Parent & Student Information
WERRIBEE SECONDARY COLLEGE | Live Worthily
This page contains important information for families of Werribee Secondary College, including uniforms, bell times, term dates, procedures, BYODD program, school canteen, booklists, parent payments and bus routes.
We also encourage families to refer to Compass for the most up-to-date news and information. Questions related to your child or a specific year level activity are best directed to your child’s Year Level Coordinator. For general queries please email us at werribee.sc@education.vic.gov.au
UNIFORM
All Werribee Secondary College uniforms are sold by Academy Uniforms.
- Purchase uniform items online or by visiting the Academy Uniforms store.
- Free delivery is available for online orders.
- Uniform pricing is available to view on the order page.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER UNIFORM ONLINE
The Academy Uniforms store is located at:
1/195 Old Geelong Road
Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029
Email: info@academyuniforms.com.au
Opening Hours: Tues -Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 1pm
Orders are generally dispatched from Academy Uniforms on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
Please contact Academy Uniforms directly for all questions relating to uniform sizing and purchases.
It is very important parents and students understand the college uniform policy. Please take a moment to read the full policy linked below.
Click here to view the complete College Uniform Policy
A brief summary is provided below to assist with key items:
College Uniform:
- College Maroon Blazer
- College White Shirt (Long or Short Sleeves)
- College Tie
- College Navy Trousers
- College Navy Shorts
- College Tartan Skirt (with socks or black tights)
- College Summer Dress (with socks or black tights)
- College Year 7-9 Navy Jumper
- College Years 10-12 Cherry Red Jumper
- Socks: Plain White or Black
- Black Leather School Shoes: Buckles or Laces (see acceptable examples in policy)
- College Navy Rain Jacket (Optional)
- College Navy Cap Hat (Optional, Sun Smart item)
- College Navy Bucket Hat (Optional, Sun Smart item)
- College Navy Beanie (Optional)
- College Tartan Scarf (Optional)
- Gloves: Plain Navy Blue (Optional)
- Terms 2, 3 & 4 only for year 12 students: College Year 12 Navy Jacket (Optional)
- Navy Backpack with the College logo
- Coveralls for art class (compulsory in years 7 and 8 art)
All items must have the college logo, excluding socks, tights, shoes and gloves.
PE Days:
On the day of their scheduled PE classes students may come to school in their full PE Uniform and remain in it throughout the day. If a student cannot be in full PE uniform, they must wear their full school uniform to school and bring a note as well as an appropriate change of clothes to participate in the practical lesson. All PE items must have the college logo, excluding socks and shoes:
PE uniform consists of the following:
- College Rugby Top
- College Sports Softshell Jacket
- College Polo Sports Shirt (Long or Short Sleeves)
- College Navy Sports Shorts
- CollegeNavy Track Pants
- College Navy Cap Hat or Bucket Hat (compulsory terms 1 & 4)
- Appropriate Sports Footwear
Families can buy or sell second-hand school uniforms and books online using the Sustainable School Shop platform. For any assistance with using the Sustainable School Shop service please contact them directly on 0438 743 444 between the hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- A free subscription to use the service is provided for all WSC families upon sign-up.
- Users buy/sell directly with each other and make their own arrangements.
- Uniform lists and booklists* are pre-loaded to make buying and selling easy.
- The site is most popular in December/January (once the current school year has ended).
BOOKS
2024 Werribee Secondary College booklists are available to order via JP Books.
- You can purchase your items online for home delivery or school collection.
- Full ordering information and related dates are provided in the sidebar of the relevant book list.
- For any further assistance with books or orders please phone JP Books directly on 9314 0529.
In addition, all students require a locker lock. Locks can be purchased from the front office at the College anytime during normal opening hours for $17.
Families can buy or sell second-hand school uniform and books online using the Sustainable School Shop platform. For any assistance with using the Sustainable School Shop service please contact them directly on 0438 743 444 between the hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- A free subscription to use the service is provided for all WSC families upon sign-up.
