20 Neerim East Road, Neerim South Ph: 5628 1455

Prospectus

Junior Years 2021

Neerim District Secondary College

WELCOME Welcome to Neerim District Secondary College. We are pleased to invite you to

join us in a learning partnership. Our College is focused on achieving success for all

students. We seek to give particular support to everyone who aims high in their

personal learning goals, giving opportunities for all students to improve and excel.

Transition from primary school is always a challenge for parents and students. Our

College is large enough to offer students a broad range of subject choices, while

being small enough to allow teachers and students to work together closely.

Your child will be well known in our school community and supported throughout

each step of their educational and development journey.

In terms of education for life, we believe that success is about the quality of the

journey - the nature of the experiences along the way - and not just the end point.

Our aim is to send our students into the world as well-rounded, capable, caring young individuals.

As a small year 7 - 12 school we are able to offer a range of leadership, academic, sporting and personal

development opportunities.

With over 30 leadership positions in a number of different areas.

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program (through University of Melbourne)

Zone, Regional and State levels in sport

Early Access to VCE and University Courses

Our school encourages all students to adopt and practise the college values of:

Respect – to be considerate of the feelings, wishes and rights of others.

Leadership - the action of leading or guiding others, being a positive role model.

Perseverance - continuing to do your best despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Community - a sense of being to NDSC, to work for the benefit of all.

Welcome to Neerim District Secondary College, whether you are new to the school or returning here - may you

each achieve success in all your endeavors.

Jacqui Veal

Principal

Quality Education for the Future

NEERIM DISTRICT SECONDARY COLLEGE

PO BOX 18 NEERIM EAST RD, NEERIM SOUTH VICTORIA 3831

www.ndsc.vic.edu.au

(03)5628 1455

neerim.sc@education.vic.gov.au

COLLEGE PROFILE Neerim District Secondary College is a small stand-alone years 7-12 secondary college with approximately 210 students,

located in the rural township of Neerim South in Baw Baw Shire. The College is set among the beautiful and prosperous hills of

West Gippsland, serving a diverse community of farming, forestry, tourism, professional and business families. The ski resort

of Mt Baw Baw is relatively close to the town. Established in 1961, Neerim District Secondary College believes strongly in

seeking to build and maintain good relations between students, staff, parents and the community.

The College maintains a high quality education program designed to enable all students to achieve successful outcomes in

learning. The school places a special emphasis on meeting the needs of individuals. We recognize that successful outcomes

for students will include:

Maximizing academic achievement.

Developing learning skills and the love of learning.

Building social competencies alongside the ability to work successfully with others.

Becoming independent thinkers and well-rounded, confident, responsible individuals.

We take pride in providing the broadest possible curriculum choices, valuing diversity and excellence in learning in an

environment that is safe, tolerant, supportive and friendly. Building literacy skills among students is a special focus for the

school. All NDSC students participate in a comprehensive range of studies, allowing them to experience the full breadth of the

curriculum.

In years 7 & 8, students are given a broad cross section of subjects then our increasingly flexible program in years 9 & 10,

involve core and elective subjects, challenging students to reach high standards through choice.

English is compulsory at VCE level and students are otherwise able to

select from a range of pathways. These include Mathematics, Science,

Humanities, Technology, Physical Education/Outdoor Education and

the Fine Arts. Valuable experience and training in industry is

accessible through VET and VCAL courses at VCE level, as well as

through Work Experience Placements at year 10 and the Trade Taster

Program at year 9.

A key focus for the college is to develop learners who are confident in

facing a challenging future where school is only one step along the

education journey that will last a lifetime. The College is able to offer

consistent individual assistance to students to support learning in

basic skills of literacy and numeracy. Our dedicated and professional

staff are constantly considering new ways to extend classroom

activities and engage students in learning.

At Neerim District Secondary College, all students have opportunities

to become involved in College-wide programs such as the House

sports, debating and public speaking competitions. Leadership roles include School and House Captains, School Council and

Peer Support. The school offers extra-curricular opportunities such as the debutante ball and musical productions. Students

are encouraged to build their leadership skills through participation in decision-making and community events, as well as

through taking part in school and house assemblies. Acknowledgement of student achievement is given a high profile at such

assemblies, as well as through awards, including those given out at the Presentation Night at the end of each year.

STUDENT INFORMATION 2021

In our school, you will have the opportunity to achieve in many different areas.

We want you to participate enthusiastically in all aspects of school life. We

hope that you can aim to do - and be - your very best at all times.

OUR STUDENTS Will belong to a Community

At Neerim District Secondary College you will belong to a school community of approximately 210 students.

