‘In Knowledge there

is Opportunity’

June 2020, Issue 6

back into school life, please let us know so we can work

together to support your child.

Mrs Karen Snibson—Principal

MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT Welcome back from remote learning. We made it AND,

we’re still making it! Congratulations and a huge thank

you to all parents, care-givers, families and special

others for supporting your children and our students

while they’ve been away from school.

A big thank you to all of the College staff who worked so

incredibly hard to keep learning happening, often while

supporting their own families and also supervising the

students of emergency workers here at school. Quick

reminder now we’re back, all the usual College rules

apply! Uniform, piercings, hair colour, mobile phones,

preparedness to learn and high expectations are still

viewed in the same way. The world may be a little

different but our values and aspirations stay the same.

Some students have thrived while at home and some

have struggled with the remote learning. Please be

assured that we will meet your students at their point of

need regardless of the amount or depth of learning

completed while at home. Over the next couple of

weeks we will be re-establishing the Phoenix way of life,

re-connecting and reassuring.

Some things will change – reports will be published after

the holidays and will acknowledge the upheaval of

remote learning. Currently we are sanitising and cleaning

many times a day. The frosty mornings have brought

sunny days and enabled us all to spend more time

outside. We will keep everyone updated with any

changes as they occur.

I found this quote which I think suits our ability to adapt

when faced with the unexpected: “I can’t change the

direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to always

reach my destination”.

Ms Angela Quinn—Assistant Principal

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT As we commence the journey back from flexible and

remote learning it is clear that this is a time when we

need to think a little differently.

Kindness: As we settle back into the routine of school,

there is an opportunity to be kind to each other as

members of a community. We need to acknowledge

that returning will be different for all children. Some

children will be glad to be back and some will be a little

anxious. We are here to assist and support our students

and staff as we make the transition back.

Tolerance: The flexible and remote learning experience

has been different for everybody. Right now our focus is

on reconnecting, strengthening our bonds and not

expecting children to catch up every piece of work that

has been missed. Together we need to be tolerant of

each other and work together to go forward. If we

continue with this mindset we will overcome the

challenges that flexible and remote learning have thrust

upon us.

Care: As much as we would like to think the

‘Coronavirus’ is gone, we need to accept that it remains

a part of life for the moment. At school we need to be

careful and follow new guidelines for sanitising and

cleaning. By doing this we all remain SAFE.

We are pleased to see our community coming back

together. If your child is experiencing difficulty settling

NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER MAINTAINING FAMILY DETAILS Thank you to all those families who are continually updating their contact details. It is really important at a time like this to have current information and be able to contact you if necessary.

COMPASS ACCESS - VITAL TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE Please remember, you need access to COMPASS to keep up with life at Phoenix College. Each family has a unique login and password. If you have difficulty logging on or do not have your logon password, please do not hesitate to contact the General Office 5329 3293.

FAMILY ACCOUNTS Thank you to families who continue to make payments on the family accounts. We are still unsure of excursions and activity plans for Term 3 so will keep you updated. Family account as credits will remain on the account for allocation later.

COLLEGE COUNCIL Next meeting of Council will be held Monday 22nd June 2020 Ms Lorraine Hayes—Business Manager

VCAL/VET REPORT We are very excited to be back at school and what a

return we have had! VCAL students have settled quickly

back into routine and we have some exciting projects

underway including our One Planet community impact

projects and our personal businesses!

It is really important that we maintain our attendance

and uniform expectations to be successful, and that Year

12’s are checking in regularly with their Mentors during

the school week. English and Maths Tutors are available

in the Study Centre for extra assistance and this can be

arranged through Chris Sheehan in the Year 12 Study

Centre. Students who have overdue work will be

required to attend redemption nights, Tuesday and

Wednesday nights in the Study Centre, at the request of

their teacher to catch up.

Lastly, Structured Workplace Learning has commenced

on Friday’s and will continue throughout Term 3.

Students without placement will continue to work with

MIPS and VCAL staff to secure an opportunity. Students

completing VET offsite with the Highlands LLEN need to

make sure they are checking their emails for return to

face-to-face learning dates and staying up-to-date with

online learning where appropriate. Miss E is available if

students have questions around VET.

Miss Kiya Eberle —VCAL/VET Coordinator

At Phoenix we have a zero tolerance attitude to violence and aggression of any form

to staff and others. We build a thriving community by working positively together to

educate our children.

SEE OUR NEW SCHOOL ZONE ONLINE.

The Department has released a new website that helps

parents identify their local public school online.

Findmyschool.vic.gov.au launched on 24th April and shows

every school zone across the State. The new website

highlights the choice of public schools available to the

Victorian community.

