

Celebrating Diversity and Valuing Difference ........................... 11

2015 College Theme – Together We Make a Difference .......... 11

StaffNet/TeachNet .............................................................................. 12

Occupational Health and Safety .......................................................... 12

Pastoral Care ....................................................................................... 12

Emergency Action Plan ........................................................................ 13

Leaving the College during School Hours ............................................. 13

Security ............................................................................................... 14

Security Codes and Keys ........................................................... 14

Loss/Damage of College Property ............................................. 14

Insurance ................................................................................... 14

Human Resources ............................................................................... 15

MyNet ....................................................................................... 15

Industrial Awards and Agreements ........................................... 15

Absences ................................................................................... 16

Leave Entitlements .................................................................... 16

Salary Packaging ........................................................................ 16

Payroll ....................................................................................... 16

Professional Development ........................................................ 17

Support for Staff........................................................................ 17

Expectations of Staff ........................................................................... 17

Smoke Free Workplace ............................................................. 17

Alcohol ...................................................................................... 18

Dress Code ................................................................................ 18

Punctuality ................................................................................ 18

Communications ....................................................................... 18

Enrolments, Marketing and Finance .................................................... 19

Media Protocols ........................................................................ 19

Communication & Style Guide .................................................. 19

Purchasing System for School Supplies ..................................... 20

Petty Cash ................................................................................. 20

Banking of Monies Collected .................................................... 20

Information Technology ...................................................................... 20

Beaconhills Libraries ........................................................................... 21

Staff Services ....................................................................................... 21

Staff Association (Berwick Campus) .......................................... 21

Canteens ................................................................................... 21

Staffrooms ................................................................................. 21

Human Movement Centres ....................................................... 21

Car Parking ................................................................................ 21

Resources and Services ....................................................................... 22

Term Dates 2015 ................................................................................. 23

Glossary .............................................................................................. 24

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Beaconhills College

Beaconhills College offers affordable but high quality education,

setting it apart in the region. We are an independent, open-entry,

co-educational Christian College with campuses in Pakenham and

Berwick.

Our strengths lie in our strong sense of community within our

school, from our infants, Early Learning years and right through to

Year 12. The school was founded more than 30 years ago on

Christian principles and these underpin all of our College

programs and how we care for our students.

Our aim

At Beaconhills we educate the whole child, to help them develop

spiritually, intellectually, physically and emotionally. We challeng

our students – and inspire and nurture them to achieve excellence

everything they do.

Our pledge

Our holistic approach to education inspires excellence and

nurtures confident, independent learners with the values they

need to be responsible, caring citizens in their local and global

communities.

At Beaconhills College, we foster individual talents and strengths.

We know if students pursue their passion, excellent results will

follow naturally.

The spirit of excellence

Excellence at Beaconhills is more than about achieving high scores

or finishing at the top of the State. Excellence is a state-of-mind

that all young people need to understand and apply to all walks of

life. Whether it is in behavior, appearance or commitment on the

sporting field or on the stage, we encourage and expect our

students to strive for excellence.

Learning that matters

The College has launched an exciting new project called Learning

That Matters. This project is part of a three year collaborative

project between Independent Schools Victoria and USA’s Harvard

Graduate School of Education.

Beaconhills is one of the schools taking on the ‘Leading Learning

that Matters’ project, as it looks at how it can best implement

teaching and learning practices relevant to today’s and

tomorrow’s students.

Harvard academics Professor David Perkins and Dr Daniel Wilson

have visited the College and will be working with us on the

Learning That Matters project.

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This project will survey the education landscape at our College. It

will examine:

• What learning matters for the 21st

century?

• What matters to parents, students and teachers?

• How do we lead in learning that matters?