- Users buy/sell directly with each other and make their own arrangements.
- Uniform lists and booklists are pre-loaded to make buying and selling easy.
- The site is most popular in December/January (once the current school year has ended).
PAYMENTS
2025 Parent Payments (Financial Contributions)
Please refer to the Department of Education Parent Payment Policy available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-payment/policy
Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian curriculum and all contributions are voluntary. Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that Werribee Secondary College can offer the best possible education and support for our students.
- Junior School (Year 7 & 8) Parent Payment Information for 2025 (Mainstream)
- Junior School (Year 7 & 8) Parent Payment Information for 2025 (SELP)
- Middle School (Year 9 & 10) Parent Payment Information for 2025 (Mainstream)
- Middle School (Year 9 & 10) Parent Payment Information for 2025 (SELP)
- Senior School (Year 11 & 12) Parent Payment Information for 2025
- Senior School IB Parent Payment Information for 2025 (IB)
Payments can be made via Compass at anytime throughout the year.
Additional financial supports are also available for eligible families including:
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) & State Schools Relief (SSR)
Financial assistance is available for families via CSEF & The State Schools Relief program.
The DET Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities including:
- school camps or trips
- swimming and school-organised sport programs
- outdoor education programs
- excursions and incursions
- Graduation
The CSEF funding amount for Secondary School students is $225.00 (subject to change).
It cannot be used towards books, stationery, before/after school care, music lessons, or formals.
Visit THE CSEF webPAGE for more details & application form
Year 7 students who receive CSEF funding may also be eligible to receive support for school uniforms via the State Schools’ Relief program.
VISIT THE State Schools RELIEF WEBSITE
If your family is experiencing severe financial hardship making it difficult to obtain the necessary items to commence school, please contact our college Wellbeing department for assistance.
DATES & TIMES
2024 TERM DATES:
2025 TERM DATES:
BELL TIMES:
The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:04pm. A normal day consists of a homegroup session, 6 periods, and breaks for recess and lunch. Shortened days generally only occur on parent-teacher interview days at the end of term 1 and 3, as communicated via Compass.
Every minute matters:
2024 STUDENT FREE DAYS (NO CLASSES):
Term 1:
29 January – Curriculum Day (Staff return for 2024)
12 March – Curriculum Day
28 March – Parent/Teacher Interviews Day: Last day of term
Term 2:
26 April – Curriculum Day
18 June – Staff Professional Practice Day
Term 3:
16 August – Curriculum Day
4 September – Correction Day
20 September – Parent/Teacher Interviews Day: Last day of term
Term 4:
4 November – Day before Melbourne Cup Day
BUSES
The bus services for our College are operated by CDC Victoria.
Please contact CDC Werribee for further assistance with buses including locating your nearest bus stop and times: (03) 9977 9911.
All bus routes are subject to change or delay due to road works or other activity. Notifications will be provided via Compass where possible.
Click below to view the route for your area:
- 4516: Hoppers Crossing 1
- 4520: Wyndham Vale 4
- 4537: Hoppers Crossing 2
- 4552: Werribee South
- 4556 & 4557: Riverwalk
- 4567: Wyndham Vale (Heaths Road)
The above routes are effective as of February 2024.
Keeping bus travel safe – We all have a role to play
Travelling by bus is one of the safest ways to get to school. However, in recent years across Victoria there have been a number of tragic incidents involving school students, which raised specific concerns about safety. All bus travellers have a responsibility to act sensibly to ensure their own safety and the safety and rights of others. Bus drivers, teachers and parents/carers also have a role to play in keeping bus travel to school safe.
This Code of Bus Behaviour was developed as a result of a VicRoads Bus Safety Workshop, with student representatives and bus drivers. Discussions were held about what behaviour was necessary to keep bus travel safe for all passengers. The information that follows is a summary of what was agreed to be safe and appropriate behaviour for students travelling by bus to and from our school.
