PENRHOS COLLEGE
SECONDARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2025
Welcome
We are delighted to welcome you to Penrhos College. You are entering into an environment that is rich in learning opportunities – where you can explore new and exciting activities, and where there is every chance you will discover talents you didn’t even know you had!
Starting a new school can be both exciting and daunting. There is no set amount of time that it takes to settle in, as it really depends on the individual. The most important thing to remember is that everyone here understands the challenge of transitioning into Secondary School; we are all keen to offer our support and only too willing to answer your questions – you just need ask.
As you read your Secondary School Handbook, you will appreciate there is a lot of information for you to absorb. It is worth taking the time to familiarise yourself with the different sections we have outlined for you – we want you to feel confident and well-informed so you are best equipped to begin the new school year.
The Penrhos learning experience is designed to nurture everyone – to help you to identify your personal strengths and to stretch beyond your usual comfort zone to achieve your personal best in every way.
Your extraordinary learning journey in Secondary School starts here. Be sure to make the most of it – enjoy our beautiful campus, explore our state-ofthe-art facilities and discover extensive co-curricular programs; forge friendships that will last a lifetime; embrace your curiosity and develop your interests; strive for the highest and pursue your dreams.
Welcome to the Penrhos family.
COURAGE STARTS HERE.
Kalea Haran Principal
TRANSITION
Commencing Secondary School is an exciting new adventure for our students. It is a period of great change and adjustment for both our students and their families, marking the transformation from childhood to adolescence and presenting new experiences in a different environment.
Some aspects of this new environment for our students include:
• The physical layout and environment of the College
• Schoolwork and homework
• Organisation, time management and planning
• Social interaction and changing friendships
The Orientation Day and Transition Program aims to help incoming students establish a positive connection with the College and develop a strong sense of belonging from the beginning of their Secondary School journey at Penrhos.
The year ahead will be filled with anticipation and excitement. Our goal is to guide your daughter through the transition years, in partnership with you, to develop her confidence and resilience and to support her to discover and grow her passions through the many opportunities and experiences provided.
Suggested reading for parents
Much has been written to advise and support parents as they journey with their children through adolescence. You may find one of the following a useful resource:
Madonna King www.madonnaking.com.au
Award-winning journalist, author and commentator Being 14
Michael Carr-Gregg and Sharon Witt
Starting Secondary School: The Essential Handbook for Every Australian Family
Dr Justin Coulson
Miss-Connection: Why Your Teenage Daughter ‘Hates’ You, Expects the World and Needs to Talk
Collett Smart
They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times
Meredith and Sofie Jacobs
Just Between Us, Mother & Daughter: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal
SchoolTV
SchoolTV is part of our Full Circle suite of resources for parents that can be accessed via the Favourites tab in Compass. SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource implemented at Penrhos to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. SchoolTV supports families by providing evidence-based information from trusted sources and leading experts with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.
Suggested reading for students
The following books are a useful resource for your daughters as they navigate Secondary School:
Claire Eaton:
• Hello High School
• Hello High School Yearly Planner
• ROC & RISE
• YOU are awesome
• The Organised Teenager
TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Transitioning from a primary to a secondary school environment creates new opportunities for our students to be challenged and grow in our supportive College environment. Over time and with our support, students will become more confident with:
• A larger student population
• Larger school grounds
• New subjects and specialist Departments
• Movement between classrooms
• Locating staff and specific staff offices
• Exposure to a larger number of teachers
• Negotiating lockers and being responsible with their belongings
• Carrying a school bag, a sports bag, and a notebook
• Varying differences in age and maturity among students
Academically, students will learn to adjust to:
• Changes in curriculum and the addition of ‘new’ subjects
• Increased workload and homework
• More complex terminology and concepts
• Formal and regular assessment of differing styles and methods
• Different teaching approaches and methods
• Taking responsibility for their learning, time management and organisation.
Personal organisation skills will be developed in Year 7 and Year 8 through the Penrhos Learner Program, which has been developed to provide students with study tips and strategies, teaching them valuable skills to manage their own study, and foster independence in managing their workload.
The College’s Teaching and Learning Program aims to inspire girls to achieve their academic potential through varied learning experiences that engage, excite and challenge. Our goal is to provide a high level of academic care to our students, combined with a broad, balanced, vibrant, and seamless curriculum that meets the needs of individuals and creates pathways for the future.
Through the vast curriculum offerings at the College, we provide our students the opportunity to understand themselves and their place in the world, rise to challenges and become independent learners who are future focused. The Teaching and Learning Program aims to provide opportunities for our Penrhos girls to find their passions and achieve their goals.
It’s our aim for each girl to achieve her personal best. This takes the combined effort of all stakeholders. We encourage parents to monitor their daughter’s learning, check homework diaries, and email teachers with any concerns. If parents notice their daughter struggling with a particular class or concept she is studying, please encourage her to seek help from her teacher.
Our teaching staff are incredibly supportive and willing to provide additional assistance as required. If concerns arise, parents are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher directly; staff welcome proactive and timely parental contact.
CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
YEAR 7 – FIND YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Year 7 is designed to be a transition from Primary School to a Secondary School. As such, a deliberate attempt is made to create a caring, safe and positive environment. All Year 7 students study the same subjects to provide exposure to a breadth of courses in each learning area, including the opportunity to learn a language.
The Year 7 individual project – Spark – focuses on character education and learning about brave behaviours. Students explore the Penrhos Learner Characteristics and embark on a personal inquiry into an individual and an event where courage has been demonstrated.
Content: Year 7 subjects cover content aligned to the Western Australian Curriculum. Specific information about individual Year 7 courses can be found on the Compulsory and Elective pages on Compass.
Assessments: The assessment types used in Year 7 are designed to model the assessment types experienced by students in Years 8 to 12 but are scaffolded for the academic development of this year group. Students will find a balance between an increase in in-class style assessments and other alternative take-home style assessments. This balance allows students to develop specific assessment skills and strategies for the later years of their education at Penrhos.
