Year 7 2025 Booklet

Principal's Welcome

I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to Wangaratta High School We look forward to working together as you embark on the new phase of your education experience

Our Vision

Our vision at Wangaratta High School is to empower all students to grow

academically,sociallyandemotionallythroughprovidinganoutstanding learningenvironmentbuiltonhighexpectationsforsuccessthatwillenableallstudents,with support,toexperiencequalityteachingwithinapositiveclimateforlearning.Ourgraduates willbeindependent,lifelonglearnerswhoareequippedtomakeapositiveimpactonthe worldaroundthem

OurNarrative

AtWangarattaHighSchoolweplaceeachchildatthecentreofourthinkingOurfocusisto ensurethateverychildbecomesaconfident,curious,creativeandanindependentthinker andlearner,whoisabletoachievetheirpersonalbest.

Wemodelandnurturerespectfulrelationshipstocreateapositiveenvironmentinwhich everychildcanthrive

Ourschoolisavibrant,innovativelearningcommunitybasedontheprinciplesofquality learningOurhighlyskilledteachersdesignandactivateabroadrangeofprogramstoengage andchallenge,exciteandinspireeveryyoungpersontopursuetheiruniquepathway Throughstructuredandflexiblelearningopportunitiesweempowerstudentsto exploreandnegotiatetheirlearningsothattheycanmakeadifferenceintheirschool,local andglobalcommunities

IfthereisanythingthatIcanassistyouwithasyoureadyyourchildforYear7,pleaseletme oranyofourteamknowWelookforwardtobeingapartoftheireducationaljourneyat WangarattaHighSchool.

Key Staff

DaveArmstrong ExecutivePrincipal

Mr Dave Armstrong Executive Principal

Mr John Paola Assistant Principal: Positive Climate for Learning

Ms Sheri Parkhouse Assistant Principal: Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Ms Hannah Nott Junior

Ms Leah Coles

Ms Meryl Herman SEAL Coordinator

Mr Nathan Manning

Ms Jodie Bell Enrolments Officer

Key Dates

Transition Information Evenings

12th March 2024

4th September 2024

Bus Travel Applications Due 21st June 2024

Orientation Days

9th to 11th of December 2024

Welcome Letter Confirming Placement Sent from 18th July 2024

2025 Term Dates

Please see below

Mark your calendar

General Information

Administration Office

Parents and Carers are welcome to contact our Administration Office regarding any enquiries, information or appointments Access to students during the day is limited, our staff will endeavor to have any received message passed on to students by recess or lunchtime Only in an extreme emergency will students be called out of class to a phone call or visit For security reasons, we require all visitors to report to the Administration Office, where they will be required to sign in electronically.

Office opening hours

8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Bus Travel

Any student who lives more than 4 8 km from the school may be eligible for free bus travel

Contact our Bus Coordinator, Amy Waide on 03 5723 0500 (option 2) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am to 4:30pm for more information

Contributions

Schools can request contributions from parents under three categories:

Curriculum Contributions

Voluntary financial contributions for curriculum items and activities which the school deems necessary for students to learn the Curriculum.

Compass

Other Contributions

Voluntary financial contributions for non-curriculum items and activities that relate to the school’s functions and objectives.

Extra-Curricular Items and Activities

Items and activities that enhance or broaden the schooling experience of students and are above and beyond what the school provides for free to deliver the Curriculum. These are provided on a user-pays basis.

At Wangaratta High School, we use a school management / communication program called Compass. The Compass App is an easy-to-use online communication platform between our school and your family Compass enables parents/carers to receive messages from the school, view timetables, book parent-teacher conferences, add attendance notes, view academic reports, pay fees and consent to events from the comfort of your own home

Lockers

AllnewYear7studentswillbeissuedwithalockerandcombinationlockatthebeginningof theyear.

