- Let's Make 2022 Special
- VCE 2022
- Woodleigh Wellbeing in 2022
- Senior Campus Car Park and Driveway Safety
- School Photos 2022
- Urinetown the Musical? No! Urinetown the Documentary!
- 2022 Start-Up Sport News
- 2022 Senior Production – ‘Almost, Maine’
- Have you downloaded the Woodleigh App?
- Outsports Camping Gear Hire 2022
- CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE TERM 1 2022
- The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
Let's Make 2022 Special
Dear Woodleigh families,
I trust you have had a great summer and enjoyed time together with loved ones. I send you my best wishes as we begin 2022 optimistically and positively. As I said to our staff at the beginning of the year, let's aim to make this the best year in Woodleigh's great history.
Omicron Has Us Pivoting Again
When returning to School this year, I prepared my presentations for staff and students. I was hoping to gather together to meet for professional learning and our first assemblies and school meetings. I was hoping for the start I had envisaged back in 2020.
Unfortunately, it seems that the pandemic isn't quite finished with us yet. Again, we pivoted, changed our plans, and headed online for meetings and assemblies. Again, it was not quite the start I was hoping for. Throw in the logistical challenge of Rapid Antigen Test distribution and the challenge of developing new systems and processes for managing positive cases, and it's been a bit of a whirlwind, but we're tracking well! I want to thank our leadership team for their outstanding management of these processes, and hopefully, we'll continue to minimise the impact of Omicron on our community.
Despite the challenges, it's been a fantastic start to the year. Staff and students across our three campuses have settled back into school mode and are enjoying their time back on campus. Our Senior Campus is buzzing with the life and energy of more than 600 students, whilst both Minimbah and Penbank are enjoying a great start to the year. It's one of my great joys at work to welcome students to school in the morning, and I've been thrilled by the positive feedback from our new students and their families.
While the first four weeks of this term will be a time for caution and continued adherence to COVID rules, I am really looking forward to Woodleigh returning to a program that resembles, as closely as possible, a 'normal' year. In particular, I cannot wait to attend camps later this term. These memory-making experiences set Woodleigh apart from other schools; they define our style of education, one where relationships and experiences are pivotal to the development of every student at our school. Within these experiences, students develop as creative, compassionate, skilful and resilient young people – ready to thrive. As I mentioned to our Senior Campus students at the end of last year, these are Woodleigh's superpowers, and it will be great to have them back in 2022.
A Welcome to New Staff
At the start of the year, we welcomed many new staff to teach and support our programs across all three campuses of our school. I'm delighted to have brought together such a talented team of teaching and non-teaching staff. Please join me in welcoming our new staff.
Name | Role | Campus |
Bridie Connell | English Teacher | Senior |
Hannah Watts | English Teacher | Senior |
Marcus Butler | Product Design Teacher | Senior |
Leila Koren | Visual Arts Teacher | Senior |
Emma Craven | Science Teacher | Senior |
Jane Baker | Textiles Teacher | Senior |
Harrison Robertson | Marketing Trainee | Senior |
Aidan Bolch | Sports Trainee | Senior |
Will McKenzie | Casual Sailing Coach | Senior |
Anika McLean | Visual Arts Trainee | Senior |
Samme Mills | Education Support Assistant | Senior |
Angela Loo | Provisional Psychologist | Senior/Penbank |
Emily Osborne | Provisional Psychologist | Senior/Minimbah |
Thomas Hennessy | Land & Animal Management Assistant | Senior |
Sue Hastings | Director of Inclusion | Minimbah |
Zara Love-Davey | Primary Classroom Teacher | Minimbah |
Jonathan Crouch | Primary Classroom Teacher | Minimbah |
Karen Fenton | ECC Trainee | Minimbah |
Jasmine Richards | Education Support Assistant | Minimbah |
Samantha Nutt | Primary Classroom Teacher | Penbank |
Mieja Wood | Primary Classroom Teacher | Penbank |
Sarina Canning | Primary Classroom Teacher | Penbank |
Ryan Johnson | Programmed | |
Harry Shenton | Programmed | |
Meghan Clapton | Programmed | |
Returning staff | ||
Sophie Powell | Educational Support & Teaching | Penbank |
Mel Roper | Educational Support & Teaching | Penbank |
Sarah Fleming | Drama and Dance Teacher | Penbank |
Please have a wonderful 2022. Let's make it the best in Woodleigh's history. I look forward to catching up with you as soon as we can have events running again, at drop off, in the driveway, or at pick up.
Stay safe,
DAVID BAKER
Principal
VCE 2022
Welcome back!
Well, I think we can confidently say that 2021 left its mark on all of us throughout the year, and it is a great testament to the dedication of all students, families, and staff that we made it into our COVID-normal space for 2022. As we yearn for a year of greater normality, patience and compassion continue to be key traits to practice.
I wanted to bring you up to speed as to where we find ourselves at the beginning of what will hopefully be a year with greater normality and less complexity.
During the Year 11 and 12 Orientation Week last year, all VCE students began their 2022 studies and were set holiday homework tasks to complete, ready for submission on Day 0, 2022. There was also a VCE Information Email that was distributed during early December in lieu of our planned VCE Information Night which was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. This email covered the breakdown of VCE logistics as well as links to our Senior Years Handbook and helpful tips from the VCAA.
The first official day for all VCE Unit 3 and 4 students was Friday 28 January. On this day we ran a special 6-lesson timetable so that students had one lesson in each of their subjects.
During the first weeks of 2022, I will update all senior students about VCE rules, policies, terminology, etc. and direct them to the Senior Years Handbook (published on SEQTA under Documents). We will also complete official VCE Enrolment forms and related paperwork.
I have summarised a number of the most important issues below, and these will be reiterated on Homestead Night or when the opportunity presents itself:
SACS and SATS
As part of their assessment, all studies include SACs (School Assessed Coursework) and/or SATs (School Assessed Tasks – only in studies where models or products are produced). Both SACs and SATs are internally set and marked. In addition, all studies have externally set and marked examination(s). SACs are moderated against examination performance to ensure equality across schools. The ‘Achievement of Outcomes’ is used to determine satisfactory completion in all studies; all studies have 4–6 outcomes that must be ‘achieved’ to a ‘minimum standard’. SACs are completed mainly during class time. This means that it is very important for students to be in class both to satisfy outcomes and to complete scheduled SACs.