YEAR 8 – CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Year 8 is designed to further consolidate the skills, knowledge and understandings developed in Year 7. All students continue to study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as their chosen language, but will choose their own electives – backed by their experiences in Year 7. As part of this, Year 8 students can also choose to study an elective for one semester or the full year.
The Year 8 group project – Ignite – provides students agency in their learning and allows them to use inquiry to explore the world around them. As a cohort, they look at the important themes of culture and connection to place, and how we can improve our appreciation and use of our space.
Content: Year 8 subjects cover content aligned to the Western Australian Curriculum. Specific information about individual Year 8 courses can be found on the Compulsory and Elective pages on Compass.
Assessments: The assessment types used in Year 8 are influenced by what was learnt in Year 7 and are modelled on the assessment types used in Years 9 to 12 in each subject area. Students experience a balance between in-class style assessments and other alternative take-home style assessments. This allows students to further develop specific assessment skills and strategies for the later years of their education at Penrhos.
PENRHOS LEARNER
The Penrhos Learner Program supports students in Year 7 and Year 8 as they transition into Secondary School. The program provides a range of practical skills to improve digital literacy, time management, organisation and study skills.
The program also aims to develop soft skills such as collaboration, self-regulation and the ability to receive and act on feedback. Students also explore the concept of a Growth Mindset – the knowledge that an individual’s abilities and potential can change and that mistakes provide an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
HOMEWORK SUPPORT
The Library is an environment where students can study free from distractions. Staff are on hand to offer support to students to complete their homework. Appointments can be made with the Learning Enhancement teachers by individual students who require targeted support to complete tasks and assignments.
WELLBEING
We believe that the foundation for wellbeing lies in relationships and connection; to our self and each other; to our College and the wider community, and to our world. On our common journey, we develop strengths to find engagement and meaning, to enjoy and manage our emotions, and to maintain helpful coping skills to enhance our mental and physical health. We look beyond ourselves to make meaningful contributions to our community and the world.
Relationships are at the heart of our Wellbeing Framework, CONNECT. The foundations of CONNECT lie in positive and social psychology and our pastoral curriculum is designed around our CONNECT themes (relationships, emotions, health, engagement, meaning, accomplishments). Our curriculum provides experiences and opportunities and teaches explicit skills and strategies to support each student’s wellbeing.
The Full Circle program is dedicated to empowering the adults in our students’ lives with the tools they need to support them throughout their school journey. With dynamic guest speakers, engaging parent workshops, informative sessions and a wealth of resources, Full Circle prepares parents and caregivers to navigate the unique challenges of the teen years. This comprehensive program fosters understanding and empathy, and provides knowledge, information and practical strategies to help parents to help their daughters to thrive.
LEARNING ENHANCEMENT
Students in Year 7 and Year 8 may be invited to join an English and/or Mathematics Enrichment class. These classes provide extra teacher support in a smaller class setting for students who are experiencing learning difficulties or who need more time to grasp content or concepts covered. Students who participate in English or Mathematics Enrichment do so in lieu of an elective subject. The Dean of Studies will contact parents of students who are assessed as requiring this support.
Learning Enhancement Teams meet regularly to monitor the pastoral and academic progress of students in Years 7 to 12. The teams consist of the Dean of Studies, the Dean of Students, the Head of Secondary School, the College Psychologists, the Head of Learning Enhancement, Learning Support Teachers, the Cultural Program Coordinator and the Future Pathways Coordinator
GIFTED EDUCATION
As for all students, our vision for students identified as gifted is that they feel valued in a learning environment that both challenges and supports them to pursue excellence, develop a passion for lifelong learning and live a future without boundaries.
Penrhos encourages gifted students to challenge themselves through co-curricular activities and recommends participation in the myriad of enrichment opportunities offered: music ensembles, drama performance opportunities, a wide range of sporting activities and academic co-curricular programs such as Future Problem Solving, Philosophy Club, Chess, Debating, Mathematics Mentor and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Throughout the year, special events, programs and competitions may be offered to selected students.
As part of the Penrhos Learning Adventure, identified students will have the opportunity to work with our Gifted Education Specialist in relevant subject areas providing them with the opportunity for extension and additional challenge.
All gifted students will meet with our Gifted Education Specialist who will oversee their progress in the Secondary School. The Gifted Education Specialist assists with the interpretation of data, identification of gifted students and advises teachers in their planning of differentiated programs. If you have any queries about the College’s Gifted Education program, please contact the Gifted Education Specialist, Caitlin Owen at owenc@penrhos.wa.edu.au
HOMEWORK AND STUDY
Set homework may not always be a regular part of a subject’s program; however, there are always several tasks that are ongoing and need to be given regular attention. Reading, planning for the following day, organising diary and file systems are all useful ways to ensure time is well spent and good habits are formed. If your daughter regularly says she has no homework or seems to have too much, please check with the subject teacher.
Regular home study time has the following benefits:
• Establishes routine and instils self-discipline
• Increases levels of organisation and preparation
• Gives opportunities for parent encouragement and involvement
• Reinforces content knowledge
• Allows for the review and completion of class work
• Enables the early completion of medium/long term assessment items such as assignments, etc.
• Can be a time to schedule reading for pleasure (e.g. novels, books of personal interest), revision of tables, etc.
The recommended study/homework time varies depending on the year:
• Year 7 and Year 8: 1-1.5 hours per night (including a half hour of reading)
• Year 9 and Year 10: 1.5-2 hours per night (including a half hour of reading)
• Year 11 and Year 12: 2.5-3.5 hours per night
If your daughter is doing too much homework, common sense needs to prevail. Focus on the content not the presentation. As always, if you have any concerns about your daughter’s homework, please contact the subject teacher directly for advice and support.
Once your daughter has completed her homework as required by her teachers, she should devote time to study. Please note:
• Homework will vary throughout the term
• For Year 7 and Year 8 students, there is no homework over mid-term breaks or holidays.
