year 8 handbook 2020...year 8 handbook 2020 5 friday, 31 august - monday 4 september cricos proer no...

YEAR 8 HANDBOOK 2020 1

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Y E A R 8 H A N D B O O K 2 0 2 0

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2 YEAR 8 HANDBOOK 2020

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INTRODUCTIONYear 8 is an important year in your daughter’s School journey and we work to keep you informed about her program. This Handbook contains useful reference information about Year 8.

COMMUNICATIONCommunication between parents and the School is very important. Your daughter will be supported by many people in her journey at Firbank but in particular by the Year Level Wellbeing Leader, her Mentor and her Subject Teachers.

The main contact for enquiries regarding your daughter on a day to day basis is her Mentor. Communication regarding her progress, wellbeing concerns and requests for leave should be directed to the Wellbeing Leader, Mrs Denise King, [email protected] or on 9591 5188.

A list of your daughter’s teachers and their email addresses can be found on the Parent Portal. Firbank email addresses follow the same format for example [email protected]. We encourage parents to communicate frequently with teachers.

Other methods of communication that we use are the Firbank weekly eNews, the Firbank App and parent emails. We encourage all parents to download the Firbank App. Information about downloading the Firbank App can be found on our website under Current Students and Parents, What Parents Need to Know or under App in the General Information in this handbook. NB. You will be logged out of the App if you do not access it within 30 days. This is a security measure you will need to log in again.

Help DeskThe Firbank Parent Help Desk is the first point of call for any general parent enquiries - whatever you need help with, across all our campuses. The Parent Help Desk is designed to assist with requests and solve problems, be they big or small.

The Help Desk can be contacted on 9591 5188, via email [email protected] or alternatively you can contact the Parent Help Desk via reception 9591 5188.


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COMPULSORY EVENTS &KEY DATES

TERM 1 (30 January - 27 March)

Friday, 14 FebruarySchool Photo Day

Thursday, 20 FebruaryInter-House Swimming Carnival

Wednesday, 26 FebruaryInter-House Diving Carnival

Monday 2 - Friday, 6 MarchCairns

Thursday, 5 MarchInter-House Public Speaking Rnd 1

Monday, 9 MarchLabour Day

Thursday, 12 MarchInter-House Public Speaking Final

Tuesday, 17 MarchParent Teacher interviews

Wednesday, 25 MarchInter-House Athletic Carnival

Thursday, 26 MarchParent Teacher interviews

Friday, 27 March Term 1 ends

TERM 2 (15 April - 19 June)

Wednesday, 6 MayInter-House Cross Country

Tuesday, 19 MayG.S.V. Preliminary Cross Country Carnival

Monday, 25 MayMUN Conference


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Friday, 29 May G.S.V. Championship Cross Country

Monday, 8 JuneQueen’s Birthday

Tuesday, 9 - Friday 19 JuneMATS

Friday, 19 JuneTerm 2 ends

TERM 3 (15 July - 18 September)

Tuesday, 28 JulyCurriculum information evening- Year 9, 2021

Wednesday 29 - Thursday, 30 JulyLearn to Row Program

Tuesday, 11 AugustMUMA

Thursday, 13 AugustG.S.V. Preliminary Athletics

Friday, 14 - Monday 17 AugustYr 7 - 12 Downhill Snow Program

Monday, 17 AugustMid term break

Wednesday, 19 AugustParent Teacher interviews

Thursday, 27 AugustParent Teacher interviews

Friday, 31 August - Monday 4 SeptemberAlpine Camp

Tuesday, 8 SeptemberG.S.V. Athletics Finals Evening

Monday, 14 SeptemberInter-House Festival Rehearsal P1-4

Tuesday, 15 SeptemberInter-House Festival Competition8.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. and 6.00 - 9.00 p.m.