Uniform

Studentsarerequiredtowearschooluniformatalltimesandthepolicyisstrictlyenforced ThisincludesabuckethatinTerms1and2 Worklockeristhesoleproviderofapproved WangarattaHighSchooluniforms

ContactWorklocker:0357224644

Address:120MurphyStreet,WangarattaVIC3677

Lunches

Theschoolcanteenisavailableforstudentstopurchasetheirlunchorrecessduringbreak times

StudentsareNOTpermittedtoleavetheschoolgroundsatanytimetogototheshops

ThecanteenisguidedbytheDepartmentofEducationandTrainingDevelopment;Healthy FoodPolicy.

Wellbeing

StudentWellbeingunderpinsandsupportsallareasofourschool

OurWellbeingTeamisavailabletostudentsinallyearlevels,toofferassistancewithany difficultiestheymaybeexperiencing.Atalltimestheinformationofbothparents/carersand studentsistreatedconfidentially Wehavecounsellors,nursesandamentalhealth practitioneronstaff

Practicalinformationaswellasreferraltocommunitysupportandspecialistscanbeprovided StudentscanaccesstheWellbeingTeamduringlunch/recessorviatheAdministrationOffice duringclasstime.

Ifyoubelievethatyourchildhasaparticularneedforanyoftheseservices,pleasediscuss yourrequirementswithamemberofourWangarattaHighSchoolTeam

OurHouses

AllstudentsareallocatedaHouse.ThefourHousesareKing(green),Ovens(blue),Wareena (red)andMerriwa(yellow) TheHouseprogramfacilitatesHousecompetitionsinsportandcocurricularactivities

StudentLeadership

Studentshaveawiderangeofleadership opportunitiesatWangarattaHighSchooland areencouragedtobeactiveparticipantsinthe schoolandwidercommunity Studentshavethe opportunitytobecomeYearLevelLeadersand HouseCaptains Withintheseniorschool, studentshavetheopportunitytobecomePeer SupportLeadersandPrefectstosupportand leadtheschoolwhilstgainingvaluable leadershipskillsforthefuture

Studentleadersrepresenttheschoolon numerousoccasions,includingANZACDay ceremoniesandEducationalandYouthworkshops.

Teaching and Learning at Wangaratta High School

At Wangaratta High School we support teachers and students to incorporate the models of ‘best practice pedagogy’ into normal everyday classroom teaching and learning practice

We adopt a best practice instructional model that aligns with our School Core Values

ELA

Learning intentions/success criteria. Clearly stated learning tasks and time management outlines displayed in each lesson to promote connections and ownership for students

Explicit Teaching. Guided teaching practice that includes questioning to establish understanding and showing skills, strategy and process

Application. Students apply and practice skills with a teacher observing and providing feedback, inclusive of a small group, independent and interdependent learning tasks

R

and how they N he classroom

Learning Community Structure

In order to ensure that we cater for the academic and wellbeing needs of all of our students, we have implemented a Learning Community system

Our three Sub-Schools are:

The Junior Years Learning Community - (Students in Years 7 to 8)

The Middle Years Learning Community - (Students in Years 9 to 10)

The Senior Years Learning Community - (Students in Years 11 to 12)

Homeroom

At Wangaratta High School we have a daily 20 minute Homeroom for all year levels

This curriculum-aligned subject is designed to assist students with their personal development and understanding of their own and others’ emotions. It is also a chance for students to connect with a Homeroom teacher who they can look to for support academically and socially It is a part of our school curriculum and students’ participation in the subject will be included in their report

Each week, we focus on a different area of emotional intelligence and social learning such as bullying, peer pressure and gender diversity Additionally, we use this time to ensure students are building their organisational skills by checking in with their Diary usage and making sure they have required materials for all subjects.

Parents and carers can support students in this subject by encouraging the use of diaries for extra-curricular activities and regularly checking in with them about their progress in all subject areas

Behavioural Expectations

Respect

Use manners

Listen to teachers and peers - follow instructions

Accept differences - be kind and inclusive

Have pride in yourself and your school

Personal Best

Be persistent - keep trying

Be resilient - bounce back

Challenge yourself - have a go

Encourage others

Safe

Treat others and the environment with care

Follow safety instructions

Use equipment appropriately and with care

Think about your actions - be alert and stay calm

Bags in lockers

Be on time

Ready To Learn

Bring required equipment - diary, fully charged laptop, pencil case, books

Be an active and engaged participant

Make the most of learning opportunities

Course Structure

The school year is divided into two semesters and each semester has two terms. Students are formally assessed at the end of each semester and are provided with interim reports at the end of Terms 1 and 3 This is followed closely by student led, parent teacher conversations around their progress

Year 7 students study a common core curriculum The majority of their classes are undertaken within their Homeroom Groups Core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities run for the whole year. In addition students study Italian as a language.