Will be part of a School House

You will be placed in one of our four Houses and attend regular meetings. When the school has swimming or

athletics days, cross-country sports or public speaking competitions, you will be expected to represent and support

your House. Our house groups are known as: MONASH KURNAI STRZELECKI TARAGO

Will work together as a Home Group

You will be placed in a Home Group with other students from years 7 - 9 in your House. Home Groups meet briefly

at the beginning of each day and an extended meeting on Tuesday mornings. Your Home Group Teacher will

provide support and can be contacted by parents.

HOW DO I Get a Locker

A locker will be allocated to you early in the year. You are expected to keep your locker clean and tidy. If you have

any problems with your locker, see your Junior Years Leader or Assistant Principal.

Students who misuse or damage lockers will have the privilege withdrawn. Students are expected to use a lock

provided by the school at the beginning of the year.

Valuable items should not be left in unlocked lockers or in school bags - these can be left at the office for safe-

keeping. Mobile phones that are brought to school should be locked in student lockers during school hours.

Order my lunch

To order your lunch, write your name, order and the amount of money enclosed on a lunch bag and pass it through

the Canteen window during recess. Collect your change when

you pick up your order. Please remember your manners at all

times in the Canteen.

Catch a bus

At the end of the school day, move quickly to the bus loop area

– stay on the school side of the fence at all times.

To catch a different bus, you will need a note from home

(giving details about where you travel and with whom) to gain a

bus pass from the Assistant Principal.

A teacher will be on Bus Duty at the beginning and end of each

day, to help out any students that need assistance.

HOW DO I Find out where I should be

The timetable shows the subject, teacher and room where you should be each period. Timetables are pinned up in

different parts of the corridor.

The Junior Years Leader or Home Group Teacher will help you read and understand the timetable. If you get really

confused, go to the main office or the Coordinators’ office and someone will help you.

Timetables can also be accessed by students online using Compass.

BELL TIMES:

Tuesday

BELL TIMES:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

PERIOD BELL TIMES

Warning Bell 9:00

Home Group 9:05

Period 1 9:10

Recess 10:20

Period 2 10:50

Change over 12:00

Period 3 12:05

Lunch 1:15

Period 4 2:10

End of day 3:20

PERIOD BELL TIMES

Warning Bell 8:55

Home Group 9:00

Period 1 9:25

Recess 10:35

Period 2 11:00

Change over 12:10

Period 3 12:15

Lunch 1:25

Period 4 2:10

End of day 3:20

Subject

Room

Teacher

WHAT HAPPENS... If I become ill or injured at school

If you become ill at school you should inform a teacher immediately and he or she will

allow you to go to sickbay. You will need to see the Library staff, who will check you

into the sickbay and keep an eye on you. If need be, your parents will be contacted

and asked to pick you up from school. A number of the staff are trained in first aid and

will assist you if you have an accident at school. Students should NOT ring their parents

themselves if they are feeling unwell.

If I am late to school

Go straight to the General Office on arrival at school to sign in via the Compass Kiosk

using you Compass ID card, office staff can assist you if you do not know how to use

the Kiosk. The Kiosk will print you a late pass to give your classroom teacher. If you are late, you must bring a note

from home to give to Office staff. In such a case, collect your books quickly and go straight to class.

It is important for our duty of care and emergency services that any student arriving after Home Group must sign in

via the Compass Kiosk. Most of all, aim to be on time for school and each class.

If I need to leave school during the day

Bring a note from your parent and hand it in to the Junior Years Leader for approval before school. If approval has

been given, the you must sign the Early Leavers book before you leave and hand the note to Office staff.

Remember: You must not leave the school grounds without permission.

If I lose something

Firstly, you must retrace your steps and search hard. If you still cannot find your property, see the Junior Years

Leader, Home Group Teacher or Office staff. Avoid bringing valuables to school first of all, but if you do need to

bring valuable items, such as money, CDs, cricket bat, etc., ask for them to be looked after at the office. Make sure

that all your possessions are clearly labelled.

If I am out of Uniform

Please bring a signed note from your parents and give to your Home Group Teacher, failure to do so may result in a

lunchtime detention.

Note to Parents: If your child is going to be out of uniform for an extended period of time, please contact your

child’s Home Group Teacher. All parents are reminded that school uniform is compulsory. Full uniform

requirements and our uniform policy is available at the school office.

If I have any problems

If you have any problems please see your Home Group Teacher, Junior Years Leader or Wellbeing Coordinator.

If I have a mobile phone or media device

Mobile phones are not permitted to be used at all during the school day and must be stored in your locked locker, if

not it will be confiscated by the class teacher and kept at the office for the rest of the day .

EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS Positive Behaviour Support

At Neerim District Secondary College there are expected ways to behave which are a very important part of living

and working together in a community of learners and teachers.

NDSC uses Positive Behaviour Support as a framework to ensure that the learning environment of the school is

focused on creating and maintaining a culture based on positive regard and engagement.

What does this mean for NDSC?

