Year 7 Transition hub
Helping your child move easily into secondary school life
We know that beginning secondary school can be a daunting experience for many. You may have lots of questions or simply not know where to start to learn about how our wonderful school operates.
The information on this page has been designed for students and families to explore together and familiarise yourself with all of the aspects to life at Rowville Secondary College. In doing so, we hope that we can help put your mind at ease so your transition from primary school into secondary school is as smooth and worry-free as it can be.
You must sign into our Enrolment Portal to confirm acceptance or decline of offer at Rowville Secondary College. Click here: Enrolment Portal Guide.
key dates
2022
MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER:
Parent Information Night (virtual). Details will be emailed to families nearer to this date.
MONDAY 12 DECEMBER:
New student interviews (9.00am – 3.30pm). Details will be emailed to families nearer to this date.
TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER:
Year 7 Orientation Day. Details will be emailed to families nearer to this date.
TERM 4:
Booklists open
Parent Compass Logins sent out
2023
MONDAY 16 JANUARY – FRIDAY 20 JANUARY:
BYOD Onboarding (booking opens mid Term 4)
TUESDAY 31 JANUARY:
First day of school (Year 7s)
W/C MONDAY 20 FEBRUARY:
Year 7 Camps
Questions
Any general questions you have about Year 7 Transition, email us.
Resources
2023 School Bus Expression of Interest
Orientation Day Booklet (2023 booklet will be available closer to Orientation Day)
CSEF & State School Relief Forms
Compass
- Download Compass App: Google Play & Apple Store
- Compass Guide for Parents
- Login to Compass
key contacts
RECEPTION
Email or 9755 4555 (Monday-Thursday 8:15am-4:30pm & Friday 8:15am- 4:00pm)
ATTENDANCE
Use Compass to record student absence or call 9755 4515 (East) or 9755 4525 (West)
TRANSITION COORDINATORS
East Campus: Georgia Psevdos
West Campus: Claire Folie
YEAR 7 LEARNING MENTORS
Eastern Campus (2023 TBC)
Western Campus (2023 TBC)
Welcome
Welcome Families
College Principal, Ms. Julie Kennedy, welcomes new students and families to our school community, shares our schools vision and values, our House System and Learning Mentor Groups.
Welcome New Students
Principal, Ms. Kennedy shares three tips with our new students to ensure you enjoy your time at Rowville Secondary College.
Can I go on a school tour this year?
School Tours run every Friday at 9.30am during the school term and every second Tuesday at our Eastern Campus. Book at school tour here.
How separate are the East and west campus?
Other than being separated by a distance of 2.4kms, not much is different. Students, programs, and most teachers are based at each campus, however, a number transfer between to study and teach. Apart from that, we are one great school with the same philosophy, curriculum, supports, leadership, and opportunity.
How is a standard day structured?
It consists of 4 periods separated by three breaks. There is also a Learning Mentor session before Period 1 every day for 20 mins. The school day starts at 9am and finishes at 3:15pm. View class times.
Do students move classrooms throughout the day or do they stay in the same classroom?
Students move around the school throughout the day depending on what subjects they have. We have various “wings” within the school, based on our Houses, which contain general purpose classrooms, but may also contain other areas set up for various areas of study, including Music, Arts, and Science. The Year 7s have their own area, often referred to as the “Rainbow Wing” where they have their lockers and LM rooms, but they will move around the school for many of their other classes.
Can my twin be in the same class?
If that is what you would prefer, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
When will I know if I have a spot on the school bus?
You should receive notification requesting payment by mid November if you have already requested a spot on a school bus. If you have not yet registered your interest, please call the school office ASAP as places are limited or visit our Bus Timetable page. Bus allocations will be made in early December.
Is there a shuttle bus between the two campuses?
Yes, our school buses travel from the East campus to the West campus before school, and then from the West campus to the East campus after school. This bus is free, however you need to contact the office to be put on the list for the shuttle. There is also no shuttle bus service throughout the school day.
If I catch public transport to Stud Park, is there a back entrance to the Western Campus I can take?
Yes, students can take the short cut through Selwood Crt, but should not cut through Rowville Primary School.
Can I bring my mobile phone to school?
Yes, students can bring their phones to school, however they must be switched off and kept in the student’s bag in their locker for the entire day. Students need to ensure their phones are not in their hands as they walk into school in the morning. For more details, please see our Mobile Phone Policy.
Are there any food restrictions at the school?
