Issue 7 - Vermont Secondary College

Issue 7
21 March 2013 Principal’s Report
Principal: Tony Jacobs
Assistant Principals: Mike Stevens,
Harry Ruff, Joanna Alexander
School Captains:
Nathan Begley
Cassandra Ackroyd
Ackroyd
Phone: 9873 1077
Student Absence: 8872 6338
Postal Address: PO Box 138,
Vermont Vic 3133
Website: www.vermontsc.vic.edu.au
DIARY DATES
22/3 VSC House Athletics
25/3 Year 9 PEP Program
Year 12 Studio Arts Excursion -
Ian Potter NGV
Unit 3 Theatre Studies Excursion -
Becket Theatre 6pm
27/3 SSV State Swimming
Year 12 Pathways - Period 4
UMAT Information for Year 11 & 12 -
Lunchtime
Year 12 Further Maths SAC - P5&6
Year 7 for 2014 Information Evening -
6.30pm—7.00pm
28/3 Year 10 Leisure Education Excursion
- Surfing at Smiths Beach
Last Day of Term 1 -
2.30pm dismissal
29/3 GOOD FRIDAY
15/4 First Day of Term 2
Year 12 VCD Excursion -
Melbourne Museum
16/4 Year 10 Sand, Surf & Tourism
Excursion - Port Phillip Bay
17/4 Student Progress Conferences
18/4 Year 7 Project Rock IT Period 1-4
19/4 House Assemblies Period 4A & 4B
21/4 WORKING BEE 9am-1pm
23/4 Year 9 Global Leadership Program
College Council 7pm
24/4 School Assemblies 3A - Senior,
3B - Junior
25/4 ANZAC DAY
30/4 Year 10 Pathways in Houses
CRICOS Code 00861K
Vermont College News
Excellence Integrity Responsibility Respect Tolerance
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEX DO, SABRINA
COHAN & SHAUN WHIMPEY – CLASS OF 2012
On Thursday 14 March 2013, Professor Tam
Sridhar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Monash
University presented three Vermont Year 12
students from the class of 2012 with a scholarship to
study engineering. The scholarship recipients in the
Faculty of Engineering for 2013 included Alex Do,
Sabrina Cohan and Shaun Whimpey, all from
Vermont Secondary College.
Congratulations to Alex, Sabrina and Shaun on
receiving such a prestigious award and thanks to
Joanna Alexander, Assistant Principal, for attending
the presentation ceremony on behalf of Vermont
Secondary College. The College wishes Alex,
Sabrina and Shaun every success in the future!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEX MORGAN
Alex has now returned from a successful campaign
at the World Track Cycling Championships and
altitude training (altitude house) in Canberra with the
road team. While in Canberra Alex was officially
inducted into the 2013 Jayco-AIS World Tour
Academy. This sponsorship will provide much
needed financial support for Alex and his teammates
to further pursue their studies and cycling career.
Cycling Australia (CA), the Australian Institute of
Sport (AIS) and JAYCO heralded a new era for
Australian cycling in Canberra today at the official
launch of the 2013 Jayco-AIS World Tour Academy.
The new-look Academy will provide the pathway for
Australia’s most talented Under 23 riders into the
World Championship, Olympic Games and
professional ranks. CA’s Performance Director Kevin
Tabotta said that the Jayco-AIS World Tour
Academy team will be presented as the Australian
national team in all European races.
“The Academy will provide increased international
racing opportunities for our emerging talent and will
also provide room for Australian UCI continental and
NRS teams to have a greater involvement in the
development of these young athletes.”Additionally,
this structure will help ensure that athletes stay
motivated, professional and challenged throughout
the long season. There will be great upward
pressure, with riders on the fringes challenging for
spots," Mr Tabotta said.
Members of the men’s team have completed a
training camp at the AIS ahead of their final event in
Australia - the Oceania Road Championships in
Canberra, March 14-17, before the team’s first event
in the European road season at the Giro del
Belvedere in Italy on April 1.
For the full story go to http://www.vic.cycling.org.au
Continued PAGE 2 ►
2013 Jayco-AIS World Tour Academy riders: (L-R): Mitch Mulhern, Adam Phelan, Damian Howson, Cale Ewan, Campbell Flakemore, Brad
Linfield, Alex Edmondson, Alex Clements and Alex Morgan

◄ From PAGE 1
IMPORTANT DATES FOR TERM 1 & 2
VERMONT SECONDARY COLLEGE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL –
EAST BURWOOD ATHLETICS TRACK – FRIDAY 22 MARCH
The annual VSC Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 22 March at
the East Burwood Athletics Track. All students in Years 7 to 12 are
required to attend and support their respective house. It would also be
great to see all students compete in at least two events. All parents
and guardians are invited to attend on the day to support their children.
