RIDGEWAY CAMPUS
PARENT HANDBOOK
An Ivanhoe Learner
WHAT MAKES AN IVANHOE LEARNER?
The attributes of an Ivanhoe Learner are our shared School values, and are built on the words of the Reverend Sydney Buckley over 100 years ago combined with the essential characteristics of global citizens as we move further into the 21st century.
We are all Ivanhoe Learners, and the development of these attributes will enrich our students as they grow into young people of character. Throughout their lives, these characteristics will transform the way they think and act; to become engaged and connected citizens in our everchanging world.
IVANHOE LEARNER: ATTRIBUTES OF YOUNG PEOPLE OF CHARACTER
C OURAGEOUS I NNOVATIVE B ALANCED CO L LABORATIVE
We have the confidence and tenacity to take responsible risks to extend our capacity, persevere when presented with a challenge, and learn from our mistakes
We value being original and creative in our thinking; being curious and seeking opportunities to introduce new ideas or ways of doing things
We develop intellectually, physically and emotionally in a balanced way, enhancing well-being
We value the input of others and seek opportunities for shared effort across a range of methodologies and environments
We value acquiring and building moral judgement in order to be autonomous and responsible
We use our own ideas and experiences and those of others to support our own learning and development
We take on the feelings and perspectives of others and act intuitively to support them
Welcome from the Head of Ridgeway Campus
Welcome to Ridgeway Campus of Ivanhoe Grammar School!
The start of Year 7 marks a significant milestone in the educational journey of your child and I want to welcome and thank you for making Ivanhoe your school of choice.
While much has changed since our humble beginnings in 1915 at St James, Ivanhoe, the philosophy of our founding Headmaster, Reverend Sydney Buckley is still at the core of our principles. As a school we are clear in our purpose that an Ivanhoe education develops young people of character. We do this by nurturing growth in all areas and by being intentional with the curation of the student experience.
As you journey through your years at this School, you will have the opportunity to engage in a positive and rigorous academic program alongside co-curricular experiences within our House Program, Music, Theatre, Sport, Cadets, leadership, outdoor education, and service learning. All the opportunities at Ivanhoe are purposefully aligned to the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes and these attributes are what we believe develop the moral, personal and civic character of our students. All students have the potential to grow in these three important areas of character at Ivanhoe and I look forward to our new Year 7 students involving and challenging themselves with the new experiences secondary school offers.
Ivanhoe is a diverse, busy and friendly community and we are so looking forward to getting to know you and your family here at Ridgeway Campus.
Amber Sowden Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus
Amber Sowden
Welcome from the Head of Middle Years
The transition from Primary to Secondary School is a time of great anticipation and excitement. It marks the beginning of a new journey in your child’s education with a myriad of possibilities, albeit in a large and complex setting. It means new and varied subjects, groups of specialist teachers, timetables and lockers, Mentor Groups and Mentor Group Leaders. It is a time of great change and transition.
Each individual adapts to change and transition uniquely and it is normal and healthy that this is usually accompanied with a little anxiety. This apprehension is not only felt by our incoming students but may also be felt by many parents at this time, especially if this is your first child to commence Secondary School.
We hope that the Year 7 Parent Handbook will help to alleviate some of this anxiety by providing an insight into the philosophy of our Middle Years Program. We also aim to provide a resource that outlines relevant organisational matters and introduce key people that help ensure that transition occurs as smoothly as possible. Each element of our transition process will also be explained in greater detail, so that you are aware of the important steps of this process that we have in place at our School. Our aim is to reassure you that Ivanhoe Grammar School is a place of great welcome as we embark on the next phase of your child’s educational journey together.
Voula Arnas Deputy Head of Ridgeway Campus/ Head of Middle Years
Middle Years at Ivanhoe Grammar School
The Middle Years of schooling recognises that young adolescents, typically aged between 12 and 15 years of age, have needs and interests unique to their stage of development which need to be addressed in a specific way. Our Middle Years Program is designed to respond to those educational and social issues relevant to young adolescents as identified by research. It has been developed to ensure a seamless continuum of curriculum and wellbeing experiences for students that are gradual and progressive from the Middle Years through to the Senior Years. These are years full of wonder and energy, when young people are keen to find out more about themselves and what they can do. The welcoming, secure environment and community of Ivanhoe Grammar School promotes self-confidence, independence, selfresponsibility and self-expression for our students.
