Parents
Victoria’s government schools are there for all children. They offer opportunity, choice, cultural diversity, life skills and a great education.
State government schools are supported by a strong and solid system. At the same time, each school has the flexibility to tailor its programs to meet the individual needs of students and the local community. Government schools are definitely not part of a one-size-fits-all system and VCASS is an important part of the system because it meets the education and training needs of talented young dancers, musicians and sportspeople.
In our system are small and large schools, some with primary and secondary students in the same location, special schools for children with disabilities and schools that teach English to students who have recently arrived in Australia. Many of these schools provide students to our school as do Catholic and Independent schools.
Government schools across Victoria are an important part of their local community. Our community is broader but sets up wonderful arts connections to build upon as career pathways unfold. We are proud to be a leading state government school.
Communication is the key
As a school community it is important that we have active and positive communication. At times you will have questions that you would like to have answered or issues dealt with relating to life here in the school. We encourage you to address these issues or concerns in the following way.
Parents: If you have issues regarding your child:
- Your first port of call should always be your child's Year Level Coordinator as outlined in the table below.
- If that person is not immediately available and you need a quick response, ask for the Head of Student Services and Counsellor, Neil Adam.
If you believe that your son/daughter would benefit from special assistance of some sort, or you think the confidential opportunity to discuss your child would be helpful, appointments can be made with Neil Adam. These meetings are strictly confidential.
Students can ask to speak to him at any time. I am also available to both parents and students. Appointments can be made to see me through the General Office.
For any matter relating to the Dance or Music programs it is of course most appropriate for you to contact the Head of Dance, Tim Storey or the Head of Music, Michael Sargeant or the Head of the ABS training program, Leigh Rowles. For VIG matters it is best to speak to your child's trainer.
For wider concerns, relating to School Policy or Organisation or for issues unresolved through the already mentioned channels, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In an emergency situation it is best to call directly to our General Office.
In this age of rapid communication because of mobile telecommunications it is important that the school is kept informed. For obvious reasons we do not want parents and students making arrangements during the day with no reference to the adults who have duty of care for that child. Leave to go home due to illness, for example, needs to be made with a Student Services staff member.
Other matters during the day need also to be managed by the school, and parents who may receive a concerned phone call from their child need to speak to one of us rather than try and resolve matters themselves.
I welcome your feedback and communication. Community members can ring me on 03 8644 8644 or email me directly: principal@vcass.vic.edu.au
Colin Simpson
Principal
Leadership Team
Principal |
Colin Simpson |
Assistant Principal |
Hilary Bland |
Head of Student Services |
Neil Adam |
Head of Academic |
Paul Nucci |
Head of Dance |
Tim Storey |
Head of Music |
Michael Sargeant |
The VCA Secondary School Leadership Team manages the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the school as well as school development and event planning.
Administrative and Teaching Support Team
Business Manager |
Maureen Roberts |
Marketing and Development Support |
Jenny Purcell |
Reception |
Ema Yandall |
Administration Support |
Lana Mokdsi |
Library support |
Jeff Goodwin |
Music Administration |
Kim Beissel |
Laboratory Technician |
Helen McCormick |
Dance Administration |
Stacy Mitchell |
Secondary Teaching Support |
Jennifer Seefelt |
Our administrative team can assist with general enquires, enrolments, audition material and financial matters. Enquires about school contributions, dance and music levies, Educational Maintenance Allowance and Conveyance can be made to Maureen Roberts.
Teaching staff
The Arts Faculty |
Chris Button, Hilary Bland, Katina Kondos, Alistair Gunn, Andrew Landrigan and Isobel Baynes. |
English, French, Humanities Faculties |
Nancie Robinson, Rosina Gannon, Donatella Mannolini, Anne Stewart, Chris Doig, Katina Kondos, Judith Gardiner, Rosemary Richards, Heather Leviston, Ludi Servadei and Neil Adam |
Maths and Science Faculty |
Peter Crabb, Theo Buskes, Heather Leviston, Layne Naug, Robert Erwin, Nicole Demasi and Jacqueline Cullie |
Head of Library |
Roy Fitzgerald |
Dance Program |
Tim Storey (Head of Dance), Stephen McTaggart, Maggie Lorraine, Robert Ray, Janne Blanch, Tim Harbour, Jenny Purcell, Barbara Warren Smith, Isabelle Ryan, Megan Ellis and Sela Kiek. Other guest artists. |
Music Program |
Michael Sargeant (Head of Music), Mary Jo Kelly (Assistant Head), Jenny Gillan, Claire Preston, Jodie Lockyer and Anne Lewitzka. Other guest artists. |
Physiotherapist |
Zara Gomes |
Extension Activities Coordinators |
|
Royal Academy of Dance |
Steven McTaggart |
Cecchetti |
Anne Butler |
Individual staff teacher areas described are indicative only.