A calendar of dates for Term 1, including SACs, SATs and examinations, will be published and distributed to all VCE Unit 3 and 4 students during Week 2, Term 1. It will also go up on SEQTA under Documents. The Term 2 calendar will be uploaded after Camp Week.
Students and parents should be aware of the following policies (in particular) in relation to the VCE.
Attendance Policy
VCE students are expected to attend at least 80% of scheduled classes (the only exception to this will be for legitimate, documented reasons, for example, ongoing illness). Students who do not attend enough classes may not be eligible for an ‘S’ rating in the subject involved. The usual method for notifying the school of an absence, that is, ringing Reception on the morning of the absence, is necessary at all year levels. This is especially important if a student will be absent on the day of a scheduled SAC/SAT (see following).
Special Provision Policy
At Units 3 and 4, school-based Special Provision for missed SACs/SATs will be granted only for those students who have a Medical Certificate (or similar official documentation) that covers the class(es) missed. Students should see me as soon as they return to school to make arrangements to complete the SAC/SAT missed.
At Units 1 and 2, students may apply for an extension of time for an assessment task so long as we have official parent notification that covers the class(es) missed. Teaching staff will ensure that students have written advice on important assessment dates and so will be able to satisfy these conditions for Special Provision.
Students should refer to the SAC/SAT Calendar as this calendar will allow all students (and parents) to see exactly when assessment is scheduled to take place and, if necessary, to obtain the necessary medical documents to apply for Special Provision (see above). The calendar will be updated periodically (as needed) and placed on SEQTA under Documents.
Ongoing Special Provision
*If you believe that any medical, physical, emotional or environmental situation has, or will, disadvantage you/your student in the completion of the VCE, please come and speak to me ASAP. It is essential that I be kept up to date on issues – this way, I can ensure that students receive support and are aware of all options regarding Special Provision.
VCAA Special Provision: SEA (Special Examination Arrangements)
*SEA (Special Examination Arrangements) may be granted for students who have Severe Health Impairments, Physical Disabilities or Language/Learning Disorders that may impact on examination performance. Please see me ASAP if you wish to discuss the relevant requirements. These applications are due to VCAA by 1 April. An email was sent to all students who we believed would qualify (at the end of 2021), and I will continue to follow up. Daily reminders are provided to students to assist them with following up these applications.
VCE Subject Changes
All VCE subject changes MUST have been discussed through Mrs Gina Bolch in Careers or myself. Late subject changes are not recommended due to the requirement that students catch up on any missed SACs/SATs as well as all subject material they may have missed etc. If a student is still unsure that they have made a wise subject choice, they should speak with Mrs Bolch or myself ASAP. Note that the VCAA has strict cut-off dates for subject changes – these are listed in the Senior Years Handbook. All subject changes for Semester 1 were to have been completed by the end of Week 2 at the very latest. No further subject changes for Semester 1 will be considered beyond this time.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or you wish to discuss any VCE matters.
VCE Results 2021
We celebrate the achievements of every one of our 2021 Year 12 students, obtained through some very trying circumstances. For some of these students, it was the completion of an unscored VCE; for some, a transition to an Apprenticeship, a TAFE course and for many, a scored VCE (and resulting ATAR) were what they required to undertake the next part of their learning journey.
Student wellbeing and meeting the personalised needs of each individual is our key focus throughout the entire secondary journey, including Year 12, and so being able to celebrate the fact that so many of our students achieved highly (as was their goal) is part of the VCE success picture. All students had the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage instituted by the VCAA applied to their scores.
It is again incumbent upon me to acknowledge that VCE success does not happen overnight and is a result of all the hard work and dedication from all the Year 7-10 and VCE teachers who have worked with our students. There were some truly outstanding achievements, and not all of these are represented by the top scores. I also wish to recognise the guidance and work extended by all the staff who have worked with our unscored students, not only this year but over their full secondary journey, to ensure they successfully completed their VCE.
I look forward to supporting all students, particularly our Senior students, through the final years of their secondary schooling. 2022 will undoubtedly be another year full of challenges and changes, and I wish all of you every success for the time ahead.
BRYN BOWEN
Acting VCE Coordinator
Woodleigh Wellbeing in 2022
Hello Woodleigh families,
Welcome to the new school year. Even though it may feel like a lifetime ago, I trust that the break was relaxing and rejuvenating for all.
I am pleased to begin the year by sharing news of additional resources and exciting initiatives in the wellbeing space in 2022 to support students, families and staff.
I want to invite you to be informed and curious, promote our individual & collective wellbeing, and engage in what's on offer for us all to flourish.
Introducing SCHOOLTV
"Today, parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.
SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies."
– Michael Carr-Greg
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/
SCHOOLTV Topics
On SCHOOLTV, you'll find various topics, each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.
You'll also find Fact Sheets, suggested books, apps, websites and much more. And because SchoolTV is independent, we've pulled in some great content from organisations such as Beyond Blue, ReachOut, HeadSpace and others.
I trust you get great value from every edition and happy, safe parenting!
To get you started, I have selected a couple of links that may be pertinent to explore.
Starting Year 7
When a child starts high school, they are suddenly becoming one of the youngest and newest kids at school all over again — a small fish in a big pond! The transition between Year 6 and Year 7 is one of the biggest jumps in a child's life and is a significant milestone. This can quickly become a daunting time for students and parents alike.
Starting Year 7 poses many new challenges, but it also offers exciting opportunities. It comes with a number of mixed feelings. Unfortunately for many Year 6 students, 2021 was marred with school closures and remote learning due to the pandemic, and the overall impact is still unknown. Studies have shown that the mental health of this age group already appeared to be deteriorating before Coronavirus hit, and it is expected that cases of anxiety and depression will be on the rise.
For many students, regular orientation activities at the end of 2021 were less than ideal. Therefore, many students may be feeling a little bit more anxious than usual about their expectations of starting Year 7 and finding their place in the "big pond".
