Nhill College Newsletter

June 27th 2025 - Number 20

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Karen Shurdington  Vice President:  Nathan Albrecht

Parent Reps:  Kandice Deckert, Lynnelle Jefferies, Amy Schnaars, Sarah White 

Student Reps: Taylor Ryan, Bailee White

DET Reps: Kim Magrath, Lauren McCartney, Emma Toll

Nhill College is a Child Safe School

Our School Values:

Respect    Honesty    Teamwork    Confidence    Excellence    Endeavour


Nhill College would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Wimmera Mallee area: the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. 

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program

The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program is designed to bring together school communities to develop positive, safe and supportive learning cultures by helping to foster an environment that assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children.  As part of the SWPBS program, a rewards system has been developed to encourage students to always:

  • Be Safe
  • Be Respectful
  • Be a Learner

Principal

Mark Zimmermann

Indonesia Trip

The end of term is fast approaching, but for 11 excited students - and three even more excited staff members - a holiday of sorts started a little early today as they ventured off to Melbourne Airport en route to Indonesia.  All 11 students are currently studying Indonesian as a second language, and the trip has been designed to enhance their studies through experiencing the people and culture of Indonesia while also immersing themselves in the Indonesian language.  We are very much looking forward to hearing from our intrepid travellers and learning all about their adventures when they return.

Flat Nico on tour
Have you got your passports with you!
All aboard...

Last Day of Term: Friday 4th July - early dismissal time

Next Friday is the last day of Term 2.  Parents are reminded that students will be dismissed at the slightly earlier time of 2.30pm.  On that day we will also welcome representatives from Luv-a-Duck, who will help us to announce the recipients of the Semester 1 Luv-a-Duck Awards for High Academic Results and Initiative in School Leadership.  Reports will also be made available to parents and students via Compass at the end of the day.

Nico's 6th Birthday Celebrations

On Tuesday 29th July we will be celebrating Nico's 6th Birthday.  It has been 6 years since Nhill College launched the SWPBS program and introduced Nico to the school community.  The stadium will be filled with lots of fun activities from 12.50pm to celebrate not only Nico, but also the milestone of Nhill College being presented with the SWPBS Gold Award.  The Gold Award is an acknowledgement by the Department of Education of the school's sustained SWPBS foundations and classroom systems.  Save the date and come along to share in the fun. 

SWPBS Student and Parent Handbook

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OW_qooPCHQbC7QgGYfLEAkgr2YPa4nQu/view?usp=drive_link
The SWPBS Team has been busily preparing a new handbook for parents and students that covers all aspects of the school's SWPBS program.  Inside you will be able to learn about our updated behaviour matrix and continuum, intervention programs such as Check-In-Check-Out (CICO), minor and major behaviour definitions, our Learning Habits rubrics, our Roarwards program and, of course, our core expectations of Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Leaner.  Click on the above link to access a copy and read all about SWPBS at Nhill College.

School Visit & Information Session for 2025 Kinder Families

School Visit & Information Session for 2025 Kinder Families

Friday 1st August | 9:15am – 11:00am

Nhill College warmly invites all families with a child enrolled in Kindergarten for 2025 to attend our upcoming school visit and information session.

This will be a valuable opportunity to see our school in action, meet key staff, and ask any questions you may have about our programs, facilities, and transition processes.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Nhill College on Friday 1st August

If you're unable to attend or would prefer a more personalised visit, please feel free to contact us at any time to arrange a private tour or chat.

'I AM Mindful' Program

Nhill College has been successful in attracting funding from the School Focused Youth Service to provide the 'I AM Mindful' program throughout Term 3.  As part of the program, external presenters will deliver sessions to our Year 9 and 10 students over August 4-5.  In addition, a staff session will be held after school on Monday August 21, while an online session will also be delivered specifically for parents of students in Years 9 and 10 between 7.30pm - 8.30pm on Thursday July 24.  More information will be made available through the newsletter as it becomes available.

Term 3 Curriculum Day: Thursday 28th August

The next Student Free Day will be held on Thursday 28th August.  This date has been selected as our next Curriculum Day based on the availability of external presenters who will be delivering professional development to staff.  As no students will be attending Nhill College on this day, the school bus network will also not be operating on this day.

