Assessment & Reports

• Detailed reports will be provided at the conclusion of Semesters 1 & 2 (Terms 2 and 4) and Mid-Semester reports at the end of Terms 1 and 3. 

• Additionally, approximately halfway through each semester, parents, students and teachers will have the opportunity to discuss student progress during scheduled interviews. 

• Parent/Teacher/Student meetings or interviews are held in the afternoon and evening for parent convenience. 

• At any time during the College year, a student’s progress may be the subject of an interview on parental, student or co-ordinator request. 

Attendance

• Students must attend school for the whole timetabled school day as per Department of Education and Training (DET) policy. 

• There is a strong link between regular school attendance and successful student progress. Studies have proved this. 

Bags

• The lockers will accommodate a standard size bag. The bag should be clearly labelled. 

• Bags must not be taken into classrooms. They are to be stored in lockers. 

• In the interests of community safety, bags must be opened on request. 

• The physical education uniform should be carried in a plastic or cloth carry bag. 

Behaviour in Public

• Whenever students are in the public domain e.g. excursions and travelling to and from school, they are expected to show exemplary behaviour which will positively reflect on themselves, their parents and the College. 

Bicycles

• Students should place their bicycle in the bike compound and use a chain and padlock to lock it, and their bike helmet, securely. 

• The bike compound is locked during the school day. 

• VICTORIAN TRAFFIC LAWS state that CYCLISTS MUST WEAR HELMETS. 

• The College is not liable for theft or damage to bikes or helmets. 

Canteen

• The canteen sells a range of healthy food and drinks 

• The canteen is open from 8.15am until 1.20pm 

• You may order your lunch before school or at recess. This is recommended. 

Careers

• A Careers Counsellor is available to provide advice on course counselling, career pathways and pre-requisites for tertiary courses 

• Print and computer resources are available to assist students to investigate careers and options for further study – see the College website. 

• There are extensive resources and information on the College website which may be accessed by students and their parents from home computers with internet facilities or during the school day at appropriate times (www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au/careers) 

Communication with the College

• Parents are encouraged to contact the Sub-school Manager or Year Level Co-ordinators, the Student Well-Being Manager, Principal or Assistant Principals by telephoning the College. 

• Interviews with class teachers may be arranged by telephoning the Year Level Co-ordinator. 

• Parents are requested to notify the College administration of changes to addresses and telephone numbers without delay. This can also be done through Compass. 

Co-Curricular Activities

• Cheltenham Secondary College is well known for the extensive program of Co-Curricular activities offered to students 

• Our students are characterised by their high participation rates and active involvement in a variety of activities 

• Most activities are publicised on Compass and daily public announcements or assemblies 

• Many students play an active role in organising activities or coaching teams or groups 

• Students should ask their Class Teacher, Year Level Co-ordinator or an Assistant Principal about activities which interest them. 

Compass

• Compass is the College's communication system. Students, Parents or Carers will receive log in details once enrolled. This is where timetables, reports, school work and general College information can be found.

Emergency Management

• Building evacuation procedures will be practised during the year. This is a routine drill which all schools and places of work must undertake. 

• The designated area for assembly during an evacuation drill will be the College oval closest to Bernard Street. 

• There are signs showing year level assembly points along the fence. 

• There are also shut-down or lock-down procedures to ensure the safety of staff and students. 

First Aid

• First Aid assistance is available at Reception. 

• Several staff are qualified Level 2 First Aiders. 

• School is not a suitable place for sick or injured people. Parents will be telephoned to collect their child if they become ill during the day or if advice and treatment are required beyond the training of our First Aid staff 

• It is important that a current emergency telephone number is listed on each student’s College record. The College should be notified of changes in telephone numbers as soon as they occur. 

• If an ambulance is required, the cost will be met by parents. Subscription with the Ambulance Service is highly recommended. 

• Student Accident Insurance - With some of these schemes children are covered 24 hours a day anywhere in the world, not just while they are at school. It is strongly recommended that parents investigate the purchase of accident insurance for their child/children. 

Instrumental Music

• Cheltenham has an excellent Instrumental Music Program 

• Students participate in instrumental music lessons once a week, being withdrawn from normal classes on a rotating timetable 

• Lessons are usually conducted in small groups 

• Tuition is available in woodwind, brass, percussion, violin, guitar, vocals and keyboard 

• Student performances occur in small ensembles, bands and individual performances 

• All performance groups have weekly rehearsals. 

Lateness to Class

• A student who arrives late for any class disrupts the work of the class. The College rules require that students be on time. Persistent lateness will be managed by the Assistant Principal. 

Lateness to School

• If you are late to school, you must sign in at the Compass Kiosk in the reception area of the Administration building.