Young adolescents need to:
• Adjust to some profound changes; physical, social, emotional and intellectual
• Grow towards independence
• Gain experience in decision making and in accepting responsibility for these decisions
• Develop a positive self-confidence
• Progressively develop a sense of 'Who am I?'
• Experience social acceptance among peers
• Learn to think in ways that become increasingly more abstract and reflective
• Become more aware of the social and political world around them
• Establish or maintain relationships with adults who can provide advice or act as role models
During the Middle Years, students are moving from concrete to abstract thinking. They have an intense curiosity and growing capacity for higher order analysis and reflection. They are also moving towards more rational decision making and a better understanding of the consequences of behaviour.
Middle Years students have a growing interest in ethical and moral questions and like exploring real world social issues. Many want to make the world a better place as active, emerging young citizens within our Australian society and global community.
Successful Transition
For many students the transition from Primary to Secondary School can be exciting and smooth sailing. For others it can be a time of apprehension and anxiety. Many young adolescents feel an intense need to belong and be accepted by their peers. They strive to be independent, but while outwardly confident they are often insecure and sensitive to personal criticism.
They increasingly turn to their peers to define their language, attitudes, self-image and values. As students in the classroom they seek challenge and engagement. A hands-on approach is often preferred with the opportunity to have a say in what they learn and how they will be assessed. They enjoy working collaboratively with their peers yet also like working independently on individual research and projects.
Middle Years students are progressively developing the ability to manage their own learning. We must acknowledge the particular impact that technology is having on the lives and learning of our students. For many students the use of mobile phones, social media, gaming and the internet are not just tools, but a way of life. Through technology, many have developed their own language and social networks. The role and importance of technology in learning will be a major factor in the way Middle Years students learn and define themselves.
Transitions have long been recognised as critical moments in determining people’s wellbeing. This particular transition is accompanied with an array of emotions. You can assist this process;
At home by:
• Acknowledging and discussing any concerns
• Affirming their accomplishments and their abilities
• Communicating about problem solving
• Creating a balance and establish routines
At school by:
• Attending Information Evenings and Student/Parent/ Teacher Interviews
• Contacting your child’s Mentor Group Leader as soon as a concern comes to your attention
• Providing opportunities for their friends from school to come over and socialise (and so you can meet them!)
Most students settle into life in the Secondary School setting after a short period of adjustment to the new demands, routines and structures. If you feel that after a period of time you may need some further support, key personnel at the School are available, including our educational psychologists.
Important Dates for the Transition Program
Talking Transitions Sessions
Fun Day
Standardised Testing
Term 2 2025
Wednesday 11 June 9.00am to 3.00pm Buckley Hall
Saturday 16 August 9.30am to 1.00pm Buckley Hall
Online Orientation Information October 2025
Primary Schools Collaboration
Year 7 Parent Information Night
Virtual Meet And Greet (Pre Orientation Day Activity)
Student Orientation Day
Transition Morning
Parents’ Morning Tea
Beginning of Term 4
Tuesday 11 November 7.00pm to 8.30pm Chapel
Wednesday 12 November 5.00pm to 6.00pm online via Zoom
Wednesday 19 November 9.00am to 3.00pm Middle Years Centre
Thursday 29 January 2026 8.30am to 12.30pm Middle Years Centre
Thursday 29 January 2026 8:45am to 9:45am
Talking Transition Sessions
The Talking Transition sessions will take place in Term 2. These sessions are an opportunity for your child to meet with our Transition Coordinator Mrs Sharon Kelly and to begin to establish connections with future members of our community. In addition, we will discuss the transition process in detail and begin to explore the important elements of a holistic Ivanhoe Grammar School education.