If your child is preparing to enter Year 7 and you want to

know more about the public secondary school options in our

area, or you know someone who is interested in enrolling at

our school, try https://www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au/

If you have a question about the website, contact the

Victorian School building Authority Hotline on 1800 896 950

or email vsba@edumail.vic.gov.au

VET Hairdressing Students’ Superb Skills In the students salon the 1st year students have been

developing their blow drying skills through practical

class time.

Tyesha Lang 1st year student Kasey Henderson 1st year student

The 2nd year students have been applying their

knowledge of hair colour onto manikin heads. They are

looking very colourful and creative!

Maddison Bell 2nd year student Millie Eastman 2nd year student

Mrs Kathryn Ward—Hairdressing Teacher

7B1 Cooking Pizza Subs

Taylor Gust Isabelle Baxter

New Canteen ordering app—Download it now!

*Please ensure you select the correct campus menu and home group

for your student.

Prep– Year 6— Redan Campus Menu

Lunch orders Tuesday and Friday Only

Years 7-12—Sebastopol Campus Menus. Available every day.

Winter reminders

arm clothes

nhaler for Asthma

ame your school jacket and jumper

emperature – cold !!!

at breakfast and lunch

emember your drink bottle

Immunisation Reminders: Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations July 22nd. Year 7 second round to be advised later in the year.

CAN YOU GET COVID-19 AND INFLUENZA AT THE SAME TIME? As COVID-19 and the influenza strains are two different viruses, it is possible to contract both at the same time. A very unlucky, but preventable, scenario.

Getting vaccinated against the flu can mean avoiding the predicament of having the flu and being worried it could be COVID-19, as the symptoms can be very similar. Until test results come through after an agonising wait, there is no way you will know, which will mean concern for everyone you have come into contact with in the days prior as you retrace your steps. BUT ISN’T EVERYONE STAYING HOME DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS STOPPING THE SPREAD OF THE FLU ANYWAY? It’s true that cases of influenza dropped this April and May in Australia, thanks to social distancing slowing down its spread. However up until March, flu cases were significantly higher than most previous years, with January and February even higher than the record highs of 2019. There have still been 20,475 cases of laboratory confirmed influenza so far in 2020.

https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/25May-Aust-Flu-Stats-2020-1.pdf

An easing of restrictions is seeing a return to school, work, shopping centres, visiting friends and family, the gym, cafes and restaurants and entertainment venues. We will be transitioning from interacting with only our immediate household to potentially hundreds of people each day again, albeit with 1.5 metre distancing where possible and a healthy dose of hand sanitiser.

Influenza is a rampant illness in our community waiting for each and every opportunity to spread, which it does easily and willingly. The potential for a very large spike in influenza is quite real and something the public should be aware of.

Helpful Parent Information

https://www.dove.com/au/dove-self-esteem-project.html

Careers Centre Update:

As businesses start to return, work opportunities may begin to

open again for part time work or apprenticeships. For

students seeking an apprenticeship, we encourage you to

drop your name and contact details into the Careers Centre.

University applications will open through VTAC on 3rd August

2020 for 2021 courses. Other key dates will be posted in

future Newsletters when they are released. All Year 12

students should be booking in for a careers planning session

with Pauline and Nadia this term.

University and TAFE Open Days: The University sector is

currently restricted to virtual tours only. If this changes, we

will make students aware via the Phoenix P-12 Community

College Careers Centre page. A list of virtual tour dates will be

distributed but can also be found on each University website.

Students are encouraged to look carefully at their University

options now so that they are prepared when VTAC opens.

Work experience: We are hopeful that our Year 10 Work

Experience Program can go ahead in October. This will be

optional to alleviate any stress on businesses. There are

additional guidelines for employers including the need to

maintain social distancing. Some industries such as health care

will be very limited. Should students wish to undertake Work

Experience earlier and have been offered a place, this will be

considered on a case-by-case basis. Students should pop in to

the Careers Centre to discuss their situation and how we can

best support them.

Nadia Impey—MIPS Coordinator

Congratulations to Campbell Brown one of our Head Start

Apprentices, who is undertaking Certificate III in Electro-

Technology - Electrician with BL Rix Electrical in Ballarat.

Congratulations to Logan Hayles, one of our Head Start

Apprentices who is undertaking Certificate III in Cabinet Making

with BK Joinery in Ballarat.

Congratulations to Patrick Boag one of our Head Start

Apprentices who is undertaking Certificate III in Wall & Ceiling

Lining with Ballarat Associated Plasterers in Ballarat.