It means NDSC does not focus on a system of rules but instead on expected behaviours. An expected

behaviour matrix and Successful Learners Matrix were developed by students for students. They focus

on both the school values – respect, leadership, perseverance and community and learning behaviours

in classroom settings as well as non classroom settings such as the yard and corridor.

It means staff explicitly teach these behaviours to students to ensure that all students are fully aware of

the expectations and what they look like and mean. Even in the toilets. These behaviours are

consistently reinforced and revisited.

It means NDSC staff positively acknowledge students expected behaviour. The most common reward

used is verbal praise. In PBS there should be 5 positive comments to 1 corrective comment. NDSC also

has other reward systems such as green Compass entries and Good News postcards to be sent home with

messages outlining the appreciated and acknowledged behaviour.

It means that PBS leadership team which consists of staff, students and community members, continually

refer to data to determine areas of the school which require further focus and improvement. Data is

gathered from many sources including Attitude to School surveys, Bullying surveys, student behaviour

referral forms and PBS specific data surveys.

Students who find it difficult to work with the whole school expectations may be supported in specialised groups or

individually.

The College’s Student Engagement Policy outlines actions or penalties for serious breaches of expected positive

behaviours.

Respect - Leadership - Perseverance - Community

CURRICULUM Students in year 7 participate in a number of subjects. The delivery of curriculum and the assessment of

performance are measured against the Victorian Curriculum F-10 .

Year 7-9 Subjects

Core Subjects

English

Humanities (History & Geography)

Mandarin (Chinese)

Mathematics

Physical Education/Health/Sport

Science

Electives Subjects

Art

Food Technology (1 Term) (Food Technology has a

Compulsory Charge)

Materials Design & Technology: Metalwork/Woodwork

Performing Arts

Some of these units or subjects will run for the whole year. Some other units or subjects listed will run for a

semester (i.e. half a year.) Some further units or subjects listed will run for only one term.

At year 9 a broader selection of electives are offered.

Performing Arts

In year 7 and 8, students will undertake music, drama and media in Performing Arts. These subjects give students a

broad opportunity to practice their confidence and performing skills in a controlled environment. By year 9,

students can elect to take music, media and/or drama as a middle school elective, where they will focus more on

higher level theory and practical skills for their chosen discipline.

Sport

Students at Neerim District Secondary College can participate in

Sport at a local school level, zone, regional, and state level. The

variety of opportunities include both individual and team

sports. Swimming, athletics, and cross country are held

throughout Term One and Term Two, with team sports such as

girls’ and boys’ football, netball, volleyball, tennis, cricket, and

basketball held throughout the school year. Concepts of

inclusion, teamwork, community, and peer support are valued

in all sporting endeavours. All students are encourage to

embrace these key values through house participation and

assistance with sporting event management.

English

As a core subject, students in year 7-9 will undertake English four lessons a week. Throughout the year, students

will learn and develop a variety of skills, such as speaking, reading, informative, creative and persuasive writing, just

to name a few. Reading is a primary focus in English at NDSC currently, so students will be given plenty of

opportunities to read and write about their reading. Additionally, there is an opportunity for students who are

interested to participate in our competitive debating program. By doing so, students will have a chance to compete

against other schools while working in a supportive team.

Humanities

Humanities consists of two main areas of study: History and Geography. Over the three-year period, History looks

at cultures from ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Rome and China’s early dynasties. The study moves on to

consider societies and cultures through the Medieval period in Europe and Asia and the Age of Discovery in the

Americas. In year 9 students study the impact of the industrial revolution, early Australian settlement and WW1.

Geography starts out considering the importance of water and ways we can manage water in Australia. It looks at

floods and the impact this has on communities. It considers how we choose to live in cities and what makes a city

liveable. In Year 8 Geography considers the way coastal and mountain landscapes work and support livelihoods and

communities. Students consider mega-cities and what makes a city sustainable. In year 9, students study biomes

around the world and consider the impact humans have on these biomes. Students learn about food security,

threats to these securities and how we can manage food production sustainably.

CORE SUBJECTS

Mandarin (Chinese)

We actively promote Chinese culture and language at Neerim District Secondary

College and across our partner schools within the Tarago Education Community.

We have programs suitable for students in all year levels. We can deliver Chinese

language to students from year 7 to VCE. We provide a range of Cultural activities

and a learning environment in a modern decor, rich in technology, and featuring

beautiful displays showcasing Chinese culture.

Mathematics

At NDSC, we have a dedicated team of teachers who deliver the Numeracy content based on research, promoting

high quality learning. We have differentiated learning within each classroom that caters to the learning needs of all

students with various skills and abilities. At the beginning of each year, all students at Neerim District Secondary

College complete a PAT online test of Numeracy. The result from this provides staff with a building block allowing

them to personalise and differentiate learning tasks suitable to each student’s ability. During the years, students

are given the opportunity to further extend and apply their knowledge through participation in Mathematics

competitions and events hosted by the Mathematics Association of Victoria. Students can strive for excellent

results and be formally recognised for this.