Subjects Offered in 2025

7

English,Mathematics,Humanities,Science,MusicandHealth&Physical Education

Inaddition,studentswillcompleteonesemesterofthefollowingsubjects:

-Plastics

-Metal

-VisualArts

-Food

-Textiles

Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program

Victorian Government secondary schools have been operating specific programs at authorised schools for gifted students since 1980 These have been known as Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) schools The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools (TAASS) has been established to maintain this tradition to enable groups of like minded students to develop academically, socially and emotionally

Wangaratta High School is proud to be the only school that offers an accredited SEAL Program serving the Wangaratta District, Ovens Valley, King Valley and surrounding regions For more information, please refer to our booklet

Supporting our Indigenous Students

Wangaratta High School's aim is to work with the Koorie Academy Liaison Officer (KALO) to provide additional support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families Please contact our Administration Office if you would like further information about specific supports or programs

The Koorie Academy of Excellence (KAE)

The Koorie Academy of Excellence (KAE) is an out of school hours program supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to develop a connection to culture, leadership skills and their academic capabilities.

What does the program look like?

The KAE is a ‘virtual’ academy, meaning there is no permanent dedicated classroom, building or space. Camps, events and social gatherings run by the NEVR KAE and will be held at various venues around the Ovens Murray area and Melbourne

The KAE program aligns with four pillars:

1 Connection to culture

2 Leadership

3 Academic strength and school engagement

4. Career passion and knowledge

This is provided through a range of potential activities including:

One-on-one time with a KALO

Camps

Excursions & Activity Days

Career related short courses & workshops

Mentoring

Support & opportunities from University/TAFE & corporate partners

Cultural experiences

Sporting/Arts/Community events

What is the role of the Koorie Academy Liaison Officer (KALO)?

The KALO is the main point of contact for KAE members and their families The KALO works one-on-one with KAE members to identify their needs and guide them along their inspirational journey. The KALO also designs and delivers the KAE program in line with the KAE pillars.

MacqLit Reading Program

MacqLit stands for Macquarie Literacy Program

What is MacqLit? What does the program involve?

An Intensive program provides reading instruction for struggling readers

It is delivered to small groups of students

The specifically sequenced lesson delivers a very clear literacy instruction

It involves the skills for reading being taught clearly by the teacher

The program has a 3 step process:

1. The teacher shows the skill to the students.

2 The students practice the skill with the help of the teacher

3 The student practices the skill by themselves

There are regular reviews of the skills learnt in the program

All skills are taught until the student masters the skill

The students receive immediate feedback

What is the focus of the program?

To learn the relationships between sound and symbol - so that quick, accurate and effortless reading of words is achieved.

What is taught in the program?

There are 52 sets of skills to cover, depending on where the student starts.

Each skill is carefully taught through scripted lessons. Each lesson has a few short activities included to teach the set skill

Why MacqLit?

MacqLit has a strong evidence/research base

It is an Australian based program

The program is delivered to small groups of students, no more than 5 in a group

The program will be more frequently conducted

Christine Watson is our MacqLit Coordinator and supports each student on their educational journey at Wangaratta High School

Inclusive Learning Hub

What is the Inclusive Learning Hub

An educational hub where every student, rega accepted but embraced for their unique stren Our commitment is to create a supportive spa celebrate the diversity of minds, ensuring eac and emotionally

What is the focus of the program?

How are we organised?

At Wangaratta High School we strive for continuous improvement in everything that we do.