Friday, 18 SeptemberTerm 3 ends

TERM 4 (6 October - 8 December)

Monday, 2 NovemberMid term break

Tuesday, 3 NovemberMelbourne Cup Day

Tuesday, 10 - Thursday, 19 NovemberMATS

Thursday, 12 NovemberPublic Speaking Year 7/8 Final

Friday, 20 NovemberPresentation Evening(Compulsory. All students to attend)

Monday, 23 - Monday, 30 NovemberMAT handback

Thursday, 26 NovemberBall Games

Tuesday, 1 - Friday, 4 DecemberEnd of year program

Tuesday, 8 DecemberLast day of school


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SPECIAL PROGRAMS

CAIRNS TOURMonday, 2 - Friday, 6 MarchEarly in the year, all students take part in an environmental expedition to Cairns. There, they investigate and gather information in a variety of formats which becomes the basis of activities in Humanities, Science and English classes.

This tour will provide Year 8 students with the opportunity to bond as a year level by sharing the experience of exploring two World Heritage listed sites – The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest and learning about the culture of the indigenous people of this area.

Led by marine biologists and scientists, they will learn about the consequences of climate change and human activities for the Reef.

COMPASS LEVEL 4 The Compass Award is a compulsory part of the Year 8 Curriculum. The Award is modelled on the international framework of The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a program we introduce in Year 9. The Award allows students to formalise and be recognised for their commitment to a range of different skills, activities and to members of the greater community. The Compass Award is structured over four progressive levels. Levels 1 & 2 are designed for Years 5 & 6. In Year 7, students were enrolled in both Levels 3 & 4 and were able to begin Level 4 once Level 3 was complete. Both Levels 3 and 4 are required to be complete by the end of Year 8.


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LEARN TO ROW PROGRAM Wednesday, 29 - Thursday 30 JulyAll year 8 girls will be given the opportunity to ‘Try Rowing’ at the beginning of Term 3 before selection to participate in the Learn to Row program for the remainder of the Term.

The Junior rowing squad, which is limited to forty girls, will begin training and competition in Term 4. Junior rowers train twice on the Yarra River and once in the gym during the week and then either train or race on Saturdays.

The season concludes at the end of Term 1 of the following year at the three day Head of the School Girls regatta.

MODEL UNPrep: Thursday, 21 – Friday, 22 MayConference: Monday, 25 MayAnother exciting opportunity for the students in Year 8 is a Model United Nations program. All year 8 students will participate in this program. The Model United Nations is an educational simulation in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations, leadership and the United Nations.

Students will be divided into countries represented within the United Nations. They will complete research about their country and are given time to investigate a given topic. The conference will run as an official day. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to find the best possible solution to a problem at hand through dialogue, negotiation and multilateral diplomacy.

HEAD OF SCHOOLGIRLS ROWING REGATTASunday, 15 MarchAll Year 8 students will attend the Head of Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta in Geelong. This introduction to rowing is a compulsory component of the Year 8 program and attendance at this prestigious event will contextualise the excitement and achievement that is possible with dedicated participation. Information about travel and other arrangements will be sent home prior to the event.

ALPINE PROGRAMMonday, 31 August - Friday, 4 SeptemberYear 8 students will complete a week of cross country skiing, snow shoeing and an overnight snow camping adventure.

The program will be conducted at Falls Creek, in the Victorian Alps. We will be based at Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for your daughter to build on the skills learned during the Year 7 Discovery programs. The girls will continue to develop their confidence, resilience and independence. This program will focus on skill development, leadership and sustainability.

Detailed information and packing list will be sent out at the start of Term 3.


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PACKING LIST CAIRNS TOUR

Essential• Photo ID / Student Card

Luggage• Suitcase• Small Duffle Bag or Daypack• Luggage name tags (for daypack also)

Clothing• Sun Hat• T-shirts and long-sleeve top(s)• Long pants• Jumper / jacket / sweater – just in case!• Walking shorts• Rain jacket• Comfortable walking shoes• Thongs / sandals• Firbank Bathers• Socks / underwear

Hygiene• Toiletries• Motion sickness tablets• Any personal medication -

(Epipen, Ventolin, etc) – if required• Sun cream and lip balm with high SPF• Insect repellent Other• Sunglasses• Camera and spare batteries or charger• Beach Towel & Bath Towel• Money for meals, souvenirs and other

incidentals – as advised by group leader/teacher

• Reading / writing materials – if required

Special Additional ItemsIf you would like to contribute to the hygiene packs we make for Cairns’ homeless and needy, please consider bringing along one of the following items to donate: bottle of shampoo/conditioner, disposable razor, toothbrush/ toothpaste, or feminine hygiene products.