During year 7 Numeracy, students explore the topics in Whole Numbers, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Percentage

and Ratio, Algebra, Measurement, Linear Equations, Angles and Shapes and Statistics and Probability. Over the

years, they extend their levels and skills in these topics and head into Financial Mathematics, Trigonometry and

Quadratics.

Physical Education

We offer PE from year 7 to year 12. Students in years 7 to 9 focus on developing fundamental motor skills through

team and individual sports and physical activities, while completing supporting theory in line with the Vic

Curriculum. At year 10 students will complete a coaching & skill analysis unit, looking at how to improve

performance in athletes from a coaching perspective. Students in years 9 and 10 can also do a personal fitness

elective. This looks at how students can reach their personal fitness goals by training and regular work outs. In year

10 students can also do an Outdoor Education unit. This will look at the different ways to enjoy and look after the

outdoors, while building their outdoor skills. All year 7 to 10 PE units are designed to build the student’s prior

knowledge and vocabulary before they get to VCE.

Science

In Science students will learn to investigate, understand and communicate

about the world around us. Through the study of Science, students are

able to become critical thinkers and use evidence to evaluate what is

happening around them. Students develop skills to work scientifically and

explore evidence.

Science covers four main areas. Biology; understanding living things.

Chemistry; the composition and behaviour of substances. Earth and Space Sciences; the earths structure and its

place in the universe and Physics; understanding the nature of forces, motion, matter and energy

CORE SUBJECTS

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS Sport

House Sport

The sporting competition within the school is organized on a

House basis. Four houses – Kurnai, Strzelecki, Monash and

Tarago – compete in athletics, swimming and cross country.

As well as providing motivation through competition, the

school has a trophy which encourages sportsmanship.

Inter School Sport

Students take part in inter school sporting competitions

against Warragul Regional College, Drouin Secondary College, Trafalgar High School, and Round Robin events are

held at Lowanna College during Terms 1, 2 & 3, covering the major team sports. The College also sends a team to

the athletics, swimming and cross country carnivals held each year in the West Gippsland area. Successful students

in these events are selected to compete at higher levels of competition. The College has a very successful record

and has been represented at the higher level on many occasions.

CEA 9 Program in year 9

In year 9, options available to students in this highly regarded, innovative elective program may include:

Urbanknights

A study of urban options that could include: Holocaust Museum; Koorie Heritage Cultural Centre; Immigration

Museum; National Gallery; MCG; Telstra Dome; Shrine of Remembrance; homelessness; public transport;

Queen Victoria Market; mapping skills; architecture and town planning.

20% Project

Do you have an idea, project or interest that you would pursue, but don’t seem to have the time? Then you will

have the opportunity to spend 20% of you class time building Entrepreneurial Skills, Business Management,

Financial Management, Publicity, Public Liaison, Market Research, Investigate/Design/Produce/Evaluate Cycle and

providing community services.

Planet Paddlers

Inquiry learning to identify the many impacts

on the health of our environment. Lake and

river trips by canoe/kayak will give you access

to healthy and not so healthy river systems so

we can identify the issues first hand.

WANT TO KNOW MORE

College & Community Library

Our busy school/community Library at Neerim District Secondary College is the focus of much learning activity. The

fiction section contains a selection of books suitable for all ages, ranging from children's picture books through to

teenage fiction and adult novels. The College's own fiction supply is supplemented by stock from the West

Gippsland Regional Library, regional library stock is changed on a regular basis.

The non-fiction part of the Library houses a very large range of books and general reference material. Library staff

can also provide easy access to the stock of the Regional Library and the Victorian inter-library loan network. The

library catalogue is simple to use on three public access computer terminals.

In addition to printed material, there are videos, CDs, DVDs. Students needing to do word processing are able to

use computers and printers. The library has ready access to the internet, yet only approved internet sites may be

accessed by students using school facilities.

Camps

Our school has a firm belief in the value of camps within the College program.

Year 7

Year 7 students spend four days together during Term 1 to help promote their transition process. This camp helps

them get to know each other, and some of their teachers, away from the rest of the College environment. The

venue in 2020 was at Rubicon Outdoor Education Centre - Nayook Campus, where students undertook activities

like rock climbing, high ropes and caving. The theme of the camp is to develop teamwork and trust within the

group. It is a vital part of the students transition into secondary school.

Other day activities like canoeing may be run to further develop teamwork and provide leadership opportunities

amongst the group.

Year 8

Year 8 students spend five days together during Term 3 to help improve their social skills, promote team building,

respectful relationships and to build their independence and ability to operate on their own or with different

people. The venue in 2020 will be Rubicon Outdoor Education Centre - Thornton Campus, activities include bush

walking, canoeing (flat or moving water), caving, cross-country skiing, environmental studies, expeditions, high

ropes, horse riding, initiative activities, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing and rogaining.