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At Beaconhills College the Learning That Matters is:

• Learning about Learning: We aim to develop highly skilled

learners for life

• Learning for the Environment: We aim to develop

students with a deep understanding of environmental and

sustainability issues and be responsible stewards

• Learning with our World and other Cultures: We strive for

our students to learn the importance of cultural diversity

and their responsibilities as global citizens

• Learning Citizenship and Service: We strive for our

students to participate actively in service to enhance the

lives of others

• Learning about Wellbeing: We strive for our students to

learn the importance of wellbeing through optimising a

healthy mind, body & spirit

• Learning about Values and Character: We encourage our

students to lead a life that is informed by the Christian

values and experiences of the College

Introduction

Beaconhills is a learning community. Each member of this

community is considered to be a life-long learner and the College

is structured to support this ideal. Beaconhills is a large

organisation. To facilitate the development of programs and

responses to students’ needs that are appropriate to different

stages of development, four sub-schools have been created. Each

sub-school or section has its own head of section, administration

and support staff. These groups run the day-to-day activities of

their sections under the overall strategic direction of the College

so that each student can work and learn in the manner most

effective for them, enabling them to experience their personal

best.

About This Handbook

The aim of this handbook is to help all Beaconhills employees

become acquainted with our policies and procedures. It is

intended as a reference guide only, providing basic information

about how we do things within Beaconhills and should be read in

conjunction with your letter of offer, Teacher or Little Beacons

Handbook and internal policies which can be found on our

intranet, StaffNet.

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Staff Handbooks

Along with this induction handbook, a Teachers’ Handbook and a

Little Beacons’ Handbook are available on StaffNet. These

handbooks include information about the College’s approach to

matters such as code of behaviour for students, communication,

pastoral care, curriculum, etc.

It is an expectation that all staff will read the handbooks relevant

to their position.

History

Beaconhills College had its conception in 1980 when a group of

parishioners at St. John’s Anglican Church at Upper Beaconsfield,

led by John McConchie and strongly supported by the parish vicar

Rev. Roger Rich, had a vision for an independent Christian school

in the local area.

An initial meeting at the St. John’s Church on 28 August 1980 was

the first of several which indicated considerable local interest in

such a school. John McConchie was appointed as the Chairman of

a Steering Committee which subsequently called a public meeting

at the Pakenham Hall on 11 March, 1981, which was attended by

some 250 people. This meeting ratified the proposal that an

ecumenical, co-educational, low-fee secondary school, along the

lines of the Christian Community Colleges already established at

Maryborough, Portland, Newhaven and Woodend, be established

locally. In fact, Beaconhills College was the first Christian

Community College to begin ‘from scratch’ as the previously

mentioned colleges all began from existing independent schools

with developed facilities.

This Steering Committee, ably led by John McConchie and Rev.

Roger Rich with helpful input and support from Father John

Leaver, ‘father’ of the ecumenical school movement, called

numerous local public meetings throughout the region over the

year to advertise and seek further support for the new school.

During 1981, as well, the 13 acre site on Toomuc Valley Rd. was

purchased, portable buildings were obtained from St. Catherine’s

College in Toorak and Mr. Frank Millett was appointed as the

founding principal.

After a year of hectic preparations and committed effort by the

Steering Committee and their supporters, including weekly

meetings and more for the members of the committee, the new

school, Beaconhills Christian College, opened on 3 February 1982

with 5 staff and 34 students, 28 being in Form 1 and 6 in Forms 2

and 3.

The school was, from its inception, a truly ecumenical, non-

denominational one, with three participating churches – St. John’s

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Anglican Church, Upper Beaconsfield; St. James’ Anglican Church,

Pakenham; and Pakenham Uniting Church – and with each church

appointing two members to the College’s governing board of

twelve.

On 28 March 1982 the College’s Dedication Service was held at St.

James’ Anglican Church, Pakenham, which was at the time still

located in Main St. Pakenham.

