PLENTY 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 women and men of character. Throughout their lives, these characteristics will transform the way they think and act; to become engaged and connected citizens in our ever-changing 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 Plenty Campus
Welcome to Plenty Campus of Ivanhoe Grammar School!
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. He believed that academic excellence and the development of individual character were paramount and encouraged a strong sense of service to others. Our current purpose is still to develop character through the attributes of being compassionate, balanced, ethical, collaborative, courageous, innovative and reflective.
As you journey through your years at Ivanhoe Grammar School, you will gain more than just a great academic education. Opportunities to develop these attributes both in and beyond the classroom in sport, the House Program, music, theatre, cadets, leadership, outdoor education and service learning are all an important part of an Ivanhoe education.
So challenge yourself, move outside of your comfort zone and make the most of this wonderful opportunity. As you do so, always remember that…
‘There is more in you than you think’
Kurt Hahn
I am sure your time at Ivanhoe will be rewarding, challenging and exciting and I look forward to seeing you thrive here at Plenty Campus.
Fiona Devlin Deputy Principal/Head of Plenty Campus
Devlin
Fiona
Welcome from the Head of Secondary
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. We look forward to partnering with you on the next phase of your child's educational journey.
Carolyn Mansour Deputy Head of Plenty Campus/ Head of Secondary
Carolyn Mansour
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, video games 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 Day Program
Fun Day
Standardised Testing
Talking Transition Sessions
Primary Schools contact
Parent Information Evening
Student Orientation Day
Transition Day
Parents’ Morning Tea
Wednesday 11 June 9.30am to 2.30pm Founders’ Centre
Saturday 16 August 9.30am to 1.00pm Founders’ Centre
October 2025 – date to follow
Beginning of Term 4
Thursday 13 November 6.00pm to 7.30pm Gymnasium
Wednesday 19 November 9.30am to 2.30pm
Thursday 29 January 2026
Thursday 29 January 2026
Talking Transition Sessions
The Talking Transition sessions will take place in Term 2 2025. These sessions are an opportunity for your child to meet with our Head of Year 7 Mrs Kathryn Horsford 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 education.
For this session, we would like students to bring their completed personal collage. Instructions on how to create this is included on the following page. The finished collage will be displayed in each student’s Mentor Group room as a quick way of introducing the class members in the new year.
In summary…
When attending the Talking Transition session, please remember to:
• Bring the collage on A3 poster paper (A3 size only please)
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!
Fun Day
The Year 7 2026 Fun Day will be held on Wednesday 11 June 2025, and 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 the Founders' Centre 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
• House Trivia
Standardised Testing
Ivanhoe Grammar School uses Standardised Testing facilitated by an external organisation, Edutest
Completing this testing allows the School to gain an objective understanding of the students we teach. Using the service provided by Edutest ensures we receive valid and reliable testing and meaningful feedback with general problem solving, literacy and numeracy skills.
The Standardised Testing, which students are not expected to study for, includes the following:
• Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Reasoning and Mathematics
The team at Edutest will provide the School with 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 department.
Edutest provides valid and reliable assessment which the staff can apply to the Ivanhoe Grammar School setting in a variety of ways. The Standardised Testing will be conducted at the Founders' Centre, Plenty Campus on:
Saturday 16 August 2025 - 9.30am to 1.00pm
Students are asked to bring along:
• 2 x grey lead pencils, blue or black pen, sharpener and eraser, snack and drink bottle
Please note: Calculators are not permitted.
The format of the day will be explained to our future Year 7 students during the morning.
Please advise Ms Ann Fahey on 9490 3898 if your child will not be able to attend the Standardised Testing Day.
Solo Starters Year 11 Student Buddies
Ivanhoe Grammar School welcomes over one hundred students into Year 7 each year and meeting new people is an important step within the transition process.
Whilst some students come to Plenty 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 welcome event in Term 3.
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 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.
Orientation Information
During Term 4 2025, you will receive the following information via Ivanhoe Connect:
• Uniform
• Booklist and Stationery items
• Notebook Program
• Ivanhoe Connect
• 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 Plenty Campus and the other which provides parents with the opportunity to meet with key staff of the School.
The Parent Information Evening will be held in the Founders' Centre at Plenty Campus on:
Thursday 13 November 2025 - 6.00pm to 7.30pm
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.
Orientation Day will be on:
Wednesday 19 November 2025 - 9.30am to 2.30pm Students will gather out the front of the Bell Tower. They are asked to bring along a snack, drink bottle, lunch, their pencil case and sun hat.
Transition Day 2026
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.
Year 7 2026 students begin their academic year on:
Thursday 29 January 2026 - 9.30am to 2.30pm
Students will gather outside the Bell Tower as on Orientation Day. They are required to wear full Summer Uniform, including their Blazer and bring all their books on this first day.
Language
Students in Year 7 2026 will be offered the choice to study either Chinese or French, 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’ form to be returned to Plenty Reception or email reception-plenty@ivanhoe.com.au
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.
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 - 2.10pm to 3.30pm.
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 leadup 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 intranet service, Ivanhoe Connect.
Students are asked to select a Sport preference for both the Summer and Winter Seasons. Sport selection is to be confirmed via the 'First Steps' form to be returned to Plenty Reception or email reception-plenty@ivanhoe.com.au
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
• Volleyball
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
GIRLS SUMMER SPORT OPTIONS
• Cricket
• Softball
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Touch Football
• Volleyball
BOYS WINTER SPORT OPTIONS
• Archery
• Australian Rules Football
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Hockey
• Soccer
GIRLS WINTER SPORT OPTIONS
• Archery
• Australian Rules Football
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Hockey
• Netball
• Soccer
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
• Athletics
• Kayaking
• Snowsports
• Swimming*
* Swimming - If you intend trying out for the Swim Team, please advise of this during the Student ‘Talking Transition’ session. Trials are normally held during the first week of school. Swimming is an additional sport to the compulsory Saturday morning options.
Where a particular sport has low interest, in terms of numbers, it may not be possible to field a Plenty Campus based team in that sport. Where this is the case, the options are to either play with Ridgeway Campus students, or select another sport. The Plenty Sport Coordinator will facilitate these 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 EXTRA-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 positive and everything will be okay!
‘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
Key Contacts
SPORT
If you have any queries regarding Saturday Sport at Ivanhoe Grammar School please contact:
Director of Sport
Ms Anna Geoghegan 9490 1832 anna.geoghegan@ivanhoe.com.au
Sport Co-ordinator
Ms Hannah Fox 9490 3898 hannah.fox@ivanhoe.com.au
Sports Administrator
Mr James Campesi 9490 3489 james.campesi@ivanhoe.com.au
HEAD OF YEAR 7
Mrs Kathryn Horsford 9490 3898 kath.horsford@ivanhoe.com.au
DEPUTY HEAD OF PLENTY CAMPUS/ HEAD OF MIDDLE YEARS
Ms Carolyn Mansour 9490 3898 carolyn.mansour@ivanhoe.com.au
IT Helpdesk
9490 1818 ITServicesHelpdesk@ivanhoe.com.au
Health Centre 9490 3888 health.centre.plenty@ivanhoe.com.au Business Centre 9490 3404 accounts@ivanhoe.com.au
Main Reception 9490 3898 reception-plenty@ivanhoe.com.au
Uniform Shop 9490 4877 ivanhoe.plenty@midford.com.au
www.ivanhoe.com.au