Always do the right thing to ensure your own safety and the safety and rights of other passengers
Waiting for the bus:
- Get to the bus stop on time
- Wait quietly and keep a safe distance from the edge of the road
- Wait until the bus has completely stopped before boarding
- Wait until other passengers get off before getting on
- Form a line and board the bus in an orderly manner
Travelling on the bus:
- Find a seat and remain seated while the bus is moving
- If you have to stand then hold on to a handrail or handle
- Keep clear of doors and doorways
- Avoid doing anything that may distract the driver
- Talk with your friends, but keep noise to a respectable level
- School bags should be put in the correct place, such as under the seat and clear of walkways
- Wait until you get off the bus to eat and drink
- Respect the property of others
- Wear seat belts where these are fitted
Prevent serious injury – Do not lean out of windows, keep arms and hands inside the bus
Getting off the bus:
- Wait until the bus has stopped before moving towards the door
- Leave the bus in an orderly manner
- Move to a safe distance away from the bus and wait for the bus to leave
Crossing the road:
- Wait until the bus has moved well away from the stop and will not block your view of traffic
- Choose a safe place to cross – This may not be at the bus stop, but further away where you have a clearer view of approaching traffic – Always use a pedestrian crossing or school crossing where possible.
- STOP one step back from the road
- LOOK & LISTEN for approaching traffic
- THINK about whether it is safe before you decide to cross
- Assist any younger children crossing the road with you
Safety tips for parents and carers:
- Meet younger children at the bus stop
- If driving, park in a safe place away from the bus stop, so that you do not block the approach or departure for the bus
- Park, where possible, on the same side of the road as the bus stop, so that your children do not have to cross the road to meet you
- Walk with your children across the road and show them how to cross safely:
STOP one step back from the road
LOOK & LISTEN for approaching traffic
THINK about whether it is safe before you decide to cross
Make plans for when things go wrong such as:
- Your child misses the bus, it is late or does not arrive
- They lose their ticket or pass
- They leave their belongings on the bus
- They get confused and miss their usual stop
- They have forgotten to tell you about an after-school event
BYODD
Students of Werribee Secondary College require their own approved device that meets the requirements of the BYODD Program.
The only devices currently supported or recommended by the College are a Macbook, iPad, or Windows device as specified on page 3 of the BYODD Program (click to view).
Our suggested supplier is The School Locker who offer a purchasing portal for WSC families and easy warranty support:
THE SCHOOL LOCKER AUTHORISED PURCHASING PORTAL
We have also provided documentation below to assist you in the initial set up and on-going management and use of your device. It is recommended to obtain personal property insurance for items in case of loss or damage.
For any further assistance please contact our IT Department via email: ITS@staff.werribeesc.vic.edu.au
Device Policy & Usage:
BYODD Program & Devices
BYODD Acceptable Use
Using Technologies Appropriately
ePlanner & MDM Clarification (App4)
E-safety guide
Essential apps for students
Device Configuration:
Set up a free Apple ID
Wifi (iPad) | Wifi (Macbook)
Printing (iPad) | Printing (Macbook)
Clickview
MS Office 365
Class Notebooks (OneNote)
IT Support For Students:
Students requiring IT support for their approved device will be able to log a request via the support center. The support center also allows you to view the status of any existing requests (tickets). The IT office is located in ‘S’ Block (science area).
Internet Users Agreement:
All families are asked to read and agree to the Werribee Secondary College internet users agreement as part of the enrolment process. Students will only be provided with a password following acceptance of this agreement. An additional Acceptable Use Agreement applies to student devices (provided above).
Students who are found breaching any of these rules may have their internet and network access removed and receive further consequences.
AT OUR COLLEGE
OUR MOTTO
Live worthily.
OUR VISION
Werribee Secondary College is a leader in international education in the Victorian state education system. We implement the best quality educational practices evident throughout Australia and internationally. The Werribee Secondary College community “lives worthily”.
We are adaptable life-long learners, who are confident, creative and resilient individuals, empowered to shape the world in which we live.
