Nhill College Newsletter

August 14th 2026 - Number 25

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Karen Shurdington  Vice President:  Nathan Albrecht

Parent Reps:  Kandice Deckert, Amy Schnaars, Rheanna Wise 

Student Reps: Katie Muller, Taylor Ryan

DET Reps: Mu Si Ler, Kim Magrath, 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 and Assistant Principal

Mark Zimmermann Kim Magrath

Coming Events

  • Wednesday 19th August – WWSSA Primary Aths in Warracknabeal
  • Monday 24th – Tuesday 25th August - Year 9/10 Ag excursion - Clunes Show - School Sheep Competition
  • Monday 24th - Friday 28th August: Book Week
  • Tuesday 25th - Wednesday August : P-12 Indonesion Incursions
  • Friday 28th August: Book Week Dress-Up Day
  • Friday 4th September:  School Fete
  • Monday 7th - 9th September: Yr 5/6 Sovereign Hill Camp
  • Thursday 10th September: RUOK? Day
  • Monday 14th - Friday 18th September: Yr 10 Work Experience
  • Wednesday 16th September: Parent Teacher Interviews -  4:00pm to 7:00pm. 
  • Friday 18th September:  Last Day Term 3 - 2.30pm finish

Welcoming Kindergarten Families to Nhill College

Today, we were delighted to welcome local kindergarten children and their families to Nhill College for our 2027 Prep Information Session.

Families were warmly welcomed by some of our Year 6 student leaders, who shared their experiences of being students at Nhill College. Our visitors then enjoyed a guided tour of the school, exploring our classrooms, facilities and learning spaces.

The kindergarten children were introduced to Ms Newport, who read the much-loved Big Book Hairy Maclary. The children then participated in a range of fun school activities connected to the story, giving them an exciting introduction to classroom learning at Nhill College.

While the children enjoyed their activities, parents and carers attended an informative presentation about Nhill College, our programs and the many opportunities available to students. Each family also received a special bag containing Nhill College information and goodies to take home.

A big thank you to Miss Smith, Ms Newport, Mrs Hendy and the entire team for providing such a warm and engaging introduction to Nhill College. We hope our kinder visitors and their families enjoyed their time with us, and we look forward to welcoming them back for our upcoming transition sessions!

NAPLAN Certififcate Presentations

While it has been a few weeks since NAPLAN results were delivered to families, Monday's Assembly was the first available opportunity since that time to present Certificates of Achievement to those Year 9 students who showed High Growth or got an Exceeding Proficiency level in Reading, Numeracy - or both.  These certificates are made available by the Department of Education, but they are only presented to students in their final year of NAPLAN.  Congratulations to Matilda, Imogen, Bella, Locky, Leonel and Eh Chrit on being presented with their certificates on Monday

Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

A random sample of 80 families has been selected to participate in the annual Parent/Carer Opinion Survey for 2026.  An email containing details of how to complete the survey will be sent via Compass to those families who have been chosen.  Feedback through the survey will assist our school to gain an understanding of families' perceptions of the school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. 

The survey is conducted online and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.   

The Parent/Carer Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September.

Bushfire At-Risk Register Update

Nhill College received notification recently that we are no longer considered to be a Category 4 School on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).  As a result of this upgrade, Nhill College will not be required to close on days forecast as Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating Days by the Bureau of Meteorology. 