Weekly Attendance Award

Regular school attendance is essential for students' academic success and emotional development. To emphasize its importance, we have continued with our weekly Attendance Award, which will be presented at both Primary and Secondary assemblies every Monday.

Each week, all students with 100% attendance from the previous week will go into a draw, with one lucky winner receiving a $5 canteen voucher! This award aims to recognize and reward students for their commitment to being at school every day.

Congratulations went to Taylor in Year 9 who received the voucher for her perfect attendance in the secondary section for week 9 of term 2. Well done!

Let’s keep up the great attendance, everyone! 

Coming Events

  • Friday 27th June - Thursday 10th July: Indonesia Study Tour
  • Tuesday 1st July: Wimmera Careers Expo for yr 10/11/12 students - Longerenong
  • Friday 4th July: Last day Term 2 (2.30pm Dismissal)
  • July 20-25:  Year 10 Canberra Camp
  • July 20-25:  Year 11 Melbourne Work Experience
  • Monday 21st July:  Day 1 Term 3
  • Thursday 24th July:  'I AM Mindful' online parent session
  • Book Fair 1st -8th August 
  • August 4-5:  Year 9-10 'I AM Mindful' program
  • Thursday 28th August:  Student Free Day

Assistant Principal

Kim Magrath

100 Days of Year 12 – Let’s Celebrate!

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have officially reached the 100-day milestone in their final year of school! This is a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished so far.

You’ve shown resilience, commitment, and leadership—and with just two terms to go, the finish line is in sight! Let’s continue supporting one another, staying focused, and making the most of every moment.

Whether it’s a dress-up day, a fun group photo, or a small lunchtime celebration, it is about recognising your journey so far and the exciting path ahead.

Keep pushing, Year 12. You’ve got this!

Presentation Ball Students Visit Cooinda

Year 5-6 Camp ~ report next week.

SWPBS ROARWARDS – Wrapping Up the last couple of weeks of Term 2 on a High Note!

As we head into the final couple weeks of Term 2, our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) ROARWARDS program continues to thrive. Students across all year levels are being acknowledged for consistently demonstrating the Nhill College values of Being Respectful, Being a Learner, and Being Safe.

Positive choices are having a powerful impact, with students not only making great decisions themselves but also inspiring those around them to do the same. Whether in the classroom, out in the yard, or participating in school activities, the sense of pride and encouragement is clear.

To recognise their efforts, students who received ROARWARDS in Week 9 were entered into our weekly lucky draw. Winners were announced at the Secondary Assembly, selected by our ever-popular electronic spinning wheel!

Congratulations to this week’s lucky winners: Charlotte and Violet

Well done to all students for finishing the term strong and showing leadership through their positive behaviour. Keep it up—let’s finish Term 2 with even more names added to our ROARWARDS list. 

Year 4 Helpers having lots of PMP fun!!

Year 4 Thomas and Year 8Y Science challenges

Primary Art Students Enter Competition

Last week in 2/3 Art with Miss Eastick, our talented primary students took part in a creative competition run by the Centre of Excellence in Melbourne. The theme of the competition was “What Does Family Mean?” — and our students rose to the challenge with imagination, heart, and individuality.

Their artwork showcased a wide range of thoughtful and creative interpretations, reflecting the many different ways family can be represented and understood.

All entries have now been posted to Melbourne for judging. We’re proud of every student who participated and look forward to hearing the results! Thanks Miss Eastick.

Upcycling Handicrafts Competition Winners

Upcoming SRC Events

MAGAZINE COVER AND DIARY COVER COMPETITION

It is that time of year again where we urge students to get involved in our annual Nhill College Magazine Cover and Nhill College Diary cover competitions. 

With $50 prize money for the winning Magazine Cover entries (front and back) and Diary Cover entry, along with the prestige of having your work in print forever more, why wouldn’t you enter?!

The following criteria must be adhered to:

·         Entries must have the title “Nhill College Magazine 2025” or “Nhill College Diary 2026”

·         We may select an entry for either publication, modifications may be requested to suit

·         Entries must reflect Nhill College Values of RESPECT, HONESTY, EXCELLENCE, ENDEAVOUR, CONFIDENCE and TEAMWORK

·         Entries must be the original work of the student, no plagiarism or copying from the internet

·         Entries must have correct spelling

·         If photos of students are used, they must be obtained from past editions of the Nhill College Newsletter

·         Entries can be from individuals, groups or class entries. Prize money will be shared if from a group entry, if a class entry is selected the teacher will decide how the prize money is distributed.