EXTRA SUPPORT Student Wellbeing Activities

Students may arrange to see the Student Wellbeing Coordinator, or the School Nurse concerning any difficulties

they are having. With parental consent they may also access Student Support Services, School Chaplaincy Program,

our Youth Outreach Officer and the Doctors in Schools Program.

Other student wellbeing resources are available throughout the year.

Doctors in Schools

The Doctors in School service runs through our custom built Doctor’s rooms which are located in the bus-loop. All

students are able to access, via appointment, the confidential services of a GP and Practice Nurse here at school

without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses for the consultations.

The objectives of the program are to:

Make primary health care more accessible to students

Provide support to young people through the early identification of health problems

Reduce the pressure on working families.

The program is guided by a range of key principles, including:

Equity of access

No cost of access to a GP at school to student or parents/carers

Youth-friendly

Staff trained in adolescent-health

Student confidentiality

Cultural safety.

Student Careers Office

The Careers Coordinator assists students to learn about and transition to the world of work. It provides information

on career trends, plus tertiary and TAFE courses available and their prerequisites. Counselling of individual

students on career choice and developments in the VCE is available. Information on preparing individual resumes,

letter writing skills and telephone techniques are available and the College organise, with the local community,

work experience for students in year 10.

My Career Insights is a new program for all year 9 students in government secondary schools. This program will help

your year 9 child to:

learn about what skills and abilities they could bring to a job.

find out about what jobs match their abilities, interests and personality, and the subjects they need for

those jobs The program will involve your child answering some questions and quizzes. The results will be

presented in a report called the Morrisby Profile Report.

PARENT INFORMATION

TRANSITION Transition

Tarago Education Community - A partnership between Neerim District Secondary College and its affiliated primary

schools.

The cluster works together to deliver a transition program that aims to:

Encourage primary students to look forward to and enjoy the challenges secondary college offers.

Enhance students’ growth and development and nurture their desire to learn.

Encourage secondary and primary students to adopt a mentoring role with pre-school and primary

students through a Peer Support program.

Ensure that students experience success as they begin their secondary education.

The Transition Program includes the following activities and strategies:

Regular visits of staff and students between primary schools and the secondary college.

Exchange of student information between schools to assist year 7 staff to understand individual students

to make their transition smoother and to enhance learning outcomes.

Later year primary students have frequent visits to the secondary school.

NDSC staff visit TEC primary schools regularly.

Share resources where practical between primary schools and NDSC.

Our Transition Program

Throughout the year, students from affiliated primary schools undertake a variety of extra-curricular activities that

encourage primary students to look forward to and enjoy the challenges the secondary college has to offer.

In Term 4, all year 6 students who will be attending NDSC will undertake 3 activities sessions leading up to the

Statewide Orientation Day in early December. They will meet the teachers, locate classrooms, learn about each

subject, begin work in subjects and become familiar with the normal operations of our school.

Parents are welcome to visit on these days.

SCHOOL COUNCIL School council members play a key role in Neerim District Secondary College. Participating as a school council

member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The school council supports the Principal to provide the best

possible educational outcomes for students.

Membership of the College Council is as follows:

Parent Elected members 7

Staff Elected members 5

Principal 1

Community members 3

Student members 2

Total members 17

The College Council is served by four sub-committees:

Finance Committee

Education Policy Committee

Buildings and Grounds Education Committee

Fundraising Committee

Homework is set by teachers so as to encourage and assist the development of good study habits and to ensure

that students complete all work necessary to maximize their learning.

Each student will be assigned homework by classroom teachers on a regular basis.

When the homework is assigned it will be made clear to the students when the homework is to be

completed and handed in. This should be recorded on Compass for both students and parents to see.

Teachers and parents should be mindful of the fact that students need to learn that deadlines for the

completion of work should be met.

Students should be given a reasonable amount of time to complete their homework, keeping in mind the

requirements of other subject areas.

Class teachers will be responsible for the reviewing of each child's level of application homework.

The class teacher will be responsible for following up on any homework that is not completed, as well as

notifying parents if concerned about a lack of work from any student.

Repeated failure to hand in homework will be dealt with in line with the Student Management policy.

Parents are encouraged to check that homework is completed. Homework can take the form of set tasks,

completion of unfinished work, revision of work already covered prior to a test, or extension work. This

can be done on Compass.

Generally it is suggested that year 7 students do homework, including revision, for a minimum of 30 minutes per

night.

HOMEWORK

ASSESSMENT The wider community rightly expects schools to aim for high standards for all students.

Neerim District Secondary College provides regular information to parents about the progress of their

children.

Teachers of year 7 draw on a range of assessment procedures linked to the Victorian Curriculum F-10.

Within each subject, there is a curriculum focus and standards for student achievement.