August School Council Meeting Update

At the August School Council meeting Tuesday night, members received updates on a range of school programs, events, facilities and future planning - 
  • Council members viewed the RESPECT video, created by students as part of our Term 2 School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) focus.
  • Students’ achievements were celebrated, including Nico’s seventh birthday, the SWPBS Platinum celebrations and the Prep/1 students reaching 100 days of school.
  • The results of the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey were reviewed. Staff will explore the results further and seek student feedback to guide continued improvement.
  • The Term 3 SWPBS focus will support students to understand and reduce classroom disruption while continuing to recognise positive behaviour.
  • Recent facility improvements were discussed, including new concreting, covered seating, replacement locker-bay doors and a new ride-on mower. Planning is also continuing for a permanent shelter near the primary playground and improvements to school garden areas.
  • Members discussed possible changes to school bell times. 
  • Staff participation in the Wimmera South West Literacy Conference was highlighted, supporting consistent literacy practices across all year levels and curriculum areas.
  • NAPLAN results and student growth data were reviewed. Staff will use this information to inform future teaching and school-improvement priorities.
  • Upcoming events were shared, including the Year 5/6 Sovereign Hill Camp, Year 10 Work Experience and the Year 3/4 Portland Camp
  • School Council reviewed the Curriculum Framework, Inclusion and Diversity, and Medication policies, along with proposed changes to the Nhill College jacket.
The next School Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 September.

Individual Student Learning Goals: Years 4-12

Individual Learning Goals for students in Years 4-12 are now available to view through Compass. Each student has set three goals for Term 3:

  • 1 x Learning Habit goal
  • 1 x Literacy goal
  • 1 x Numeracy goal

These goals help students reflect on their learning, build independence, and focus on areas for growth. In Week 10, students will complete an end-of-term reflection on these goals as part of the learning process.

How to view your child's Individual Learning Goals:

1.               Log in to Compass

2.               If using the Compass mobile app (rather than a computer):

  • Tap More (bottom-right corner, three-line icon)
  • Select Open in Browser

3.               Click on your child's Profile

4.               Select the Insights tab

5.               Click on 2026 Term 3 Individual Learning Goals to view their goals

We encourage families to take a few minutes to read through the goals together and discuss how you can support your child at home.  Students from Years 4-12 select and review their Goals each term.

If you have any questions or are unable to access Compass, please contact the school office for assistance.

Attendance Matters! Weekly Attendance Award

At Nhill College, we know that regular school attendance plays a vital role in every student's learning, confidence and overall wellbeing. Being at school each day helps students stay connected, build friendships and make the most of every learning opportunity.

Missing just one day every two weeks adds up to a full month of lost learning each year. Every day at school matters. Regular attendance not only supports academic achievement but also helps students develop important life skills such as teamwork, time management, resilience and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success beyond school and help prepare young people for future study, employment and life.

Being present every day allows students to stay engaged in their learning, build meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers, and be part of the vibrant learning environment that makes school such an important place to grow and thrive. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve positive outcomes later in life, including higher educational achievement, better employment opportunities and improved overall health and wellbeing.

To support and celebrate strong attendance, each week all students who achieve 100% attendance for the previous week go into a draw. One student from the Primary School and one from the Secondary School each receive a $5 canteen voucher—a small reward for a big commitment to learning.

Congratulations to our Week 4, Term 3 Attendance Award winners, Logan Mc and Annabella, who were recognised at this week's Primary and Secondary Assembly for achieving perfect attendance. We look forward to celebrating many more students throughout the term who make attending school every day a priority.

If your family is experiencing difficulties getting your child to school, please don't hesitate to contact Nhill College on (03) 5391 2111. We are here to work with you and provide support to help every student attend regularly and succeed.

Week 4 ROARWARD Stars

Our Primary and Secondary Assemblies celebrated students who demonstrated our SWPBS expectations of Being Respectful, Being a Learner and Being Safe throughout Week 4.

These students were recognised for the positive contributions they made in their classrooms and across the school. Whether they were working hard, showing kindness, helping others or making safe and respectful choices, each recipient set a wonderful example for those around them.

Congratulations to our Week 4 Term 3 ROARWARD Champions: Emily, Saw Ehkokwala Doh, May Zin Win, Indi, Brodyn, James and Zahra.

Every ROARWARD recognises a positive choice that contributes to making Nhill College a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Congratulations to all our recipients—keep making great choices and continuing to ROAR!