As your child grasps new skills and engages in new study practices, parents need to be supportive and realistic in their expectations. Parents and students can easily become overwhelmed during this transition, but You can implement a number of strategies to start things off on the right foot!
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-starting-year-7
Wellbeing Checklist (Primary & Secondary Age Students)
During this time of Coronavirus, many of us have experienced a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety. All of these are considered to be normal and natural responses to any challenging situation that can often result in our minds telling us all kinds of scary, "what if" kind of stories.
This can be especially true for our young people, for whom uncertainty and disruption are less than ideal. You may have observed increased anxiety & depressive symptoms affecting their mood, thinking, and behaviour. Therefore, it is vitally important for adult carers to remain vigilant for any signs of distress, even though your child may not have any prior history of a mental health disorder. Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment have never been more critical.
If you have any concerns relating to your child's mental health, you may wish to consider using the assessment tool provided by Beyond Blue. The checklist aims to measure a broad range of social, emotional or behavioural difficulties your child may be experiencing.
Click here to access the Beyond Blue Assessment Tool.
If you have further concerns about your child's wellbeing, please get in touch with staff at your campus for additional information or seek medical or professional help.
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-secondary
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-primary
Introducing P.E.P. Talks
(Parent Engagement Program)
A Conversation on Consent with Chanel Contos
Wednesday 2nd March 2022 @ 7pm (via ZOOM)
In 2021 Chanel Contos instigated an online petition calling for young women to come forward if subjected to sexual assault while still at school. The petition subsequently went viral, with thousands of young women signing or sharing stories that, in many cases, were graphic, disturbing and deeply upsetting.
Chanel's petition calls for sex education, particularly consent education, to be taught at a younger age in schools. The observation is that concepts of consent are being introduced too late, with many young people not understanding the boundaries of consent – resulting in sexual assault or rape. This broad and strong call for change has made many schools reassess their sex and life education curriculum to help protect young people across the nation.
Parents also need to start having conversations around consent sooner rather than later, as some teens experience their first sexual encounter well before the subject matter is delivered. It is not enough for parents or carers to assume that your teenager knows or understands what consent means and the implications surrounding it. They need to understand boundaries to respect both themselves and their partners.
In the lead up to International Women's Day, Chanel will join us to share insights into her call for action and offer parents guidance around normalising the topic of consent to ensure all young people experience healthy and respectful relationships. Book your ticket now.
Yours in promoting & supporting positive student wellbeing,
DONNA NAIRN
Director of Counselling and Wellbeing
Senior Campus Car Park and Driveway Safety
Dear families,
To ensure the safe and smooth passage of traffic in the school driveway, we ask that all drivers adhere to the following procedures for school drop off and pick up:
• Drive into one of the angled slots, pick up, and use the slip lane to get out quickly.
• If the angled slots are taken, drive forward to the top and park in the indicated parallel lane. Move forward into an angled slot when possible, or drive forward and out when you are able to.
• If all parking spots are taken please find a space in the rear car park. Alternatively make a circuit until an angled parking spot becomes available.
Please do not block the driveway entrance as our buses need to enter without obstruction in order to pick up our students, and they have a tight schedule to maintain.
We ask students to all use the pedestrian crossing for drop off in the morning and pick up at night. Can we please request that parents encourage their children to use the crossing too.
We request that parents and students please limit their speed to 10kph in the driveway and 5kph near Cruden Oval.
For parents using the car parking adjacent to Cruden Oval, please take note of the cones that staff on duty will deploy at these peak times.
Please do not park out on Golf Links Road – this is dangerous as it forces students to be crossing a busy road at pick-up time, which is totally unnecessary. We know it is more time-consuming to come into the school, but the road outside is actually quite complex at times with cars waiting to turn into the school and this presents a real danger to students. As there is no crossing outside the school, we do not supervise this area.
We also request that students are not dropped off or collected outside the Gym.
We would like to encourage parents waiting for students during drop-off and pick-up to please switch off your engines as you wait. You may be aware that the federal government is considering introducing anti-idling laws proposed to cut harmful vehicle emissions. In light of our core values of respect for self, others and the environment we encourage parents to turn their engines off to help reduce the levels of noxious chemicals, including sulphur and diesel particles.
Many thanks for your support.
NAT McLENNAN
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior Campus
School Photos 2022
This year's Senior Campus school photos are scheduled for Tuesday 15 February. All students have already received an order form that includes a unique code to order online.
All students are having individual photos taken, and there is also the opportunity for sibling photos. Parents must enter sibling photo orders online before 8am on 15 February, with the purchase request added to your eldest child's order.
If you decide to purchase copies of the individual photos and/or year level photos, there are two options for ordering and paying for the photos.
- Order online using the UNIQUE CODE. Sibling photos may also be included in the eldest child's order.
- Order online up to Thursday 17 February, without the personalised code using the "Student Search" function. This requires the students first and last name and date of birth to be provided.
Information from Schoolpix
First-time users will need to create an account. If you have ordered from SchoolPix before, even from another school, you can enter your email address and password to access your account.
Online Orders
To pre-order online, take your personal order and ID numbers found on your order form and go to www.schoolpix.com.au. Orders can be placed online up to two working days after photography. You do not need to return the order form when ordering online.
Sibling Orders
For a special photo of your children together, order online by 8am on February 15 by adding the order to your eldest child's order.
Please feel free to email Suzanne at reception office@woodleigh.vic.edu.au if you have any questions!
Urinetown the Musical? No! Urinetown the Documentary!
Turns out it's almost impossible to stage a school musical during a pandemic...
Try as we might (and believe me, we tried!), the repeat lockdowns of 2021 meant we couldn't get Urinetown on stage.
Despite all the challenges, the cast persevered, and we are excited to bring you Urinetown, The Documentary.
The doco explores the challenges the arts continue to face through the pandemic and features songs from Urinetown and other musicals as well, to showcase the talents of our cast.
Enjoy!
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
2022 Start-Up Sport News
We are starting the year off excited to be able to offer an extensive sports program in Term 1. Over the last two years, we know that many students have been impacted by the disruptions to sport, both at school and in the community. With a broad range of offerings, we would love to see students take up the opportunity to get active, improve their fitness, join a team and reconnect with sport in 2022. All sports have COVID-safe plans in place to provide the safest environment that we can for all involved.