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REPORTING & ASSESSMENT

REPORTINGThe Parent Portal is the main avenue for communication about student academic progress.

Access to the Parent Portal is via the Firbank website: www.firbank.vic.edu.au

All parents receive an SMS invitation to set up a new password that allowsaccess to the Firbank Parent Portal where information is available relating to their daughter’s academic progress. For instructions on how to create or reset a new Portal password, please view www.firbank.vic.edu.au/parent-portal/

Firbank’s Progressive Online ReportingThis system provides feedback on each assessment task when it becomes available.

End of Semester Academic Achievement transcript reports will be available at the end of each semester.

Academic Wellbeing report will be available at the end of Semester 1.

It will be possible to print the reports from the portal if a hard copy is preferred. Reports are also archived under the Documents tab.


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PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS Parent teacher Interviews will be conducted on the following dates:

Term 1Tuesday, 17 March 2.45 - 8.30 p.m.

Thursday, 26 March 2.45 - 8.30 p.m.

Term 3 Wednesday, 19 August 2.45 - 8.30 p.m.

Thursday, 27 August

2.45 - 8.30 p.m.

ASSESSMENTStudent work is assessed according to the Achievement Standards as outlined in the Australian Curriculum.

The Standards required for each subject at each year level will be listed and provided with the end of semester report on the Parent Portal.

The following should be noted:

At Standard - reflects that the Australian Curriculum standard has been met.

Above Standard and Well Above Standard - will give an indication of where a student is placed in relation to the class/year level on that standard/task.

All substantive tasks will be linked to rubrics/standards.

Written feedback will provide clear information about how students can improve their performance or repeat their success.

The bands that relate to each Standard are as below:

Well Above Standard 90-100%Above Standard 75-89%At Standard 55-74%Below Standard 40-54%Well Below Standard <40%


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Major Assessment PeriodTerm 2Tuesday, 9 June - Friday, 19 June

Term 4Tuesday, 10 - Thursday, 19 November

Formal assessments in each subject will be completed during the Major Assessment Period.

The purpose of conducting major assessments at the end of each semester is to help prepare students for formal assessments in the future by:• Instilling in students a home study

culture of regular revision and test preparation

• Developing student confidence and skill in formal assessment environments

• Developing subject specific revision skills and techniques

• Equipping students with tips to aid the management of stress

• Instilling in students good habits to facilitate organisation in the lead up to exams

• Developing an understanding of the requirements for specific assessment types

Attendance during the Major Assessment PeriodIf a student misses an assessment taskdue to illness, or has the Principal’s or Deputy Principal’s permission to be absent, then, if possible, the task may be rescheduled. This will be arranged through the Wellbeing Leader, Year 8.

Students who do not have a valid reason for missing an assessment task will receive a zero result for that task.

Homework and the use of the Student DiaryHomework is an important aspect of your daughter’s learning. It bridges the gap between learning at school and learning at home and reinforces work done in class. Homework helps to establish the habits of study, concentration and self- discipline.

For Year 8 it is an expectation that students complete 7 hours of homework per week.

• The Student Diary should be used to record homework set and the dates relating to any assignments

• The Student Diary will be checked regularly by the Mentor to ensure that it is being used correctly

• It is an expectation that parents will check and sign their daughter’s diary weekly

• Subject teachers will use the Diary to inform parents if any set homework has not been completed. Parents are required to sign the Diary to acknowledge receipt of any message


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CLUBS ADVENTURE CLUB - OUTDOOR EDUCATIONThe Adventure Club encourages students to follow their passions. Students are involved in designing and facilitating optional weekend adventures. ‘Mini Adventures’ can include scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking and adventure racing/running. All Year levels are encouraged to participate in these programs. Our most popular trip is the Downhill snow weekend at Falls Creek. This is open to all year levels. Expressions of interest will be sent out early Term 2.

ART CLUBArt club is held on Fridays, Week 1, lunchtime in Room 11. Art Club is an opportunity for students of all year levels, Years 7 - 12, to engage in art activities during lunchtime fortnightly on Fridays.