• Please make yourself familiar with the Homework Policy in the Diary
• Co-curricular activities need to be monitored – if they interfere with academic progress, an adjustment may need to be made.
Penrhos students are expected to take a proactive approach to their learning. The best time and way to study is a personal decision to be made by each individual student. A great deal of research has been done into the most effective method for studying. John Hattie’s research considers the following to have the highest impact on learning outcomes:
• Organisation – making an outline before writing a paper
• Self-consequences – put off pleasurable events until work is completed (i.e. turn off the phone)
• Self-instruction – verbalise the steps required to complete a task
• Self-evaluation – check all work before submission to teacher
• Seeking help – use a study partner
• Rehearse and memorise – e.g. write down a mathematics formula until it is remembered
• Goal-setting – make lists to accomplish
• Time management – scheduling daily homework time
Parents should encourage their daughter to try the strategies mentioned above to help her develop good habits and academic resilience. Whenever an issue arises, the first action for a student should be to approach her teacher.
The Learning Management System, Compass, enables parents to access information such as lesson resources and feedback on their daughter’s assessments and progress. Students and parent will also be provided with an Assessment Schedule at the start of each Term which will highlight busy periods throughout the Term.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
FORMAL REPORTING
In Year 7, reporting on student progress and achievement may be informal or formal in nature and is conducted in accordance with requirements set down by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.
Teachers also work together to compare and moderate student work standards across classes. There is no predetermined cut-off mark for a given grade or a prescribed number of grades per subject. Each subject may have a different cut-off mark for a given grade.
The grade that may be awarded and their interpretations are as follows:
A The student demonstrates excellent achievement of what is expected for this year level.
B The student demonstrates high achievement of what is expected for this year level.
C The student demonstrates satisfactory achievement of what is expected for this year level.
D The student demonstrates limited achievement of what is expected for this year level.
E The student demonstrates very low achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The Profile of a Penrhos Learner outlines the characteristics necessary for our girls to flourish in a dynamic world as life-long learners:
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – the student employs critical thinking to examine evidence and multiple perspectives when forming opinions and making decisions.
• Reflective – the student is self-aware and reflective in their approach to learning and feedback given.
• Knowledgeable – the student employs skills, knowledge and dispositions required to effectively manage their own learning. The student explores concepts, ideas, and issues through research and questions.
• Communicative and Collaborative – the student confidently communicates with an open mind, constantly reflecting and evolving, whilst taking risks and caring for others and the environment. The student collaborates to create and share understanding, as well as to develop interpersonal skills and positive relationships.
The Penrhos Learner characteristics are assessed as:
• Learning – the student is introduced to the characteristic and demonstrates the characteristic with guidance.
• Developing – the student employs the characteristic occasionally and demonstrates the characteristic using the scaffolding provided.
• Practising – the student employs the characteristic confidently and can demonstrate the characteristic effectively.
• Leading – the student employs the characteristic confidently and is also able to show others how to use the characteristic effectively.
• N/A – not enough evidence to assess
At Penrhos, we have a practice of continuous reporting, which means that feedback is provided following every summative assessment to allow our students to reflect on their learning and to keep parents informed of their children’s progress. This feedback and reflection cycle is available to access through our Learning Management System, Compass.
In addition to our Penrhos Feedback model, the following reporting processes take place:
Student/Parent/Teacher interviews
These interviews offer our students and parents an opportunity to meet and discuss the individual progress of our students. We strongly encourage our students to take part in these discussions so that they are active in their own learning and can set meaningful, personalised goals.
Reporting schedule
Parents are kept up to date with their daughter’s progress on an ongoing basis throughout the year, through Compass.
Formal reporting includes:
• Semester One reports:
Year 7 to Year 12 – end of Semester 1
• Semester Two reports:
Year 7 to Year 11 – end of Semester 2
PASTORAL TIME
All Year 7 and Year 8 students have pastoral periods included in their weekly timetable. During pastoral time, students are exposed to curriculum, programs and experiences with a focus on developing social and emotional skills that support wellbeing, engagement and relationships.
The Head of Students, Form Teachers and specialist pastoral staff work closely with students to support their transition. In Year 7 and Year 8 the focus is on friendships, establishing meaningful and positive connections within the school community, developing positive academic behaviours and using these in a variety of settings, and identifying individual strengths and setting personal goals.
SHAPE OF THE DAY AND BELL TIMES
The College has a five-day timetable with six 55-minute teaching periods per day. Pastoral Days are every Monday and Wednesday each week of the Term to accommodate the delivery of the pastoral curriculum and assemblies.
On these days there will be no Form period; this will be replaced by a 50-minute pastoral period. Each teaching period will be reduced by five minutes to accommodate the extra period.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
HEAD OF STUDENTS AND FORM TEACHERS
Each year group is administered by a Head of Students. The Head of Students is responsible for the planning, management and overseeing of the wellbeing of students in that year group and they play a key role in developing and supporting the social, emotional and academic growth and development of every individual in the year group. The Head of Students follows their year group from Year 7 through to Year 12. This ensures ongoing connection between student, Head of Students and parents.
Students are placed in a Form group overseen by a Form Teacher. Students remain in the same Form group from Year 7 through to Year 12. Form or pastoral time is timetabled every day to ensure your daughter’s Form Teacher is a daily form of contact. Depending on the cohort size, there will be between six and eight Form groups in each year group.
A range of activities and experiences are planned during Form/pastoral time that include the delivery of wellbeing curriculum, guest speakers, Form activities, year group meetings, the Big Sister Program, assembly, community service, camp preparation, Chapel and goal setting.
