Hello! We know that beginning secondary school can be a daunting experience for many. You may have lots of questions or simply not know where to start to learn about how our wonderful school operates.
This webpage has been designed for students and parent(s)/guardian(s) to explore together and familiarise yourself with all of the aspects to life at Rowville Secondary College. In doing so, we hope that we can help put your mind at ease so your transition from primary school into high school is as smooth and worry-free as it can be.
KEY DATES
Click here:December
- Tue 8th: Year 7 Orientation Day
- Fri 18th : Order RSA Uniforms by emailing RSA Administrator.
January
- Wed 27th: Book Collection at 10am – 2pm, Gym, Western Campus
- Wed 27th: RSA Shoe Fittings at 9am – 4pm, RSA stadium, Eastern Campus
February
- Mon 1st: First day of full timetabled classes (starts at 9am)
- Mon 15th – Wed 17th: Year 7 Camp 1
- Wed 17th – Fri 19th: Year 7 Camp 2
QUESTIONS
Any general questions you have about Year 7 Transition, email us.
RESOURCES
Click here:1. New Students Welcome Pack – click here
2. Booklists – click here
3. You must sign into our Enrolment Portal to confirm acceptance or decline of offer. Click here for our Enrolment Portal guide.
4. Orientation Day
Orientation day is held at both the East & West campus on Tuesday 8th December. *Please note this is a state wide day and we are awaiting directive from DET due to Covid-19.
5. Year 7 Camp (February 2021)
Monday 15th February – Friday 19th February, 2021. It is a 3 day camp and dates will depend on Learning Mentor groups.
Click here for details.
6. CSEF & State School Relief Forms – click here
7. School Uniform Requirements – click here
8. Laptops – click here
9. First day for 2021 & School hours
The first day of school for 2021 is Monday 1st February. Our school day starts at 9.00am and finishes at 3.15pm. Please see section 11 for class times.
10. How to use Compass
Compass is an important communication portal and learning management system for students, parents and teachers. To learn how to use Compass please read our comprehensive Compass Guide for Parents. We will send you a parent login by email once your enrolment has been completed. Login to compass here.
Please Note if your child is absent please login to compass and report the absence.
11. High School Glossary – click here
12. Class Times – click here
13. Locks for your Locker
All year 7 students receive a lock for their locker when they commence school.
14. School Maps
Eastern Campus & Western Campus.
15. Bus Timetable– click here
16. Instrumental Music Program
Instrumental Music lessons are offered to all students at Rowville Secondary College. For more information please click here.
KEY CONTACTS
Click here:Reception: Rowville.sc@education.vic.gov.au or call 9755 4555 (Mon-Thu 8:15am-4:30pm, Fri 8:15am- 4:00pm)
Attendance: Use Compass to record student absence or call 9755 4515 (East) or 9755 4525 (West)
Transition Coordinator (East): Georgia Psevdos – Georgia.Psevdos@education.vic.gov.au
Transition Coordinator (West): Claire Folie – Claire.Folie@education.vic.gov.au
Our Amazing Year 7 Learning Mentors
Eastern Campus
- Julia Duke
- Bernadette McCarthy
- Sakuna McArthur
- Daniel Wakefield
- Kim McMahon
- Kerry Poutet & Ms. Sarah Evans
Western Campus
- Greg Buckle
- Samantha Curran
- Ryan Emmett
- Anita Punnoos
- Claire Folie
- Stephanie Sykes
Welcome
WELCOME FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
College Principal, Ms. Julie Kennedy, welcomes new students and families to our school community, shares our schools vision and values, our House System and Learning Mentor Groups.
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS
College Principal, Ms. Julie Kennedy, welcomes new students to the school and shares three tips to ensure you enjoy your time at Rowville Secondary College.
YEAR LEVEL OVERVIEW
Leading Teachers for Junior School, Mr. JP Kruger and Mr. Lachlan Mackay, provide a year level overview, a breakdown into our classes and how our classes are made up.
Questions & Answers
1. Can I go on a school tour this year?
Unfortunately, due to government regulations surrounding COVID safe practices, we are not allowed to have any on-site tours. Please explore our webpage on school tours to look at our facilities.
2. How separate are the two campuses and four programs? What activities/events exists when all programs come together?
While we have two campuses with two programs on each campus, the College Leadership have responsibilities across both, and many of our meetings incorporate staff on both campuses.
The activities which involves students and staff across both campuses include, but not exclusive to the Year 7 Camp, House Sports, College Production, Rowville’s Got Talent and Instrumental Music Program.
Connection
COMPASS – PARENTS
Parent, Gary Gilbert, provides insight into how Compass operates from a parent perspective, specifically talking about the News Feed, Calendar, Attendance, Learning Tasks and how to best communicate with teachers.
COMPASS – STUDENTS
Student, Charlotte, provides insight into how Compass operates from a student perspective.
PARENT COMMITTEES
Our School Council President, Shane Kelly, provide insight into our parent committees at Rowville Secondary College including the School Council, Friends of RIA and Friends of Music.