Various art based projects are organised by our Visual Arts Captain, such as still life drawing, watercolour and craft activities with the primary focus of having fun and providing an opportunity for students to mix with others who share their interest in visual arts.

BOOK CLUBBook Club is open to students in Years 7 & 8. This program is run in conjunction with Brighton Grammar School. Meetings are held each term either at Firbank or Brighton Grammar where a set novel is discussed.


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CHESS CLUBThe Chess Club meets each week in Room 24 and is open to all year levels in the Senior School. The students participate in external tournaments as well as joint activities with Brighton Grammar school. A qualified teacher from ‘Chess Kids’ attends each week to assist with instruction and organise the weekly tournaments.

CODING CLUBThe Coding Club meets each week on Monday after school for 60 - 90 minutes in Room 24 and is open to all year levels in Senior School.

The Club members use online resources to learn coding at their own pace which is guided and coached by the Club Coordinator. Members learn how to program in JavaScipt and other programming languages (e.g. HTML/CS, Python, Swift etc.)

DANCE TROUPEThe Firbank Dance Troupe is for trained and experienced dancers who will be challenged and invited to further their technique across various styles of dance.

It is an auditioned group who represent Firbank in dance competitions held throughout the year. Students from Years 7 - 11, who love to dance, can audition. Auditions are held at the beginning of Term 4 in preparation for the following year. Rehearsals occur every Wednesday morning and Thursday lunch time.

DEBATING CLUBAt Firbank, we challenge our girls to find their voice and form opinions in any arena. Debating gives students the opportunity to learn about current media issues and rewards academic skills such as critical thinking, sound argument and confident speaking. Year 7 and 8 students can join the Junior Debating Team and students from Years 9 - 12 can join the Senior 3Debating team and compete regularly. This state-wide competition facilitated by The Debating Association of Victoria involves 250 schools, making it the largest debating competition in the world.

DRAMA CLUBThe Drama Club is for Years 7 - 9 students and is run by the Drama Captain and Senior students. The club meets every Friday lunchtime to share ideas, common interests, socialise and have fun with Drama. This culminates in a performance which is either scripted or group-devised.

GSVFirbank is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) which comprises the 24 Girls Schools in Melbourne that have weekly competitions in 12 sports rotating through the year, with training Monday 7 a.m. and matches Thursday afternoon. In addition, there are Inter-School carnivals in Athletics, Swimming, Diving and Cross-Country.

HOMEWORK CLUBFirbank provides a supervised Homework Club for students in Years 7 - 10.

Homework Club will operate from Monday to Thursday, 3.45 - 4.45 p.m.


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LocationHomework Club will be located in the Library.

The purpose of Homework Club is to assist students to improve their organisational skills by providing an opportunity to work in a quiet space, without distractions at a regular time. Attendance at Homework Club will help students to develop good study habits and discover the benefits of committing to focussed work at a particular time each week.

The teacher present will provide support and advice about organisational aspects of students’ work.

If a student wishes to attend Homework Club then parents need to please complete the Homework Club letter and return it to the Wellbeing Leader.

Once a commitment has been made to attend Homework Club, please note that it is a parent’s responsibility to notify the Wellbeing Leader, if a student cannot attend on a particular night.

IMPROV CLUB This club is for students who enjoy spontaneous creativity of and performance opportunities. The club meets every second Tuesday and is open to students from Year 7 - 12 from Firbank and BGS.

MATHEMATICS SUPPORTMathematics support for students in Years 7 - 11 is available each Wednesday from 1.50 - 2.30p.m.

Please check the Daily Bulletin the day prior for location.

Mathematics staff will take the sessions and students may attend on a regular basis or as the need arises.Students may wish to use the sessions:• To clarify skills and concepts that they

are finding difficult in the current topic• To complete set homework with the

security of being able to ask for help if needed

• To request assistance with the areas of weakness and practice examples while support is available

• To seek and complete enrichment work in areas of interest

• To prepare for assessments

PHILOSOPHY COLLOQUIUMAvailable to students in Years 7 and 8, a Philosophy Colloquium is held three times a year, in conjunction with Brighton Grammar School, and is an important platform for academic enrichmentfor selected students. The aim of the program is to enhance the development of metacognitive skills. Each Philosophy Colloquium provides a forum for students to analyse and discuss key philosophical questions.