If you wish to discuss your daughter’s transition, her social and/or emotional wellbeing or would like to share information with the College, her Form Teacher or Head of Students should be your first port of call. If they are not best placed to help, they will be able to direct you to the right person.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
The College has two psychologists on staff to support students with their physical and mental health, and general wellbeing. Confidentiality is assured. They work closely with parents, students and members of the Pastoral Care and Learning Enhancement Teams to support students who may have individual pastoral or educational needs. They may make a recommendation to engage an external clinician for specialist support and a referral may be given. For students who are under the care of an external specialist permission may be sought for liaison between the College psychologist and the clinician.
CHAPLAIN
The College has a Chaplain who is available to discuss any issues with students, staff and parents. All religious beliefs are respected at Penrhos. As a Uniting Church School, the College supports and encourages Christian beliefs. Individuals are provided with opportunities for worship and spiritual development through Chapel, assembly and special services. All students are encouraged to reflect on the spiritual aspects of their lives through their compulsory involvement in Chapel services and assemblies.
HEALTH CENTRE
The College has a Health Centre that is staffed by qualified nurses and is available to all students. Should students feel unwell they are expected to report to Secondary School Reception first to register their concern before visiting the Health Centre.
If a student feels unwell during the day and the College Nurse believes she should go home, staff in Secondary School Reception or the College Nurse will call her parents. Students are not permitted to call home.
Please do not allow your daughter to make her own arrangements for going home during the day. We have a duty of care to know where your daughter is at all times, and we will call you if she is not well enough to remain at school.
CAMPS
The Outdoor Education camps are an important and compulsory part of the school curriculum. Students in Year 7 to Year 10 are expected to attend the annual Outdoor Education camp for their year group.
All camps are coordinated by the Outdoor Education Coordinator with the assistance of the Head of Students, Form Teachers and other specialist staff. Camps are a fantastic opportunity for the girls to challenge themselves across a wide range of activities and experiences in a different learning environment.
Camps provide an important platform for students to build connections with others and it is our expectation that all students attend.
FUNDRAISING, COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Penrhos requires all graduating Year 12 students to have completed at least 30 hours of community service during Secondary School, across at least four different community service placements.
It is expected that students will complete one hour of community service in Year 7, and three hours in Year 8. All information relating to community service can be found on Compass.
From time-to-time, students will be invited to be involved in College fundraising, community service and special events. This could include free dress days, cultural days, a Kindy to Year 12 Easter Service or special community fundraising events.
HOUSE SYSTEM
There are four Houses at the College:
ATHENS (GREEN)
ROME (RED)
SPARTA (YELLOW)
TROY (BLUE)
Many House competitions and events are held throughout the year and House spirit is encouraged. All House activities contribute points toward the Betty Harman Cup.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Years 7-11 Student
Representatives
(One year appointment, eight per year group)
In Years 7 to 11, the Year Representative positions focus on the whole person paradigm of mind, heart, body and spirit. This structure recognises that students have different interests, abilities and talents and allows them to harness these and to develop leadership skills in an area of interest. Although fewer in number, the representative positions mirror the captaincies of the Year 12 Student Council. Key staff at the College will guide the representatives throughout the year and give assistance and advice as required. Students elected to the position of Year Representative will perform duties and have certain roles and responsibilities to fulfil.
Form Captains
A student elected Form Captain will hold the position for one semester and may not nominate for a second term in the same school year. If a student holds a Student Representative position, she is not eligible to be a Form Captain in the same school year.
Form Captains work to support the Head of Students and Form Teachers with matters relating to the year group.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
PENRHOS NGALA MAYA PROGRAM
Penrhos is committed to providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. As a community, we value their ways of knowing, being and doing and proactively seek opportunities to share their ideas, skills or knowledge with our students and staff.
Ngala Maya translates to ‘Our Place’ in Noongar language. The name was chosen by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reflect a sense of belonging at Penrhos. The group is regularly involved in cultural events and activities that take place both on campus and in the local community, where students can connect with family and friends from other schools.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families are encouraged to be an active part of our school community by joining the Penrhos Ngala Maya Program.
ABSENCES
Absences from school are strongly discouraged. Exceptions to this are physical/psychological unwellness or state/national commitments or representation. Time spent away from classes will disadvantage the student academically. Parents are asked to cooperate by making appointments for their daughter out of school time where possible.
• If a student is unable to attend school, will arrive late or depart early, parents are asked to lodge an attendance note via the Compass app before 8.30am.
• All parents are emailed login details and instructions for Compass. Should you have any Compass queries please call or email the Penrhos IT Department: – Phone: 08 9368 9567 – Email: itsupport@penrhos.wa.edu.au
• Should you need to contact our Attendance Officer during school hours: – Phone: 08 9368 9527
• If a student is absent for Period 1 and we have not received notification, parents will be contacted by SMS, telephone or email from 9.30am.
• All students in Year 7 to Year 12 must carry their Transperth SmartRider with them whilst at school. A SmartRider is used to sign in and out of school as well as marking attendance for special assemblies.
• Students arriving after 8.30am must sign in at the Secondary School Reception.
• Students needing to leave the College during the school day must have permission from their parent. Notification must be made via Compass (attendance note) before they sign out at the Secondary School Reception. No student will be permitted to leave the College without prior permission from her parent/ caregiver.
Parents, please note: As our preferred means of communicating absenteeism is via Compass – please make sure you have downloaded the Compass mobile app. Please ensure all email addresses and mobile numbers are kept current. If a mobile number is unavailable, absences will be notified via email.
Should there be any evidence of forgery of emails, notes or telephone calls related to student absences, this will be considered a serious breach of trust and disciplinary action will follow.
Prolonged absences during the term
The College strongly discourages prolonged absences during the term for overseas or other holidays. Missed work or assessments may adversely affect progress, achievement and the ability to complete an assessment program. Please refer to the Secondary School Assessment Policy on Compass. Contact is to be made with the Head of Secondary School for any extended period of leave.