If you have any questions about the day or would like to help out then
please contact Cara Macfarlane, our Sport Co-ordinator or Carmela
Clarke, our Assistant Sports Co-ordinator.
Last Thursday all students in Years 7 – 12 received a flyer
outlining the day.
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION (6:30pm to 7:00pm)
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH
Unfortunately due to the ongoing industrial campaign between the
Australian Education Union and the Victorian Government over
teachers’ pay and conditions the VSC 2013 Open Evening will not be
proceeding.
However, we will still be running our parents/guardians Year 7
Information Session commencing at 6:30pm for prospective
students in 2014. Please arrive by 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start. Please
note that parking within the College grounds is extremely tight and
participants will need to park in surrounding streets.
A reminder also that College tours are booking up fast. If interested in
a College tour please contact the General Office on 9873 1077 and
talk with our College Registrar.
END OF TERM 1 THURSDAY 28 MARCH, 2013
Term 1 concludes on Thursday 28 March and students will be
dismissed at 2:30pm. Term 2 begins on Monday 15 April and
concludes on Friday 28 June.
VERMONT SECONDARY COLLEGE PARENT PORTAL
The Parent Portal allows you to access useful information about your
child, e.g. their timetable, teachers, attendance records and all reports
throughout their time at Vermont Secondary College.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR
LOG-IN AND PASSWORD
TO ACCESS THE PARENT PORTAL
ALL SCHOOL REPORTS AND BOOKINGS FOR STUDENT
PROGRESS CONFERENCES WILL BE ON-LINE ONLY.
To access the Parent Portal, go to the VSC website at
www.vermontsc.vic.edu.au and click on LINKS (found under the
Vermont Secondary College heading on the blue ribbon to the far
right) – then click on the Parent Portal link.
All families/parents have been assigned a user name and password
and as with all passwords, please keep this confidential. Letters with
the portal access were sent to all families (of students attending
VSC in 2012) during September last year, while Year 7 parents
and families new to the College received the letter earlier this
year.
Letters are being re-issued this week to all families. For families
with more than one child attending VSC, the user name and password
details remain the same. After logging in, click/select the appropriate
child’s photo.
Note: Your user name and password will remain the same and is
to be used to access information for all your children whilst
attending VSC.
.
STUDENT PROGRESS CONFERENCES
Vermont Secondary College will hold its first Student Progress
Conference for 2013 on Wednesday 17 April (first Wednesday of
Term 2). All students are expected to attend the Progress Conference
with their parents/guardians. Parents can access Interim Reports and
make bookings from 6:00pm on Friday 22 March 2013.
Times will be: Session One: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Session Two: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Session Three: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Should you experience difficulties logging in, or do not have access to
the internet at home, please call the College General Office for
assistance. Alternatively, your child can still see their teacher
personally to make a booking.
ADVANCE NOTICE COLLEGE WORKING BEE -
SUNDAY 21 APRIL
A reminder that the first Working Bee for 2013 is scheduled for
Sunday 21 April, 2013, Term 2 (end of first week back). Please set
this date aside as an opportunity to meet parents and staff from the
College and to contribute to the ongoing upgrade of the school
grounds. Any assistance on the day will be greatly appreciated.
If you have any queries contact Mike Stevens, Assistant Principal.
Further details are attached to the last page of this Newsletter. I look
forward to seeing you on the day.
Tony Jacobs, Principal
2013 SEMESTER 1
STUDENT PROGRESS CONFERENCES
A reminder that the 2013 Semester 1 Student Progress Conferences will be held on Wednesday 17 April and all scheduled classes have been
cancelled for the day so that students can attend the Conferences with their parents/guardians.
2
The day has been organised into three sessions:
12.00pm-1.30pm; 2.00pm-4.00pm and 5.00pm-7.00pm
Parents and students will be able to access the Interim Reports and make their Student Progress Conference bookings on Friday 22 March from
6pm using the password and ID that has been sent to your home address. (This password and ID should be kept confidential and will be the
same throughout your child’s enrolment at Vermont Secondary College).

SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWS
DUE DATES FOR PAYMENT AND RETURN OF FORMS FOR UPCOMING EXCURSIONS/CAMPS
DUE DATE EXCURSION/CAMP COST DATE OF EXCURSION
12 March - Overdue Year 9 PEP1 Program $38 20 & 25 March
12 March - Overdue Year 8 Activity Day & High Resolves Program $60 18 March, 19-21 June, 13, 16-17 September
28 March Year 12 VCD Excursion - Melbourne Museum $8 15 April
10 May Year 12 Theatre Studies - ‘The Club’ performance $30 ($8 if $22 already paid) 17 May
UNKNOWN PAYMENTS - ARE THEY YOURS
A payment was made by DD for $42 on 14 January with a reference number 0155094.