WRITERS CLUBFor students who take an interest in writing, we offer regular meetings and an online portal to allow them to expand and explore their love of the written word while being challenged, inspired, encouraged and guided.


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CO-CURRICULAR

GSV SPORTTraining is on Monday mornings from 7.00 - 8.00 a.m.Matches after school on Thursday afternoon 3.00 - 6.00 p.m.

CHOIR / ORCHESTRA / ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL TIMES

Monday12.50 – 1.30 p.m. Chamber Singers* - Choir Room (*Auditioned Choir)

Wednesday7.20 – 8.20 a.m. Guitar Ensemble- Tuition Room 17.20 – 8.20 a.m. Bayside Strings- Choir Room7.20 – 8.20 a.m. Concert Band - Recital Hall1.30 – 2.20 p.m. Year 7/8 Choir^- Choir Room (^Unauditioned Choir)

Friday7.20 – 8.20 a.m. Chamber Singers- Recital Hall

PERFORMING ARTS REHEARSAL TIMES

Wednesday7.30 - 8.20 a.m. Dance Troupe Rehearsals - Dance Studio

Thursday1.30 - 2.30 p.m. Dance Troupe Rehearsals - Dance Studio

Friday1.30 - 2.30 p.m Drama Club - Louis Williams Hall3.45 - 6.00 p.m Year 7 - 9 and Year 10 - 12 Musical Production Rehearsals

Sunday1.00 - 5.00 p.m Year 7 - 9 and Year 10 - 12 Musical Production Rehearsals


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GENERALINFORMATION

ASSEMBLYEvery Tuesday students will participate in a general assembly in the CCA.

APPPlease ensure you download the Firbank App. Search for Firbank Grammar School on the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the Firbank Grammar School App.

The App is an aggregate communications tool that is designed to connect at a whole School level, campus level and, where appropriate, year level. The App does not alter your 1:1 or class level communication.

Through the App, you will now receive letters, latest updates, alerts and the weekly School newsletter. The School calendar is on the App and this can be synched directly with your calendar/iCal. Senior School clubs, sporting activities, dance, drama and music are all on the App. To ensure the continued safety of our students, our App requires you to use your OneLogin School sign in to access any data. This is the same login that you use as a parent to access the Firbank Parent Portal.

Most importantly, please ensure you visit Firbank.vic.edu.au for instructions on how to manage your subscriptions. We recommend that you select only the information that is relevant to you. You can, of course, change your subscriptions at any time. Please note that you will need to sign in and manage subscription preferences on


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each device if you download the App to more than one device such as an iPad and iPhone. Subscription preferences need to be set up on each device initially when you first download the App.

ATTENDANCEPlease call the absentee line 9591 5198 or email [email protected] if a student is going to be absent due to an illness or an appointment. The absentee line is a 24hr voicemail message, so may be called at any time. Please call or email before 10.00 a.m. if your child will be absent for the day. Alternatively you can advise if your child is absent via the Firbank App.

If a student is absent for more than 2 days, please contact the Year 8 Wellbeing Leader.

If extended leave is required, written permission is required from the Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School, Mrs Leandra Turner, [email protected] however, parents should seek this permission by first contacting the Wellbeing Leader, Year 8.

Please note that attendance at Presentation Evening to be held on Friday, 22 November is compulsory for all students.

CALENDARAll important School events can be found on the School website or the Firbank App.

Consent2Go (C2G). This integrated system will allow parents/guardians and the School to record health information about students in an accurate, secure and timely manner and provide numerous benefits, including risk management and online approvals for excursions and School activities.

Parents will receive an email from Firbank Grammar, with instructions, asking to provide current health information, emergency contacts, medical information including asthma and allergies and notes and care instructions which relate to the student.

No student is permitted to go on an excursion or camp unless C2G has been completed and permission has been given by a parent/guardian.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENTAt Firbank we value achievement. We are proud that we provide a well-balanced education for our students. The success of a Firbank education is measured by more than a strong ATAR score at the completion of Year 12.