OUR MISSION
At Werribee Secondary College we strive for success in all the chosen endeavours of our students. We nurture the values of respect and responsibility. We respect, and are responsible for embracing our identity and that of others; taking care of our local and global communities, and valuing the right to learn.
We respect and are responsible for our:
Learning | I respect my own right to learn and that of others, and I recognise my responsibility to become a lifelong learner. |
Identity | I respect the diverse cultures, religions, languages, beliefs, genders, sexual orientation and the specific needs of those around me. I respect my own role within this community and take responsibility to show respect for both myself and others. |
Community | I respect the local and global communities within which I live. I understand my responsibility in protecting these communities to ensure a safe and sustainable future in which everyone feels they belong. |
READY TO LEARN
‘Ready to Learn’ is a Werribee Secondary College priority. It focuses on ensuring students come to school and attend each class fully prepared to learn and make the most of their school day.
‘Ready to Learn’ begins and ends at home, ensuring students get an appropriate amount of sleep, have an adequate breakfast as well as lunch and at the end of the school day undertake and complete the required homework and home study.
‘Ready to Learn’ at school means that students:
- Attend school regularly with minimal absences
- Arrive at school and class on time
- Bring all required materials to class
- Wear their uniform correctly and in good condition
- Respect the college rules on appearance (hair, jewellery, piercings)
- Do not bring distractions to class (i.e. phones)
‘Ready to Learn’ requires the support of all parents to help encourage and instil these priorities in our students.
HOMEWORK:
Homework is an important part of independent learning for students and provides a foundation for further study; it is used as a way to increase the amount of time students spend working on set tasks. Homework positively influences student attitudes towards learning, attentiveness in the classroom and overall achievement and motivation.
Appropriate types of homework may include:
- Completing unfinished work from class
- Study and preparation for tests/exams
- Reading set novels
- Project or assignment work
- Revision
- Preparation for the next day’s lessons
- Wide reading
As a guide, the minimum amount of homework (per night) expected from students:
- Year 7: 1 1/4 hours
- Year 8: 1 1/2 hours
- Year 9: 1 3/4 hours
- Year 10: 2 hours
- Year 11: 2 1/2 hours
- Year 12: 3 hours
Parents need to provide the opportunity for their child to complete their homework in an appropriate location. The College Council recognises the difficulties experienced by some students in gaining resources and the appropriate environment for study; for this reason, College Council make library resources available for student use before school, at lunchtime and after school.
ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
- Behave in a courteous manner.
- Respect the physical and emotional well being of others.
- Respect the rights and property of other people.
- Behave in a way which does not interfere with teaching and learning.
- Obtain permission before communicating with visitors to the college.
- Wear the college uniform correctly including when travelling to and from school.
- Use college furniture, equipment, fittings, buildings, and grounds appropriately.
- Adhere to college policies.
- Provide a written explanation from parents or guardians for any absences.
- Remain within college boundaries during school hours unless a pass has been provided.
- Be on time to all classes and other school activities.
- Care for the college environment.
- When in public, students are ambassadors of the college and should follow relevant rules and respect the rights of the community.
STUDENT PROCEDURES:
I have been absent:
If an absence is known in advance, your parent/carer should inform the College via Compass, a note or by phoning your coordinator prior to you being away. If you are away, even for part of a day, this should be explained to your Year Level Coordinator by Compass, note or phone call immediately on return.
I will be absent:
If you know you will be absent for a long period (e.g serious illness) parents/guardians should contact the Year Level Coordinator who will arrange work to be provided for you. Parents are advised to request ‘student leave’ (vacation) in writing/via Compass to the Year Level Coordinator.
I am late:
If you are late to school or to class at the beginning of the day, you must report to your Sub-School Office before you can attend class. You must have a note explaining your lateness.
I have an appointment and need to leave early:
You must bring a note to your Year Level Coordinator before school, signed/approved by one of your parents/guardians, setting out the time of the appointment and when you expect to return to the College. Your Year Level Coordinator will issue you with an Early Leavers Pass which you should show to your class teacher to exit class. (Please note that we cannot call students over the loudspeaker during class time.)