Questions & Answers
1. How is the best way to contact one of my child’s teacher?
As our teachers spend most of their time in the classroom teaching our students, the preferred method of communication is email through Compass. If you have a general question please contact the Learning Mentor. Teachers will endeavour to respond in 48 hours but not in the school holidays or on weekends. If it’s an urgent matter please call our office 9755 4555.
2. How do I get on the School Council?
In Term 1, we will send out information and nomination forms for our School Council positions on Compass.
Transition
TRANSITION PROGRAM
Our Transition Coordinators, Ms. Claire Foley and Ms. Georgia Psevdos, discuss our Orientation program, first day of school and induction.
SCHOOL TOUR – EAST
Go on a school tour of our Eastern Campus with current Year 7 student, Lucas.
SCHOOL TOUR – WEST
Go on a school tour of our Western Campus with current Year 7 student, Harrison.
Questions & Answers
1. Are combination locks supplied for Year 7 lockers, or do we have to purchase them?
Yes, all Year 7 students receive a combination lock. For security, this combination must remain confidential to the student and Learning Mentor.
2. What are the class times?
Click here for our class times.
Ready to Learn
UNIFORM
Student, Bellami, takes you through our compulsory school uniform requirements.
TECHNOLOGY
Assistant Principal, Mr. Arturo Tallarida, discusses our school technology strategy and student support.
LESSONS
Student, Cuneyt, takes you through what a typical day looks like at Rowville Secondary College.
Questions & Answers
1. Do Year 7 students starting in 2021 require a laptop or iPad?
Beginning in 2021, all Year 7 students are required to have a laptop. So that teachers can plan effectively, and students have similar access and function, we ask that iPads are not used.
2. What do you recommend as the best way to label a new laptop with my child’s name?
The simple way is to use a Label Maker device. But of course that is very easily removed. Otherwise, names or markings made by engraving tools in the plastic bottom casing.
Putting a label on the inside of the bottom casing. ie: unscrew the bottom casing if possible might be more secure, (but could void the warranty).
You could also try a blacklight pen.
3. What is the School Policy for shoes?
School Policy states that leather, lace-up shoes are required. Students wearing sneakers are required to get a uniform pass from the House Leader. Students with medical reasons need to provide a medical certificate to wear sneakers.
Within particular electives students also won’t be able to wear shoes that do not meet safety standards.
The College uniform is under review and more information is expected to be released by the Uniform Committee. Visit our Uniform page for more details.
Support
HOUSE SYSTEM & LEARNING MENTOR
Four of our college students introduce our House System and Learner Mentor Structure with help from Learning Mentor, Ms. Sakuna McArthur and House Leader, Ms. Narelle Cameron.
WELLBEING
Ms. Jo Johnson and Mr. Andy Philips, talk about the services and care we offer our students with help from student, Sam.
ADVICE FROM YEAR 7’S
Current Year 7 students share their experience transitioning into secondary school and provide useful tips and advice.
Questions & Answers
1. How do I contact the Wellbeing Team?
Wellbeing Contacts & Ongoing Student Support
- Wellbeing Staff: Andy Phillips (West), and Joanne Johnson (East).
- Phone 9755 4555 (ask for Wellbeing East or Wellbeing West).
- Email: wellbeing@rowvillesc.vic.gov.au.
2. When does my child find out their Learning Mentor Group and House?
Learning Mentor Group and House are typically announced on Orientation Day.
Curriculum
GE
School Captain, Cooper, shares all the benefits and opportunities of being in General Excellence.
MSA
MSA student, Lachie, shares his real life experience from within the MSA program.
RIA
This video is an overview of our RIA program and five specialisms dance, drama, visual arts, music and media.
RSA
Find out what secondary school looks like for our student-athletes who attend our elite Rowville Sports Academy.
Questions & Answers
1. Have we been sent the information for the year 7 booklist?
Yes, this has been sent out. If you have not received this you can access the Year 7 Booklist here.
2. What percentage of students in the GE program at senior level undertaking VCAL as opposed to VCE?
This varies quite a bit from year to year. However, on average we would say approximately 20% of our Senior General Excellence cohort undertake a VCAL pathway.
Student Experience
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Head of RIA, Ms. Kacey Hocking, provides an overview of our co-curricular activities available to all of our students at the college.
College Production
Camps & Excursions
Inter-school Sport
Rowville’s Got Talent
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Instrumental Music Directors, Ms. Viv McPherson and Mr. Jake Johnson, provide insight into our Instrumental Music Program with a lot of help from our music students.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP & SRC
Member of our Student Representative Council, Cuneyt, talks about our SRC program and how you can get involved.
YEAR 7 CAMP & EXCURSIONS
Student, Max, talks about the Year 7 Camp and school excursions on offer to our cohort at Rowville Secondary College.
Questions & Answers
1. How can I be part of the SRC?
Early Term 1, we will share the process for electing our Year 7 SRC members. Here is the application form.
2. What is KIOSC?
KIOSC (Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre) is a joint initiative of the secondary schools in the City of Knox and Swinburne University of Technology. Click here to find out more.