Another payment paid on 8 March for $660.00 with a reference ‘00861K’
If you have made any of these payments please ring Norma Cox on 8872 6336
Student Uniform –
the VSC Student Dress Code
Thank-you to the families who ensure that their child wears correct
uniform and presents appropriately for school each day. With the
onset of cooler weather, we have included a copy of the Student
Dress Code in this newsletter to remind the College community of our
expectations.
Key points to remember:
full uniform must be worn when travelling to and from school,
and for all activities including excursions, unless indicated
otherwise
approved uniform items are available from PSW in East
Ringwood and also from the VSCCA second-hand uniform
shop (check the College Newsletter or call the General Office
for opening times)
the only approved jacket is available from PSW
College rugby tops are for Physical Education classes and
Sport only
hoodies are not permitted
skivvies and t-shirts should be plain white and worn under the
approved tops. Long-sleeved undergarments should not be
worn under short-sleeved uniform items, unless the jumper or
jacket is kept on all day
leggings are not permitted, only black stockings or tights.
Students unable to meet these expectations will require a note from
parents/carers in order to obtain a daily pass from their Student
Manager.
Queries can be addressed to Harry Ruff at the College. See the
attached VSC Dress Code of page 6 & 7 of this Newsletter.
Joanna Alexander, Mike Stevens , Harry Ruff
Assistant Principals
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
MONDAY 25 MAR to FRIDAY 29 MAR
Jenny Hansen (A), Leah McDornan (A), Marg Buchanan
(A), Michelle MacDonald (R), Clare Kohlman (L)
Kim Scotti (A), Renate Hardman (A), Sugandika
Muthumuni (R), Kelly Manning (R), Sue Callanan (L),
Allessandra Vougiouclis (L)
Nicole Vernal (A), Michelle Logan (R), Mandy Cooke (R),
Sandra Sievwright (L), Deepthi Muthumuni (L), Helen
Traiforos (L)
Robyn Nash (A), Sandra Lee (A), Helen Turley (R), Helen
Smith (L), Ali Carr (L)
GOOD FRIDAY
IF YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR YOUR DUTY PLEASE
CONTACT SALLY IN THE CANTEEN ON 8872 6330
(A) All Day (R) Recess Only (L) Lunch Only
10.15am-10.45am & 10.15am-10.45am 12.15pm-1.30pm
12.15pm-1.30pm
This Newsletter is available on the
Vermont Secondary College Website at www.vermontsc.vic.edu.au
SCHOOL TERM DATES 2013
Term 1: 31 January to 28 March
Term 2: 15 April to 28 June
Term 3: 15 July to 20 September
Term 4: 7 October to 20 December
VSC Ritchies IGA Community Benefit Card Program
Please do not forget to use your Ritchie’s Card.
Cards can be obtained from the General Office.
VSC Bakers Delight – ‘Dough Raiser’
Present your card at Bakers Delight in Brentford
Square each time you make a purchase.
3

YEAR 7 NEWS
Feel free to contact us on our direct number 8872 6358 with any queries
Bill Duiveman -
Stirling
With only 2 weeks until the end of term, students have been very busy
completing a range of assessment tasks across all subjects. On Friday 22
March all students are encouraged to dress according to their House colours for
the VSC House Athletic Carnival.
Ines Lehmann -
Macedon
Ashley Dunlop -
Hotham
This week’s Newsletter is a report from a student who participated in the all-day Student Leadership Forum.
“ Hi my name is Caitrin MacDowall from 7.3 and I am the Year 7 Hotham Student Leader. On Wednesday 13 March I participated in the VSC
Student Leadership Forum. We were given the opportunity to get to know our fellow leaders of VSC. We were asked to work in groups, doing
activities that would help us improve our leadership, representative and teamwork skills. One of the activities was to brainstorm what qualities a
good leader needs to have. This allowed me to see the qualities that I possess and the areas that I can improve on.
For me leadership is about being persuasive and confident. A leader needs to be lots of things: caring, understanding, responsible, helpful, and
should always lead by example.
Finally, what to do if you have lost something at school If you are looking for any lost property items, first, check at the General Office. Secondly,
ask Mrs Clements and thirdly, inquire at the Year 7 Student Managers Office. At the moment in our office we have three umbrellas, two VSC sport
caps, locker keys, iPhone ear phones, iPad case, playing cards and colored pencils.