You must then present the pass at the General Office and you or your parent/guardian must complete an Early Leavers entry. Your parent/guardian may be required to present appropriate identification. You must report back to the General Office to sign back in if you return on that day.
I forgot my lunch or money or missed the bus home:
Don’t panic! If you forget your lunch, please see the Student Wellbeing team or your Coordinator for assistance. If you miss the bus, report to the front office or your Coordinator and someone will phone home to arrange for you to be collected.
I need to phone home:
Students should speak with their Year Level Coordinator or office before school, recess, lunch time or after school. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones when at the College.
If I use a mobile phone:
We recommend that mobile phones are not bought to school. The College takes no responsibility for their safekeeping. If students bring a mobile phone, it must be switched off during school times, stored in the students locker. If students are seen with a mobile phone at school, the phone may be confiscated.
My parents need to contact me urgently:
The General Office staff or your Coordinator will call you up at break times to relay an urgent message. If the emergency requires you to go home, parents or their nominees must come to the school to sign you out.
I am transferring from the college:
You must have a note from your parent/guardian and take it to the Careers Office where you will be provided an Exit Form to complete and have signed by your parent/guardian.
I ride my bicycle to school:
Bicycle enclosures and bicycle racks are provided by the College, but it is each student’s responsibility to provide an adequate locking device. Students are expected to wear their helmets when riding. Students must ‘walk’ their bicycles when on school grounds. (Skates, skateboards, scooters and the like are banned from school)
I am ill or injured:
You should report all illness or injury at school to any member of staff who will take the necessary action. The College sick bay (in the administration building) is where you can get basic first aid if you are ill and/or injured (please report to the General Office if requiring the sick bay). If you are too ill to attend class then staff will arrange for you to be picked up from school by your parent/guardian.
Anaphylaxis (food allergies):
Always take food allergies seriously. Don’t share food with your peers who have food allergies. Know what your friends are allergic too (and look out for them!) If a peer becomes sick, get help immediately. Be respectful of adrenaline auto injectors. Never pressure anyone to eat food they are (or may be) allergic to.
Appearance:
The College’s uniform policy states that ‘hairstyles and adornments which are considered unsafe or in the opinion of the Principal, damaging to the personal image of the student or to the reputation of the College will be banned.’ Unnatural hair colours (e.g. pink, purple, contrasting), extreme jewellery including facial piercings and visible body adornments are not acceptable. Please check the uniform policy or with your Coordinator if you are unsure.
Am I Insured At School?:
Personal Property Insurance
Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, iPods, electronic games, calculators, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.
Student Accident Insurance Arrangements
The Department does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students including any transport costs. Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare and Private Health Insurance.
VIEW PHOTOGRAPHING, FILMING AND RECORDING OF STUDENTS POLICY
Werribee Secondary College takes images of students during classes, excursions, sporting events and many other activities in order to capture aspects of the school’s programs and its students. In addition to this we would like to publicly recognise the achievements of our students via our newsletter, social media, website or local publications. We do not publish personal contact details, i.e. phone numbers, addresses, or personal email addresses in any of the media.
It should be noted that information, images, and work samples published to the College website, social media or external publications can be accessed by a global audience. This includes the twice a term college newsletter which is published to this website. However, student scores, academic reports, attendance and other assessment information are available to parents/guardians only via a login and password system. The link to Compass can be found on the College website.
Any image or part of an image, information or work samples will be removed from the College Website or other platforms if requested at any time by a parent/guardian.
Tick the appropriate box on your enrolment form to provide permission to publish photos of your child, their achievements or work in any of the above media. You may change your permission in the future by contacting our office.
SERVICES
Operated by H&H, the Atrium Cafe (canteen) at Werribee Secondary College provides fresh hot and cold meals daily, along with seasonal and daily specials.