Entries are due to Mrs Sampson by 5th September, 2025. 

They can be submitted via Hard Copy (please put your name on the back) or emailed to natalie.sampson@education.vic.gov.au (please put your name in the subject line).  Please ensure digital entries are high resolution to ensure a high quality finished product).

Get creating!

Free Parent Webinar's Term 2

Introduction to our Mental Health Practitioner Sessions

Dear Secondary Students and Parents,

Nhill College is pleased to introduce Rosie, our new Mental Health Practitioner. Rosie is a qualified Mental Health Social Worker, Counsellor, and Psychotherapist, dedicated to supporting the well-being and emotional resilience of young people.

About Rosie

With extensive experience working with adolescents, Rosie specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, stress, and peer relationships. Her approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to the unique needs of each student.

Available Support

Individual counselling and therapeutic sessions will be available during school hours to help students navigate personal challenges and develop effective coping strategies.

Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Addressing concerns early can prevent more serious issues and support students in leading happier, more fulfilling lives. Rosie aims to create a safe and supportive space where students feel comfortable discussing their feelings and challenges.

Confidentiality & Consent

All sessions are confidential, and information will not be shared without the student’s consent, except in cases where safety is a concern.

  • Parental/guardian consent is required via a completed referral form.
  • Mature minors may self-refer with approval from the Assistant Principal.
How to Schedule a Session

To book a session, students or parents must return the Referral Form to the school office. Rosie will then reach out to initiate the session.

Rosie looks forward to working with students and supporting their well-being and success at Nhill College.

Warm regards,

Rosie

Nhill College Mental Health Practitioner

Please renew your child/s Asthma Action Plans Yearly

Why you need a Written Asthma Action Plan

An Asthma Action Plan is one of the most useful asthma tools we have.  

It sets out your important asthma information in a way that is easy to follow to help manage your asthma. It is a valuable reminder of what to do in case your asthma gets out of control.   

Check your asthma control

Following your Asthma Action Plan and having regular reviews with your doctor leads to:  

  • fewer days off from school or work   
  • reduced emergency visits to hospital and   
  • less use of reliever medication.  

All carers and family members should understand how to use your Asthma Action Plan so they can help during an asthma flare-up or attack.

How often should an Asthma Action Plan be reviewed?

Be sure to ask your doctor to update your Asthma Action Plan whenever asthma medicines or your symptoms change. Otherwise, your doctor should check it: 

  • once a year for adults or 
  • every six months for children. 


PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD AN ASTHMA ACTION PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD/REN

Download

Nhill College BYOD Options available for 2025 through Edunet

Computers are being used more frequently in many aspects of our teaching and learning programs, and Nhill College strives to make a 1:1 provision of devices available for student use in the classroom.  However, students using school-owned laptops are not permitted to take them home at night and these devices must be returned to the relevant charging station at the end of each day.  Students wishing to access devices at home to support their learning are encouraged to explore the range of devices available through Edunet as part of our BYOD program.  In addition to gaining access to your own device at discounted prices, purchases through Edunet provide students with school based IT support and manufacturer's warranty, as well as access to the College's network, servers and printers.  Families purchasing a BYOD will also be provided with access to the Department of Education's Microsoft 365 suite, which gives free access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc on up to 5 family devices.

To assist those families interested in exploring BYOD options, we have new and updated models for our BYOD program through Edunet.  Please open the link below for details about the devices.  Mr Shrive is happy to take questions from parents or students if they are looking at purchasing a BYOD.  Devices specifically chosen for Nhill College students cover a range of specifications and price levels The BYOD Specification Sheet and instructions can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hXfDsl69BXNRLbpCDciyIuSAE1iU6_wz/view?usp=sharing  This also includes order cutoff dates for the current year.