The seven years of Mr Millett’s leadership of the college were

characterised by a great deal of enthusiasm, resourcefulness and

commitment on the part of the principal and his staff, the parents,

the students and the Board, led by John McConchie until 1986, as

the school grew as a close-knit community, despite limited

resources. By the end of 1988, the student numbers had steadily

grown from 34 with a teaching staff of 5 in 1982 to 388 from Years

7-12 with a teaching staff of 30. Today, Beaconhills College

provides quality education and care to over 3000 students and

children across three campuses; Berwick, Pakenham and Little

Beacons.

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Suzanne McChesney

Structure

The administration of the College comprises several facets. The

term College refers to the entire Beaconhills institution. The

College is divided into three campuses, each with its own Campus

Principal. Schools refer to the four divisions within each Campus,

each with its own Head and administration.

College Executive

Headmaster Mr Tony Sheumack

Campus Principal, Pakenham Ms Suzanne McChesney

Campus Principal, Berwick Mrs Jenny Williams

Head of Campus, Little Beacons Mrs Vicki Reid

Director of Strategy and Business Mr David Young

Head of Admissions and

Marketing Ms Joanne McKenzie

Head of Human Resources Ms Penny Reed

Head of College Operations Mr Greg Wood

Pakenham Campus Executive

Senior Chaplain Rev Peggy Kruse

Head of Junior School Mr Peter Hockey

Head of Middle School Mr Frank Pagliuca

Head of Year 9 Mr Graham Broderick

Head of Senior School Mr Des Reuben

Berwick Campus Executive

Senior Chaplain Rev Chris Leadbeatter

Head of Junior School Mrs Cheryl Jones

Head of Middle School Mrs Clare Tuohy

Head of Year 9 Mr Warren McLeod

Head of Senior School Mr Alan James

Little Beacons Executive

Head of Administration Ms Jennifer Cleur

Tony

Sheumack

Jenny Williams

Vicki Reid

David Young

Joanne McKenzie

Greg Wood

Penny Reed

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Celebrating Diversity and Valuing Difference

Beaconhills is committed to providing all staff and students with a

working and learning environment which values diversity, and

respects difference in its community. We are a College enriched

by diversity, with people of varying backgrounds and attributes

such as age, race, ethnic and national heritage, physical and

intellectual abilities and lifestyle choices forming a part of our

cohesive community. All contribute to the aims and objectives of

the College in order to create a harmonious and productive

learning environment.

Lack of respect of the rights of people in any context is

unacceptable and unlawful and will not be tolerated by

Beaconhills. All staff and students are required to honour and

support this commitment. All staff and students are requested to

assist Beaconhills by taking appropriate action in accordance with

procedures whenever discrimination, harassment or bullying is

alleged to have occurred. The support of everyone at Beaconhills

is sought to avoid practices and attitudes which may lead to

discrimination.

2015 College Theme – Together We Make a Difference

Each year Beaconhills students are asked to put forward their

ideas for a College theme for the following year. Many ideas flow,

but a common thread is often found and this is how a new theme

emerges.

It is fitting that the 2015 theme, ‘Together We Make a Difference’,

is – like so many great achievements – the result of a collaborative

effort. The birth of Beaconhills College 34 years ago may have

started with the vision of one man – John McConchie – but it was

not until the collaboration with others on the Steering Committee

that the vision really began to become a reality.

‘Together We Make a Difference’ does not mean we stop

celebrating individual achievements – the College will continue its

goal to encourage, inspire and nurture students to achieve their

very best personal standard.

But strength comes in numbers. Great social movements have

been achieved only by people working together. Nobel prizes may

go to individuals, but the nature of scientific enterprise means

there is often a large team behind the achievement.

Similarly it is the work of the collective, not just the individual,

that can create real change in the lives of those who are less

fortunate.

Let’s hope that, in 2015, we can all ‘Make a Difference’.

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StaffNet/TeachNet

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the College

intranet – StaffNet and TeachNet. Here you will find a variety of

information and resources to assist you with your work at the

College.