While we celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our graduating students, it is important to recognise that Firbank provides extensive opportunities to participate in a diverse co-curricular program, take on leadership roles and become involved in community service programs. We know that students benefit from being involved.


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The Firbank Grammar Certificate of Achievement will recognise and reward a student’s involvement and achievement in the Senior School. The certificate will be awarded to students at the completion of Year 12.

There are a number of reasons for the introduction of the Firbank Grammar Certificate of Achievement.

It is becoming increasingly the case that universities and employers are requiring transcripts, which document the scope of a student’s involvement and achievement during their secondary school years. As they are looking for a well-rounded student, institutions overseas give extra credit to students for their participation and leadership in co-curricular activities. Our graduates will be able to use this certificate as a reference in these situations.

The Certificate will provide accurate information about the Firbank experience for each student. The holistic educational experience of each student will be documented and participation in the School’s academic and co-curricular programs will be recognised and rewarded.

The Certificate will reinforce the fact that we value a student’s involvement in a range of activities beyond the classroom. We recognise that this involvement is important for the development of a student.

Students will earn their Certificate through the accumulation of credits, which will be awarded for both academic and co-

curricular participation and achievement. The Certificate will have four levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Cumulative reporting of a student’s progress and level of involvement will be provided at the end of each semester as part of the end-of-semester report.

Specific information about the points allocated to various activities is available on the portal.

FIREFLYThe main form of student communication is the Firefly App which is our Learning Management System. Here students will find their timetable, the Daily Bulletin and resources for classes. Teachers may send students messages about classwork and assignments by mail on Firefly. Students may want to submit work via Firefly.

GENERAL HEALTHDirector of Student Services/School Psychologist Counselling services are available to students with regard to mental health and issues such as: homesickness, grief, bullying, stress, anxiety and relationships.

The counsellors will be happy to speak with students. We encourage students to ask for help from the teaching staff if they would like to make an appointment. Alternatively, students can make a direct request to the School Psychologist:Mrs Jenny Vincent [email protected]


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GSVFirbank is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) which comprises the 24 Girls Schools in Melbourne that have weekly competitions in 12 sports rotating through the year, with training Monday 7 a.m. and matches Thursday afternoon. In addition, there are Inter-School carnivals in Athletics, Swimming, Diving and Cross-Country.

Inter-House Swimming CarnivalThursday, 20 FebruaryThe Inter-House Swimming Carnival is held at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC). Parents are welcome to attend this event which is compulsory for all students. Each House chooses a ‘dress up theme’ for the day and dresses accordingly. The students will travel to and from MSAC in buses. Start and finish times for the day will be as usual.

Inter-House Diving CarnivalWednesday, 26 FebruaryThis event is held during the day at the Firbank pool. Event times vary according to the year level, so please check these with your daughters. Parents are welcome.

Inter-House Athletics CarnivalWednesday, 25 MarchThe Inter-House Athletics Carnival is held at the Sandringham Athletics Track. Parents are welcome to attend this event which is compulsory for all students. Each House chooses a ‘dress up theme’ for the day and dresses accordingly. The students will travel to and from the Sandringham Athletics Track in buses. Start and finish times for the day will be as usual.

HEALTH CENTREThe Health Centre is now located at Centre for Creative Arts (CCA). Opening hours are 8.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. Monday-Friday

If students are unwell during class-time• They should ask for permission from

the teacher to go to the Health Centre. The teacher will give them a red Health Centre Permission Slip

• The Health Centre Manager will assess the student and if they need to go home, she will ring parents or emergency contact

• If the student needs to go home, the Health Centre Manager will complete the necessary paperwork for them to leave school

• Students may not go home without the permission of the Health Centre or the Head of Campus

If students are unwell at recess or lunchtime, they should visit the Health Centre (HC).

Please note: There are a number of students with life threatening allergies. Firbank supports students at risk of anaphylaxis by educating staff and students and implementing strategies to minimise the risk of exposure to a particular allergen. Firbank does not sell food in the school canteen which contains nuts and all camps/programs are nut free. We ask for parents to support the students at risk by not sending food at any time which contains peanuts or tree nuts. With parent’s help we can provide a safe environment that meets the needs of all our students.