Digital Business Explorer

Youth4Youth Information

Y4Y Career Season Workshop Lineup Information


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UNIVERSITY AND TAFE OPEN DAYS

Senior students should be aware that Universities, TAFES and Private tertiary institutions will be opening their doors for Open Days throughout July and August.  We encourage both Year 12 and Year 11 students to consider attending Open Days – spreading them over two years can avoid date clashes and excessive travel commitments during Year 12.  We also encourage carpooling with friends who may wish to see the same facilities. 

Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to see firsthand what tertiary providers have to offer in terms of facilities, courses, residential accommodation and student resources.  You can talk to current students and staff about courses you are interested in and ask any number of questions you may have.

Attached is a list of Open Day dates, which is also posted on Compass.  Please be aware that this list will not cover all institutions, so if there is somewhere you wish to see that is not included here, please check their website. 

 We highly recommend you register your intention to attend, institutions often provide extra information as Open Days approach and sometimes provide free gift cards etc to compensate for travel costs and the like.

Please see Mrs Hedt, Mrs Cole or Mrs Sampson if you have any questions.

Click the download button below to view information regarding open day/dates.

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SCHOOL STUDENT BROADBAND INITIATIVE

The School Student Broadband Initiative is an Australian Government program that offers free home internet until the end of 2025 for up to 30,000 families and carers who look after school age children and do not have an active nbn connection.

To qualify for the School Student Broadband Initiative, families and carers must:

  • Have a school age student at home (full or part time) enrolled in an Australian school (up to Year 12 including Prep in QLD/VIC/TAS, Kindy in NSW, Reception in SA, Transition in NT/ACT and Pre-Primary in WA)
  • Not have an active nbn® network internet service at their current residential address now or in the past 14 days (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)
  • Live in a premises that can access the nbn network via a standard connection

There are two potential ways to join the School Student Broadband Initiative:

  • Be identified and referred by a Nominating Organisation, or
  • Families and carers can self-nominate via the National Referral Centre (criteria explained below)

    • Visit the National Referral Centre

    Cybersafety Information

    Black Dog Institute Study: Adolescent Screen Use And Mental Health

    The Black Dog Institute has released a report investigating the use of screen-based devices and the links to adolescent mental health. The full report can be found here: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Teens-Screens_Report-2024_WEB.pdf and we would encourage parents and guardians to have a look over its findings. This may help start a discussion within families about appropriate screen time, where devices live within the home and what devices, if any, are allowed in bedrooms.

    The College will be using some of the resources from the Black Dog Institute in our cybersafety units. Responsible use of technology is taught across the school to help reinforce with students what is appropriate and acceptable. However, active monitoring by parents is also vital to help our young people develop good habits online.

    Out of School Hours Care - OSHC

    After school care commencing Term 1 2025

    West Wimmera Health Service’s after school care program will commence Term 1 2025. 

    After school care will operate on Mondays and Wednesdays, after school until 5:15pm at the new Outside School Hours Care building at 35 Queen Street, Nhill.

    The school bus service transports children from Nhill schools to after school care.

    Fruit and light snacks are provided.

    To enrol your children in after school care, please complete the online enrolment form found at https://www.wwhs.net.au/oshc and select the after school care days you would like to book.

    The daily fee for after school care is $36. Child Care Subsidy is available for eligible families.

    If you have any queries, please email: oshc@wwhs.net.au

    School Attendance: Every Day Counts

    Research shows that the academic and social development of students is affected each day they are absent, and that going to school every day is the single most important part of your child's education.  Following the potential disruptions to the social and academic progress of students caused due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever for children to be at school. 

    If your child is unwell or absolutely cannot attend school for some reason, it is important to let the school know of their absence and the reason why prior to the day if planned or at the start of the day if the absence is not planned.  The easiest way to do this is via Compass.  Alternatively, you can contact the office at school on 5391 2111.

    If your child is absent and we have not been notified, you will receive a text message asking you to contact the school with an explanation.  If we do not receive a reply to our text message, we will be following up with a phone call.

    Sunsmart

    Students are reminded of the requirement for them to wear a broad brimmed hat in the yard during recess and lunch times on days when the UV rating reaches 3 or above.  Nhill College parents are now able to use the school's website to find out when it is predicted that UV index levels will reach 3 or more, which generally occurs between mid-August and April.  The Sunsmart App - which can also be downloaded onto your mobile devices - tells parents the maximum UV index levels predicted for the day as well as the hours when sunscreen measures are recommended.  This link has been attached to the front page of our website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), so please visit often and keep your children safe.