For breakfast (before school), recess and lunchtime, the Atrium Cafe caters to a wide range of dietary requirements, including halal and vegetarian options. We encourage students with specific dietary requirements to speak with the staff about their needs. The Atrium Cafe carries many brands our students know and trust while supporting healthy, balanced eating.
We encourage all families to use the online QuickCliq system to pre-order lunch. Parents sign up an account, add funds to the account, and decide whether or not to allow their child to place their own orders. Either way, parents retain control of the funds and can monitor what their child is eating. A link to QuickCliq can be located in the Compass favourites (star) menu. A QuickCollect point has been set up at the Atrium Cafe so those who pre-order can skip the lunchtime queues!
The Atrium Cafe accepts cash or card payments for all purchases over the counter (but no payments via mobile phones which are not permitted at school).
Compass is our school information and communication platform. All parents and students receive a Compass login prior to commencement.
All students and parents will have access to Compass information including the student’s:
- Personal Timetable
- Lesson Bell Times
- Attendance (rolls are marked every lesson, six per day)
- School Reports (Interim and End of Unit)
- Homework
- Learning Tasks for each subject
- Progressive Results
Compass means all relevant information can be found in one location.
Parents are able to monitor their child’s progress and make contact with their child’s teachers if they have a concern.
Compass also contains a Newsfeed where you will receive important communications from the College, please check it regularly.
Our College has a working relationship with the Wyndham Community & Education Centre Inc. Every Tuesday morning, Settlement Services Workers are available to assist our newly arrived students and their families (including incoming families) with any of the services listed below.
You can drop-in at the College General Office between 9:00am to 12:30pm on a Tuesday (during school terms) to meet with a WCEC Settlement Service Worker.
Alternatively, you are welcome to contact our worker Say Htoo Eh (female) directly at:
Email: sayhtoom@wyndhamcec.org.au Phone: 0466 354 878
Services include:
- Casework & Settlement Service Delivery
- Community Coordination & Development
- Youth Settlement Services
Wyndham CEC is funded by the Department of Social Services to provide settlement services to permanent residents who have arrived in Australia in the last five years as humanitarian entrants or family stream migrants with low English proficiency. Services are designed to enable clients to become self-reliant and participate equitably in Australian society as soon as possible. They also assist eligible communities that need assistance and support to develop capacity to meet the needs of their members.
Casework and Settlement Services
These services include the provision of settlement related information, advice, advocacy and referral services to individuals and families during their early settlement in Australia. They also provide information on Working in Australia, making employment referrals and working with employers and employment agencies to create employment opportunities for new arrivals.
Settlement issues that clients often seek help with include:
- Accessing English language services
- Employment information
- Housing, legal & consumer issues
- Health & well-being
- Family relationships
- Income support
- Access to government and non-government services
- Referrals to specialist services
Community Coordination and Development
Community Coordination and Development actively works on achieving positive outcomes in regards to key settlement issues for refugees & new and emerging communities through educational, social, recreational and information programmes. They provide assistance to newly arrived clients to make social connections and enhance their economic and personal wellbeing.
Services offered include:
- Volunteering Programmes
- Support Groups
- Sport and Recreation Programmes
- Social Enterprise initiatives
- Festivals and Events to celebrate cultural diversity and encourage community participation
- Mentoring of community organisations to develop capacity and sustainability
- Family Strengthening Activities
- Opportunities for social engagement and to practice English skills
- Cultural awareness training for service providers and agencies
Settlement Youth Services
Wyndham CEC’s Settlements Youth Services aim to provide support, mentoring and advocacy for eligible young people, to engage and develop their leadership skills and to assist them to settle and actively participate in Australian society. Wyndham CEC engages young people through youth specific workshops, camps and sporting activities and supports young people to become involved in mainstream activities and to be active members of the WHN’s Youth Working Group.
Youth Settlement Services include:
- Casework
- Referrals
- Sport and Recreation Programmes and events
- Group Information Sessions or Workshops
- Building capabilities in employment, education, training and social skills
- Targeted Youth Programmes
- Advocacy and Networking
- Leadership Programs
- Support groups for disconnected youth