It is important to note that every child will progress at different rates in various subject areas in the Victorian

Curriculum F-10 according to their own level of understanding.

Sometimes, assessment levels will change compared with those from Grade 6 as students settle in to their

new school.

All year 7 and 9 students sit the NAPLAN tests and results are forwarded to parents as soon as they are

available.

Student performance in each subject is assessed continuously.

Formal examinations will be conducted in years 10, 11 and 12.

Through compass, we have GPA (Grade Point Average) reports every five weeks (twice a term). The total is

out of 50 for each subject and a total score for all subjects. If your student achieves a score over 40 then they

are a GPA Star, and over 45, a Superstar.

Compass

Compass is an online school management system that has a number of features.

Resources and Learning Tasks

On compass are tabs that teachers upload resources too and students upload the work under learning tasks.

ASSESSMENT Class Attendance

Teachers are expected to mark student attendance in each class scheduled for the day, which allows the college to

have an updated and accurate record of student movements throughout the day. Parents will be notified by SMS

each day if their child has an unexplained absent. Parents can enter

reasons for student absences via the parent portal.

Student Behaviour & Welfare

Teachers are able to record student behaviour and welfare concerns on

Compass and this information will be used to assist your child in

achieving their educational outcomes.

On the dash board look for green entries commenting on positive

behaviour and academic achievement.

Real Time Reporting on Compass

Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their child’s progress through the assessment tasks on Compass. Real

time reporting gives parents and students accurate and timely feedback on how students are progressing in each

subject.

What to look for (in the Learning Tasks section)

Red dots mean that the work has not been completed or submitted

Green dots indicate that the work has been completed.

Click on the title of each (green dot) learning task to find results and teacher comments on the work.

ASSESSMENT

SCHOOL FEATURES Computers & Information Communication Technology

The College promotes the use of ICT across all areas of the

curriculum. The use of ICT is designed to enhance student

engagement with their learning.

All students at NDSC are required to have a netbook computer as a

part of the College’s Netbook Program. Specialist Art, Music and

Film computers are also available in specialist classrooms. All

students have individual computer network, internet and Compass

accounts which is their responsibility to manage appropriately.

Access to iPads with special Literacy features are also available for

student use during class.

All students, upon enrolment at our college, will be given a Safe Computer Usage Policy and will be expected to

adhere to it.

UNIFORM All students in the College are required to wear school uniform at school, to and from school, and on excursions unless a specific exemption is given.

Students can choose uniform options according to temperature and comfort.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Jumper Royal blue College Jumper or Rugby Top

Footwear Plain black shoes

Jacket Navy blue jacket with logo

Hats Navy blue bucket hat or navy blue school beanie

Years 7—10

Girls Uniform Options

School dress with plain white socks

Tartan skirt with plain grey or navy blue socks or tights

Navy blue shorts with plain white socks

Navy blue pants with plain grey or navy blue socks or tights.

Pale blue polo shirt for with logo, short or long sleeved

(A plain pale blue or white T-shirt may be worn underneath the polo shirt for extra warmth.)

Boys Uniform Options

Regulation grey school shorts

Regulation grey school trousers with plain grey socks or plain plain white socks.

Pale blue polo shirt for with logo, short or long sleeved

(A plain pale blue or white T-shirt may be worn underneath the polo shirt for extra warmth.)

PE/Sport

Royal blue, navy and white polo shirt with logo.

Navy sport shorts with logo.

Navy track pant with logo

Rugby jumper (optional)

Where to buy uniform

Uniform items are available from ‘Beleza’ in Warragul

(Williams Square, Ph. 5622 2930).

MOBILE PHONE USAGE Neerim District Secondary College understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school,

particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school.

At Neerim District Secondary College:

Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school

hours.

Exceptions to this policy may be applied if certain conditions are met.

When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s office..

Personal mobile phone use

In accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones Policy issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile

phones must not be used at Neerim District Secondary College during school hours, including lunchtime and recess,

unless an exception has been granted.

Where a student has been granted an exception, the student must use their mobile phone for the purpose for

which the exception was granted, and in a safe, ethical and responsible manner.

Secure storage

Mobile phones owned by students at Neerim District Secondary College are considered valuable items and are

brought to school at the owner’s (student’s or parent/carer’s) risk. Students are encouraged not to bring a mobile

phone to school unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Please note that Neerim District Secondary College

does not have accident insurance for accidental property damage or theft. Students and their parents/carers are

encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance for valuable items.

Where students bring a mobile phone to school, Neerim District Secondary College will provide secure storage.

Secure storage is storage that cannot be readily accessed by those without permission to do so. At Neerim District

Secondary College students are required to store their phones. Each student is issued with a lockable locker and

padlocks for securing their valuables when at school. All students are expected to have their lockers locked at all

times. A secured Mobile Phone Safe is also available at the General Office accessible by Office Staff only.

FINANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / FINANCIAL MATTERS

Family Financial Statements are sent out at the beginning of each term, prompt payment would be appreciated.

Payment plans are available by contacting the Business Manager. If you are experiencing financial hardship or are

having difficulties in paying your child’s fees please arrange a time with the Business Manager or Principal to discuss

ways we can assist you with this.

Camp Sport and Excursion Fund (CSEF)

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips,

camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent,

you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps,

excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. Please contact the school office to obtain a CSEF

application form.

Centrepay

Centrepay is a free voluntary bill paying service. Deductions come directly from your Centrelink payments and can

be used to pay for your school fees. If you would like to set up deductions please contact the Business Manager to

discuss.

Methods of Payments

The College accepts the following methods of payment: cash; cheque; EFTPOS, Direct Debit and BPay. If you would

like to arrange a regular payment plan either fortnightly or monthly please contact the Business Manager to

discuss.

Conveyance Allowance

A conveyance allowance may be available for students who travel more than 4.8km from home to a bus stop (or

more than 4.8km to school where there is no bus route) and where they are attending their closest school. Please

contact the college for more information if you think you may be eligible for this allowance

School Uniform

If you are experiencing financial hardship or are having difficulties in providing your child with school uniform

please contact the Wellbeing Coordinator to discuss.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

While the School Global Budget provides basic funding, our capacity to offer all the resources needed for high

quality education in the classroom depends upon parents paying the College Improvement Voluntary Contributions.

All families are encouraged to contribute towards improving the resources available for students in the College by

paying the voluntary levies detailed in the booklists.

TEXTBOOKS: JUNIOR YEARS 7 - 9

It is important that students purchase the textbooks listed on the booklist. Every attempt has been made to ensure

that students are not asked to purchase books that are unnecessary.

COMMUNICATION The College is keen to keep parents informed as to what is happening at school. We use different ways to

communicate with families:

Compass (https://ndsc-vic.compass.education).

News & Views - A fortnightly newsletter (sent home with students).

Phone calls or emails home.

Student Reports.

School’s Facebook page

School website (www.ndsc.vic.edu.au)

Information Evenings.

Parent Teacher Interviews.

The school has a policy of easy access. If there is any matter causing concern, please don’t hesitate to telephone the

school on (03) 5628 1455, making an appointment if necessary to speak with the Junior Years Leader about any

matters relating to student behaviour or wellbeing.

For matters relating to learning in particular subjects, please feel free to make an appointment with your child’s

Home Group Teacher, the relevant classroom teacher or subject area coordinator. If there are any other matters

causing concern, please contact the Junior Years Leader, Assistant Principal or the Principal.

School Bus Program – Eligibility guide for families

This will help explain the School Bus Program and assist you in determining your child’s eligibility to travel on a

school bus. While parents/guardians are primarily responsible for getting their children to and from school, the

School Bus Program assists families in rural and regional Victoria by transporting students to school. The School Bus

Program services both government and non-government schools.

Categories of eligibility determine whether a student travels at no cost or travels upon the payment of a fare.

Students wishing to access a seat on a bus must complete an application form and parents/guardians must agree to

the conditions of travel including, if applicable, the payment of a fare.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) administers the School Bus Program as directed by the policy. The Student

Transport Unit of the Department of Education and Training (DET) sets the policy and provides general transport

advice to regional offices and schools.

To be eligible for a seat on a bus at no cost a student must:

1. attend their nearest government school or closest appropriate non-government school, which is determined

by the denomination of the school

2. reside 4.8 km or more from the school

3. reside in Victoria.

Students are expected to access public transport if it is within 1.6 km of their home or closer than their nearest

school bus service.

BUS ROUTES

Nearest government school or nearest appropriate non-government school

To be eligible for travel on a school bus at no cost, government students must attend their nearest school

while non-government students must attend their nearest appropriate school, which is determined by the

denomination of the school.

Students not attending their closest school may be accommodated on a bus service as long as they pay a fare

and seating capacity exists.

Students must reside 4.8 km or more from the school. The distance is measured by the shortest practicable

route from the student’s front gate to the school’s main entrance.

Non-government school students

Eligible government students have priority over eligible non-government students when being

accommodated on services.

Non-government students may be accommodated where capacity exists.

Non-government students on their own do not form a case for the establishment of a new school bus service

or an extension to a route.

Exemptions

The policy has some exemptions where a student may be granted access to a bus service at no cost. These

exemptions are limited and specific.

Exemptions are not granted on the basis of financial hardship.

Fare paying

Government and non-government students not attending their nearest appropriate school are required to

pay a fare as set by PTV.

A fare paying student may be required to relinquish their

seat if the service is at capacity and an eligible non-fare

paying student (government and nongovernment) wishes to

access the service. The status of fare paying students is

assessed each term.

Parents/guardians must agree in writing that their child will

travel as long as they pay a fare and seating capacity exists.