Past student news
Incredible news over the holidays with Meg Macdonald, a Woodleigh Warriors champion, making her AFLW debut for the Richmond Football Club. Meg led Woodleigh to the final of the AFL Herald Sun Shield in 2016 and was an outstanding contributor to our longstanding Girls Football program. She’s worked incredibly hard to break into the AFLW competition, and we wish her every success as her football journey continues with the Tigers.
Key Sport Dates Term 1
31 January FDBA Basketball Summer Season resumes
1 February FDBA Basketball - Training resumes for current players
3 February FDNA Netball – Training commences for all interested students
9 February School Teams Sailing Competition commences
9 February FDBA Basketball – Year 7 training commences
10 February SIS Senior Weekly Sport commences
11 February SIS Intermediate Weekly Sport commences
16 February Swim training commences – Core 24 Somerville
16 February Sailing training commences at Mornington Yacht Club
22 February Homestead Swimming Carnival – Pines Aquatic Centre
18 March SIS Swim Relay Carnival – Pines Aquatic Centre
30 March Homestead Athletics Carnival – Casey Fields
FDBA Summer Season
Summer Season matches have resumed after the school holiday break. This season continues to end Term 1, with Grand Finals taking place between April 4-9. The Winter Season will commence in Term 2. Students are strongly encouraged to come along to training to work on both individual skills and team skills as well as developing their fitness and game awareness. Year 7 students and students keen to join a team for the Winter Season are encouraged to attend Term 1 training sessions on a Wednesday. Current Woodleigh players should attend the Tuesday session. We are really pleased to have Ben McEvoy, Lee Burch and Liam Doyle-Toombs returning as our coaches.
Training (current players) – Tuesdays 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Training (Year 7’s) – Wednesdays 3:00pm – 4:15pm
Key contact – Tom Angelico (Basketball Coordinator)
FDNA Netball
At the time of writing, there is some uncertainty about the Term 1 FDNA Netball Season, with some schools opting to train in Term 1 and resume in Term 2 for the longer Winter Season. Training is underway for students on Thursdays after school in the Woodleigh Gym from 4:00-5:15pm. All students interested in joining a Woodleigh after school Netball team, regardless of ability, are encouraged to come along and get involved in this weekly session. Jane Baker and Ben Davenport will be continuing as our FDNA Netball coaches in 2022.
Key contact – Ben Davenport (Netball Coordinator)
Swimming
Before School Swim Training
In Term 1, Swim training will take place from 7:15-8:15am, for competent swimmers, at Core 24 Somerville, Grant Rd, Somerville. Students will be transported back to school by bus after training. These sessions are open to those students who would like to be a part of our Swim Squad and competent swimmers looking to improve their fitness. The cost of this program is $30 per term as part of our Sports Club program – if you are already playing after school Basketball or Netball, there will be no additional charge for attending these sessions.
Homestead Swimming Carnival
The Homestead Swimming Carnival will be at Pines Aquatic Centre on 22 February. It’s a full-day event, with all Junior Homestead students expected to attend the Homestead Swimming Carnival as a normal school day. It is an important part of the Homestead program, with a mix of fun novelty events and more traditional events. The day is about participation and competitiveness for those students aiming to be a part of the SIS team. Students are encouraged to wear Homestead colours.
SIS Swimming Carnivals
The SIS Swim Relay Carnival will be held after school at Pines Aquatic Centre on Friday 18 March. This session is used as a lead event for the SIS Swimming Carnival, which will be held as a daytime carnival at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 3 May. There is also an SIS Swim Squad Activity running throughout Unit 2 Activities, where all of our swimmers are strongly encouraged to do this activity to prepare well for these events.
Key contacts – Cam Macindoe & Debs Kesterson (Swimming Coordinators)
SIS Weekly Sport
Interschool sport is back with the return of SIS Weekly Sport. As part of the COVID Safe plan for this competition, all SIS schools have agreed that students participating should use one of their RAT tests on the morning of their scheduled match. Details of SIS Weekly Sports running throughout 2022 can be viewed below.
Sailing
I’m delighted to welcome Will McKenzie on board as our team Sailing coach. Will is committed to guiding our Sailing team through training sessions at Mornington Yacht Club on Wednesdays after school and coaching them at the various competitions we will enter throughout Term 1.
Key contact – Tom Angelico (Sailing Coordinator)
Homestead Athletics Carnival
The Homestead Athletics Carnival will be at Casey Fields on Wednesday 30 March. Performances on this day will be taken into consideration when selecting the SIS Athletics Squad later in the year. There will also be a range of novelty events, including tug-of-war and sack races.
Lunchtime Fitness Training
Throughout Term 1, during Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes, the Gym Mezzanine will be open for students to come along and do fitness training under the supervision of qualified staff. There is an excellent range of equipment, and the staff will work with students to develop personalized programs.
Key contacts – Debs Kesterson & Bill Higgins
Other events
Woodleigh will also be competing in several more sporting events throughout the term. Details of these will be advertised at school as they come to hand. Please see the list below for details of Woodleigh Sport Staffing for 2022.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD SPORT STAFFING LIST
Sporting achievements
We would love to hear about the sporting achievements of our students, past and present, out in the community. Please share your achievements with us so we can celebrate your successes and work to support you in your sporting endeavours.
BEN DAVENPORT
Director of Sport
2022 Senior Production – ‘Almost, Maine’
Exciting News!
Woodleigh School is proud to announce that this year’s senior production is the wonderful play by John Cariani – ‘Almost, Maine’.
This full-length play is a series of nine stories that happen in a remote town in Maine called ‘Almost’. Each story takes place at 9pm on a Friday night, as the magical northern lights appear in the sky.
There is romance, heartbreak, pathos and comedy, as nine different couples explore what it means to love and be loved.
Staff and students are working hard to ensure that COVID doesn’t impact this show, so We launched the production (auditioned and cast) at the end of 2021. This meant we could jump straight into rehearsals, aiming and to film as we go, so that we can stream the performance in the event of a lockdown. We have an amazing cast with 19 characters and a large student crew. We also have a brilliant five-piece student band writing original music for the play.