Leaving school during the day

• A parental note must be brought from home and given to the Year Level Co-ordinator before school commences for the day. The student should sign out at Reception just before leaving. Medical appointments should be made out-of-school hours whenever possible. 

• If a lunch pass for a particular day is required, the process described above should be followed. Lunch passes are only issued for students going to their own home for lunch. An adult must be present in the home at that time. 

• Students must not leave the College grounds without permission. 

Library

• It is open from 8.00am-4.00pm, closed at recess.

• All resources are borrowed using the student’s I.D. card. 

• Some titles are available for parents. 

Lockers

• Each student is allocated a locker for which they must provide their own good quality, large padlock. 

• Lockers must be kept locked except when in use. 

• The care and tidiness of the locker is the student’s responsibility. 

• Lockers will be inspected periodically and must be opened when required. In the interests of community safety, bags must also be opened on request. 

• Lockers may not be visited between lessons or during class time unless the class teacher has given written permission 

• A locker remains the property of the College.

Lost Property

• Any items found should be handed to a teacher, a Sub-School Office or Reception. 

• Lost property can be accessed by asking an Assistant Principal, Year Level Co-ordinators or Reception Staff. 

• All personal items, including uniform, should be clearly labelled. 

• Valuable items of equipment are brought to school at the student’s risk. 

Mobile Phones/Sound/Video/Computer Equipment

• Refer to the ICT Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Communication Devices under ICT Guides

Motor Vehicles

• Students who drive to school may not drive or park in the College grounds 

• Students are not permitted under any circumstances to transport other students in private cars in connection with any school program or function whether held during normal school hours or at other times. (Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide - 4.10.6.3 Prohibition on use of student cars) 

• Students to register car details with VCE Co-ordinator 

Newsletter, Notices and Publications

• The Cheltonian is produced every fortnight on a Friday. It includes information on College happenings and future events. You can sign up to receive the Cheltonian electronically by going to the College web page (www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au). 

• Course Advice and the Southern Cross annual magazine are also published. 

• SMS and emails are also sent when appropriate. 

Payment of Monies

• All payments including excursions and parent payments are made via the Compass Parent portal. The college does not accept cash or credit card payments on site.

Peer Support

• The Peer Support Program is an integral part of College culture. 

• Year 10 students are trained to be Peer Support leaders. 

• These leaders assist all Year 7 students in their transition to Cheltenham by attending some classes with them and being with them, as leaders, at the Year 7 camp. 

• Peer Support Leaders provide and demonstrate: care, concern, connection and communication. 

Diary

• Students will have access to an electronic planner (Compass) on their Netbook computers, but should also have a hard copy diary bought through the College. This diary is used as part of the schools Pastoral Care program.

• The eDiary/diary should be used to organise and manage school work 

• Parents are asked to check the planner at least once a week to acknowledge messages or events that are planned. 

• Teachers will use the planner to communicate with students and parents 

• The eDiary/diary is considered a learning planner and as such should not have other information added like parties or birthdays, etc. 

Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades and skates

• These and similar items are banned. They may not be brought to school or ridden to school for any reason. 

Student Leadership

• The College is proud to develop the leadership skills of students through involvement in the Student Representative Council, Year 12 Leaders program, House Leadership, Peer Support program. There are well over 100 student leadership positions in the College. 

Student Representative Council

• The Student Representative Council is elected by students. 

• Every year level is represented on the Council. 

• All SRC representatives are trained to be leaders in their college community 

• The SRC assists by raising funds for student interests and activities as well as for worthwhile causes in our wider community 

• The SRC provides a forum for student opinion on many issues of interest to students and to the College 

Student Wellbeing Manager

• The Student Wellbeing Manager’s office is located next to Reception. 

• Where students have personal problems or concerns which are affecting their schoolwork, they may discuss these matters with the Student Wellbeing Manager. 

• Parents may contact the Student Wellbeing Manager by telephoning the College. 

• “Help on line’ can provide advice to young people and their parents for information, support programs and events. Appointments can be booked on www.helponline.org.au

Student Wellbeing Worker

• The Student Wellbeing Worker’s office is located in Learning Futures. 

• Where students have personal problems or concerns which are affecting their schoolwork, they may discuss these matters with the Student Wellbeing Worker. 

• Parents may contact the Student Wellbeing Worker by telephoning the College. 

• “Help on line’ can provide advice to young people and their parents for information, support programs and events. Appointments can be booked on www.helponline.org.au

All Visitors to the school

• Only persons who are authorised or who have a legitimate purpose or a lawful excuse may enter the College grounds and premises. 

• All legitimate visitors must register at Reception upon arrival.