Two significant choices must also be discussed with our incoming Year 7 students, Language and Sport, in the latter pages of this booklet each of these choices are described.
Communications will be sent, including the online forms, to be completed at a later date.
Transition Activity
HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD’S GREATEST COLLAGE
Stare at a blank A3 size sheet of card and imagine yourself, as you are now, being represented through photos, colour, labels and stickers and just about anything else that can be stuck down onto it. You could include information about:
• pets
• holidays
• friends
• sport
• music
• heroes
You could consider using:
• photos
• cartoons
• logos
• textures
• images
• diagrams
• pictures
Please ensure the poster is of A3 size only. It would be great if you could write something about each picture or item you include.
Together, the words and the images you use will tell your story and the collage becomes a fantastic way of introducing yourself.
Be creative. Be thoughtful. Be daring! Bring your poster to Orientation Day
Fun Day
The Year 7 Fun Day is a day long program which aims to introduce students to our community. The day is filled with engaging activities where we come together and learn about our School and each other. Students will be based in Buckley Hall and the day will begin by showcasing some of the amazing opportunities that an Ivanhoe Grammar School education can provide.
The program for the day will include the following:
• Music Performance
• STEM Activities
• Drama Class / PE Rotations
• House Trivia
Standardised Testing
Ivanhoe Grammar School conducts a standardised testing session, allowing the School to gain an objective understanding of the students that will join us in Year 7. Using a suite of standardised tests ensures we receive valid and reliable testing and meaningful feedback with general problem solving, literacy and numeracy skills. We use the results for our internal purposes only and it informs a variety of our planning and practices for the year ahead.
Students are not expected to study for our standardised testing session as we use the results to provide diagnostic data of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Some follow up may be appropriate for certain students and parents will be contacted by the Individual Needs or Academic Extension departments.
On the day, students are asked to bring along:
• 2 x grey lead pencils, blue or black pen, sharpener, eraser, snack for morning tea and a drink bottle.
Please note calculators are not permitted.
Please email transition@ivanhoe.com.au if your child is unable to attend standardised testing day.
Solo Starters Program Year 11 Student Buddies
Ivanhoe Grammar School welcomes over two hundred students into Year 7 each year and meeting new people is an important step within the transition process.
Whilst some students come to Ridgeway Campus of Ivanhoe Grammar School with peers from their respective Primary Schools, a number of students each year are the only students from their Primary School. To support and assist them in making new friends as quickly as possible, we have a Solo Starters Program.
After the Talking Transition sessions are completed, suitable candidates will be notified via email inviting them to attend this event.
To assist Year 7 students with transition into Secondary School we run a peer support program involving Year 11 students. The aim of the program is to build the confidence of younger students by connecting them through friendship and structured activities with older students.
Our Year 11 Student Buddies are trained to assist Year 7 students to feel safe and comfortable in their new school community during the initial transition period and throughout the year.
Primary School Collaboration Orientation Information
Where possible, and if the primary school is happy to accept the visit, our Transition Coordinator conducts visits to primary schools that are attended by our prospective students. During these sessions, students are provided with an opportunity to acquire more information about secondary school life and to have any questions they may have answered. For the students joining us as the only person attending Ivanhoe Grammar School from their Primary School, they are invited to the Solo Starters Program.
We invite all primary school teachers to complete a tailored online questionnaire which allows for a valuable insight into each student's strengths, needs, and how we can best prepare for their arrival into Year 7.
From October you will have access to a space on our online Portal, Ivanhoe Connect, providing information on:
• Uniform
• Booklist and Stationery items
• Notebook Program
• Outdoor Education Program, Year 7 Camp including equipment and dates
• Co-Curricular Offerings
• Additional Music Tuition
• Ivanhoe Parent and Friends (IP&F)
Parent Information Evening Student Orientation Day
This evening is specifically dedicated to providing information regarding Year 7 at Ivanhoe Grammar School for parents. The evening is split into two sessions; one which explores the fundamental information required to assist with transition at Ridgeway Campus and the other outlines the academic and co-curricular offerings at the School.