During the first school week of 2022, we all got together to read through the play after school. It was an unusual first rehearsal – as we worked outside, with many students in masks. In this session, everyone got a feel for the wonderful interplay of dialogue and laughed out loud at the clever comic moments. The crew began to familiarise themselves with the play and started to work together to brainstorm ideas about the design elements.
Tickets will go on sale later in the year, but for now, put the 24th and 25th of August 2022, on your calendars. ‘Almost, Maine’ is certain be a highlight of the Woodleigh School 2022 school year.
PHOEBE AZZOPARDI
Y10
Marketing and Publicity ‘Almost, Maine’
Have you downloaded the Woodleigh App?
The Woodleigh App is available for Apple and Android devices and it's a great way to access the most up-to-date information about what’s going on or what’s coming up at the three campuses of Woodleigh School. With the ability to receive notifications and filter updates, you can be up-to-date with all the latest Campus news.
DOWNLOAD FROM THE APP STORE DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAYOutsports Camping Gear Hire 2022
Given the presence of COVID-19 in the community and its effect on our staffing, we are encouraging Woodleigh families to make online bookings to initiate all retail hires.
Outsports offer full personal contact over the phone to ensure all items are appropriate and then personal fit up for boots, packs, rainwear etc., once hire is established. This arrangement saves everyone time in-store and keeps everyone as safe as possible.
Promotional Codes
Woodleigh's 2022 promo codes are:
WOODLEIGH2022
For in-store purchases
WOODHIRE22
When you book a hire online or instore
they apply all year and are available to all Woodleigh community members on both school and private trips.
ANDREW PEACH
Director of Camps and Activities Weeks
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE TERM 1 2022
Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending the Woodleigh Campus located at Langwarrin South and students attending the Penbank Campus located at Moorooduc. These families can get help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost and is available to students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school/campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past or deemed ineligible.
Both Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
- The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
- The relevant school’s compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) must and submitted to the School.
If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details you are not required to complete a new form for 2022.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools/campuses. Ie Penbank Campus to Senior Campus
The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school. (or attach a supporting letter as per above)
- The student resides more than 4.8kms from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms.
- Travel by contract bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel”
- Travel by myki bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel". Must provide prove of purchase ie copy of receipt or ticket.
- Travel by car: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel” will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
- Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in instalments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday March 4 2022 to be included in the first claim.
- Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
- Public Transport The cost of fares are fully refundable.
- Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes. \
Welcome back!
Well, I think we can confidently say that 2021 left its mark on all of us throughout the year, and it is a great testament to the dedication of all students, families, and staff that we made it into our COVID-normal space for 2022. As we yearn for a year of greater normality, patience and compassion continue to be key traits to practice.
I wanted to bring you up to speed as to where we find ourselves at the beginning of what will hopefully be a year with greater normality and less complexity.
During the Year 11 and 12 Orientation Week last year, all VCE students began their 2022 studies and were set holiday homework tasks to complete, ready for submission on Day 0, 2022. There was also a VCE Information Email that was distributed during early December in lieu of our planned VCE Information Night which was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. This email covered the breakdown of VCE logistics as well as links to our Senior Years Handbook and helpful tips from the VCAA.
The first official day for all VCE Unit 3 and 4 students was Friday 28 January. On this day we ran a special 6-lesson timetable so that students had one lesson in each of their subjects.
During the first weeks of 2022, I will update all senior students about VCE rules, policies, terminology, etc. and direct them to the Senior Years Handbook (published on SEQTA under Documents). We will also complete official VCE Enrolment forms and related paperwork.
I have summarised a number of the most important issues below, and these will be reiterated on Homestead Night or when the opportunity presents itself:
SACS and SATS
As part of their assessment, all studies include SACs (School Assessed Coursework) and/or SATs (School Assessed Tasks – only in studies where models or products are produced). Both SACs and SATs are internally set and marked. In addition, all studies have externally set and marked examination(s). SACs are moderated against examination performance to ensure equality across schools. The ‘Achievement of Outcomes’ is used to determine satisfactory completion in all studies; all studies have 4–6 outcomes that must be ‘achieved’ to a ‘minimum standard’. SACs are completed mainly during class time. This means that it is very important for students to be in class both to satisfy outcomes and to complete scheduled SACs.
A calendar of dates for Term 1, including SACs, SATs and examinations, will be published and distributed to all VCE Unit 3 and 4 students during Week 2, Term 1. It will also go up on SEQTA under Documents. The Term 2 calendar will be uploaded after Camp Week.
Students and parents should be aware of the following policies (in particular) in relation to the VCE.
Attendance Policy
VCE students are expected to attend at least 80% of scheduled classes (the only exception to this will be for legitimate, documented reasons, for example, ongoing illness). Students who do not attend enough classes may not be eligible for an ‘S’ rating in the subject involved. The usual method for notifying the school of an absence, that is, ringing Reception on the morning of the absence, is necessary at all year levels. This is especially important if a student will be absent on the day of a scheduled SAC/SAT (see following).
Special Provision Policy
At Units 3 and 4, school-based Special Provision for missed SACs/SATs will be granted only for those students who have a Medical Certificate (or similar official documentation) that covers the class(es) missed. Students should see me as soon as they return to school to make arrangements to complete the SAC/SAT missed.
At Units 1 and 2, students may apply for an extension of time for an assessment task so long as we have official parent notification that covers the class(es) missed. Teaching staff will ensure that students have written advice on important assessment dates and so will be able to satisfy these conditions for Special Provision.
Students should refer to the SAC/SAT Calendar as this calendar will allow all students (and parents) to see exactly when assessment is scheduled to take place and, if necessary, to obtain the necessary medical documents to apply for Special Provision (see above). The calendar will be updated periodically (as needed) and placed on SEQTA under Documents.
Ongoing Special Provision
*If you believe that any medical, physical, emotional or environmental situation has, or will, disadvantage you/your student in the completion of the VCE, please come and speak to me ASAP. It is essential that I be kept up to date on issues – this way, I can ensure that students receive support and are aware of all options regarding Special Provision.