Illness at school
No student should be at school if they are too unwell for classes.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP
Your daughter’s personal safety is of paramount importance to us at Penrhos. At the completion of the school day, Secondary School students may leave the College grounds using the most convenient exit, without supervision. Students are free to walk home, meet a parent for car transport home, or catch any of the buses that service the school and the local community. The Thelma Street bus shelter has Penrhos staff on duty until 3.35pm. Your daughter’s developing level of independence, now she has entered Secondary School, necessitates that she clearly understands and adheres to any transport arrangements made.
Should for some reason, a student misses the bus, her parent not turn up or she finds herself in a situation where her transport arrangements have not gone to plan, the student is requested to return to Secondary School or Main Administration Reception to contact a parent/guardian to make alternative arrangements to ensure her safe transport home. These areas are attended until 4pm.
EXTENDED AFTER-HOURS ARRANGEMENTS
The Library is open after school until 7.30pm on Monday to Thursday and 6pm on Friday. The extended hours provide the highest duty of care for Secondary students while also providing an opportunity for homework and study time in a supervised environment.
The guidelines around the use of these extended hours have been carefully considered; students and their parents must adhere to these guidelines to access this accommodation.
Please note:
• The Library is the ONLY collection point at the College for students AFTER 5.30pm
• Students will need to SIGN IN and SIGN OUT with the after-hours Library supervisor.
• Parents collecting their daughter after 5.30pm will be able to access the Library via the Main Administration carpark at the Morrison Street entrance to the College.
• Parents will need to collect their daughter in PERSON from the after-hours Library supervisor. The Library entrance adjacent to the Chapel will facilitate this.
• All Year 7 and Year 8 students are required to hand their mobile phones to the Library supervisor when they sign in to the Library after school hours. Phones will be kept in a secure location and returned to the students when they sign out of the Library. If your Year 7 or 8 daughter uses the Library after hours and you need to contact her, please phone 08 9368 9583 and a message will be passed on to her.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
COLLEGE DIARY
The College Diary is an important organisation and communication tool. Form Teachers help the girls use their Diaries effectively by checking them regularly. Subject teachers may also communicate to parents/ guardians via the Diary.
Parents:
• The Diary is a valuable source of information about dates, events, policies, timetables, etc.
• Please read the Diary so that you are familiar with its contents.
Students:
• This is a College Diary and is not to be defaced or decorated.
• It is not a social diary but should record out-ofschool commitments to encourage effective time management.
• Record all homework and other information to be as organised as possible. Check the weekly ‘What’s Happening?’ as well.
• Use a weekly time planner as well as the term planner in your Diary to help you meet all your commitments on time.
LOCKER LANEWAY
The Year 7 students have their lockers located on the lower level of Anglesey Centre, known to the staff and students as Locker Laneway. Each student is provided with a lock and a locker space large enough to hold their notebooks, sports bag, books and files. Separate shelving is located at the southern end of the laneway for empty school bags to be stored during the day. Students must lock all valuable items in their locker when not on their person or in use. Locker Laneway is not locked during the school day and should not be considered a secure location. Students must always take responsibility for their belongings and valuables when on the College grounds. Students in Years 8 to 12 are not permitted in the Locker Laneway unless they are moving to a timetabled class in AC6-8.
CAFÉ
The College provides a café service for students. The café has competitive pricing with a focus on healthy choices and a changing seasonal menu.
The café does not accept cash. Payments be made using a SmartRider or bank card. Value can be added to the SmartRider card online, at a retail sales outlet or info centre, or at a bus/train station using an ‘add value’ machine.
Students who forget their lunch money can obtain an IOU voucher from Secondary School Reception that will provide them with a simple nutritious lunch option. IOU vouchers are not provided for treats, drinks or non-lunch options and must be paid back the next school day.
PLAYGROUND
There is a specially built playground facility for the Year 7 students and this is located at the rear of the Anglesey Centre. This area is monitored by duty staff at recess and lunchtime. Students are reminded of the necessity to use the equipment safely and respectfully. Students in Year 8 to Year 12 are not permitted to use this facility.
Students are reminded to use the play equipment safely. However, in the event of an accident, students should alert a duty teacher and/or send a student to Secondary School Reception for assistance.
SOCIAL EVENTS
All year groups have social functions throughout the year. These events are organised with the social and emotional needs of the girls in mind. From time to time, we are invited to attend social events at other colleges.
Socials are arranged for students to interact with students at like-schools in a relaxed and fun setting. To this end, the College’s main aim is for the students to enjoy themselves in a safe environment and be comfortable and confident in what they wear. Parents and students are reminded that due to the nature of these events, age-appropriate clothing is essential.
STUDENT MOBILE PHONE USAGE POLICY
• Individual students may choose to carry a mobile phone to and from school for medical, pastoral, safety or emergency reasons.
• As soon as a student enters College grounds, her mobile phone must be switched off, put away and then stored and locked in her locker for the duration of the school day.
• An individual student may be given permission to carry her mobile phone on her during the day for wellbeing and/or medical reasons at the discretion of the Head of Junior School, Dean of Students or Head of Secondary School.
• In some classes, under teacher direction and supervision, mobile phones may be used to enhance the learning experience. In these situations, students will be required to activate aeroplane mode at the commencement of the activity. At the end of the class, mobile phones must be returned to student lockers.
Parents are asked to support this policy by not contacting their daughter on her mobile phone during the school day. All communications are to go through Junior School or Secondary School Reception or a member of staff. If a student needs to contact a family member, she may use the phone in Junior School or Secondary School Reception. If a student uses her phone to contact her parent directly, we ask parents to remind her to follow correct procedure.
Other Devices
Other devices include smart watches, AirPods, headsets, earbuds, earphones or any other device that can connect to a mobile phone.
Smart watches may be worn but students are expected to have their watch turned to aeroplane mode as soon as they enter College grounds. For all school-based assessments, students are required to remove their smart watch and place it on the teacher/supervisor’s desk when entering the room.