Workplace Health and Safety

Beaconhills recognises its moral and legal responsibilities with

respect to Workplace Health and Safety and Environment in the

workplace, and that this responsibility not only extends to its

students and employees, but also to contractors and visitors.

Beaconhills is committed to providing a safe and healthy

workplace for its employees. Both management and staff are

responsible for maintaining an injury-free working environment.

Staff are responsible for reporting property damage by notifying,

via email, the Director of Strategy and Business or the

Maintenance Department via a Maintenance Request, located on

StaffNet.

Occupational Health and Safety Policies and your WHS

representatives are found on StaffNet.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is one of the building blocks for providing a caring

and supportive work place for both students and staff.

The model which operates in the College is unique and is designed

to offer a choice of appropriate, professional support for all staff.

You are encouraged to seek support from your Manager or Head

of Section; however the following support options are also

available to staff:

• Employee Assistance Program (details on StaffNet)

• Mentors (for teaching staff new to the College)

• Human Resources

• Staff Contact Officers

• Chaplains

• Counsellors

• Personal Network

For students (and parents/guardians) Pastoral Care is provided by:

• Class Tutor

• Head of House

• Head of Students

• Head of Section

• Campus Principal

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Beaconhills’ Student Counsellors and Chaplains may become

involved at any stage in this process.

Emergency Action Plan

Staff are notified of an emergency by an alarm ringing within the

building/ loud hailer alert or telephone calls from the

Headmaster/Campus Principal.

If you are first on the scene of an emergency, it is important that

you take the appropriate steps to reduce the impact caused by

the emergency. The situation must be reported as soon as

possible to the Headmaster or Campus Principal so that a decision

relating to the whole Campus may be made and implemented.

If an EVACUATION of the area is necessary, please refer to the

Room Action Card and the Evacuation Route Exit plan positions

near the door of each room.

If a CONTAINMENT is necessary, a continuous Beep Beep siren will

sound. All staff and students must respond by moving inside

rooms, closing windows and doors, drawing curtains, moving

away from the windows, turning off lights, locking up areas if keys

are available, then awaiting further direction by computer or

telephone. A containment would be called by the Headmaster or

Campus Principal, for example, if there was extreme pollution of

the atmosphere, or threatening intruder/s on campus.

Specific information regarding the Emergency Action plans are

available on StaffNet. Emergency Evacuation Coordinators and

their areas of responsibility are also listed. In an emergency, staff

must seek guidance from their area Emergency Evacuation

Coordinator.

Leaving the College during School Hours

Legally, the College must know the whereabouts of all staff during

working hours in case of general emergencies, crisis management

situations, for personal safety, Workcover, when extras are to be

issued and to enable the College to answer queries with accuracy

and in a professional manner.

Part-time and casual staff are required to sign OUT and IN on a

register located at each Campus. Full-time staff must sign out if

leaving the College during normal hours.

Only in the case of emergencies; a proxy could sign for a staff

member by using own initials and writing “per” before staff

member’s name that has left.

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Security

All staff are issued with an identification tag, which must be worn

at all times whilst on campus.

It is essential that all staff become security conscious, and make

sure that all doors and windows are locked and alarmed in their

areas of responsibility if appropriate, at the end of each day.

Ensuring that buildings and quadrangles are always secured after

5pm, not only protects the property of the College, but also

protects staff who are working alone, sometimes quite late, and

who have assumed they are securely locked in. Due to large

campuses, building security cannot be left to one person. Security

of your workspace is part of your responsibility to overcome the

increasingly serious problem of theft from classrooms and offices.

Security Codes and Keys

Under no circumstances are staff members to give keys, swipe

cards, security codes, photocopier codes or computer ID to

students.

Keys, swipe cards, security codes and computer codes are

obtained from the Human Resources Department. Any lost keys

must be reported to the HR Department immediately. Upon

conclusion of employment, all keys must be returned to the HR

Department.