Secondary Term 2 Respect Award Winner

Congratulations to Lacy, who was announced as our Secondary Term 2 Respect Award winner at Monday’s Secondary Assembly.

Throughout Term 2, students who consistently demonstrated our SWPBS value of Respect received a special packet of ROARWARD cards in recognition of their positive choices and commitment to our school values. Each student who received one of these special ROARWARD packs was entered into the Term 2 prize draw.

We were delighted to announce Lacy as the successful Secondary recipient. As her reward, she received a 50-point voucher to spend at the ROARWARD Shop.

Congratulations, Lacy, and thank you for consistently treating others with respect and helping make Nhill College a positive, caring and inclusive place to learn. We look forward to seeing what you choose from the ROARWARD Shop!

Living Our Values Every Day

Our Weekly Values Program encourages Primary students to develop the personal and social skills needed to become confident, resilient and respectful members of our school community.

Each week, students explore a different value and consider how they can demonstrate it through their actions, choices and interactions with others. These values complement our SWPBS expectations of Being Respectful, Being a Learner and Being Safe.

Week 4 Focus Value was Endeavour

Endeavour is all about an attempt to do something with great effort and consistency. It is putting your best effort forward, regardless of how hard the challenge might be. Someone who shows great endeavour is thorough, patient and hard working. 

Congratulations to our Endeavour Award recipients:

P/1: Maxon

1/2: Naw Gay Su Zar Moo

Year 3: Austin

Years 4/5: Dana

Year 6: Serena

Congratulations also to this week’s Milkshake Voucher winner, Yco Fiel who was recognised for consistently demonstrating our school values.

Thank you to our student leaders, Indi and Max, for confidently hosting the Primary Assembly, and to our Assembly Tech Leader, Diesel for ensuring everything ran smoothly.Well done to all students recognised this week. Your positive actions help make Nhill College a wonderful place to learn and belong.

Primary Assembly Host
Assembly Tech Leader
Endeavour Award Winners
Milkshake Voucher Winner

Another Chapter of Reading Success

Our Primary students continue to build strong reading habits through the Reading Nights Program, with more students reaching exciting milestones during Week 4 of Term 3.

Regular reading at home supports the development of fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and confidence. It also provides students with opportunities to explore new ideas, use their imaginations and discover the enjoyment that books can bring.

Congratulations to all our students who achieved a Reading Nights milestone during Week 4.

We appreciate the encouragement provided by our families at home. Every book shared and every night spent reading contributes to a student’s continued growth.

Congratulations to our dedicated readers—we look forward to celebrating your next milestones!

An Outstanding ROARWARD Milestone

This week, we celebrated Brodyn, who reached an impressive milestone of 300 ROARWARDs.

Reaching 300 ROARWARDs reflects Brodyn’s consistent commitment to our SWPBS expectations of Being Respectful, Being a Learner and Being Safe. Every ROARWARD earned represents a positive choice and contribution to our school community.

Congratulations, Brodyn, on this fantastic achievement. Keep making positive choices and continuing to ROAR!

Building Confident Young Readers

Our Junior Primary students continue to strengthen their reading skills through the Magic Coloured Words program.

A special congratulations to George, who achieved his next level in the Magic Coloured Words program during Week 4 of Term 3. Each new word mastered helps students read more fluently and confidently while strengthening their understanding of texts.

We are very proud of George’s enthusiasm, persistence and commitment to developing his reading skills.

Well done, George—keep reading and working towards your next level!

Nico’s Seventh Birthday LEGO Challenge

As part of the celebrations for Nico’s seventh birthday, students were invited to guess how many LEGO bricks were inside the jar.

The jar contained 334 LEGO bricks, and Asher was the winner with an excellent guess of 327—only seven bricks away from the correct total!

Congratulations, Asher, on your fantastic estimate. We hope you enjoy taking home the entire jar of LEGO!