VSC SPORTS REPORT
EASTERN REGION SWIMMING
The Region Swimming was held at Booroondara pool last Tuesday. The
VSC team was made up of 26 talented swimmers competing in a range of
events across the program. It was great to see participants from all year
levels competing at such a high level representing the school. There were
3 individuals who won their events, Eliza Ham, Zoe Robertson (both
Year 11) and Nick De Voil (Year 8) and the 17 year old girls relay team
comprising Eliza Ham, Zoe Robertson, Tess Reed and Bridget Shanks
who will be competing at the State Swimming next Wednesday 27 March
at MSAC. A fantastic effort and we wish them the best of luck!
The VSC Region Swimming team was made up of: Eliza Ham, Jessica
Tran, Nick De Voil, Louisa Xie, Jemma Balocca, Brock Caddaye, Zoe
Robertson, Courtney Gillespie, Mary Chan, Emily Harvey, Ash Finlayson,
Monique Cromb, Michaela Facun, Sophie Shaw, Tarsha Kennedy, Tess
Reed and Bridget Shanks.
Cara Macfarlane
Sports Co-ordinator
VSC LIBRARY NEWS
Become a Bully Stopper
On 15 March 2013, the National Day of ‘Action Against Bullying and
Violence’, a major bullying prevention campaign was launched: Bully
Stoppers: Make a Stand, Lend a Hand.
The campaign is based on a series of resources available online that
empower students, parents, teachers and principals to ‘make a stand,
lend a hand’ and stop bullying.
Bully Stoppers supports parents, teachers and principals in working
together to make sure schools are safe and supportive places, where
bullying is taken seriously and not ignored.
Psychologist Andrew Fuller and cyber safety expert Susan McLean
have provided tips and advice to help you support your child if they
have been affected by bullying and how to ensure they stay safe
online.
Learn more by visiting www.education.vic.gov.au/bullystoppers
Kerri Simpson
Director of Information Resources
4
Friday 22 March
Wednesday 27 March
VSC UPCOMING
SPORTS EVENTS
VSC Athletics Carnival
State Swimming & Diving
Archie Fusillo
Competition
This term we were lucky to
have the author Archie Fusillo
come and speak to our Year 7
students.
The Library ran a competition
where students had to answer
20 questions about Archie’s
life and books. Christopher Yin
of 7.9 was the winner.
Congratulations to Christopher
and all the other students who
participated.
Ms Dunkley

MATHEMATICS IN ACTION
Mrs Zervos’ Year 7 students
constructing cartoon
characters using Cartesian
coordinates
5

Vermont Secondary College
‘Lift up thine eyes’
VSC Student Dress Code
@ 26 November 2012
The VSC student uniform creates a sense of individual and collective pride; it is a condition of enrolment that all students wear full
College uniform, including when travelling to and from the College. We expect our parent community to support their children and the
College by ensuring students present in full College uniform every day, including on the journey to and from school.
VSC has no designated summer or winter uniform. Thus, students have a broad range of options but are expected to manage the
choices offered in a responsible manner within the guidelines below, and befitting the College and its reputation. The College uniform
must be worn on all excursions except where permission to the contrary has been given, for example where the nature of the
excursion justifies free dress. If, for any reason, a student is unable to be in complete school uniform, he/she must bring a note from
a parent explaining the reason. This must be brought before school to the relevant House staff office, where the appropriate pass will
be issued. Students requiring to be out of uniform for medical reasons for a protracted time (greater than one week) will require a
medical certificate.
Personal Presentation:
Students are required to present neatly and appropriately for school each day. For students with pierced ears, plain gold or silver
sleepers or studs only will be accepted. Excessive, blatantly obvious or perceived dangerous jewellery is not permitted, particularly:
excessive bangles, large bracelets, long or large earrings, large necklaces or similar; rings/studs on the face (nose, lip, eyebrow etc.).
These present a considerable Occupational Health & Safety risk. No responsibility is taken for any loss of jewellery worn to school.
Obvious and excessive make-up and coloured nail polish must not be worn to school. Hair should be kept tidy and away from the
face and should not be extreme in style or colour. Long hair should be tied back where appropriate for safety reasons, especially in
Science and Technology classes.
Badges related to College activities are allowed, for example student leaders, book club, music, production and/or for College
sanctioned fund-raising initiatives like SIDS, Legacy, ANZAC Day etc.
Should parents have any questions, we request that the College be contacted to clarify expectations.
Out-of-uniform Days:
The College runs a number of ‘out-of-uniform’ days over the school year as part of our community service program, for example to
raise funds for College resources, or local, national and international programs and charities. Dress on these days should be smart
casual, appropriate to the College context. As they present a real Occupational Health and Safety risk, particularly in Science and
Technology classes, thongs (or other open / ill-fitting footwear) are never to be worn.
N.B. Students are still required to bring appropriate clothing for Phys. Ed. Classes etc. on these days.