Loss/Damage of College Property

It is the responsibility of Heads of Department to ensure that

equipment belonging to their Department is controlled and any

movement of equipment between departments is monitored.

When it is discovered that an item of equipment is missing, after

inquiry, the appropriate form should be completed and lodged

with the Finance Manager immediately.

All incidents must be reported on the General Insurance

Notification Form.

Insurance

It is the aim and intention of the College to insure all property and

interests of the College against loss and/or damage incurred by

the College. The College does not provide insurance cover for the

property or interests of individuals (staff, parents etc.) or other

corporations.

Where the interpretation of liability is required by a staff member,

the query should be directed to the Director of Strategy and

Business.

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Human Resources

The Human Resources (HR) Department at Beaconhills is

responsible for HR policy and procedure development and

implementation, and for delivering services and advice to

management and staff. It is located in the Administration building

at the Pakenham Campus. The HR Department offers advice and

support on the following:

• Job Analysis and Design

• Remuneration and Benefits

• Recruitment and Retention

• Workplace Injuries/WorkCover

• Industrial Relations

• Performance Management

• Equal Employment Opportunity

MyNet

MyNet is the Employee Services Portal, which is designed to give

staff instant access to their payroll, personal and some

professional information.

MyNet enables staff to maintain their personal details, emergency

contacts, skills registers and more. It allows the viewing (and

printing) of current and previous payslips, online submissions of

leave applications and provides quick access to their leave

balances. MyNet also gives staff the ability to project their leave

balances into the future.

MyNet gives staff control of most of their personal details. They

no longer need to ask people about their own information. They

are able to access and update information about themselves

easily and online.

Industrial Awards and Agreements

As at 1 January 2010, Beaconhills responds to the following

industrial instruments:

• Beaconhills College Teachers Agreement 2015 - 2017

• National Employment Standards (NES)

• Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2010

• Educational Services Teachers Award 2010

• Beaconhills College General Staff Agreement 2015 - 2016

Copies of these documents are available on StaffNet and also at

www.fwa.gov.au

All staff have their employment terms and conditions outlined in

their employment letter of offer, and detailed in relevant HR

policies.

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Absences

From time to time situations will arise where staff need to be

absent from the College. If such absences are known in advance,

permission must be granted by the Headmaster (general staff), or

Campus Principals (Campus staff) and as much notification as

possible be given to the Head of College Operations (teaching

staff) or Manager (General staff).

For short notice absences, illness or emergency:

• Teaching staff are asked to ring the Daily Organisation

Administrative Assistant, between 7.00am and 8.00am

• General staff are asked to ring their appropriate manager.

Leave Entitlements

If staff require leave they should submit a Leave Request online

via MyNet. An email advice regarding the outcome of the

application will be sent to the applicant.

Please note:- Beaconhills has an annual shut-down for a short

period between Christmas and New Year each year, and General

Staff are required to take Annual Leave during this period.

The Staff Leave Policy is available on StaffNet.

Salary Packaging

Salary Packaging is available to all Beaconhills staff (with the

exception of casual staff), with SalPac Administration Pty Ltd

appointed to advise and administer the salary packaging program.

The aim of salary packaging is to legitimately restructure the way

in which employees receive income so as to maximise disposable

income. Remuneration is offered as a combination of employer

provided benefits and salary to reduce the total tax paid. The

College provides a pre-tax superannuation sacrifice service to staff

which is administered by the Human Resources Department

through the payroll process.

A handbook for Salpac is available online on StaffNet.

Payroll

All payroll information e.g. timesheets, leave applications, travel

reimbursements, are to be authorised and received by the Human

Resources Department by the 7th

of the month, to allow timely

preparation of the monthly pays. Any documentation received by

the HR Department after the 7th

of the month will be processed in

the following month’s payroll. Salaries are paid into your

nominated bank on the 15th

of the month.