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INFO HUBThe Info Hub provides both print and online resources and actively supports students’ learning. It is open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. during the week. Friday it closes at 4.00 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFASTFriday, 6 MarchThis event, co-ordinated by the Student Representative Council, will be held at the Savoy in Brighton at 7.00 a.m. All parents are encouraged to attend and support this celebration. The colours of the day are green, purple and white. IT SUPPORTStaff in the IT office will be able to support students if they have any trouble logging in to the school network or with iPad/laptop connectivity. The IT Office is located upstairs in the Info Hub.

LEARNING GROUPThis is the group of students that will be studying together for the different subjects during the course of the day.

LEAVE POLICYIf students intend to take a leave of absence that is not medically related, it is imperative that permission from the Deputy Principal, Mrs Leandra Turner at [email protected], is given

Leave should be requested before arrangements made.

LOCKERSEach student will be allocated a personal locker. It is the responsibility of each student to purchase a strong combination lock.

MENTOR GROUPThis is the group of students that will be together each morning (8.30 - 8.40 a.m.) and during Wellness sessions. Mentor Group will be the same group of students as the Learning Group.

MUSIC LESSONSThis is information for people who want to study music as a co-curricular activity.

If students want to take private music lessons they are to contact Mrs Sarah Saunders in the Music Department Office, located in the Music Recital Precinct, to collect a form or online via the School’s website. The Music School offers the following instruments for tuition as part of the Firbank Curriculum:Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Percussion and Drum Kit, Singing, Music Theory.

Responsibilities of studentsMusic lessons are timetabled on a rotating basis for students in Years 7-10 so that the minimum number of classes are missed. Each student is given a copy of their timetable for the term. It is the


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responsibility of the student to ensure that they attend their lesson at the correct time. When parents know their child will be absent from an Instrumental lesson, they should inform the Music Department, as early as possible, prior to that timetabled lesson. Students requiring a change of time due to clashes with other activities must notify the Music School at least 3 days prior to their timetabled lesson, and alternative times will be arranged where possible. Many of our instrumental teachers are available to teach at the school for a short time only each week.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF MOBILE PHONESPurposeMobile phones are a useful communication tool. They offer access to information and can also be a valuable learning device. These guidelines intend to provide information for the use of mobile phones at Firbank Grammar Senior School by our students. The aim of the student guidelines is to promote classroom engagement and positive learning outcomes and encourage students to develop self-regulation.

Student Guidelines• Students are permitted to carry at their

own risk a mobile phone to school• The use of mobile phones to film or

photograph people and their activities without their knowledge and/or permission is an invasion of privacy and is strictly not permitted

• For students in Years 7-10: during the school day mobile phones are to be switched off and secured in student

lockers• For students in Years 11 and 12:

During class time mobile phones are to be switched off and secured in student lockers. Students can use mobile phones during recess and lunch breaks

Mobile Phones and The ClassroomThere may be occasions where mobile phones will be required in the classroom for educational purposes. This can be coordinated according to the classroom teacher’s requirements.

As a general rule however, the use of mobile phones during class time can limit engagement and disrupt learning. If a student is found to have brought their mobile phone to class then:On the first occasion, students will be reminded that this is a disruption to the learning environment and will be asked to place their mobile on the classroom teacher’s desk until the end of the lesson.

If there are subsequent occasions: Students will again be reminded that this disrupts the learning environment, the classroom teacher will record this on the Synergetic attendance list. Wellbeing leaders will be notified, and this information recorded.


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If this behaviour persists:Student will be asked to meet with their Wellbeing Leader to discuss how the school can help them in their responsible choices to support teaching and learning in the classroom. Wellbeing Leaders will work with parents to support students.

PARENTS ASSOCIATIONThe Senior School Parents Association (SSPA) meets regularly and works closely with the School to promote a senseof community among parents and provide funds for specific projects. Class representatives at each level organise informal functions for parents. To get involved please contact: [email protected]

ROWINGRowing is offered as a sport to girls in Years 8 - 12. Girls train multiple times a week on both the Yarra River and in the school gym.