    Now that we are entering into that time of year when UV levels are likely to reach 3 or above, it is an appropriate time to remind everyone to ensure that students have remembered to bring their broad brimmed hats to school.  Very affordable options are available in the Uniform Store if required.  

    Tips to keep your family safe online...

    Mobile Phone Policy Reminder

    A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobiles phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.

    The department is requiring all schools to ensure this ban is in place and enforced from the start of the 2024 school year.

    The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state.

    This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions.

    By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause.

    I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school.

    Further information

    Exceptions:  For a small number of students with particular health needs, an exception to the policy may be granted. Please contact Mr Zimmermann if you would like to discuss this.

    Emergencies:  In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, I ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required.

    School mobile phone policy:  A copy of our school’s local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context, is available from the Nhill College website.

    Parent support:  The Mobile Phones in Schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.

    If you have further questions, please contact the administration office. 

    Vaping and School

    Parents, carers, schools, and community all play an important role in protecting children and young people from, and educating them about, the harmful effects smoking and vaping.

    Research from the Royal Children’s Hospital shows many parents and carers are not aware of the harmful effects or how their views about smoking and vaping can impact the likelihood of a young person taking up smoking or vaping.

    The Department of Education has developed resources to help you learn more about the health risks of smoking and vaping, and some suggestions about how to talk to children and young people about vaping, and where to get support. To access the resources, go to https://www.vic.gov.au/smoking-and-vaping-advice-parents

    You can also view this video on smoking and vaping from experts at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for health advice and tips for starting a conversation with young people.

    Bus Notes

    With the recent updates to our school website, parents are now able to submit Bus Notes in two ways:

    • via Compass under the Star (School Favourites) icon - Bus Notes
    • via the Nhill College website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), under Parent Info - Bus Notes

    Both options will direct parents to an online template that will inform the school of any changes to regular bus travel arrangements.  Please ensure that any Bus requests are submitted before 3.00pm.

    Ad-hoc travel: A student that is not a regular bus traveller that requires occasional travel may be considered as ad-hoc. Ad-hoc travel can be used for, but not limited to, sports training, part time work, social travel to fellow students' residence and so on.

    Ad-Hoc Permission to travel

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    Canteen Specials

    Canteen Menu Term 2 2025


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    May 2025 Wimmera Healthy Schools Newsletter


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    Flu Season

    Protect Your Family This Flu Season. The flu can be very serious, especially for children. That’s why annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

    The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness and protects not only your child, but the wider Nhill College community. It’s important that you keep your child home if they are feeling unwell. Symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or runny nose can spread illnesses to others.

    Let’s work together to keep our school community healthy this winter!

    Community Events

    Horsham Regional Art Gallery Holiday Program

    Click on the link below to book school holiday workshops-see above

    BOOK SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM HERE

    Space4Us Registration Form


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    Nhill College Facebook Page

    Nhill College now has a Facebook page to help us promote school events and activities with the wider community.  We will continue to use Compass, our web page and the weekly newsletter to keep families associated with the school up to date with all of the events and activities that occur in and around the school each week.  However, our Facebook page has allowed us to broaden exposure to the school and reach a number of people who may not have otherwise had access to our formal communication channels.  Our Facebook page will continue to be purely for promotion, publicity and to inform everyone of the upcoming events and happenings within the College.  All notes, questions, concerns or communication to staff regarding students still need to be directed to the College via Compass or on (03) 5391 2111.  To find our Facebook page, simply follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/nhillcollege/ or type Nhill College in the search function on Facebook. (Please be aware there is also an unofficial Nhill College facebook page that does not show the Nhill College logo).

    Please like/follow the page and then you will be kept up-to-date with all of our posts.  

    Access to Nhill College Newsletter

    If you are reading this, you obviously have access to the school newsletter.  However, some families have asked how grandparents or community members can stay in touch with the school when they don't have access to Compass.  The answer is that anyone can access the school's newsletter through the College website: www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au.  Please advise any family, friends or interested members of the wider community, that the newsletter is the main source of information from the school and that it is available to anyone who would like to read it.  Spread the word!

    Compass Parent Fact Sheet and FAQs

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