Sports carnivals:
As our Sports Carnivals are House competitions, students are encouraged to dress in their House colours: blue for Hotham, green for
Macedon, red for Stirling. ‘Sunsmart’ guidelines still apply on these days.
Special uniform items:
Some senior subjects or student groups in the College purchase special uniform items, for example the Production t-shirt and Duke of
Edinburgh hooded-windcheater. These items are only to be worn with express permission of the College.
Supply of uniform items:
The College’s approved uniform supplier for 2013 is PSW (Ringwood East). The College community will be kept informed via the
College newsletter and website of any changes. Should parents have any questions, we request that the College be contacted
to clarify expectations.
Families experiencing difficulty purchasing the correct uniform items should contact the College and/or Student Wellbeing
Coordinators. The VSC Community Association operates the College’s Second-hand Uniform Shop – details are published in the
newsletter.
6
Continued PAGE 7 ►

◄ From PAGE 6
VSC STUDENT UNIFORM
GENERIC
All items should be clearly marked with the student’s name – they can then be returned if found. The uniform is as
follows:
VSC navy jumper with College emblem, or for Year 12 students, the Year 12 jacket (available from the College)
VSC jacket – no other jackets are allowed. N.B. Notes will not be accepted for replacement jackets, jumpers or
windcheaters. Where possible, students will be provided with a clean VSC jumper that can be worn throughout
the day and then returned. ‘Hoodies’ are not to be worn under jumpers
College black leather, lace-up, low-heeled shoes which must take polish. Boots, sneakers and black runners are
not acceptable. T-bar shoes are the only other authorised shoe for girls – these must be worn done-up correctly
VSC approved hat or cap, not to be worn in class/indoors
optional VSC tie (available on order from PSW) to be worn with the long-sleeve white business shirt or girls’
blouse only
optional VSC blazer (available on order from PSW – allow enough time for fitting) to be worn with the long-sleeve
white business shirt or girls’ blouse only
use of the plain blue school bag available through PSW is strongly recommended
all headbands, scarves, hair-ties etc. should be in plain navy, black or white only.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/SPORT
VSC sport polo shirt and VSC navy sport shorts - compulsory for Year 7, 8 and 9 and recommended for all other
year levels.
the VSC cap is a compulsory item of the Physical Education uniform for all students in Years 7, 8 & 9
from 2012 onwards. All other students are encouraged to wear a hat. Optional VSC rugby top and tracksuit
pants are also available through PSW. The rugby top is to be worn as part of the PE/Sports uniform only.
N.B. If Physical Education is the first lesson of the day, students must still arrive in correct College uniform. However,
if Physical Education is the last lesson of the day, students may wear the PE uniform home, but only if complete.
Girls
Boys
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
VSC polo shirt. A plain white short-sleeve T-shirt may be
worn underneath the polo shirt. The VSC polo shirt must not
be worn with a skivvy, long-sleeve t-shirt or summer dress
long-sleeve white business shirt (with collar and fully button
through), to be worn tucked in. A plain white T-shirt (long or
short sleeve) may be worn underneath the white shirt
plain white blouse
VSC tartan skirt (with black tights or black socks or white
socks only).
Tailored, navy blue straight-legged pants through PSW
VSC summer dress (with plain white socks only)
Tailored, navy blue shorts through PSW (with plain white
socks only)
T-bar shoes are the only other authorised shoe for girls –
these must be worn done-up correctly.
OR
OR
VSC polo shirt. A plain white short-sleeve T-shirt may be
worn underneath the polo shirt. The VSC polo shirt must not
be worn with a skivvy or long-sleeve T-shirt.
long-sleeve white business shirt (with collar and fully button
through), to be worn tucked in. A plain white T-shirt (long or
short sleeve) may be worn underneath the white shirt
clerical grey trousers (not light grey denims or cords) with
black or grey socks
tailored, navy blue shorts through PSW (with plain white
socks only). Cargo styles are not acceptable.
7

2013 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools –
Computer Skills
Welcome to the 2013 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). For over 30 years ICAS has taken
place annually in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Pacific region and
South Africa. Your child is invited to participate in ICAS in 2013.
ICAS provides an opportunity for all students in Years 3-12 to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing
situation. It provides teachers, parents and students with comprehensive reporting of results in the areas of Computer Skills,
English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing. The tests are an excellent preparation for national tests and the student
report is useful for highlighting your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
All students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly and
their score compared with the rest of the students tested. The certificate and individual student report are also suitable for your
child to include in a portfolio.
Certificates are awarded for each year level as follows:
High Distinction to the top 1% of entrants
Distinction to the next 10% of entrants
Credit to the next 25% of entrants
Participation to all other participating students.
A UNSW medal is awarded when the highest score in each year level in each State in each subject is judged to be sufficiently
meritorious. Students must sit on the official sitting dates to be eligible for a UNSW medal.