Parents/guardians agree to make alternative travel

arrangements should their child be required to relinquish

their seat.

Fare paying students do not form a case for service retention.

BUS ROUTES

Conditions of travel and parental responsibilities

Students and parents/guardians must agree to comply with the conditions of bus travel as stated on the back

of all School Bus Program travel application forms.

Parents/guardians understand that school bus travel is a privilege and not a right.

Special cases

Families may apply for special consideration in complex and challenging transport circumstances (not

including financial hardship). An application for special case consideration can be made through the school

and requires DEECD regional endorsement and any documentation that supports the case.

Speak to your school’s bus coordinator for further information on special case consideration.

Emergency management

In a forecast emergency school bus services will be cancelled if any part of the route is deemed at risk.

A rapid onset emergency may result in service cancellations and buses being held at the school or if in transit,

the buses returning to the school.

Parents/guardians should familiarise themselves with the school’s school bus emergency management plans.

Further information

Go to www.education.vic.gov.au/travellingtoschool for travel application forms and the School Bus Program’s

policy and procedures. For further assistance with your application, please contact the bus coordinator at the

school your child will be attending.

BUS ROUTES

BUS ROUTES 1. BULN BULN - Mizpah Settlement Road — Buln Buln — Crossover

Beginning at Neerim South, along the Mizpah Settlement Road, on to Buln Buln, then back to Neerim South

via Crossover. Stops are: McIntosh Road, McDougall Road, Whitelaw’s Track, Mizpah Settlement Road,

Mizpah Settlement Road & Old Sale Road; Ryans Road, Factory Street, Buln Buln Primary School, Old

Telegraph Road West, Old Telegraph Road, Cnr Old Telegraph Road & Bloomfield Road, Crossover Bridge

Road, Old Holiday Camp and Sawmill at Bloomfield Road onto Neerim South.

2. JINDIVICK

Jindivick, Drouin West and via Main Neerim Road to Neerim South. Stops are Gleesons Road, Jindi Store,

Stoll Road, West Jindi Road, Drouin West Primary School, Old Telegraph Road, Main Neerim Road, Rokeby

Service Road, Rokeby and Joyner’s Driveway.

3. NAYOOK

Beginning at Nayook, via Neerim Junction Hill (service Road), turning into Neerim East Road, stopping

Sheffields Road, McKenzie Road, McCulloghs Road, Rendells Road, Cnr Fraser Spur Road & Vesey Road,

Corner Neerim East Road & Fraser Spur Road, Latrobe River Road and Wattle Lane travelling to Neerim.

4. NOOJEE

Beginning at Noojee Shop and travelling (stopping) via the Noojee Roundabout, up the Old Noojee Road,

turning into Neerim North Road on to Main Neerim Road, Neerim Junction; stopping at Hamona Road,

Neerim, Elton Road, Service Road and Sawyers Road to Neerim South.

5. WARRAGUL

Pick up at petrol station on Brandy Creek Road. (Travel on this bus incurs a Termly fee)

Bus travel is available free to students who live over 4.8 km. from the school and who are in our normal catchment

area. The school is currently investigating a bus route that picks up from both Warragul and Drouin.

For further details about bus travel please contact Ms Kim Weller, Bus Coordinator.

TERM DATES School term dates - 2021 to 2023

2021

Term 1: 27 January (school teachers start) to 1 April *

Term 2: 19 April to 25 June

Term 3: 12 July to 17 September

Term 4: 4 October to 17 December

2022

Term 1: 28 January (school teachers start) to 8 April *

Term 2: 26 April to 24 June

Term 3: 11 July to 16 September

Term 4: 3 October to 20 December

2023

Term 1: 27 January (school teachers start) to 6 April *

Term 2: 24 April to 23 June

Term 3: 10 July to 15 September

Term 4: 2 October to 20 December

* The first day of Term 1 is a student-free day in all government schools to allow for appropriate planning to take

place for the arrival of students. Each year government schools are provided with four student-free days for

professional development, school planning and administration, curriculum development, and student assessment

and reporting purposes. The remaining three student-free days are determined by each individual school, so

contact your school for details.

CONTACT DETAILS

JUNIOR YEARS LEADER PRINCIPAL

Ms Jacqui VealASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mr Steve Panozzo Ms Jude Johns

STUDENT WELLBEING COORDINATOR JUNIOR YEARS ASSISTANT LEADER

Ms Hannah White Mr Rhys Condor

Neerim District Secondary College

20 Neerim East Road, NEERIM SOUTH VIC 3831

PO Box 18, NEERIM SOUTH VIC 3831

PHONE: (03) 5628 1455 EMAIL: neerim.sc@education.vic.gov.au

WEBSITE: www.ndsc.vic.edu.au COMPASS: https://ndsc-vic.compass.education

Version 1.1 (2017)