VCAA Special Provision: SEA (Special Examination Arrangements)
*SEA (Special Examination Arrangements) may be granted for students who have Severe Health Impairments, Physical Disabilities or Language/Learning Disorders that may impact on examination performance. Please see me ASAP if you wish to discuss the relevant requirements. These applications are due to VCAA by 1 April. An email was sent to all students who we believed would qualify (at the end of 2021), and I will continue to follow up. Daily reminders are provided to students to assist them with following up these applications.
VCE Subject Changes
All VCE subject changes MUST have been discussed through Mrs Gina Bolch in Careers or myself. Late subject changes are not recommended due to the requirement that students catch up on any missed SACs/SATs as well as all subject material they may have missed etc. If a student is still unsure that they have made a wise subject choice, they should speak with Mrs Bolch or myself ASAP. Note that the VCAA has strict cut-off dates for subject changes – these are listed in the Senior Years Handbook. All subject changes for Semester 1 were to have been completed by the end of Week 2 at the very latest. No further subject changes for Semester 1 will be considered beyond this time.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or you wish to discuss any VCE matters.
VCE Results 2021
We celebrate the achievements of every one of our 2021 Year 12 students, obtained through some very trying circumstances. For some of these students, it was the completion of an unscored VCE; for some, a transition to an Apprenticeship, a TAFE course and for many, a scored VCE (and resulting ATAR) were what they required to undertake the next part of their learning journey.
Student wellbeing and meeting the personalised needs of each individual is our key focus throughout the entire secondary journey, including Year 12, and so being able to celebrate the fact that so many of our students achieved highly (as was their goal) is part of the VCE success picture. All students had the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage instituted by the VCAA applied to their scores.
It is again incumbent upon me to acknowledge that VCE success does not happen overnight and is a result of all the hard work and dedication from all the Year 7-10 and VCE teachers who have worked with our students. There were some truly outstanding achievements, and not all of these are represented by the top scores. I also wish to recognise the guidance and work extended by all the staff who have worked with our unscored students, not only this year but over their full secondary journey, to ensure they successfully completed their VCE.
I look forward to supporting all students, particularly our Senior students, through the final years of their secondary schooling. 2022 will undoubtedly be another year full of challenges and changes, and I wish all of you every success for the time ahead.
BRYN BOWEN
Acting VCE Coordinator
Hello Woodleigh families,
Welcome to the new school year. Even though it may feel like a lifetime ago, I trust that the break was relaxing and rejuvenating for all.
I am pleased to begin the year by sharing news of additional resources and exciting initiatives in the wellbeing space in 2022 to support students, families and staff.
I want to invite you to be informed and curious, promote our individual & collective wellbeing, and engage in what's on offer for us all to flourish.
Introducing SCHOOLTV
"Today, parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.
SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies."
– Michael Carr-Greg
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/
SCHOOLTV Topics
On SCHOOLTV, you'll find various topics, each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.
You'll also find Fact Sheets, suggested books, apps, websites and much more. And because SchoolTV is independent, we've pulled in some great content from organisations such as Beyond Blue, ReachOut, HeadSpace and others.
I trust you get great value from every edition and happy, safe parenting!
To get you started, I have selected a couple of links that may be pertinent to explore.
Starting Year 7
When a child starts high school, they are suddenly becoming one of the youngest and newest kids at school all over again — a small fish in a big pond! The transition between Year 6 and Year 7 is one of the biggest jumps in a child's life and is a significant milestone. This can quickly become a daunting time for students and parents alike.
Starting Year 7 poses many new challenges, but it also offers exciting opportunities. It comes with a number of mixed feelings. Unfortunately for many Year 6 students, 2021 was marred with school closures and remote learning due to the pandemic, and the overall impact is still unknown. Studies have shown that the mental health of this age group already appeared to be deteriorating before Coronavirus hit, and it is expected that cases of anxiety and depression will be on the rise.
For many students, regular orientation activities at the end of 2021 were less than ideal. Therefore, many students may be feeling a little bit more anxious than usual about their expectations of starting Year 7 and finding their place in the "big pond".
As your child grasps new skills and engages in new study practices, parents need to be supportive and realistic in their expectations. Parents and students can easily become overwhelmed during this transition, but You can implement a number of strategies to start things off on the right foot!
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-starting-year-7
Wellbeing Checklist (Primary & Secondary Age Students)
During this time of Coronavirus, many of us have experienced a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety. All of these are considered to be normal and natural responses to any challenging situation that can often result in our minds telling us all kinds of scary, "what if" kind of stories.
This can be especially true for our young people, for whom uncertainty and disruption are less than ideal. You may have observed increased anxiety & depressive symptoms affecting their mood, thinking, and behaviour. Therefore, it is vitally important for adult carers to remain vigilant for any signs of distress, even though your child may not have any prior history of a mental health disorder. Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment have never been more critical.
If you have any concerns relating to your child's mental health, you may wish to consider using the assessment tool provided by Beyond Blue. The checklist aims to measure a broad range of social, emotional or behavioural difficulties your child may be experiencing.
Click here to access the Beyond Blue Assessment Tool.
If you have further concerns about your child's wellbeing, please get in touch with staff at your campus for additional information or seek medical or professional help.
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-secondary
https://woodleigh.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-primary
Introducing P.E.P. Talks
(Parent Engagement Program)
A Conversation on Consent with Chanel Contos
Wednesday 2nd March 2022 @ 7pm (via ZOOM)
In 2021 Chanel Contos instigated an online petition calling for young women to come forward if subjected to sexual assault while still at school. The petition subsequently went viral, with thousands of young women signing or sharing stories that, in many cases, were graphic, disturbing and deeply upsetting.
Chanel's petition calls for sex education, particularly consent education, to be taught at a younger age in schools. The observation is that concepts of consent are being introduced too late, with many young people not understanding the boundaries of consent – resulting in sexual assault or rape. This broad and strong call for change has made many schools reassess their sex and life education curriculum to help protect young people across the nation.
Parents also need to start having conversations around consent sooner rather than later, as some teens experience their first sexual encounter well before the subject matter is delivered. It is not enough for parents or carers to assume that your teenager knows or understands what consent means and the implications surrounding it. They need to understand boundaries to respect both themselves and their partners.