ICAS – Computer Skills is an initiative of EAA and will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2013 (Term 2 Week 6) in the Library L1
during period 5. The ICAS Computer Skills assesses skills using familiar contexts, including common operating systems and
hardware, word processing, graphics and multimedia, spreadsheets and databases, internet and email, programming and
scripting.
The entry fee is AU$8.80 (incl. GST) per student. Please return the tear-off permission slip and entry fee by Friday 19 April
2013 (Term 2 Week 1). Past papers are available from Mr Hew in Room C22. Further information on the Australasian Schools
Computer Skills Competition can be found on the EAA website: http://www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/icas/subjects/computer-skills
Mr Donald Hew
Information Technology Leader
ICAS Computer Skills Competition
Please return this section to the General Office by Friday 19 April 2013.
I would like my child to participate in the ICAS Computer Skills Competition.
Please find enclosed AU$8.80 (incl. GST) entry fee.
Student’s name: ………………………………………….. ID: …………………. Form: …….…...
(7-10 only)
Parent/Guardian’s signature ………………………………
Date: …../…../…..
8

Why work in the HCS industry
FOCUS ON CAREERS IN
HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (HCS)
Careers:
One of the most diverse industry groups in the
Australian workforce- there are over 500 different
occupations (not just doctors, nurses and
paramedics!)
tipped to be the fastest growing industry in
Australia in the next 5 years due to our ageing
population, demand for children’s services, high
consumer demand and skill shortages
highest number of national and regional skill
shortage occupations out of all industries in
Australia
as technology develops, so do the jobs (i.e.,
medical engineering, nuclear therapies, dental
prosthetics)
lots of new jobs are yet to be invented over the
next 10 years (i.e., work and research with stem
cells)
you can work here or overseas and in many
occupations you can work flexible hours and travel
and also open your own business (i.e., Massage)
if you don’t want to work directly with people, there
are many occupations where you can work ‘behind
the scenes” in research, policy development,
health information management and information
technologies.
There are over 500 occupations in the HCS sector.
Community services include occupations such as Youth
Work, Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Alcohol and Other
Drugs Work, Child Protection, Disability Work, Child
Care and Aged Care.
FOCUS ON CAREERS IN
HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (HCS)
Education: Choosing the right subjects at school that
will support further education and training pathways will
depend on what HCS occupation you would like to
pursue. See your career adviser for up to date advice
Employment Prospects: Currently there is a shortage
of skilled workers in many HCS occupations, such as
nursing, child care, medical specialists, and health
technicians. There is also an ageing workforce, which will
create many jobs for young people over the next 5 – 10
years when many skilled workers will retire.
“Expansion is anticipated in diagnostic services, allied
health, complementary and alternative health services,
childcare, aged and community support services”. Taken
from http://hcscareers.vic.edu.au
Pathways into HCS careers: Depending on what
occupation you would like to pursue, you can undertake
study through vocational education, university study or
through a traineeship.
You can study HCS courses at the majority of TAFE and
university institutes and also private colleges like the
Southern School of Natural Therapies and Endeavour
College of Natural Health. Go to
www.careersthatmatter.com.au/ to find out more.
What next
Fill out the online Career Map quiz at
www.careergov.com.au/careermapcsh to work out
which HCS jobs you would be suited to.
Check out health occupation videos on Youtube at
www.youtube.com/workthatmatters
Go to www.endeavour.edu.au/career-paths/ to learn
about careers in natural therapies
Health occupations include Nursing, Speech Pathology,
Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Medicine,
Dietetics, Podiatry, Prosthetics, Medical Imaging and
Radiology etc.
9

IT scholarships for international students: Monash
University Faculty of Information Technology offers the
International Merit Scholarship and the Faculty of IT
Course Fee Allowance. To find out about eligibility
criteria and the application process, go to
www.it.monash.edu/scholarships
UPCOMING EVENTS
RMIT Experience Days- Register now!
VOCATIONAL AND
HIGHER EDUCATION NEWS
Accounting and Finance, Monday 1 July
Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations,
Thursday 4 July
Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Mechanical
Engineering, Wednesday 3 July
Art and Design Day, Friday 5 July
Community Justice Day, Tuesday 2 July
Computing and IT Day, Friday 5 July
Fashion and Textiles Day, Monday 1 July
Electrical and Computer Engineering Day,
Tuesday 2 July
Environment Day, Thursday 4 July
Health and Medical Sciences, Thursday 4 July
Media Day, Tuesday 2 July
For more information and to register for one or more of
these free days in Melbourne, go to
www.rmit.edu.au/experiencedays
agideas 2013 Futures: This event will be run
Wednesday 1 May between 4.00pm – 8.00pm and is a
must for any student considering a career in design. You
will be able to:
attend a course expo and speak to representatives
from industry and vocational and higher education
institutions
learn about the pathways from school into design
courses and discover new career pathways
attend a presentation and hear from nine top
designers from Australia and overseas, who will
share the secret’s of their highly successful
careers.