We wish Campbell, Logan and Patrick all the very best in their

Head Start Apprenticeships and both Phoenix P-12 Community

College and Head Start Coordinator, George Cooper, look

forward to supporting them throughout the duration of their

apprenticeships.

For information about the DET Head Start Apprenticeship and

Traineeship program please contact us via email

cooper.george.b@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Click here to apply:

https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/for-individuals-families/burns-

month-free-elearning/?

utm_source=pardot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eD

MBurns

Wellbeing Supports for our

Phoenix P-12 Community College During this particularly stressful time, and while we are

apart, please refer to the list below for external supports

and online resources to help build your mental health and

Wellbeing. Telehealth and online counselling supports.

Please note that if you or someone you know is at

immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000).

Kids helpline Kids helpline is a free private helpline aimed at assisting Australians from 5 to 25 years old with their mental health and wellbeing. They provide assistance through phone, email or online counselling. They are a 24/7 service. Phone: 1800 55 1800

https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Youth Beyond Blue

Youth Beyond Blue provides a 24/7 phone counselling

service and an online chat option for youth to discuss

their mental health and concerns.

Phone: 1300 22 4636

https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Headspace

Headspace supports young people 12 - 25, with mental

health, physical health, drug and alcohol support, and

educational and vocational support. They offer assistance

through telehealth or through an online forum.

https://headspace.org.au/

Ballarat Office

https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/ballarat/

Their drop in service is open from 9-4 Monday to Friday. It will be running via telehealth measures. The number to contact them on is 5304 4777. Headspace is still taking referrals. You can complete a referral at https://form.jotform.com/headsp…/new-headspace-referral-form or contact them on 5304 4777. Lifeline

This is a support service for anyone having a personal

crisis and for suicide prevention through a phone helpline,

a text service, crisis support chat and help resources.

Call: 131 114

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service

This service is a nationwide service that provides

professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to

people who are affected by suicide.

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Call: 1300 659 467

MensLine Australia

A service for men with emotional or relationship concerns

providing phone and online counselling.

1300 78 99 78

https://mensline.org.au/

Other Resources

Smiling Mind

A non-for-profit web and app-based meditation program

developed by psychologists and educators to help bring

mindfulness into your life. The Phone app for Smiling

Mind is Free, and they have a COVID 19 Support page.

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/covid19-support-page

Raising Children

Raising Children website provides a range of information

to parents to assist with the raising of children. Please see

the link below for health tips and guidance for parents

during the Coronavirus pandemic.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/

coronavirus-and-children-in-australia

SAFEMinds

The Victorian Government has partnered with Headspace,

the National Youth Mental Health Foundation to develop

SAFEMinds: Schools And Families Enhancing Minds, a

comprehensive learning and resource package that will

enhance the capacity of school communities to effectively

identify children and young people with early signs of

mental health issues, offer school-based interventions and

refer appropriately when needed.

Information available for schools and for families.

https://deecd.tech-savvy.com.au/course/view.php?

id=6&section=2

Disability Supports: Pinarc Parent Support Program

The Pinarc Parent Support Program will continue to

operate! Currently being run by Rebecca Paton remotely

from Monday to Wednesday 9.15am to 2 .45pm

Please contact: Rebecca Paton, Parent Support Program

Coordinator, Pinarc Disability Support

Ph: 5329 1361 (If out of work hours leave message for a

call back) Fax: 5333 4743

Butterfly Foundation

Butterfly Foundation for eating disorders offers a multitude

of services and programs that provide support, treatment,

prevention, early intervention, education and training.

https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/

National Help Line on 1800 33 4673

2020 CALENDAR

June

22nd School Council Meeting 26th End of Term 2- 2.30pm dismissal

July

13th Term 3 Commences 22nd Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations

Phoenix P-12 Community College

PO Box 49 Sebastopol VIC 3356

P: (03) 5329 3293

phoenix.p12.cc@edumail.vic.gov.au

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Phoenix now has a Facebook page. Like Phoenix

P-12 Community College for upcoming events,

important notices and student stories.

UNIFORM ADDITION - NEW WARM, WATERPROOF JACKET

A new winter jacket for students across the College has been

added to the Phoenix College Uniform.

Junior sizes: 6 – 8, 8 – 10, 10 –

12, 12 – 14

Cost to families: $64.95

Senior sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL,

XXXL

Cost to families: $69.95

ONLY Available at Crockers

Breakfast Club runs Monday,

Wednesday and Friday on the Senior

Campus (Canteen) and

Breakfast starts at 8.15am and is

available for

ALL STUDENTS!

We have cereals, breads, juice, and milo! See you there!