Book Fair Update

Scholastic Book Fair

Keeping in tune with this year’s Children’s Book Week, A Symphony of Stories, we had a game of ‘match the song to the story’. Drawing inspiration from some of our picture fiction books, 10 tunes were chosen to create a scene on the white board and the students matched the scenes to the song titles. Congratulations to the 2 winners who were drawn out of the many correct entries. Ryan S. & Patrick D.

Lucky Dip prizes were given to all who completed a colouring sheet and 3 lucky winners were randomly chosen to receive a book voucher to spend at the book fair. Congratulations to Joshua H, Max D. & Pa Saw Htee.

Of course, we also had lots of new and interesting books to choose from. Thanks to the support of students, staff & families we were able to choose 19 new books, as a reward, to add to our library. (pictured right)

Book Fair Competition

Match the Song to the story

Fete preparations info...

Staff and students are busy making plans for the upcoming Fete.

The Year 9 Humanities class have come up with some amazing ideas for their business activities with the focus on food – there will be plenty of options for both sweet and savoury treats on the Fete day.

Other planned activities include –

®    lolly kebabs and scented dough

®    yabby racing

®    lolly jar number guess

®    sponge throw

®    donut on a string

®    bracelet making

®    face painting

and lots more!

Classes will soon start to promote their stalls and activities and this will be shared both in the newsletter and through Compass.

It is going to be a fantastic afternoon, and we encourage everyone to mark the date on the calendar – Friday 4th September at 12.30pm.

VCE Summer Tutoring

“Prepare for the academic year and beyond with VCE Summer Tutoring! We deliver inclusive and valuable academic support to VCE students, no matter their background.

At our program from 11-22 January 2027, students can:

- Engage in academic classes and 1-1 tutoring from passionate tutors

- Join a community of like-minded students as they tackle fun activities

- Learn more about University study from supportive older peers

Students can apply at the link below before 1 October 2026, however we can consider applications beyond this deadline as well: https://forms.gle/obreVAoVAKdx5DiM7.

Bursaries and travel subsidies are available to students who would otherwise be unable to access the program.

For more information:

- Read our website: https://vcesummertutoring.au.

- Contact the Program Managers: program@vcesummertutoring.au

Magazine and Diary Competition

Every Day Counts

SEA of FACES - Gallery Central

In September, 2026, Gallery Central will hold a community art display, titled “Sea of Faces”.

*We want participants to create faces on 4x4 inch canvas panels. Our plan is to mount them all “side by side” to create the effect of a patchwork quilt.

*The exhibition is free to enter and there are no prizes. The work will not be for sale. 

*The back of each panel must have the artist’s name and school or phone number if an adult.

The artwork must be delivered to the gallery before Friday, September 4th. 

The faces may be human, animal, insect, fantasy, alien etc.  They may be abstract or realistic. Any medium may be used, such as paint, textas, crayons, collaged paper, textiles, photos, digital images etc.

Partial faces, profiles, big or little faces. As long as there is a face on the canvas panel and it has been fun to create.

Note: 4x4 inch canvas panels can be found in shops like “Trevs” in Horsham. The Mont Marte brand is perfect.

Enquiries to Kim Gibson 0417 846 213 or   Jen Dufty 0488 040 063 

Supporting Sleep

Did you know teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep each night?

As young people move through puberty, their body clock (circadian rhythm) naturally shifts. This means they often don’t feel sleepy until around 11pm — even though they still need to wake early for school.

 

At the same time, life gets busier. Part-time jobs, sport, social activities, homework and screen time can quickly fill the afternoon and evening. With so much going on, sleep can become low on their priority list. In fact, only 50% of Australian 16–17-year-olds are getting the recommended minimum amount of sleep.

 

Sleep is more than just rest at the end of a busy day. It plays a vital role in teenagers’ health and wellbeing. Quality sleep helps the brain process learning and memories, supports concentration, regulates mood, and allows the body to repair and restore itself. During adolescence — when the brain is still developing — consistent and sufficient sleep is especially important.