Tickets are available to buy now. For more information,
go to http://www.agideas.net/uploads/
DEFO041_Futures_Digital_Flyer_LR.pdf
Girls in IT Day: Swinburne University is again hosting
their Girls in IT Day on Tuesday 28 May for girls in Years
7 – 10. You will be able to:
UPCOMING EVENTS
participate in hands on interactive programming
and design workshops, exploring the latest in IT
listen to inspirational female industry speakers
talking about their dream IT jobs
hear from current IT students, talking about why
they love studying information technology.
For more information, speak to your Careers Adviser, or
go to http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ict/schools/visit-us/
girls-in-it-day/
AT VERMONT SECONDARY COLLEGE
Year 12 & Beyond, for all VSC Year 12 students
Wednesday 27 March
11.40-1.00pm in the AUDITORIUM
UMAT Medical & Health Entry Exam
Information & Prac Exams
Wednesday 27 March
12.30-1.30pm in the AUDITORIUM
10

UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Free Chemistry & Biology VCE Lectures at Monash
University: The Faculty of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash is offering free
lectures to students studying VCE Units 3 – 4 in
Chemistry and/or Biology. Lectures will be delivered by
expert VCE teachers. The next lectures will run on the
following dates: Biology - 5 June and Chemistry - 12
June. To register, go to www.monash.edu.au/pharm/
about/events
Indigenous Student Experience Monash Day:
Indigenous Australian students in Years 9 to 12 are
invited to attend and gain hands-on experience through a
large range of interactive activities at Monash. The event
will be held Wednesday 5 June. For further information
or to RSVP, please contact Kristel Keleher at
kristel.keleher@monash.edu or (03) 9905 8699
MARCH EVENTS
Meet Melbourne University, for the closet event, http://
futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/
victoria_and_interstate/victoria/
MyDay Charles Sturt University Events, for a list of
course areas covered and dates, http://www.csu.edu.au/
go/myday
At Monash Seminar Series, for a list of events,
www.monash.edu.au/study/life/student/seminars/
21 March: Whitehouse Institute of Design
Information Session, Melbourne, www.whitehousedesign.edu.au
21 March: Engineers Australia Careers Expo, Etihad
Stadium Melbourne, www.engineeringexpo.org.au
23 March: Design Bytes, RMIT, City Campus,
http://www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au/
Monash Computer Games Boot Camp: This is a week
long event run by the Faculty of Information Technology
at Monash University for Years 9 to Year 12 students. If
you are interested in becoming a professional gamer,
building and designing games or simply playing games
this event is for you!
The program runs between Saturday 6 July – Friday 12
July at the Clayton Campus. For more information and to
register, go to https://cgbc.infotech.monash.edu/
Monash University IT Challenge 2011: You have the
opportunity to enter the IT Challenge competition. The
categories are:
Programming
Applications
Database
Game Development
Web Design
Flash Animation
Digital Imaging
Machinima
Open IT Category
3D Maya/Max
Film
Entries can be team based or individual and your final
entries must be in by 17 June.
If you are going to enter, please email Andrew Owen at
Monash to let him know as soon as possible at
Andrew.Owen@monash.edu.au. For information about
the categories and entry requirements, go to http://
infotech.monash.edu/promotion/competitions
APRIL EVENTS
3 – 12 April: Zoo Keeper and Vet for a Day, Healesville
Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo,
www.zoo.org.au
5 April: Forensic Science Careers Information Day,
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine,
http://www.vifm.org/about-us/careers-at-vifm/
5 April: Experience La Trobe University, Bundoora,
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/experience
5 April: Access All Areas, University of Melbourne,
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/accessallareas
11 April: Science in the City, RMIT,
www.rmit.edu.au/appliedsciences/discover
17, 18 April: Monash Seminar Series, Design and Fine
Art (17) and Psychology (18),
www.monash.edu.au/study/life/student/seminars/
Meet Melbourne University, Geelong (23), Ballarat (23)
and Mildura (30),
http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/victo
ria_and_interstate/victoria/
11

12
National Senior Top 10
Ranking Tournament
22 - 23 March, 2013
Kilsyth International Table Tennis Stadium
Friday 7.30pm - 10.00pm
Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm

IT IS COMING TO YOU
The Complete Digital SLR Camera Course &
Photoshop for Photographers
Moses Tan – a former Maths & Science teacher here at Vermont SC,
has for over two decades, initiated and taught short courses at Box Hill
TAFE. We are excited that he has agreed to provide the same training
here at Vermont Secondary College. Targeted at both amateurs and the
advanced camera users, these courses not only cost less, but will be
delivered with the same expertise, humour and aplomb that are the
hallmarks of this training.