We do not have specific food policies. If we have students that have allergies, they take individual precautions, and all teachers and staff are aware of any students on the anaphylaxis list. We also encourage students to mindful of the packaging they bring to school to reduce waste and litter.
connection
Compass: Parents
Parent, Gary Gilbert, provides insight into how Compass operates from a parent perspective, specifically talking about the News Feed, Calendar, Attendance, Learning Tasks and how to best communicate with teachers.
Compass: Students
Student, Charlotte, provides insight into how Compass operates from a student perspective. Login to Compass
What is the best way to contact a teacher?
As our teachers spend most of their time in the classroom teaching our students, the preferred method of communication is email through Compass. If you have a general question please contact the Learning Mentor. Teachers will endeavour to respond in 48 hours but not in the school holidays or on weekends. If it’s an urgent matter please call our office 9755 4555.
How do I get on the School Council?
We will send out parent information and nomination forms for our School Council positions on Compass in Term 1. Make sure you check Compass newsfeed.
When will parent/guardians receive their username for Compass?
Permanent Parent Usernames will be sent Mid-term 4. These will be emailed to you. Students will receive their Usernames when their laptops are set up in January as part of the onboarding sessions.
If I already have a child at RSC, do I need a new Compass login?
No. If you already have a student at RSC, you keep the same login.
What is my school email address?
Student email addresses can be found on Compass. It contains the student’s school username (eg. SYR0321) followed by @rowvillesc.vic.edu.au. If in doubt, use a parent email address and change it later.
Transition
Transition program
Our Transition Coordinators, Ms. Claire Foley and Ms. Georgia Psevdos, discuss our Orientation program, first day of school and induction.
School Tour West
Go on a school tour of our Western Campus with RSC student, Harrison. West School Map
What are the class times?
Click here for our class times.
Where can I find a map of the campus I attend?
You will find our School Maps here. They are also located on various walls and windows around the school.
When is Year 7 Orientation Day?
Our Year 7 Orientation Day is Tuesday 13 December for students commencing secondary school in 2023.
What do I wear on Orientation Day?
Wear your primary school uniform on that day. You will receive more information about Orientation prior to the day.
What happens on Orientation Day?
Orientation Day is a fantastic introduction to RSC. Students meet their Learning Mentors and the students who will be in their LM group and hear a little about what they will be doing in Year 7 as well as taking part in “get-to-know-you” activities, and games to allow the students to familiarise themselves with the school grounds. While it’s understandable that students can be both excited and apprehensive about Orientation, it’s important to remember that students coming into our specialist programs are coming from a wide range of primary schools, so most students will not know anyone else there and be eager and ready to make new friends!
Are combination locks supplied for Year 7 lockers?
Yes, all Year 7 students receive a combination lock. For security, this combination must remain confidential to the student and Learning Mentor. There is no need to purchase your own lock. It is recommended students use the school supplied lock for security and keep a copy of the code at home somewhere safe so it can be checked and re-memorised at the end of each holiday period.
What happens on the first day of school?
On the first day of school, you will meet up with your Learning Mentor in your LM room and have a range of activities planned that provide opportunity to familiarise yourself more with your teachers, classmates, and the school and how it operates. You may have an assembly and meet the Principals, Assistant Principals, House Leaders, and hear from the Junior School Leaders and Transition Coordinators. The aim of the day is to prepare you for the best start to regular classes on Day 2.
Is Year 7 Camp compulsory and how much does it cost?
It is strongly encouraged that all students attend Year 7 Camp as this is one of the best experiences and opportunities a student has for consolidating their learner strengths and building relationships with their teachers and classmates. It is also very fun. Regular Year 7 classes do not run back at school during camp.
When does Year 7 Camp need to be paid by?
Please refer to the information on the forms and on Compass. As a guide, it is usually by the start of the school year.
Can parents participate/attend in Year 7 camp?
It is important students are able to develop friendships and participate in activities knowing they are not being watched by their parents. It is also important in the development of grit and resilience that students are only on camp with teachers and camp staff. Therefore, parents are not allowed to accompany students on camp. Whilst this may be of some anxiety for both parents and students, we have measures in place to help students become accustomed to being away from home and their family. Most students despite some initial nervousness, soon forget all about it once they arrive at camp.
When is the IT onboarding process?
Onboarding takes place in the week prior to the first day of the school term. Bookings will be open from the start of December. It is strongly encouraged every student is onboarded with their device prior to the commencement of term. Find out more and make a booking.
What do I need to bring to the onboarding session?
Please bring the laptop device you intend to use for school and any accessories (eg. Charger). The best experience is when students and parents/carers attend so both can follow the process and ask questions.
Do I need to provide any immunisation records for vaccinations?
You are welcome to provide vaccinations certificates through the school office, however these are not mandatory.