The Parent Information Evening will be held in the School Chapel at Ridgeway Campus.
Before attending Orientation Day our students have the opportunity to meet their Mentor Group Leader and their Mentor Group peers in an online Zoom session. Links for the Virtual Meet and Greet will be emailed to families.
Orientation Day is specifically designed to give students a 'snapshot' of what Year 7 will be like for them in the following year. Students meet their Mentor Group Leader and the students that make up their Mentor Group. They participate in team building activities that focus on the students getting to know one another.
Students will gather out the front of the Chapel. They are asked to bring along a snack, drink bottle, lunch, their pencil case and sun hat.
Student Placement
As previously mentioned, starting Secondary School is a huge step for our students. Who will be in their Mentor Group is of great concern and we, here at Ivanhoe Grammar School, understand the angst this may cause.
Therefore, great consideration is made regarding the placement of your child in each of our Mentor Groups.
The formation of Mentor Groups is a lengthy process and many factors are considered.
As a starting point, we ask that you and your child consider which other students you know will be attending Year 7 at Ivanhoe Grammar School next year. You may know these students from Primary School, from a sports club or music groups, from afterschool care or they may be family! It doesn't matter where you know them from but we would encourage you to consider if your child would like to have them in their Mentor Group. It is often a great comfort to have a familiar face in the room, but please keep in mind that Secondary School is a new beginning and so a fresh start in the Mentor Group may be a good idea too!
All preferences are taken into consideration and are strictly confidential. Other contributing factors that play a key role in the formation of the Mentor Groups are our discussions with the Primary School Teachers, our House System, Language Selection and the creation of mixed ability classes.
Take time to consider who will be a supportive ‘familiar face’ for your child in their Mentor Group and write up to six (6) preferences on the ‘First Steps’ online form. Keeping in mind the contributing factors, we will make every attempt to place your child with at least one of these preferences and will contact you if this is unable to occur.
Transition Morning
Our Year 7 students begin the school year a day earlier than the rest of the School in order to reconnect with their Mentor Group Leader and peers and to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. They will receive their locker, lock, timetables, school diary and laptop.
Students will gather out the front of the Chapel as on Orientation Day. They are required to wear full Summer Uniform, including their Blazer and bring all their books on this first day. All school items are to be named (including clothing!). The Transition Morning will end with a BBQ lunch for the students.
Language
Students in Year 7 will be offered the choice to study either Chinese, French or Spanish, which they will continue to study in Years 8 and 9. At Ivanhoe Grammar School we are passionate about educating internationally-minded citizens. We endeavour to allow students to experience different cultures with a world view that includes respect for cultural diversity and the importance of gaining knowledge from those with different backgrounds and points of view.
Below are some key points that will help you make your decision. Please note that this is a language acquisition course taught on the Australian 7—10 Curriculum Framework. Native or first language speakers are encouraged to choose an alternative language, as advanced courses are not offered.
We would like to highlight that once the language has been chosen there will not be an opportunity to change. All choices are final.
Language selection is to be confirmed via the ‘First Steps’ online form.
WHY STUDY CHINESE?
• Currently Mandarin Chinese is spoken by over 1 billion people around the world, about one fifth of the global population.
• Chinese is seen as a key language in the future of economic and cultural development in Australia.
• Middle Years Chinese focuses on learning to draw the characters and developing the ability to make Chinese sounds which leads to conversation.
WHY STUDY FRENCH?
• It is a common European language spoken over 136 million people worldwide in 29 countries. Our closest neighbours who speak French include New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
• French is used as an official language in the Olympics and the United Nations. It is also a stepping stone to learning other Mediterranean languages.
• The grammar and alphabet are similar to the English system of writing.
WHY STUDY SPANISH?
• There are approximately 500 million Spanish speakers around the world and it is the official language of 21 countries.
• Spanish is the second most common language spoken in the world. It is considered a very accessible language for people of all skill levels. Both English and Spanish share roots in Latin.