DATES
There will be two Digital SLR Camera classes and one on Photoshop in
Term 2:
Complete Digital SLR Camera Course (course code: CDSLRCC#1)
4 weeks of 2 ½ hour sessions (total 10 hours)
Commencing: Wednesday 1 May between 7.00pm – 9.30 pm
Complete Digital SLR Camera Course (course code: CDSLRCC#2)
4 weeks of 2 ½ hour sessions (total 10 hours)
Commencing: Thursday 2 May between 7.00pm – 9.30 pm
WEP Student Exchange Scholarships -
Argentina & China
This year WEP is awarding 22 scholarships ($500, $750 and $3000)
to motivated students, wishing to live and study in Argentina or China
in 2014. Successful applicants can choose to apply the award towards
a semester or year-long program starting in 2014 (Feb/Mar or
Aug). Students currently in year 9 can benefit from this opportunity to
spend a semester or year overseas during
year 10 and return with improved language
skills and enhanced maturity and independence
to complete their final two years of
high school. For more information, please
visit: http://wep.org.au/info/scholarships
Participants needed:
FREE study for overweight young people
looking for help
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute at The Royal Children’s
Hospital is running a randomised clinical trial of an online weight
management program for overweight adolescents. Participation involves
completing height, weight, blood pressure and waist circumference
measurements and an online questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6 and 12
months. Parents are also invited to participate. Every 3 months there will
be a draw for a $100 gift voucher for those participants who have kept
their appointments. The results will demonstrate the feasibility and
effectiveness of using the personalised, targeted Staying Fit program for
addressing weight-related behaviours during adolescence. Recruitment
has commenced and we are looking for 550 overweight young people
aged 12- 17 living in metropolitan Melbourne.
Enquiries to Karly Cini on 9345 6954 or email stayingfit@mcri.edu.au
For more information go to: www.rch.org.au/cah/stayingfit
Vermont Secondary College does not endorse
the product or services of any advertisements,
paid or unpaid, printed in this newsletter
Photoshop For Photographers (course code: PFP#1)
2 Saturdays of approximately 6 hour duration each (total 12 hours)
Dates are: 18 & 25 May
COST: $275 for each of the courses
ENROLMENT, PAYMENT &
ENQUIRIES
For more information about the
courses, their contents, the
suitability of your cameras and the
version of the software that you will
need for the Photoshop course,
please contact Moses Tan on
97291120 or 0423761011.
BOOKS, BOOKS & MORE
BOOKS WANTED!
If you have any pre-loved books, DVD’s or games you
no longer need, please donate them to the school. All
donations can be left at the General Office. We will be
selling these items at the next Student Progress
Conferences.
MELBOURNE WATER STORAGE
as of 20 March 2013
Thomson Dam (by far our biggest water storage) 74.4%
Total of all Dams in Melbourne 74.3%
Eildon Dam is 75% full (94% same time last year)
This Newsletter is available on the
Vermont Secondary College Website
at
www.vermontsc.vic.edu.au
13

WORKING BEE
SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2013
Come and join us in a day of social interaction and enjoy a delicious brunch. Working Bees save the College thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.
The major aims of this Working Bee will be to refurbish the garden areas, construct some box seating and painting.
PROGRAM FOR THE DAY
9am
9am - 11am
11am - 11.30am
11.30am - 1pm
Sign in at the General Office
Work! Work! Work! Work!
BRUNCH
Work! Work! Work! Work!
PLEASE NOTE: Wear appropriate protective clothing and if possible, please bring equipment to assist in your choice of jobs.
VSC WORKING BEE - SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2013
JOBS PREFERRED:
Gardening - please bring secateurs, spade, rake ( ) Place tick in preference
Cleaning Stormwater drains and/or guttering * ( )
Minor carpentry/repairs - Construction of Outdoor Settings ( )
Tree Lopping ** ( )
Brunch Preparation ( )
Painting ( )
Prepared to do any jobs ( )
* Low Level guttering only
** Significant prior experience is required if using chainsaw
Number of persons attending ....................
Number requiring Brunch ....................
Names of people attending .........................................................................
.........................................................................
Your youngest child’s name ......................................................................... Form ......................
If you are unable to attend you may wish to make a donation to help defray expenses.
Please circle the amount you wish to donate and return it with this form. Donations would be greatly appreciated.
$10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40 $45 $50
Please return this form to the General Office as soon as possible, preferably by
Wednesday 17 April 2013
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Mike Stevens - Assistant Principal Overseeing Facilities