Is a recording of the Year 7 Information Session available?
No, due to privacy we cannot release the recording. However, ‘The Hub’ is full of information, resources, and Q&As collated from all sessions over multiple years.
Ready to Learn
Technology
Assistant Principal, Mr. Tallarida, discusses our school technology strategy and student support. Booklists & Laptops
Lessons
Student, Cuneyt, takes you through what a typical day looks like at Rowville Secondary College.
By what date do we need to place our booklist order?
Purchasing of all textbooks is done directly through Campion. Please log into their website for ordering deadlines.
I can't locate the code for Campion for the booklist. Can you provide this?
In signing up for Campion you can use your student email address found via Compass. If you cannot locate the code, please contact Campion and they should have a record of it.
What is the e-bundle and e-package? Do we need both or can we get all hard copies?
All students are required to purchase the Rowville Perfect Bundle Year 7. You can then choose whether you purchase either Option 1: Print and Digital Textbook OR Option 2: Digital Textbook only. You must purchase one of either Option 1 or Option 2. You can purchase second-hand books as long as they are the correct editions, however the bundles cannot be split, so you can’t choose to buy some new and some second-hand books. The only way you could use second-hand books is if you buy Option 2, and then additionally purchase whichever second-hand books you’d like to.
Can we get books second-hand?
Yes, just make sure they are the correct editions. It is not advised that second-hand workbooks are used as even erased out answers may still appear and prevent real learning taking place.
Which specialism and broad arts text books do I need to buy from the booklist?
In short, you should purchase all books for subjects listed as “Broad Arts”, as all students no matter their specialism will take these classes. Where subjects are listed as “Specialism”, you only need to purchase books for your child’s particular specialism, and no other specialism. Regarding the items listed as 1, 2 & 3 on the booklist, everyone needs to purchase item number 1, and in addition choose either 2 or 3.
Are all items on the stationery list under Sports Academy all we need to purchase?
Yes
Do I need a laptop or iPad?
All Year 7 students are required to have a laptop. Teachers need to be able to plan effectively knowing that students have similar access and function, so we ask that iPads are not used.
What brand of laptop do you recommend? Do they come with a protective cover or bag?
JB Hi-Fi have a range which we recommend, however it is not compulsory to purchase laptops through JB, as long as the laptop has the correct specifications as set out on the BYOD page of our website. Generally, laptops do not come with cases, however it is a good idea to purchase one.
Is it best to get a MacBook?
There are no expectations about the brand of laptop you purchase. In senior years, depending on subject choice, including arts or media, it can be a viable option, but not required. But there is also no guarantee the specifications of a device purchased in Year 7 will meet specifications of these specialist subjects 5 or 6 years later.
What is the best way to label a new laptop?
The simple way is to use a label-maker device. However that is very easily removed. Other options include names being engraved in the plastic bottom casing, or putting a label on the inside of the bottom casing. ie: unscrew the bottom casing if possible. This might be more secure, but could void the warranty. You could also try a blacklight pen available online.
Can I use a protective case to transport my laptop to and from classes/lockers?
Yes – protective cases are encouraged. However, please be aware that in accordance with the Mobile Phone Policy, students are not allowed to carry school bags around during the day. As such, a laptop bag may be used to carry laptop-related equipment such as a mouse or charger, but it cannot be used as a bag to carry around schoolbooks. It is recommended that students keep the laptop bag in their locker and only carry what they need to class.
Do we need to set up the laptop ourselves or will the school do that for us?
The school will be conducting “on boarding” sessions to help set up the students’ laptops. This will involve making an appointment in term 4 to come into the school during the weeks before Term 1 commences, so that our IT team can help set you up. You will receive details about this towards the end of the year.
Do I need to purchase Microsoft Office or does the school supply it?
It is not necessary to purchase Microsoft Office as all students have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite as part of their enrolment which includes applications such as Word, Excel and Power Point.
What happens if my laptop breaks down and they do not have access to e-books?
Our IT team will assist with software issues. If you purchase your laptop through JB Hi-fi, JB solutions will deal with hardware issues only. Alternative arrangements can be made through our IT department in order to not interrupt learning on case by case basic.
Can I use my computer for personal use?
We recommend you keep your computer for school-based activities. There should be no games installed on the computer unless these are used for curriculum purposes.
How do we know what uniform to purchase for next year?
All Year 7s will purchase the school uniform, this is complusory. Visit our school uniform page for more information.
Can I try on the uniform for sizing before purchase?
Yes, OnTrack Sportswears uniform shop, visit our Uniform page for shop details.
Can students wear generic uniform items?