Headphones connected to a student’s school-provided computer may be used in class under teacher direction. Students are not to wear headphones (including AirPods and earbuds) when walking around campus or between classes. Individual students may be given permission to wear headphones for medical and/or pastoral reasons at the discretion of the Dean of Students or Head of Secondary School.
Private Study
A student is not permitted to use her mobile phone during private study. A student may use another device such as AirPods, headsets, earbuds or earphones to listen to music or a podcast/video downloaded to, or accessed via, her school computer.
Café
If a student visits the café during the day, it is our preference that she pay with her SmartRider. In some instances, a student may only have access to a banking facility on her mobile phone. In this case, she may take her phone out of her locker at the commencement of the break, keep it in her pocket until at the register, use it to pay and then return it to her locker.
Co-curricular
For all co-curricular activities, mobile phones and devices must be switched off, stored safely and not used without the express permission of the teacher in charge.
Library – after hours
Phones are to be kept on silent and remain in school bags. If a student wishes to make a call, she must request to use the Library phone or sign out of the Library and make the call outside on her personal mobile phone. After 5:30pm, a student may ask for permission to use her mobile phone in the Library.
School socials, camps, and other events
For socials, camps and other events, students may be required to hand their phones in and have them collected at the conclusion of the event. Specific information will be provided by the event organiser.
MISUSE OF MOBILE PHONES OR DEVICES
Any student who contravenes the usage policy will have her mobile phone or device confiscated and held at Secondary School Reception. A parent/caregiver will be required to collect it. Repeated breaches will result in consequences consistent with those detailed in our Behaviour Management Policy.
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
The Co-curricular Program at Penrhos College is immensely rich and diverse. Experiences outside the classroom allow our girls to learn, to have fun, to acquire and develop skills and to develop new and productive relationships with their peers, staff and other adults.
The activities in our program offer opportunities for our girls to explore and to develop their talents, strengths and sense of self-worth. These activities help define us as a College – for what our girls do and achieve in our co-curricular activities enriches us all. It helps our girls to make new connections and allows them to expand their understanding of themselves and others.
Co-curricular activities are separated into several categories:
• IGSSA competitive sport
• Sport and Recreation
• Music
• Drama
• Academic, e.g. Debating, Future Problem Solving, Philosophy Club
• Spiritual/Cultural
Activities vary from term to term and from year to year. They depend on the interests of the girls and staff, as well as the availability of coaches.
Year 7 student involvement in at least one co-curricular activity per term is compulsory. Whilst we know there are no internal clashes of events for our Year 7 cohort, each Term a student can formally apply through the Dean of Students for consideration of an exemption in the following circumstances:
• a previously existing external physical activity/club that is running at the same time (e.g. external dance lessons)
• no alternate home public transport travel options available after 4.45pm (e.g. the Hills bus service)
* Involvement in IGSSA team sports may involve a Monday morning training session, which is followed by complimentary breakfast for all participants in the Dining Hall. All transport to and from away games will be arranged by the College and will see a return to school by approximately 5.30pm, depending on the school we are travelling to and from. All published fixtures/venues etc. are listed on Compass for you to view.
(9-12)
(9-12), Cricket and Golf (subject to change based on demand and viability)
1, 2 and 4
1 and 2
2 and 3
* IGSSA is the Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (Western Australia). It provides the eight member schools with the opportunity to compete in a variety of sporting and cultural activities.
UNIFORM STANDARDS
Our students are strongly encouraged to take pride in themselves and to be conscious that judgments are made about them and their school, based on their behaviour, appearance and manners. Students must always present in uniform of the highest possible standard.
Please note that the only acceptable items of uniform are those purchased from the Penrhos College Uniform Shop.
1. The correct uniform must be worn to and from school whether travelling by public transport, car, bicycle or on foot.
2. Students are not permitted to present at school with extreme hair styles or colours. The final decision as to what constitutes “extreme” rests with the Head of Secondary School/Dean of Students. Hair lengths that reach the shoulders or below must be tied back with hair ties and accessories purchased from the Uniform Shop.
3. Makeup may not be worn to school.
4. Coloured nail-polish (clear is ok), false, fake and gel nails are not to be worn to school unless approved by the Head of Secondary School/Dean of Students.
5. No jewellery is to be worn with the school uniform apart from the following:
• Plain gold/silver studs/sleepers and only one in each lower ear lobe. Visible piercings (such as upper ear, nose, tongue, eyebrow studs, etc.) are not permitted nor are coverings (including clear plastic) to hide these.
• A watch
• A simple chain and cross.
Permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis to a student to wear a specified item of jewellery. This may be for religious, cultural or pastoral reasons. In such cases, a uniform pass will be issued to the student.
Staff will confiscate any items of jewellery that do not comply.
6. The correct length for the dress and skirt is knee length or below.
7. The College straw hat must be worn to and from school each day, throughout the year and when students sit in the sun during break times. The straw hat may be required to be worn on excursions.
8. Blazers are to be worn to and from school every day in Terms 2 and 3, and on all school outings and at formal occasions such as assemblies. There is an expectation that students will have their blazer at the College.
9. Shoes must be polished regularly and shoelaces must be black and of appropriate length.
10. Students are only permitted to wear Penrhos badges on their uniforms.
11. For cultural reasons, and in consultation with the Dean of Students/Head of Secondary School, an individual may wear an item of clothing outside of those items sold at the Uniform Shop, such as a hijab. In these circumstances, the item of clothing must align with the main colours in the uniform (white, black, moss green).
YEAR 12 LEAVERS’ JUMPERS
Leavers’ jumpers are a privilege of being a Year 12 student. They are not a substitute for the College blazer.
Leavers’ jumpers may be worn:
• With uniform outside and within the school
• To training and rehearsal after school
• To PE lessons
Leavers’ jumpers may not be worn:
• On excursions
• To occasions where students are officially representing Penrhos.
SPORTS UNIFORM
Full Sports Uniform consists of the following items:
• Penrhos tracksuit
• Penrhos shirt
• Penrhos black shorts
• Sport shoes
• White socks with red dragon.