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Professional Development

Beaconhills is committed to supporting the professional growth of

its staff. There is a Professional Reading Collection in the Library

on each Campus. In addition to subject specific professional

development, there is a range of professional learning

opportunities for staff interested in broader areas of education

such as leadership, teaching and learning, use of technology to

enhance teaching and learning, pastoral care and other areas of

special interest.

Support for Staff

The learning and working environment at Beaconhills College

should be positive and supportive for all members of the College

community. Therefore, Beaconhills is committed to ensuring that

the working and learning environment is free from bullying,

harassment and discrimination.

The College provides support for staff in most issues that may

arise in the course of their employment.

In situations where the staff member has not fulfilled their

required role and has breached their Duty of Care the College may

not be able to support the individual.

Staff Contact Officers are available for staff to contact, should

they experience discrimination, harassment or bullying in the

workplace. Please see the Equal Opportunity and Respectful

Workplace Policy on StaffNet for a current listing of Staff Contact

Officers.

Beaconhills also offers an Employee Assistance program (EAP) to

support staff who are experiencing difficulties such as work-

related, personal or health problems. Details of the program are

available on StaffNet under Human Resources.

Expectations of Staff

Smoke Free Workplace

Beaconhills is committed to providing a safe and healthy

environment for all employees and students. For this reason,

smoking within the College buildings and grounds is prohibited.

The non-smoking environment is also linked to the College

insurance policy.

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Alcohol

The College has a policy of non-consumption of alcohol or illegal

drugs on any of our campuses.

Dress Code

As you are an ambassador for the College, personal cleanliness

and tidiness are regarded as essential. Dress should be

professional, neat, clean and appropriate for your work. Dress

standard should reflect the College’s professional image and

philosophy. In some departments, there are specific uniform

requirements. The College subscribes to the Sun Smart policy and

requests that outdoor staff wear hats and use sunscreen

protection, which is provided by various departments in the

College. For all formal functions such as Academic Assemblies and

Presentation Evenings, teaching staff are expected to wear

academic gowns.

A Beaconhills corporate uniform is available for General staff to

purchase. Beaconhills subsidises the cost of this uniform which

must be worn as a complete outfit in accordance with the

Australian Taxation Office Regulations. The corporate uniform can

be ordered through the College Shop.

Punctuality

Staff are expected to be punctual when arriving for work. In a

professional environment such as Beaconhills, punctuality is

particularly important, and it is the responsibility of every staff

member to ensure that they arrive at work in a timely manner.

All staff should contact the College as soon as possible if they are

unavoidably delayed. Teaching staff must notify the Daily

Organisation Administrative Assistant and Head of Section

immediately of any delay in their arrival at the College. General

Staff should notify their Manager/Supervisor.

Communications

Beaconhills provides a range of communication systems including

telephones, mobile phones, radios, email and internet access.

The appropriate use of all these systems is mandatory for all staff.

The standards required in a Christian community based College

environment are higher than those expected in any commercial

organisation.

The College communication systems are intended for school use,

however, it is recognised that on occasions the communication

systems will be used for private communication. All

communications through the school systems are considered to

represent the College and remain the property of the College at all

times.

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Use of the Internet and Local Area Network is expected to

conform to the Electronic Communications Policy located on

StaffNet.

Use of the College communications systems is expected to

conform to all aspects of the Duty of Care.

The College telephone number is 1300 002 225. Extension

numbers are last four digits.

Enrolments, Marketing and Finance

The Enrolments, Finance and Marketing Departments are located

in the central administration building at the Pakenham Campus,

near Reception.

The Enrolments Department is the critical first point of contact for

prospective parents. It manages the enrolment process, school

tours and the scholarship program. Staff members should also be

aware that they will be given priority, where possible, when

enrolling their children in the Little Beacons Early Learning Centre

and the College. Contact the Head of Admissions and Marketing

directly.