All new uniform items must be purchased through our supplier to match the style, colour and logo of our school.
What is the school policy for shoes? Can students wear runners?
For OHS reasons, students will be required to wear a sturdy and supportive shoe that has no heel or an insignificant heel and totally encloses the foot. A well-fitted runner is recommended. Peak shoes will offer a range of suitable shoes that families can opt to purchase if they choose to do so.
Do I need to purchase a RSC school bag?
The RSC school bag is NOT a compulsory item.
Are the RSC rugby top a uniform item?
Not in Year 7.
Year 12s have a unique uniform item. However, a hoodie can be purchased through OnTrack Sportswear for all other year levels.
support
House systems & LM
Students introduce our House System and Learner Mentor Structure with help from Learning Mentors, Ms. McArthur and House Leader, Ms. Cameron.
Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing Team talk about the services and care we offer our students with help from student, Sam.
advice from year 7s
Year 7 students share their experience transitioning into secondary school and provide useful tips and advice.
What are Learning Mentors and Learning Mentor Groups and classes?
Every student is assigned a Learning Mentor (LM) who has the responsibility to oversee all aspects of their time at school. They are the student’s and their family’s first point of contact for updates, issues or enquiries.
Learning Mentor groups (LMGs) are assigned a number or letter and consist of students who share the same LM. In Year 7, students have a dedicated LM for that year level and class and are therefore considered a “rainbow” group because it is a mix of students in different houses. In Year 8, students have a new LM and LMG which is based on their house. They will have that LM and remain in that LMG for the rest of their time at RSC.
Learning Mentor classes or sessions occur first thing every morning and are an important opportunity to deliver messages and notices to the group. Students also take part in activities that help prepare them for the day and build relationships with their teachers and their peers. In most cases, ConnectEd classes are also taught by a student’s LM.
How does your house program work? Are siblings in the same house?
We have four houses at RSC: Aston Kangaroos (red), Mabo Dingos (yellow), Stynes Sharks (blue) and Walton Eagles (green). Students are designated to a House from Day 1, and there are various house activities throughout the year, such as House Athletics, a Photography Competition, and Rowville’s Got Talent. Students with older siblings will be placed in the same house as their sibling/s. For more information, please see our House System.
How do I find out my Learning Mentor Group and House?
Learning Mentor Group and House are typically announced on Orientation Day.
How do I contact the Wellbeing team?
Wellbeing Coordinators: Jo Johnson (East) and Andy Phillips (West)
Phone 9755 4555 (ask for Wellbeing East or Wellbeing West).
Email: wellbeing@rowvillesc.vic.edu.au
When will I receive the school fees and payment requests?
During Term 4, you will be able to log into Compass using your parent account and make payment should Compass be your preferred payment option. For more details, visit our school council parent payments page.
Can I pay school fees with a payment plan?
Yes, you can. Log in to Compass using your parent account and you can make a payment plan in the ‘Course Confirmation and Payments’ section.
What supports are available for kids with different learning needs?
Our leaders, teachers, and educational support staff are well-equipped to support students with different needs. Depending on the nature of the need, supports may include Individual Education Plans (IEPs), changes in the work and delivery of content, or support provided by a Tutor or Teacher’s Aid.
Do we need to bring our primary school learning plans (IEP/ILP) with us to RSC?
Ideally, your primary school will share your learning plans with us. If they have indicated they will not be doing that on your behalf, we request that you forward these to your child’s Learning Mentor or email to the appropriate Transition Coordinator.
curriculum
General Excellence
Watch this General Excellence video showcasing the wonderful things our GE program offers our students including huge subject choice, music, sports, extra curricular, outstanding campus and Year 7 Centre plus more.
maths and science academy
Get insight into what our Maths & Science Academy looks like and offers students at Rowville Secondary College. A wide variety of subject choice, lots of curricular and extra curricular activities and a huge focus on everything STEM inside and outside the college.
Institute of the Arts
This video is an overview of our Institute of the Arts program and five specialisms dance, drama, visual arts, music and media.
Sports Academy
Find out what secondary school looks like for our student-athletes who attend our elite Sports Academy.
What languages are available at RSC?
The languages taught at RSC are Italian (RIA and GE) and Indonesian (MSA).
RIA: Do the Broad Arts continue in every school year?
In Years 7 & 8, all students will have one semester of each of the specialisms as Broad Arts. These classes are taken with their regular class. From Year 9, the Broad Arts become electives and the subjects are more varied and specific. For more information about Broad Arts, please see the RIA Curriculum on the website
RIA: How many students are in each class?