The season starts in Term 3 with competitions in Terms 4 and 1. The season culminates with the Head of the School Girls regatta held in Geelong at the end of Term 1.

SCHOLARSHIPSInformation is posted on the School website.

SCHOOL EMAILTeachers will often contact students by email so we encourage students to check it regularly.

SCHOOL PHOTO DAYFriday, 14 FebruaryImmaculate School uniform on this day is essential. Parents will receive a separate notice re payment details.

SISTER GROUPThis is a vertical group within the House system of Year 7 - 12 students/sisters. The aim is to provide an opportunity to from meaningful relationships across year levels. The sessions are lead by Year 11 and 12 sisters. Sister group meets every Thursday at 2.05 p.m.

STUDENT LEADERSHIPAt Firbank, we view leadership in a broad context as leadership of self is a vital part of a student’s development. A number of groups offer leadership opportunities for students at any Year Level. Applications to and interviews for the leadership positions in the following groups which are comprised of students from Years 7 - 12 take place in Term 3. The roles will be effective from Term 4, 2019 to the end of Term 3, 2020.• Student Representative Council• Environmental Action Group• Social Justice League• Student Wellbeing Group


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TEXTBOOKSInformation is on the School website and they can be ordered online.

If students arrive during the course of the year, the Wellbeing Leader can help determine which books are required for the remainder of the year.

TIMETABLEStudents will receive a timetable on the first day at School. Timetables can also be found on Firefly. This will have a list of the subjects being studied, the classrooms and the code of the teacher who will be taking the class. The timetable is a 10-day timetable which goes over two weeks.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Mentor Group8.30 - 8.40 a.m.





Period 18.40 - 9.30 a.m.

Period 18.40 - 9.30 a.m.

Period 18.40 - 9.30 a.m.

Period 18.40 - 9.30 a.m.

Period 18.40 - 9.30 a.m.

Period 29.30 - 10.20 a.m.

Period 29.30 - 10.20 a.m.

Period 29.30 - 10.20 a.m.

Period 29.30 - 10.20 a.m.

Period 29.30 - 10.20 a.m.

Recess10.20 - 10.40 a.m.

Recess10.20 - 10.40 a.m.

Recess10.20 - 10.40 a.m.

Recess10.20 - 10.40 a.m.

Recess10.20 - 10.40 a.m.

Period 310.40 - 11.30 a.m.

Period 310.40 - 11.30 a.m.

Period 310.40 - 11.30 a.m.

Period 310.40 - 11.30 a.m.

Period 310.40 - 11.30 a.m.

Period 411.30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.

Period 411.30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.

Period 411.30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.

Period 411.30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.

Period 411.30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.

Break12.20-12.25 p.m.

Break12.20-12.25 p.m.

Break12.20-12.25 p.m.

Break12.20-12.25 p.m.

Break12.20-12.25 p.m.

Period 512.25 - 1.15 p.m.

Period 512.25 - 1.15 p.m.

Period 512.25 - 1.15 p.m.

Period 512.25 - 1.15 p.m.

Period 512.25 - 1.15 p.m.

Lunch1.15 - 2.05 p.m.

Lunch1.15 - 2.05 p.m.

Lunch1.15 - 2.05 p.m.

Lunch1.15 - 2.05 p.m.

Lunch1.15 - 2.05 p.m.

S.O.C.2.05 - 2.40 p.m.

S.O.C.2.05 - 2.40 p.m.

S.O.C.2.05 - 2.40 p.m.

S.O.C.2.05 - 2.40 p.m.

S.O.C.2.05 - 2.40 p.m.

Period 62.40 - 3.30 p.m.

Period 62.40 - 3.30 p.m.

Period 62.40 - 3.30 p.m.

Period 62.40 - 3.30 p.m.

Period 62.40 - 3.30 p.m.


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o 00140K

51 Outer Crescent, Brighton Vic 3186 • ELC - Year 12 • Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue, Sandringham Vic 3191 • ELC - Year 6 • Co-educational Campus

firbank.vic.edu.au • CRICOS Provider No 00140K