Please note:
1. Any other top (e.g. rowing) can only be worn for before or after school training and NOT for Interschool or Interhouse competitions or PE classes
2. Penrhos House shirts and Penrhos interschool shirts are the only acceptable tops to be worn to PE classes and competitions
3. Canvas shoes are NOT deemed acceptable footwear.
Before- and after-school training
• Students must wear appropriate Penrhos sports uniform.
• Students attending before-school training sessions may come to school in their sports uniform.
• Students attending after-school training sessions may travel home in their sports uniform.
Physical Education lessons
• Students are to change into their sports uniform at school.
• Secondary School students are not permitted to wear their sports uniform to normal classroom lessons.
• School uniforms must be carried in the black Penrhos College sport bag.
Outdoor Education sessions
Students who have Outdoor Education elective lessons may wear their PE uniform for practical and outdoor activities.
Dance
Students who study Dance must wear the College Dance uniform.
Year 7 Wednesday Sport
Year 7 students are permitted to wear sports uniform to the College for the whole day.
IGSSA matches
• Rowing jumpers and Leavers’ jumpers may NOT be worn to interschool competitions.
• Students playing an interschool ‘away’ match must change into their sports uniform before departing.
• Students playing an interschool ‘home’ match must change into their sports uniform at 3.15pm
• Students returning from interschool matches may travel home in their sports uniform.
If a student does not uphold the College uniform standards, she will be issued with an infringement. The first infringement will result in a warning; the second a yard duty; and the third an after-school detention.
Parents will be notified via Compass if their daughter receives a detention. Further failure to comply with the required standards will incur consequences in discussion with the Head of Secondary School/ Dean of Students.
IT / TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND SOLUTIONS – M8
The Technology, Innovation and Solutions Department is in the Secondary School on the middle level opposite Secondary School Reception – Room M8. It is available for students and staff and offers the services listed below.
• Troubleshooting, testing and technical assistance for all College-owned hardware and software
• Expert advice on computing best practices
• Training on College-approved technology solutions
• Repair services for damaged College notebooks
• Short term use loan equipment, including notebooks, speakers, projectors (any losses or damages to this loan equipment will incur a charge)
• Technical classroom assistance for teaching staff
Opening hours
Term time and school holidays: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm
During school holidays, please contact IT prior to arriving on 08 9368 9567 or itsupport@penrhos.wa.edu.au
NOTEBOOKS
To minimise possible loss or damage, and to comply with regulations set by insurers, the following conditions for students apply:
• Notebooks should not be left unattended at any time. Students must lock notebooks in their lockers. Notebooks that are found unattended will be confiscated and kept in M8 or Secondary School Reception for a minimum period of 24 hours.
• Lockers are provided in the Sports Centre while students attend after-school sport. However, students will need to supply their own lock when using these lockers.
• Notebooks should not be left on school premises overnight.
• Students must not leave the notebook in the care of friends.
• All items must be returned in good working order, damaged/lost items will be charged to the student.
• To aid easy identification of notebook computers it is suggested that a distinctive ribbon or key tag is added to the bag, along with a name tag.
• Filtering software is added to students’ devices, with the following limits:
– Year 7 and Year 8 students cannot access social media websites via their school devices at home or at school.
– Year 9 to Year 12 students can only access social media websites via their school devices when at home.
THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL NETWORKING
Understanding the internet and social networking has become a skill all parents need to master. The internet can be a fantastic way to learn, stay connected with friends and have fun. However, like any activity, developmental appropriateness and balance are important. Too much time playing online games and socialising can have negative consequences. As parents you need to set the boundaries and time limits and assist your daughter in managing her time to engage in a variety of purposeful behaviours.
Problems, starting as misunderstandings and sometimes escalating to meanness, conflict and bullying, can be the result of internet misuse. With the widespread usage of email, text messages and smart phones, students have difficulty escaping their connection to the cyber world. There can be potential legal ramifications if your daughter posts photographs of others without permission, posts inappropriate photographs of herself or others, or creates sites that bully or defame other people or the College.
Keeping your daughter safe online is as important as keeping her safe in the physical world. Adolescent girls need their online behaviour monitored and require guidance and protective measures to ensure they are safe and acting responsibly. Education and communication are two of the most powerful ways to ensure your daughter’s safety. Understanding the websites, games, apps and chat rooms your daughter uses is a great way to start. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the social networking your daughter prefers to use.
We cover the topics of cyber citizenship, cyber safety and the ethical use of technology in the curriculum and Pastoral Care Programs. We also partner with an external provider to deliver the latest evidence-based programs that cover all aspects of cyber safety and provide parent information sessions. When logged on to the network at the College, students are unable to access inappropriate websites and social networking services on their notebooks. To further protect the students at the College, the Technology Services Department has the capacity to monitor all internet usage when using the College network.
To aid in the development of your daughter’s social and communication skills, we would like to encourage parents to assist their daughters to engage in the more traditional communication methods (such as regular phone calls and visits) which are easier to monitor. Supervised developmentally appropriate activities and time spent with family and friends is the most valuable time of all!
The following references may be helpful for further information relating to cyber safety, ‘digital footprints’ and social media sites:
• The Office of the Children’s ESafety Commissioner: www.esafety.gov.au
• The Telethon Kids Institute Beacon: Cyber Safety app, which offers centralised research-based information from trusted sources such as the ESafety Commissioner and Common-Sense Media: www.beacon.thekids.org.au
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
Penrhos views all forms of bullying as unacceptable student behaviour. Bullying is seen as a repeated and deliberate intent to hurt, embarrass, cause distress or discomfort. Bullying is an inappropriate use of power, whether that be physical, social and/or emotional, and can occur over a period of time. This behaviour can affect individuals as well as groups.
