Principal's Welcome
Key Dates
General Information
Teaching and Learning
Learning Community Structure
Course Structure
Select Entry Accelerated Learning ( SEAL) Program
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
OurSchool
AtWangarattaHighSchoolweplaceeachchildatthecentreofourthinkingOurfocusisto ensurethateverychildbecomesaconfident,curious,creativeandanindependentthinker andlearner,whoisabletoachievetheirpersonalbest.
Wemodelandnurturerespectfulrelationshipstocreateapositiveenvironmentinwhich everychildcanthrive
Ourschoolisavibrant,innovativelearningcommunitybasedontheprinciplesofquality learningOurhighlyskilledteachersdesignandactivateabroadrangeofprogramstoengage andchallenge,exciteandinspireeveryyoungpersontopursuetheiruniquepathway Throughstructuredandflexiblelearningopportunitiesweempowerstudentsto exploreandnegotiatetheirlearningsothattheycanmakeadifferenceintheirschool,local andglobalcommunities
IfthereisanythingthatIcanassistyouwithasyoureadyyourchildforYear7,pleaseletme oranyofourteamknowWelookforwardtobeingapartoftheireducationaljourneyat WangarattaHighSchool.
DaveArmstrong ExecutivePrincipal
Key Staff
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 Years 7 & 8 Leading Teacher
Ms Alice Reynolds Year 7 Year Level Leader
Ms Meryl Herman SEAL Coordinator
Mr Nathan Manning Year 7 Year Level Leader
Ms Jodie Bell Enrolments Officer
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
Welcome Letter Confirming Placement
Sent from 2nd July 2025
2026 Term Dates
Please see below
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:
Voluntary financial contributions for curriculum items and activities which the school deems necessary for students to learn the Curriculum.
Compass
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.
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 opportunitytobecomeSRCandHouse Captains Withintheseniorschool,studentshave theopportunitytobecomePeer
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
LE
A
R
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
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
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.
Subjects Offered in 2025
7
English,Mathematics,Humanities,Science,Music,Health&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 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.
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 who supports students in the program .
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:
Legend of timetable
Time and session
Room / Location
Teacher
Subject
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
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 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
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.