The maximum number of students in any class at RSC is 26. The specialism classes for Drama, Media, Music and Visual Arts are multi–year classes, made up of Junior (Yr 7 & 8), Intermediate (Yr 9 & 10) and Senior (Yr 11 & 12). Dance specialism has a separate class for each year level. Numbers in each class depends on the number in that specialism, and currently may vary from 8 students to 26 students.
RIA: Are there any out of house rehearsals required for class-based performances?
Our biannual Showcase performance/exhibition and individual specialism performance nights take place in the evening, however there is no regular rehearsal time outside school hours.
Is it compulsory to do LOTE Italian?
Yes, all RIA students take Italian language class as one of their compulsory core subjects from Year 7 to Year 9. From Year 10 onwards, Italian becomes an elective.
MSA: What type of activities do the students do that are different to the GE program?
In MSA we have two classes of specialism time. These are called ‘Science & Technology Project’ and ‘Maths & Engineering Project’.
MSA: What is the typical class size?
There is usually just one MSA class per year level. The maximum class size is 26 students.
MSA: Are there any coding classes?
Yes, we teach coding and programming through our specialism classes. For example, students learn HTML and CSS to be able to write their own websites from scratch.
MSA: In coding, if I have achieved past Python, will RSC be able to support my learning at this stage?
Absolutely, we value student voice in determining what directions our projects take within specialism classes. We are very keen to see what they are interested in and how we can explore this further.
MSA: Do MSA classes from different levels ever meet up for a project?
Yes, we try to encourage collaboration between the MSA classes where we can. This is sometimes limited due to timetabling issues but we would love to expand on how the MSA classes collaborate in coming years.
MSA: Are there any LOTESs other than Indonesian for MSA students?
No, MSA students study Indonesian in Years 7-9. We are working on offering a Year 10 Indonesian elective, but this will be based on demand from the students.
RSA: Are cricket students expected to bring their cricket bags with them every day?
Students enrolled in the cricket program are requested to bring all of their own equipment necessary to participate in training and coaching sessions safely. This would include helmet, pads, bats, etc. Rowville Sports Academy supplies the use of a secured shed on the property where students may store their equipment when not at training. It is personal choice as to whether students decide to leave their bags locked in the shed overnight or take their bags to and from school with them each day. Students utilising this facility do so at their own risk.
RSA: Where do golf students store their clubs during the day?
Golf students are encouraged to bring a minimalised set of clubs with them for days of training. It is recommended that students utilise an 8-inch stand bag for ease of travel and storage.
Rowville Sports Academy supplies a secure shed for all of the Golf Students to store their equipment during the day when not at training/coaching sessions. It is personal preference of each student as to if they wish to store their equipment at school in the secure shed overnight, or if they wish to travel with their Golf bags to and from school each day. Students utilising this facility do so at their own risk.
Churchill Waverley Golf & Bowls Club has a designated RSA Classroom that is kept locked. Students are permitted to store their equipment in this room between sessions held at Churchill Waverley Golf & Bowls Club. Please confirm with the Golf Coach each session if the following session will be held at Churchill Waverley Golf & Bowls Club or another location.
RSA: Are there any specific requirements for tennis equipment?
It is recommended student bring a racquet bag to protect racquets and store other basic equipment. They should of course have appropriate footwear for the court. Any other information will be provided by the coach during the first session.
Student Experience
Co-curricular activities
Ms. Kacey Hocking, provides an overview of our co-curricular activities available to all of our students at the college. Including College Production, Camps & Excusions and Inter-school Sport.
Instrumental music program
Instrumental Music Directors, Ms. Viv McPherson and Mr. Jake Johnson, provide insight into our Instrumental Music Program with help from our music students.
student leadership & src
A member of our Student Representative Council, talks about our SRC program and how you can get involved. Complete Year 7 Captain Application Form.
year 7 camp & excursion
Student, Max, talks about the Year 7 Camp and school excursions on offer to our cohort at Rowville Secondary College.
Can I learn a musical instrument even if I'm not in RIA
Yes, we have a fabulous instrumental music program open to students in all programs. A range of instruments are available for private/group lessons and to join in our ensembles. Please see our Instrumental Music Program page.
When will I receive confirmation of music lessons and instrument hire?
Within a week of expressing your interest, you should be contacted acknowledging this and to discuss options with you and confirm an enrolment. Final confirmation of lessons and instruments takes places at the start of the school year.
What is KIOSC?
KIOSC (Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre) is a joint initiative of the secondary schools in the City of Knox and Swinburne University of Technology.
How can I be part of the SRC and student leadership team at RSC?
Early Term 1, we will share the process for electing our Year 7 SRC members. Here is the application form if you wish to express an interest.