Media Protocols

All Marketing, Media Relations and Publications are handled

through the Marketing Department. Staff with a story which may

be suitable for publication need to contact Marketing who will

ensure the story is placed in the most appropriate media.

Articles for the College newsletter (College View) should be

submitted to the Marketing Department via email.

Media relations and media crisis management area critical areas

for all businesses, schools included. The key to successfully

managing the media is the ensure that all staff at Beaconhills are

fully informed about the College’s media protocols, and feel

confident to apply them in any contact with the media, but

especially in a crisis. Please also refer to the College Media

Contact Guidelines on StaffNet.

Communication & Style Guide

To achieve a consistent, high quality corporate identity for the

College, every staff member is asked to follow the style guidelines

included on StaffNet. Information is included on the correct use

of the College logo and templates are available for

correspondence and documents. For comprehensive information

on fonts and downloading templates go to StaffNet and click on

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style guide in ‘Staff Services/Guides & Templates’. Please contact

the Marketing department if you have any queries.

Purchasing System for School Supplies

All purchasing of supplies/services for the College is administered

by our Procurement and Facilities Manager. Please refer to the

Purchases and Procurement section of StaffNet for information on

how to proceed.

Petty Cash

Separate petty cash reimbursement forms are required for the

reimbursement of College purchases and personal expenditure.

No staff member is to authorise their own purchase order.

Petty cash reimbursements will be issued at the end of each week,

however, it is preferred that purchases be made from a College

supplier where possible.

Banking of Monies Collected

All monies collected for excursions/activities, fundraising and

other monies are to be banked via the Accounts Department.

No monies are to be sent to Student Services for banking.

Information Technology

The IT Department is led by the Director of Strategy and Business

and Network and Systems Manager. The department is

responsible for all the Information Technology needs of staff and

students at Beaconhills.

The Network and Systems Manager works with a team who are

responsible for all desktop and notebook network needs

throughout the College. The IT Helpdesk number is Ext 2208

(Pakenham) and Ext 1102 (Berwick). Alternatively you can log an

IT Request on StaffNet.

The College Web Services Coordinator is available to discuss any

Web applications for BeaconNet. The Web Coordinator can be

contacted via email at webmaster@beaconhills.vic.edu.au.

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Beaconhills Libraries

Libraries are located at both the Pakenham Campus and Berwick

Campus. All libraries have reading and learning areas and a

computer laboratory.

The Libraries have borrowing resources for students and staff

including; fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, videos and

associated equipment. Other services available include laminating

and TV broadcasts.

Staff Services

Staff Association (Berwick Campus)

It is expectation that all staff (teaching and general) will be

members of the Staff Association, Fees will be deducted from

salaries. The amount of which will be advised to staff members

over the course of the year. Fees are deducted twice per year and

covers the cost of staff facilities (e.g. purified water, in-service day

meals and gifts). Information on the Staff Association is available

on StaffNet.

Canteens

Canteens are open from 7.30am until 2.00pm.

Staff wishing to order lunch from the canteens can do so via

telephone ext. 1109 (Berwick Campus) or ext. 3070 (Pakenham

Campus) or online through Munchmonitor located on

BeaconNet/parent centre/valley campus or village campus.

www.munchmonitor.com.au

Staffrooms

The Staffrooms are a place for all staff to meet together, to relax

and socialise. Tea and coffee are available at any time for you to

serve yourself. There are microwaves, toasters and sandwich

presses to heat food.

Human Movement Centres

Beaconhills staff are welcome to use the HMC facilities. For

details on the availability of these facilities and guidelines for their

use, please contact the Head of Sport at either Campus.

Car Parking

There is ample parking available at each Campus. Disabled car

parking is available – please be thoughtful in keeping access to

these clear. If you have a need for special consideration for

parking facilities, please discuss these with the Director of

Strategy and Business.