Forms of bullying
Bullying takes many forms, but can be best categorised under the following headings:
• Emotional bullying
• Physical bullying
• Verbal bullying
• Property abuse
• Sexuality and gender-based bullying
• Cyber bullying
Depending on the nature of the conflict, implementation of the Managing Student Behaviour Policies may be appropriate. The College ensures its staff is cognisant of what constitutes bullying and provided with structures and processes to deal with these situations.
STUDENT/STAFF/PARENTS: A THREE-WAY RESPONSE
Penrhos encourages students who witness any type of bullying behaviour to act – do not be a bystander.
Students who are being bullied: What can you do?
• Do not be afraid to talk about it with family and friends.
• Initially try to ignore the bullying – if students show they are not upset, the bullying may stop.
• Try not to retaliate.
• Focus on the positive relationships in your life.
• Talk to your Form Teacher, Head of Students, subject teacher, school counsellors or any member of staff. They can help.
• Do not accept the situation – seek help.
What can other students do?
• Report incidents of bullying to a staff member (this can be done in confidence).
• Not tolerate any observed behaviours of others that are not acceptable.
• Do not be a bystander.
• Research indicates that it is the behaviour of bystanders (those students who are observing but not directly involved in an incident) that can be the most powerful influence on reducing bullying incidences in schools.
Staff response:
• Staff will act on all reported and observed incidents of bullying.
• Staff are expected to model behaviour that exemplifies tolerance and acceptance of differences.
• Pastoral care is extended to all students involved in bullying behaviours.
• Staff will communicate with parents on an as-needed basis.
Parents: What can you do?
• Parents can watch for signs that their child may be being bullied or bullying others.
• Speak to a staff member if they suspect their child is being bullied.
• Support the College’s position that any form of bullying is unacceptable.
• Show interest in what your daughter does and how she is feeling.
• Show interest in your daughter’s academic, social, cultural and sporting life at Penrhos.
PARENT YEAR REPRESENTATIVES AND CONTACT LISTS
Penrhos encourages Parent-College relations and to further promote parent networking opportunities, every family is encouraged to sign up to a Parent Contact List for their daughter’s cohort (year group and/or class). This is purely optional and there is no pressure for any parent to participate, but should you like to keep up to date with parent events (such as coffee mornings, social outings, dinner get-togethers and classroom activities) we encourage you to do so. Any parent who signs up for this communication will have access to the list and will therefore be able to contact other parents who have opted in.
You can be part of the online conversation by joining and following Penrhos’ social media platforms.
• Facebook: facebook.com/penrhoscollege
• Instagram: instagram.com/penrhoscollege
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/penrhoscollege
All parents are encouraged to search and join their cohort’s closed Facebook Group (which is managed by your Parent Year Representative) for easy communication amongst parents.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
At Penrhos, we recognise that effective learning can only occur in a secure environment where the dignity, rights and responsibilities of others are known and respected and where standards and rules are fairly and consistently applied.
This Student Code of Conduct is developed in consultation with students and sets out standards of behaviour with which students are expected to abide. The College uses a variety of strategies to consult with students when considering the Student Code of Conduct. These may include surveys, discussion groups, consultation with the student representative body or other means.
Managing the Student Code of Conduct is a shared responsibility between students, parents/guardians and the College. All students and families have ready access to the support offered by College teachers, staff and College Child Protection Officers.
An acknowledgement of the Student Code of Conduct forms a condition of a student’s enrolment.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are expected to observe and uphold this statement of rights and responsibilities.
You have the right to:
• Reach your full learning potential in a safe and supportive environment
• Be safe within the College community free of verbal, physical and emotional hurt
• Be treated with respect, courtesy and kindness
• Be an active part of, and contribute positively to, the Penrhos community
• Be treated fairly and justly
• Have your human rights and other legal rights respected
• Hold and express an opinion
• Feel proud to belong to Penrhos College
• Have property respected
You have the responsibility to:
• Enable others to teach and learn in a safe and supportive environment
• Follow College policies, procedures and the directions of teachers at all times
• Treat others with respect, courtesy and kindness
• Represent the College well in the community
• Accept and consider the consequences of your actions
• Respect the privacy, human dignity, human rights, and legal rights of others.
• Respect another is right to hold and express an opinion.
• Honour the values of Penrhos College.
• Respect the property of every member of the College community.
For clarity, these rights and responsibilities mean that bullying, harassment and other forms of peer-to-peer abuse between students and between students and staff are prohibited.
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREACHING THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to abide by College rules and the policies of the College, as well as the directions of teachers. A breach of this Student Code of Conduct, College rules or policy will be dealt with according to our Student Discipline Policy.
RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY
Students are provided with information about, and encouraged to use, multiple pathways to raise child safety concerns about, or at, the College – including concerns about the safety, wellbeing and behaviour of other students. These include informal and formal ways, an ‘anonymous’ way, and external child advocacy or child safety organisations. Suggested procedures to follow if a student has a complaint or concern, as well as contact details for organisations and support staff, are detailed in the student diary.
If a student has concerns about their safety or wellbeing, or the safety, wellbeing or behaviour of others, it is important that they tell a trusted adult. This could be a parent or carer, a trusted teacher or a College Child Protection Officer.
Our staff are committed to ensuring that all students feel empowered to speak up and be heard and will take all concerns raised by students seriously, while ensuring that the student receives ongoing support.
Any questions?
This Handbook is designed to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions –we appreciate it is by no means a definitive reference point.
Compass (including the SS News), our College website, Penrhos social media platforms and periodical publications (including The Penrhosian and SAGA) will provide you with a wealth of information throughout the year.
The majority of our communication with you (including events, carnivals, excursions and camp details) will be through Compass. This is a digital school management system – accessible through all devices including laptops, PCs, smart phones and tablets – that connects the school community with valuable resources via a single platform. If you require assistance with Compass, please call IT Support on 08 9368 9567 or email itsupport@penrhos.wa.edu.au.
Please contact our friendly and helpful Admin team with any further queries.
We wish you a very warm welcome, once again, to our wonderful Penrhos College community!