Student Services Team
Head of Student Services |
Neil Adam |
Year 7/8 Coordinator |
Ludi Servadei |
Year 9 Support Teacher |
Heather Leviston |
Year 9 Support Teacher |
Chris Doig |
Year 9 Support Teacher |
Rosina Gannon |
Year 10 Coordinator |
Roy Fitzgerald |
Year 11 Coordinator |
Chris Button |
Year 12 Coordinator |
Jacqueline Cullie |
Student Welfare and Well being |
Neil Adam |
VCAA Coordinator |
Jacqueline Cullie |
VASS |
Jeff Goodwin |
ABS, GV and NICA Students |
Neil Adam |
International Students Coordinator |
Ludi Servadei |
| RTO Manger | Nicole Demasi |
Our Student Services Team manages all aspects of the lives of our students in the school.
The Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and Music, Melbourne University key staff
Dean |
Professor Sharman Pretty |
Head of VCAM Dance |
Associate Professor Jenny Kinder |
Head of the School of Music |
Gary McPherson |
The VCA provides the majority of the teaching in the dance and music programs.
Australian Ballet School key staff
Director, Australian Ballet School |
Marilyn Rowe AO |
Head of Training |
Leigh Rowles |
Head of Student Health and Welfare |
Lucinda Sharp |
The Australian Ballet School works in close consultation with the VCA Secondary School on the education of the ballet students in our school. The provision of VCE and other education is completed by secondary school staff within the guidelines set by the Australian Ballet School.
Gymnastics Victoria key staff
Director |
Jane Farrance |
Boys' Gym |
Greg Corsiglia |
Students travel between the campus of the VCA Secondary School and training facilities in Prahran.
Diving Victoria and NICA
Students travel between the campus of the VCA Secondary School and training facilities at/or dictated by Diving Victoria or NICA.
How you can support your child
Absence for any reason
Please ring the school office (8644 8644) in the morning if you know your child will be absent. You can also email if that is more convenient at victorianarts.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au
If a student is absent for more than 3 days, we must have written confirmation of the reason.
Books & Equipment
It is essential that students attend school with ALL of the books and equipment necessary for their studies. As you are aware students spend half of the amount of time of other students in the state to complete all of their academic studies. It is therefore of particular importance that no time is wasted through lack of essential materials
Concern about your child
Please do not hesitate to contact any person in the school. First calls should generally be made to a classroom teacher for classroom issues. More general concerns should be raised with Neil Adam or a Year Level Coordinator.
Hours
Students at VCASS undertake longer hours than the average student would.
The school and parents need to form a partnership to support this heavy workload and travelling requirements, particularly out of hours.
Classes generally commence at 8.30am each day. Academic classes normally conclude at 3.45pm. There is a floating lunch at either 11.50am, 12.35pm or 1.20pm. Students may be at school until 5.30pm.
Dance students will normally warm up before class and can be in the studios from 7.45am. They may also have elective classes in the evenings and Saturdays.
Specialist classes operate during the day and up until 5.30pm in the afternoons. There can be evening work from time to time. This will be for rehearsals and orchestra at key periods throughout the year.
Many VCASS students play in the VCAM Term 1 Orchestra Project. This will involve after school and evening rehearsals and out of hours travel. This is a wonderful experience but a major undertaking involving extra time commitments.
Arrangements are made regarding extended hours for performances and the school does commence later the next day after some concerts and performances. This are advised on the school calendar and newsletter.
Homework/Home study
It is essential that students be provided with a suitable space in which to study at home. This should include a desk, chair, and a good light and be noise free. Recommendations regarding the amount of time to be spent on home-study are contained in the students Work Planner. Your support in helping your student to manage their time well and to keep up to date with their studies is essential to their success in our school
Illness before school
If your child is ill in the morning please do not send him/her to school, as we do not have the resources to enable us to look after them adequately for long periods of time.
Illness during the school day
We will contact you to seek your advice as to whether you will pick up your child or would like him/her to be sent home. Please be assured that we will do our best, within our limited resources, to care for them in the meantime.
Late arrival at school
Ensure that your child signs in at the general office
Leaving school early
If you are picking up your child please ensure that you speak to the general office and that they are signed out. If the student is going home alone they must bring a note that they take to their Year Level Coordinator before signing out at the general office. We also expect students to let us know when they have arrived home safely.
Financial Assistance
Contact the Principal or Business Manager on 03 8644 8644
Further Information
Your child's 'Work Planner'The VCA Secondary School asks all parents and guardians of students to work cooperatively with the school in upholding the school policies and procedures. Such cooperation is the most effective way to maximise your child's ability to take advantage of the opportunities offered at this specialist school.
Quick contact guide
Absence |
General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| ABS issues | Head of Level http://www.australianballetschool.com.au/ |
Accident |
General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| Booklists | Roy Fitzgerald 03 8644 8545 |
| Camp enquires | Chris Button 03 8644 8622 |
Career Advice |
This is the role of the Student Services Team through the Managed Individual Pathways process. Students should know their key contact, but parents can contact Neil Adam for referral 03 8644 8613 |
| Dance issues | Head of Dance |
| Financial Assistance | Principal 03 8644 8644 |
| Illness | General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| Late arrival at school | General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| Leaving Early | For students: Year Level Coordinator then Reception For parents: General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| Lockers | Assistant Principal |
| Lost Property | For students: The Library, Staff Rooms then Reception For parents: General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| Music issues | Head of Music |
| Paying Money | Business Manager 03 8644 8644 |
| NICA issues | Your Trainer |
| Conveyance | General Office 03 8644 8644 |
| VIG issues | Your Coach |