22

Resources and Services

Service Location

Laminating Library

Photocopying Student Photocopying – Library

Staff - Photocopy rooms in each section

Paper Supplies

Coloured Paper

Card

A3 Paper

Letterhead

Envelopes

Print Centre

Catering

• Morning Teas

• Luncheons

• Suppers

• Alcohol

• Call/email with details

Rowland Catering

• Date and time of function

• Number of people

• Occasion (lunch, morning tea etc)

• Suggestions that you would like

• Cutlery/Crockery/Cup/Serviette/Tablecloth

requirements

• Drinking glasses

• Department to be charged

Computers

IT provide support for hardware and

software. They will also install

programs if they are Beaconhills

approved.

IT Department

Mail

Stamps

External mail (to be delivered to

Reception by 3.00pm)

Internal mail

Pick up of parcels

Couriers

Taxi reservations

Main Receptions

Reception hours are:

Pakenham

8.00am – 5.00pm weekdays

Berwick

8.00am – 4.30pm weekdays

Little Beacons

8.00am – 5.00pm weekdays

Administration Buildings

23

Term Dates 2015

Term 1

New Staff Day Fri 23-01-2015

Australia Day holiday Mon 26-01-2015

College Staff Day Tues 27-01-2015

Staff Meeting Wed 28-01-2015

Staff Meeting Thur 29-01-2015

P 5 7 12 Orientation Fri 30-01-2015

T1 commences for students Mon 02-02-2015

Labour Day Mon 09-03-2015

Term 1 ends Fri 27-03-2015

Easter Fri 03-04-2015 to Mon 06-04-2015

Term 2

Staff Meeting Mon 13-04-2015

T 2 commences for students Tues 14-04-2015

ANZAC Day Sat 25-04-2015

Queen’s Birthday Mon 08-06-2015

Term 2 ends Fri 19-06-2015

Term 3

Staff Meeting Mon 13-07-2015

T3 commences for students Tue 14-07-2015

Term 3 ends Fri 18-09-2015

Term 4

Staff Meeting Mon 05-10-2015

T4 commences for students Tue 06-10-2015

Mid Term Break Mon 02-11-2015

Melbourne Cup Day Tue 03-11-2015

Term 4 ends Y 9 -11 Thurs 03-12-2015

Term 4 ends Y 5 – 8 Fri 04-12-2015

Term 4 ends P – Y 4 Mon 07-12-2015

Staff Meeting Tues 08-12-2015

Staff Meeting Wed 09-12-2015

Staff Meeting Thurs 10-12-2015

Staff Luncheon Fri 11-12-2015

24

Glossary

Assembly The meeting of groups of students with pastoral care staff. These

are frequently held for year levels within each Section.

StaffNet College intranet containing information for staff.

College Leadership Team A group of Executive staff who assist with the management of the

College.

Cocurricular Activities that sit alongside the formal curriculum (e.g. sport, music,

speech).

College View Publication distributed to the College community monthly

containing news about events within the College.

Curriculum The documented prescribed learning for students in all subject

areas.

Daily Bulletin Daily newsletters for students and staff.

General Staff Specialist, professional and administrative staff of the College who

work in areas other than teaching.

HMC Human Movement Centre.

Junior School The Primary School of the College for students from Preparatory to

Year 4.

Middle School Years 5 – 8.

MyNet Staff Services Portal, available on the College intranet.

PBR Positive Behaviour Reminder. A consequence for inappropriate

behavior in students.

PD Professional Development.

Period The duration of a class. In the Middle and Senior Schools, each

period runs for 45 minutes. There are usually 7 periods in a day.

Semester The College year is divided into two parts called Semesters. Each

Semester contains two terms.

Senior School Years 10 – 12.

Timetable The schedule of classes for each student and staff member.

Beaconhills works on a ten-day (fortnight) cycle with seven 45-

minute periods a day.

Tutor Group A pastoral care group in the Middle and Senior Schools.

WHS Workplace Health and Safety