2026 Year 7 Information Booklet

COMMENCING YEAR 7 INFORMATION

BOOKLET WELCOMING YOU TO OUR SCHOOL IN 2026

Table of Contents Principal's Welcome

1

Key Dates

2

General Information

3-4

Teaching and Learning

5

Learning Community Structure

6

Course Structure

7

Select Entry Accelerated Learning ( SEAL) Program

7

Supporting our Indigenous Students

8

MacqLit Reading Program

9

Inclusive Learning Hub

10

How are we organised?

Sessions, timetable, Bring Your Own Device Program (BYOD) & Diary

11-12

Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy

13

Extra Curricular Items and Activities

14

Camps and Excursions Notes

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

Mr Dave Armstrong

Executive Principal Our vision at Wangaratta High School is to empower all students to grow academically, socially and emotionally through providing an outstanding learning environment built on high expectations for success that will enable all students, with support, to experience quality teaching within a positive climate for learning. Our graduates will be independent, lifelong learners who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Our School At Wangaratta High School we place each child at the centre of our thinking. Our focus is to ensure that every child becomes a confident, curious, creative and an independent thinker and learner, who is able to achieve their personal best.

We model and nurture respectful relationships to create a positive environment in which every child can thrive.

Our school is a vibrant, innovative learning community based on the principles of quality learning. Our highly skilled teachers design and activate a broad range of programs to engage and challenge, excite and inspire every young person to pursue their unique pathway.

Through structured and flexible learning opportunities we empower students to explore and negotiate their learning so that they can make a difference in their school, local and global communities.

If there is anything that I can assist you with as you ready your child for Year 7, please let me or any of our team know. We look forward to being a part of their educational journey at Wangaratta High School.

Dave Armstrong Executive Principal

Key Staff

Ms Hannah Nott Junior Years 7 & 8 Leading Teacher

Mr John Paola

Ms Sheri Parkhouse

Ms Jodie Bell

Assistant Principal: Positive Climate for Learning

Assistant Principal: Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Enrolments Officer

Ms Alice Reynolds Mr Nathan Manning Year 7 Year Level Leader

Year 7 Year Level Leader

Ms Meryl Herman SEAL Coordinator

Key Dates Transition Information Evenings 24th March 2025 9th September 2025

Bus Travel Applications Due 20th June 2025

Orientation Days

8th to 10th of December 2025

Mark your calendar

Welcome Letter Confirming Placement Sent from 2nd July 2025

2026 Term Dates Please see below

Term Dates

School Holiday Dates

Term 1

28 January 2026 to 2 April 2026

3 April 2026 to 19 April 2026

Term 2

20 April 2026 to 26 June 2026

27 June 2026 to 12 July 2026

Term 3

13 July 2026 to 18 September 2026

19 September 2026 to 4 October 2026

Term 4

5 October 2026 to 18 December 2026

19 December 2026 to 26 January 2027

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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 endeavour 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, 8am to 4pm 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.

Other Contributions

Extra-Curricular Items and Activities

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

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.

Compass 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.

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Lockers

All new Year 7 students will be issued with a locker and combination lock at the beginning of the year.

Uniform

Students are required to wear school uniform at all times and the policy is strictly enforced.

This includes a bucket hat in Terms 1 and 2. Worklocker is the sole provider of approved Wangaratta High School uniforms.

Contact Worklocker: 03 5722 4644 Address: 120 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

Lunches

The school canteen is available for students to purchase their lunch or recess during break times.

Students are NOT permitted to leave the school grounds at any time to go to the shops.

The canteen is guided by the Department of Education and Training Development; Healthy Food Policy.

Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing underpins and supports all areas of our school.

Our Wellbeing Team is available to students in all year levels, to offer assistance with any difficulties they may be experiencing. At all times the information of both parents/carers and students is treated confidentially. We have counsellors, nurses and a mental health practitioner on staff.

Practical information as well as referral to community support and specialists can be provided.

Students can access the Wellbeing Team during lunch/recess or via the Administration Office during class time.

If you believe that your child has a particular need for any of these services, please discuss your requirements with a member of our Wangaratta High School Team.

Our Houses

All students are allocated a House. The four Houses are King (green), Ovens (blue), Wareena (red) and Merriwa (yellow). The House program facilitates House competitions in sport and cocurricular activities.

Student Leadership

Students have a wide range of leadership opportunities at Wangaratta High School and are encouraged to be active participants in the school and wider community. Students have the opportunity to become SRC and House Captains. Within the senior school, students have the opportunity to become Peer Support Leaders and Prefects to support and lead the school whilst gaining valuable leadership skills for the future.

Student leaders represent the school on numerous occasions, including ANZAC Day ceremonies and Educational and Youth workshops.

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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.

L

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

E

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

A

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

R

Reflections. Students reflect on learning goals, self-assessing what and how they are learning and reviewing key points.

N

Now where? Teacher reflections on what has or hasn't worked in the classroom and the development of assessment strategies.

5

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

Ready To Learn

Be on time Bring required equipment - diary, fully charged laptop, pencil case, books Be an active and engaged participant Make the most of learning opportunities

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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.

Subjects Offered in 2025 Year Level

Subjects offered in 2025

English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Music, Health & Physical Education.

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In addition, students will complete one semester of the following subjects: - Plastics - Metal - Visual Arts - 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.

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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 are 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.

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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.

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Inclusive Learning Hub What is the Inclusive Learning Hub?

An educational hub where every student, regardless of their neurological differences, is not only accepted but embraced for their unique strengths and perspectives.

Our commitment is to create a supportive space that goes beyond accommodation to actively celebrate the diversity of minds, ensuring each neurodiverse learner thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.

What is the focus of the program?

In our learning inclusion hub, we aim to break down barriers and stigmas associated with neurodiversity. Through personalised learning experiences and innovative teaching methods, we aim to empower neurodiverse students to unlock their full potential. By fostering a community that values neurodiversity as a strength, we strive to prepare our students not only for academic success, but also for a future where they feel confident to contribute meaningfully to society.

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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:

Legend of timetable Time and session Room / Location

Subject

Teacher

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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, students are required to purchase a student Diary. 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.

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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.

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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 including cricket, netball, football, soccer, tennis, table tennis and badminton.

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 required to attend scheduled lessons/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 their personal best.

Concerts, music camps and music tours are part of the annual calendar of music events. All new Year 7 families will be invited to take up the option to learn an instrument.

Lunchtime Activities Lunchtime activities are on offer each term, from our Diversity Club, Dungeons/Dragons & Board Games Club, Art Club and Book Club and Gym.

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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 environmental and social experiences for our students.

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Notes _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

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17-49 Edwards Street Wangaratta Victoria 3677 P: 03 5723 0500 E: wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au W: www.whs.vic.edu.au