• Studying Spanish increases children’s understanding of the English language and how different languages evolve, which can also help with learning English vocabulary.
Saturday Sport
The School considers participation in sport as an important component of an Ivanhoe Grammar School education. Ivanhoe provides all students an opportunity to compete in a structured, competitive sporting program and be part of a team, regardless or sporting prowess. Sport allows students to increase their level of physical fitness and it gives them the opportunity to strive to achieve their personal best. Being part of a team and having a common goal is a rich and rewarding experience. The School plays a majority of its sport in the AGSV competition and we share common fixtures with the APS for girls/boys fixtures. Both are long established school sporting associations that place emphasis on athletic achievement and friendly rivalry. A high standard of sportsmanship and excellent spirit is actively fostered between teams and schools during inter-school sporting fixtures.
Ivanhoe Grammar School expects all students to participate in at least two seasons of inter-school sport (Summer Season – October to March; Winter Season – May to August). As an enrolled student at Ivanhoe Grammar School, participation in these two seasons of school sport including the Saturday matches is considered compulsory.
Students are expected to be available for school sport from the beginning of Term 1. Exemptions are only considered for students who; play at an elite level in a sport that is not offered by the school (State or above) or have medical/wellbeing reasons. Parents of students wishing to apply for an exemption from Sport should email the Director of Sport, Ms Anna Geoghegan, at anna.geoghegan@ivanhoe.com.au along with all supporting documentation. Ideally this should be done at least two months prior to the start of a new season. After consultation with the Head of Middle Years, an email from the Director of Sport will be forwarded to parents advising them of the outcome.
Students in Year 7 train in their chosen Sport to prepare for the weekend competition—currently on Tuesday afternoon (2.40pm to 4.00pm).
Outside the two major seasons of sport, the School also participates in Athletics and Swimming. Students who are interested in these sports are encouraged to make themselves available. Students are able to train with these squads and participate in all lead-up meetings. The Athletics season does not coincide with the Summer and Winter seasons.
Additional sporting opportunities include; Snowsports, Kayaking, Water Polo and Aerobics. Training (and competition) for these Sports are often conducted before or after school.
Further information about team fixtures, training times and venues, uniform requirements and the expectation of students during the sporting season will be available at commencement, via the School’s online portal, Ivanhoe Connect.
Students are asked to select a Sport preference for both the Summer and Winter Seasons via the ‘First Steps Sports’ online form.
Sport Selection Information
As previously mentioned, all students are expected to participate in a minimum of two sports each year (one Summer and one Winter).
One preference for each season of sport will need to be selected. We also suggest recording a second option. If you have any enquiries please contact the Sports Administrator on 9490 3489.
BOYS SUMMER SPORT OPTIONS
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Summer Hockey
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Touch Football
• Volleyball
GIRLS SUMMER SPORT OPTIONS
• Cricket
• Softball
• Summer Hockey*
• Table Tennis*
• Tennis
• Touch Football
• Volleyball
* Summer Hockey and Table Tennis: Summer Hockey and Table Tennis currently sit within the AGSV Competition (boys). Should your child wish to play either of these sports, please note they will be training and playing with/against boys.
BOYS WINTER SPORT OPTIONS
• Archery
• Australian Rules Football
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Track Club
GIRLS WINTER SPORT OPTIONS
• Archery
• Australian Rules Football
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Hockey
• Netball
• Soccer
• Track Club
If you would also like to participate in any of the following sports please advise during the ‘Talking Transition’ session. Any further information regarding these sports will be communicated to you at the appropriate time.
OPTIONAL SPORTS
• Aerobics
• Athletics
• Kayaking
• Snowsports
• Water Polo
• Swimming*
* Swimming: If you intend trying out for the Swim Team, please advise of this when completing the online 'First Steps Sports' form. Trials are normally held during the first week of school. Swimming is an additional sport to the compulsory Saturday morning options.