 

Research from the Black Dog Institute highlights sleep as an important modifiable risk factor, and improving sleep can help lower the risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Sleep Ninja Fact Sheet


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SWPBS Student and Parent Handbook

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OW_qooPCHQbC7QgGYfLEAkgr2YPa4nQu/view?usp=drive_link
The SWPBS Team has prepared a 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.

Nhill College BYOD Options available for 2026 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.  Secondary 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:

nhillcollege.technologyportal.com.au

ScrollSafe

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.

ScrollSafe provides new resources to help students, families and schools understand the impact of social media on mental health. Here are evidence-based tips to support healthy digital habits…

Early Help Support for everyday families

We’re sharing information about Early Help, a free program for families with children aged 0–18 that provides practical support with everyday parenting before concerns grow. Early Help can assist with parenting challenges, behaviour concerns, routines, emotional wellbeing and self-care, and connecting with services such as Paediatricians, Speech, OT and Counselling. The program helps families set and work toward goals like building stronger relationships, growing confidence in parenting, and improving children’s wellbeing.

On-site support: Katie Collings, Early Help Practitioner, will be at Nhill College on Mondays. If you’d like an appointment, please reach out to Katie directly (details below).

Please note Early Help is not a crisis service. For urgent support, contact The Orange Door.

Contact Early Help:

  • Email: earlyhelp@vt.uniting.org

  • Phone: 5362 4000

  • Katie Collings (Early Help Practitioner): katie.collings@vt.uniting.org | 0447 216 492

Update Your Child/rens Asthma Plan Annually

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 IN AN EDUCATION SETTING.

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Spark Engineering Camp Information

Are you a Year 9-11 student curious about where STEM could take you? Spark Engineering Camp 2027 is a fully subsidised, week-long program designed to help you explore real opportunities in engineering, technology, and beyond. Hosted at a University of Melbourne residential college during the Summer holidays (11th-16th January), Spark is the perfect platform to ignite your potential.

Across the week, you’ll dive into hands-on workshops, visit leading university campuses, and step inside top engineering firms. Whether you’re planning a STEM career or simply exploring your options, Spark gives you the experiences, knowledge, and industry connections to make confident decisions about your future.

Applications are open NOW until mid September. Don’t miss your chance to join this life-changing experience.

Ready to get started? Visit our website to apply or find us on social media by searching Spark Engineering Camp.

Have questions? Reach out to our National Students Manager, Annie (students@spark.ywb.com.au), or speak to Mrs Hedt or your form teacher for more info.

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 Year 12 and Year 11 students, even Year 10 students, to consider attending Open Days – spreading them over two or three 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 link to 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.

OPEN DAYS 2026


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ACU Uni Step-Up Online 2026 Flyer


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Gap Year Opportunity ~Hospitality & Environmental Services Assistant


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Out of School Hours Care - OSHC

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

Sun Protection Policy Reminder

It is that time of year again when students and staff need to adhere to the school's Sun Protection Policy.  The policy stipulates that from mid-August until 30 April, all students (and staff) must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities.  For the purposes of this policy, an appropriate hat is one that protects the face, head, neck and ears when outdoors, for example broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hat.  Baseball or peaked caps and sun visors are not considered a suitable alternative, as they do not protect the ears, cheeks or neck.  It is also worth noting that beanies do not meet the specifications of the Sun Protection Policy.  Students and parents are asked to ensure that an appropriate hat be brought to school to be worn when outdoors.

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 of 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 for non-bus students

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Canteen menu Term 3 2026


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CANTEEN SPECIAL

Community News

Defying the Drift

FREE buses are available for above event from: 

Rainbow: Pick up 5:30pm, Drop off 10pm

Jeparit: Pick up 6pm, Drop off 9:30pm

Nhill: Pick up 6pm, Drop off 9:30pm

Headspace Free Online Chat Services

Headspace May Newsletter


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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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