Dear Parents, Students and Friends of Prospect High School,

Welcome to past, present and new parents, students and friends of Prospect High School, in particular families of grade 7 and families of new students in grade 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. I hope first day and/or first week nerves have settled and learning has become a focus. There has certainly been a buzz around the school with reconnecting of friends and staff.

I feel very privileged to lead a school with such a fantastic team of teaching and non-teaching staff. Students will be provided with excellent learning programs and opportunities to participate in a range of educational activities throughout this and subsequent years of high school.

I would like to welcome the following staff members:

Chaplain – Lachie Unwin

Grade 7 Team – Ms Jaci Noonan

Grade 8 Team – Mrs Jamie Melville, Mr Daniel Murfet

Grade 10 Team – Mrs Kirsty Wilson, Mrs Adrienne McMahon

Assistant Principal for Gr 9/10 – Ms Bonnie Hall

Well-being Centre

I am pleased to announce some repurposing of rooms in the administration office. All student support offices, including school psychologist Gene Colgrave, School nurse Mia Blair and Chaplain Lachie Unwin, and Social Worker, Brendan Dixon, have offices now located in the administration block on the side closest to the Grade 9 block. Centralising these staff will make communication with and provision of services to students much easier.

Covid Safe Practices

A reminder to families that Covid 19 restrictions are still in please as per Public Health advice. 

We ask visitors to the school to maintain 1.5 metre social distancing and use provided sanitiser or arrival.It would be appreciated if you could phone the school to discuss matters rather than coming in person when possible. If students are unwell please keep them at home in a restful and safe environment. Parents collecting students at the end of day are requested to stay in their cars and depart the school promptly. Cleaning and hygiene measures implemented last year will continue until otherwise advised.  

Duty of Care

A reminder that staff are not on duty until 8.20am, and that students should not be on school grounds or inside school buildings until this time. Prior to this, students are the responsibility of parents and/or carers.

Attendance and lateness

It is vital that students attend school every day. A sense of purpose and commitment is achieved with regular attendance, and every child has a chance of success with their learning when they attend regularly. Please encourage your children to value their education and help them become organised and attend every day. Please make appointments before or after school hours. It is also important to get your child to school on time - Care starts at 8.40am. Students miss important information when they arrive late. Please do not let your child be late. This can develop into a poor habit that affects learning when prolonged.

Uniform

Students are looking very smart in the Prospect High School summer uniform. Well done to students for representing the school with pride and thanks to parents for your support. A reminder that white socks (without logos or markings) are required to be worn. Failure to wear these may mean restricted participation in school activities and/or restricted movement in areas of the school. The uniform shop has a supply of white socks and other items of uniform. I would like to remind parents of uniform requirements and that no writing, logos or stripes should appear on any item (shorts, track pants, socks, long pants) except for the Prospect High School logo. Adidas, Nike etc socks, shorts and track pants can only be worn for Physical Education lessons and sport. A reminder also that shorts should be mid-thigh length. The School Association have endorsed our uniform dress code and support the following reasons that full school uniform should be worn:

1. Sense of Belonging

When students are dressed in school uniform, they all have a sense of belonging to the Prospect High School community.

2. Safety

It is easy to identify people who should not be on the school grounds if Prospect students are in full school uniform.

3. Judgements About Our School

We present a positive image to the wider community if all our students are in school uniform and people are more likely to make positive judgements about our school and our students.

4. Social Equalisation

Students are not judged on the basis of what they are wearing if all students are in school uniform. Having all students in school uniform sends a strong message that we value all students equally.

5. Preparing for Expectations in the World of Work

Many workplaces have a uniform and most workplaces have a dress code, so we are preparing students for the world of work by asking them to be in the habit of wearing a uniform at school.

Reminders

We require the return of validation forms which are usually collected at book sales. These allow students to use computers, have photos taken, attend excursions and ensure that all contact information is up-to-date and accurate. Can you please ask your child about these, and sign and return as soon as possible?

Students are encouraged to use the QR app at the office and canteen for purchases. If students do not have this app, they will need to order food at the Administration Office before Care, ie before 8.35.

For your information, students are unable to use mobile phones during the day. In accordance with the DoE policy, phones are to be off at the start of the day (8.35am), put away lockers for the entire day and can be removed from lockers at the end of the day (3.00pm).

Welcome Barbecue

A reminder that the Welcome Barbecue will be held in the central courtyard on Tuesday, 16th February from 5.00-6.30. Families are invited to come along and meet new and current staff. We look forward to seeing parents and students on Tuesday afternoon.

School Association Meeting

The first School Association meeting will be held in the meeting room in the near future with date to be advised.  This is a chance for parents to have a voice in decision making with policies and initiatives that benefit the students at Prospect High School. New members are welcome.

Finally, I am looking forward to working with families to ensure a year of continuous improvement, growth, achievement and success for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact your child/ren’s teacher/s if you wish to discuss their learning, or if you have any concerns.

Mrs Lee Barker
Principal