Tips for our Year 7 Students
Time in the Middle Years is a great opportunity to meet new people and begin to explore who you are and what you want to do with the rest of your life. It can also be a challenging time, as there are a lot of things that are changing in your life. You are meeting new people; there are more choices and decisions to make. Instead of being in one classroom with one teacher all day, you now have 10 subjects to study with 10 different teachers! You have a locker and timetable to manage. You will be expected to study for about one hour every night. Teachers will expect more of you (and your parents will too!). You will be faced with more responsibilities. But it is okay! We are here to help you with all of this and more!
Here are a few tips to help you with the transition to the Middle Years. Don’t be afraid to ask your Mentor Group Leader, Subject Teacher or other staff members at Ivanhoe Grammar School for help if you need it.
GET ORGANISED
• Use your School Diary.
• Use individual folders (maybe different coloured ones!) and notebooks for each subject.
• Keep your locker clean and School back pack cleaned out.
• Charge your laptop every night, so that it’s ready for the next school day.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
• In the Middle Years teachers expect more of you. You will have more homework. Schedule your time wisely. Allot about one hour of time each day for homework and study.
• Don’t wait until an assignment is due...start early.
• Keep careful track of your homework assignments.
TALK TO YOUR TEACHERS
• Ask questions. If you are unsure of your assignment, what you need to be doing or anything, just ask! The teachers, especially your Mentor Group Leader, are there to help you. If you do not understand something, ask them.
GET INVOLVED IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• Join in.
• Find things that you enjoy (sports, clubs, activities) and get involved. This is a great way to meet new people and to have fun.
• Try something new.
Year 7 is an exciting year. It is a big change from what you are used to at Primary School.
REMEMBER TO:
• Stay healthy (get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before school).
• Be open and honest with your parents (let them know what’s going on).
• Choose your friends wisely.
And importantly…
Come to Ivanhoe Grammar School and have fun. Be happy. Be kind. Be positive.
‘Every child is capable of doing something well and has something to contribute. This must be encouraged and developed to the utmost.’
Reverend
Sydney L. Buckley M.A., Th. L Founding Headmaster of Ivanhoe Grammar School
Reverend Sydney Buckley
Key Contacts
TRANSITION
If you have any queries regarding our Transition Program please contact:
Transition Coordinator
Sharon Kelly 9490 1816 transition@ivanhoe.com.au
ENROLMENT
If you have any queries regarding your child’s enrolment at Ivanhoe Grammar School please contact:
Admissions Manager
Rebecca Groenewegen 9490 3892 rebecca.groenewegen@ivanhoe.com.au
Admissions Assistant
Megan Dehne 9490 3447 megan.dehne@ivanhoe.com.au
SPORT
If you have any queries regarding Saturday Sport at Ivanhoe Grammar School please contact:
Director of Sport
Anna Geoghegan 9490 1832 anna.geoghegan@ivanhoe.com.au
Head of Sport—Summer
Roger Gill 9490 3434 roger.gill@ivanhoe.com.au
Head of Sport—Winter
Brenton Aisbett 9490 1863 brenton.aisbett@ivanhoe.com.au
Sports Administrator
James Campisi 9490 3489 james.campisi@ivanhoe.com.au
DEPUTY HEAD OF RIDGEWAY CAMPUS/ HEAD OF MIDDLE YEARS
Voula Arnas 9490 3507 voula.arnas@ivanhoe.com.au
HEAD OF YEAR 7
Falia Burgess 9490 1838 falia.burgess@ivanhoe.com.au
DEPUTY HEAD OF YEAR 7
Shae Warren 9490 3752 shae.warren@ivanhoe.com.au
MIDDLE YEARS OFFICE
9490 3491 ridgewaymiddleyears@ivanhoe.com.au
IT Helpdesk
9490 1818
ITServicesHelpdesk@ivanhoe.com.au
Health Centre 9490 3777 health.centre.ridgeway@ivanhoe.com.au
Business Centre 9490 3404 accounts@ivanhoe.com.au
Main Reception
9490 1877
reception-ridgeway@ivanhoe.com.au
Uniform Shop 9490 4877 mridgeway@gazal.com.au
www.ivanhoe.com.au