In the lead up to International Women's Day, Chanel will join us to share insights into her call for action and offer parents guidance around normalising the topic of consent to ensure all young people experience healthy and respectful relationships. Book your ticket now.
Yours in promoting & supporting positive student wellbeing,
DONNA NAIRN
Director of Counselling and Wellbeing
Dear families,
To ensure the safe and smooth passage of traffic in the school driveway, we ask that all drivers adhere to the following procedures for school drop off and pick up:
• Drive into one of the angled slots, pick up, and use the slip lane to get out quickly.
• If the angled slots are taken, drive forward to the top and park in the indicated parallel lane. Move forward into an angled slot when possible, or drive forward and out when you are able to.
• If all parking spots are taken please find a space in the rear car park. Alternatively make a circuit until an angled parking spot becomes available.
Please do not block the driveway entrance as our buses need to enter without obstruction in order to pick up our students, and they have a tight schedule to maintain.
We ask students to all use the pedestrian crossing for drop off in the morning and pick up at night. Can we please request that parents encourage their children to use the crossing too.
We request that parents and students please limit their speed to 10kph in the driveway and 5kph near Cruden Oval.
For parents using the car parking adjacent to Cruden Oval, please take note of the cones that staff on duty will deploy at these peak times.
Please do not park out on Golf Links Road – this is dangerous as it forces students to be crossing a busy road at pick-up time, which is totally unnecessary. We know it is more time-consuming to come into the school, but the road outside is actually quite complex at times with cars waiting to turn into the school and this presents a real danger to students. As there is no crossing outside the school, we do not supervise this area.
We also request that students are not dropped off or collected outside the Gym.
We would like to encourage parents waiting for students during drop-off and pick-up to please switch off your engines as you wait. You may be aware that the federal government is considering introducing anti-idling laws proposed to cut harmful vehicle emissions. In light of our core values of respect for self, others and the environment we encourage parents to turn their engines off to help reduce the levels of noxious chemicals, including sulphur and diesel particles.
Many thanks for your support.
NAT McLENNAN
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior Campus
This year's Senior Campus school photos are scheduled for Tuesday 15 February. All students have already received an order form that includes a unique code to order online.
All students are having individual photos taken, and there is also the opportunity for sibling photos. Parents must enter sibling photo orders online before 8am on 15 February, with the purchase request added to your eldest child's order.
If you decide to purchase copies of the individual photos and/or year level photos, there are two options for ordering and paying for the photos.
- Order online using the UNIQUE CODE. Sibling photos may also be included in the eldest child's order.
- Order online up to Thursday 17 February, without the personalised code using the "Student Search" function. This requires the students first and last name and date of birth to be provided.
Information from Schoolpix
First-time users will need to create an account. If you have ordered from SchoolPix before, even from another school, you can enter your email address and password to access your account.
Online Orders
To pre-order online, take your personal order and ID numbers found on your order form and go to www.schoolpix.com.au. Orders can be placed online up to two working days after photography. You do not need to return the order form when ordering online.
Sibling Orders
For a special photo of your children together, order online by 8am on February 15 by adding the order to your eldest child's order.
Please feel free to email Suzanne at reception office@woodleigh.vic.edu.au if you have any questions!
Turns out it's almost impossible to stage a school musical during a pandemic...
Try as we might (and believe me, we tried!), the repeat lockdowns of 2021 meant we couldn't get Urinetown on stage.
Despite all the challenges, the cast persevered, and we are excited to bring you Urinetown, The Documentary.
The doco explores the challenges the arts continue to face through the pandemic and features songs from Urinetown and other musicals as well, to showcase the talents of our cast.
Enjoy!
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
We are starting the year off excited to be able to offer an extensive sports program in Term 1. Over the last two years, we know that many students have been impacted by the disruptions to sport, both at school and in the community. With a broad range of offerings, we would love to see students take up the opportunity to get active, improve their fitness, join a team and reconnect with sport in 2022. All sports have COVID-safe plans in place to provide the safest environment that we can for all involved.
Past student news
Incredible news over the holidays with Meg Macdonald, a Woodleigh Warriors champion, making her AFLW debut for the Richmond Football Club. Meg led Woodleigh to the final of the AFL Herald Sun Shield in 2016 and was an outstanding contributor to our longstanding Girls Football program. She’s worked incredibly hard to break into the AFLW competition, and we wish her every success as her football journey continues with the Tigers.
Key Sport Dates Term 1
31 January FDBA Basketball Summer Season resumes
1 February FDBA Basketball - Training resumes for current players
3 February FDNA Netball – Training commences for all interested students
9 February School Teams Sailing Competition commences
9 February FDBA Basketball – Year 7 training commences
10 February SIS Senior Weekly Sport commences
11 February SIS Intermediate Weekly Sport commences
16 February Swim training commences – Core 24 Somerville
16 February Sailing training commences at Mornington Yacht Club
22 February Homestead Swimming Carnival – Pines Aquatic Centre
18 March SIS Swim Relay Carnival – Pines Aquatic Centre
30 March Homestead Athletics Carnival – Casey Fields
FDBA Summer Season
Summer Season matches have resumed after the school holiday break. This season continues to end Term 1, with Grand Finals taking place between April 4-9. The Winter Season will commence in Term 2. Students are strongly encouraged to come along to training to work on both individual skills and team skills as well as developing their fitness and game awareness. Year 7 students and students keen to join a team for the Winter Season are encouraged to attend Term 1 training sessions on a Wednesday. Current Woodleigh players should attend the Tuesday session. We are really pleased to have Ben McEvoy, Lee Burch and Liam Doyle-Toombs returning as our coaches.
Training (current players) – Tuesdays 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Training (Year 7’s) – Wednesdays 3:00pm – 4:15pm
Key contact – Tom Angelico (Basketball Coordinator)
FDNA Netball
At the time of writing, there is some uncertainty about the Term 1 FDNA Netball Season, with some schools opting to train in Term 1 and resume in Term 2 for the longer Winter Season. Training is underway for students on Thursdays after school in the Woodleigh Gym from 4:00-5:15pm. All students interested in joining a Woodleigh after school Netball team, regardless of ability, are encouraged to come along and get involved in this weekly session. Jane Baker and Ben Davenport will be continuing as our FDNA Netball coaches in 2022.