Sessions and Timetable

At Wangaratta High School, we have 5 sessions a day, with an earlier lunch and afternoon recess We believe that the earlier lunch will serve all students better, especially our students that travel from out of town

Below is an example of a student's timetable:

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

A renewed and re-invigorated focus on Ready to Learn and Bring Your Own Device

The School's Bring Your Own Device Program (BYOD) enhances teaching and learning within the classroom Our rationale is to ensure all students have the skills to access opportunities to learn anytime, anywhere, while at the same time understanding how to manage technology to improve their learning

To do this, students from Year 7 to Year 12 are required to bring a suitable, charged device to school each day to support their learning, with teachers increasing the use of in-class technology-based activities to enhance pedagogy Wangaratta High School has partnered with 'Learning With Technology’ (LWT), who have put together a portal allowing parents to purchase discounted devices that meet all our minimum requirements Parents can access further information and purchase devices by visiting the following link https://wangarattahs orderportal com au/ Please note however, that you may purchase a device from any store of your choice

For more detailed information on the School’s BYOD policy please visit the Wangaratta High School website.

Student Diary

To complement our Homeroom system and support student Readiness to Learn we issue all students with a Wangaratta High School Diary. This will occur on the first day of school. The Diary is to be bought to each class and signed weekly by the parent/carer and Homeroom teacher It is primarily designed to facilitate personal and learning organisation

Mobile Phone: Student Use Policy

Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy

School is a time for learning and meaningful social interactions We want students to be focused on tasks and thinking beyond the very distracting influence of mobile phone notifications and messaging and the urgency of response that is felt with instant communications

Wangaratta High School understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school

• Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off during school hours, and they may not be used at all during the school day They must be securely stored throughout the day in a locked locker or left at the Administration Office

• Phone use is not permitted at any time of the school day for any reason

• Other telecommunication devices (such as smartwatches) may not be used in similar ways to phones This means they cannot be used to send or receive messages or make calls or access. Notifications must be turned off on smartwatches and other such devices

• Students may not make or receive a phone call (all parent contact should be done via a staff member, usually at the Administration Office, where a phone can be provided)

• Students may not record videos or take photos with their phone (see exceptions to this in the full policy)

• When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s Administration office on (03) 5723 0500

• If a student is found breaching the policy (use of a mobile phone during school hours) the staff member that observes the breach will confiscate the mobile phone They will direct the student to hand the phone to them The device must be switched off and the SIM card must not be removed

• A student who is argumentative or defiant (refuses to hand over the phone) will receive additional consequences in line with school policies

• The staff member will complete a Compass entry and submit the phone to the Administration office for labelling and secure storage

• Confiscated mobile phones will not be returned to students- they will only be returned to the parent or carer.

• If the mobile phone policy breach is linked to the use of a smartwatch as a telecommunication device, then the student is likely to lose the privilege to have such as device at school

Students, parents, and carers can access the full mobile phone policy through Compass for further information.

Extra Curricular Items and Activities

Sport

Students can enter the inter-house sporting events of athletics and swimming. Successful students then go on to represent Wangaratta High School at interschool and state levels. During the year, students have the opportunity to try out for many interschool sporting teams includingcricket,netball,football,soccer,tennis,tabletennisandbadminton

Music

Wangaratta High School has a long-standing tradition of an outstanding music program Students are provided with the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice and participate in various ensembles and bands. All students who learn an instrument are requiredtoattendscheduledlessons/rehearsals

We aim to challenge and extend student ability through setting high expectations and a wide variety of performance opportunities, striving for excellence and empowering students to do theirpersonalbest.

Concerts, music camps and music tours are part of the annual calendar of music events All newYear7familieswillbeinvitedtotakeuptheoptiontolearnaninstrument

LunchtimeActivities

Arangeoflunchtimeactivitiesareonoffereachterm,rangingfromourDiversityClub, Dungeons/Dragons&BoardGamesClub,ArtClubandBookClubandGym

Camps and Excursions

Wangaratta High School students are invited to be involved in excursions, overnight stays and/or camps, thus enriching their education by allowing participation in this important area of school life Camps and excursions offer excellent envir t l d i l i f ur students.

Notes