Communication
Contact the Middle School
Teacher Communication
Emailing or sending a message via Compass are acceptable forms of communication for parents wishing to provide teachers with a message or ask a question. Teachers will respond to messages within 48 hours on school days.
We value communication about your child. If there is a need to speak to your child’s teacher regarding any matter, please make an appointment via email. Trying to speak to a teacher before school without notice is often problematic therefore, making a specific appointment is a more effective form of communication.
Absences
At Overnewton, we value the important role that regular school attendance plays in supporting both learning and wellbeing. Research shows that even short breaks in routine can influence progress, which is why we recommend that students avoid taking extended holidays during term time where possible. We also recognise that, from time to time, family circumstances may mean a child is away from school for an extended period. In these situations, we encourage families to contact their child’s Head of School ahead of time so that we can provide the best possible support. While teachers are not expected to prepare additional work for extended absences due to holiday leave, students are encouraged to stay engaged in their learning through age-appropriate activities such as journal writing and reading.
Assessments and Absences
To ensure fairness and authenticity, all assessments must be completed at school under teacher supervision. If a student is absent on the day of an assessment, teachers will make reasonable arrangements for the task to be completed once they return.
If a student is absent for an extended period due to holiday leave, they will receive a mark of UG (ungraded) for the missed assessment. Please be reassured that this will not automatically disadvantage your child, as teachers use a range of assessment evidence to make judgements against the Australian Curriculum when determining end-of-semester curriculum standard grades.
Procedures for Student Absences
Illness
In the event of illness, please notify the school before 9.15am via Compass by completing an Attendance Note. If you do not notify us of an absence, you will receive an SMS notification requesting the reason for the absence. If you know your child will be absent for an extended period, an email containing more detailed information is required for our records.
Appointments
We request that appointments be made outside of school hours but understand that this is not always possible. Please notify the school via Compass by completing an Attendance Note, confirming the timeframe that your child will be absent from school.
No student is to leave the College grounds without permission. If you need to collect your child from school during school hours your child must be signed out by a parent or guardian via the Middle School Reception. If an adult not listed in our school database is required to collect your child, written permission detailing the name and relationship of the person will need to be provided to us before departure.
First Aid
If you are contacted by First Aid informing you that your child is ill, you can collect your child directly from First Aid and sign out with the Campus Nurse, unless advised otherwise.
Mobile Phones
Students must keep their phones off and stored in their lockers from 8.50am to 3.25pm.
Phones are not to be used for personal messaging during school hours, including during ACS Sport (Years 7 & 8). Phones sighted during this time will be confiscated and can be collected at the end of the day.
Wearable devices are also permitted however they must be turned off between 8.50am and 3.25pm.
For urgent messages or concerns, parents should contact Middle School Reception, First Aid, teachers or leaders. Any important messages for your child should be sent to Middle School Reception to ensure they are received before dismissal at 3.25pm.
Student Diaries
Each student will receive a student diary to support their organisation and time management. Home Group teachers will guide students in developing effective study habits for both home and College life. Students are expected to bring their diary to every class and take it home each night, with parents signing it at the end of each week.
'The Link' - Staying Connected to Learning
Communication with our families is an essential element to the success of our partnership. The College operates on a two-week timetable cycle, Week A and Week B. On the Friday before each cycle parents will receive a communication, titled The Link, via our Compass Parent Portal. This fortnightly update outlines the key activities and upcoming learning themes, to inform parents of the curriculum being taught over the cycle along with providing ideas for taking part in optional further learning at home.
Parent Student Teacher Interviews
We have a number of planned communication events throughout the year. These include the more formal Parent Student Teacher Interviews that take place in Terms 1 and 3. This time allows the opportunity for teachers, parents and students to discuss the student’s progress.
Semester Reports
Semester Reports are provided in Terms 2 and 4.
College Newsletter
The weekly College newsletter, Whispers, is published each Thursday and can be accessed via Compass.
This newsletter details all upcoming events for Middle School and the College as a whole, as well as providing information, photographs and reflections of past events. You will also find a wealth of information regarding our Community Engagement Program and the Parents & Friends Association.
College Website
The College website is your go-to source of information, with everything you need easily accessible in one place. It provides general College details as well as specific Middle School information about curriculum, co curricular opportunities, camps, and pastoral care programs. You will also find a wealth of community information, including the Parents & Friends Association.
For everything else you would like to know about Overnewton, and to explore more about Middle School life, we encourage you to visit our College website.