Key contact – Ben Davenport (Netball Coordinator)
Swimming
Before School Swim Training
In Term 1, Swim training will take place from 7:15-8:15am, for competent swimmers, at Core 24 Somerville, Grant Rd, Somerville. Students will be transported back to school by bus after training. These sessions are open to those students who would like to be a part of our Swim Squad and competent swimmers looking to improve their fitness. The cost of this program is $30 per term as part of our Sports Club program – if you are already playing after school Basketball or Netball, there will be no additional charge for attending these sessions.
Homestead Swimming Carnival
The Homestead Swimming Carnival will be at Pines Aquatic Centre on 22 February. It’s a full-day event, with all Junior Homestead students expected to attend the Homestead Swimming Carnival as a normal school day. It is an important part of the Homestead program, with a mix of fun novelty events and more traditional events. The day is about participation and competitiveness for those students aiming to be a part of the SIS team. Students are encouraged to wear Homestead colours.
SIS Swimming Carnivals
The SIS Swim Relay Carnival will be held after school at Pines Aquatic Centre on Friday 18 March. This session is used as a lead event for the SIS Swimming Carnival, which will be held as a daytime carnival at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 3 May. There is also an SIS Swim Squad Activity running throughout Unit 2 Activities, where all of our swimmers are strongly encouraged to do this activity to prepare well for these events.
Key contacts – Cam Macindoe & Debs Kesterson (Swimming Coordinators)
SIS Weekly Sport
Interschool sport is back with the return of SIS Weekly Sport. As part of the COVID Safe plan for this competition, all SIS schools have agreed that students participating should use one of their RAT tests on the morning of their scheduled match. Details of SIS Weekly Sports running throughout 2022 can be viewed below.
Sailing
I’m delighted to welcome Will McKenzie on board as our team Sailing coach. Will is committed to guiding our Sailing team through training sessions at Mornington Yacht Club on Wednesdays after school and coaching them at the various competitions we will enter throughout Term 1.
Key contact – Tom Angelico (Sailing Coordinator)
Homestead Athletics Carnival
The Homestead Athletics Carnival will be at Casey Fields on Wednesday 30 March. Performances on this day will be taken into consideration when selecting the SIS Athletics Squad later in the year. There will also be a range of novelty events, including tug-of-war and sack races.
Lunchtime Fitness Training
Throughout Term 1, during Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes, the Gym Mezzanine will be open for students to come along and do fitness training under the supervision of qualified staff. There is an excellent range of equipment, and the staff will work with students to develop personalized programs.
Key contacts – Debs Kesterson & Bill Higgins
Other events
Woodleigh will also be competing in several more sporting events throughout the term. Details of these will be advertised at school as they come to hand. Please see the list below for details of Woodleigh Sport Staffing for 2022.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD SPORT STAFFING LIST
Sporting achievements
We would love to hear about the sporting achievements of our students, past and present, out in the community. Please share your achievements with us so we can celebrate your successes and work to support you in your sporting endeavours.
BEN DAVENPORT
Director of Sport
Exciting News!
Woodleigh School is proud to announce that this year’s senior production is the wonderful play by John Cariani – ‘Almost, Maine’.
This full-length play is a series of nine stories that happen in a remote town in Maine called ‘Almost’. Each story takes place at 9pm on a Friday night, as the magical northern lights appear in the sky.
There is romance, heartbreak, pathos and comedy, as nine different couples explore what it means to love and be loved.
Staff and students are working hard to ensure that COVID doesn’t impact this show, so We launched the production (auditioned and cast) at the end of 2021. This meant we could jump straight into rehearsals, aiming and to film as we go, so that we can stream the performance in the event of a lockdown. We have an amazing cast with 19 characters and a large student crew. We also have a brilliant five-piece student band writing original music for the play.
During the first school week of 2022, we all got together to read through the play after school. It was an unusual first rehearsal – as we worked outside, with many students in masks. In this session, everyone got a feel for the wonderful interplay of dialogue and laughed out loud at the clever comic moments. The crew began to familiarise themselves with the play and started to work together to brainstorm ideas about the design elements.
Tickets will go on sale later in the year, but for now, put the 24th and 25th of August 2022, on your calendars. ‘Almost, Maine’ is certain be a highlight of the Woodleigh School 2022 school year.
PHOEBE AZZOPARDI
Y10
Marketing and Publicity ‘Almost, Maine’
The Woodleigh App is available for Apple and Android devices and it's a great way to access the most up-to-date information about what’s going on or what’s coming up at the three campuses of Woodleigh School. With the ability to receive notifications and filter updates, you can be up-to-date with all the latest Campus news.
DOWNLOAD FROM THE APP STORE DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAYGiven the presence of COVID-19 in the community and its effect on our staffing, we are encouraging Woodleigh families to make online bookings to initiate all retail hires.
Outsports offer full personal contact over the phone to ensure all items are appropriate and then personal fit up for boots, packs, rainwear etc., once hire is established. This arrangement saves everyone time in-store and keeps everyone as safe as possible.
Promotional Codes
Woodleigh's 2022 promo codes are:
WOODLEIGH2022
For in-store purchases
WOODHIRE22
When you book a hire online or instore
they apply all year and are available to all Woodleigh community members on both school and private trips.
ANDREW PEACH
Director of Camps and Activities Weeks
Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending the Woodleigh Campus located at Langwarrin South and students attending the Penbank Campus located at Moorooduc. These families can get help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost and is available to students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school/campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past or deemed ineligible.
Both Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
- The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
- The relevant school’s compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) must and submitted to the School.
If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details you are not required to complete a new form for 2022.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools/campuses. Ie Penbank Campus to Senior Campus
The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school. (or attach a supporting letter as per above)
- The student resides more than 4.8kms from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms.
- Travel by contract bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel”
- Travel by myki bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel". Must provide prove of purchase ie copy of receipt or ticket.
- Travel by car: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel” will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
- Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in instalments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday March 4 2022 to be included in the first claim.
- Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
- Public Transport The cost of fares are fully refundable.
- Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes. \