Inspire 2025

Welcome to the 2025 issue of Inspire. This publication is the expression of student voice at The Lakes and showcases the amazing learning that happens throughout the year on both campuses.

Contents

College Principal Welcome Bill Panas

Leading with Pride Primary Peer Mediators

Primary Campus Reflection Marcus Abney-Hastings

Our Final Year Adventure on Primary Year Six

Primary School Captains

Primary Interschool Sports Primary Sport

Secondary Campus Reflection Bonnie Lee

Whole School Atheltics Carnival House Captains

Secondary School Captains

Secondary Interschool Sports Secondary Sport

School Council Reflection Amanda Farrelly

Exciting New Opportunities Year Seven

Celebrating Staff

Solving Water Problems in the World Secondary Humanities

Cultural Connections

Hands-On Learning in Math Secondary Mathematics

Student Fundraising Primary SRC

Decoding the Universe Secondary Science

Community Relationships

A Year of Highlights Year Eight

Hope Arts Festival Primary Art

Diplomacy in Action Secondary VIA

A Great Start! Prep

Memorable Exeriences in Year Nine Year Nine

Showcasing Music Primary Performing Arts

Artistic Expression Secondary Art

Navigating Year One! Year One

Learning from Science to the Stage Year Ten

Science of Learning in Math Primary Numeracy

The Value of Peer Support Secondary Peer Mediators

Fun, Forces & Friendships Year Two

Technology at The Lakes Secondary Technology

Resilience in Action on Primary Primary Agency & Engagement

Student Agency on Display Secondary Agency & Engagement

Learning through Curiosity Year Three

The Year Eleven Journey Year Eleven

Primary Writer’s Anthology Primary Literacy

Freaky Friday the Musical Secondary Performing Arts

Exploring Together in Year Four Year Four

Secondary Writer’s Anthology Secondary English

Science Week in Action Primary STEM

Enjoying our Final Year! Year Twelve

Building Confidence in Year Five Year Five

College Principal Welcome

BILL PANAS

Behind every student contribution lies a network of unwavering support. Our dedicated teachers continue to model excellence and passion for learning, creating classrooms that spark curiosity and innovation. They do more than deliver lessons — they inspire, coach, and empower. Equally, our parents and carers remain central to the partnership that underpins our College’s success. Their encouragement and commitment provide the foundation that allows our students to thrive. This powerful collaboration — families, staff, and peers — is what sustains our students on their journey to becoming lifelong learners and leaders. Both teachers, parents and carers play a significant role in helping young people to mould their ideas, resource them, develop strategies, prototypes, implement outcomes and a final product that exceeds and excels. As the educational leader of our College, this is the motivation that endures deep in my soul. Inspire also represents continuity. Each edition adds a new chapter to our College’s story, a story defined by high expectations, creativity, and a shared belief in the potential of young people. The 2025 edition stands proudly alongside those that came before, reminding us that excellence at The Lakes is not occasional — it is constant, evolving, and deeply embedded in our culture.

Welcome to the 2025 edition of Inspire, our annual celebration of the imagination, resilience, and brilliance that defines The Lakes. Each year this publication gives us the chance to pause and reflect on the extraordinary achievements of our students — achievements that remind us why our College community is so vibrant, so hopeful, and so deeply inspiring. As you move through these pages, you will encounter the authentic voices of our students. Every Inspire entry is original, honest, purposeful and oozes boundless and infectious passion. A wide variety of skills, experiences and interpretations of numerous subjects and genres fills the beautifully presented pages. Their words, artwork, reflections, and stories are not only creative but courageous. They reveal the determination to overcome challenges, the joy of discovery, and the boundless energy that fuels their learning. Inspire is more than a magazine — it is a portrait of our young

I extend my sincere congratulations to the publication team for curating such a polished and professional edition. Their skill in capturing the heart of our community and presenting it with such care and flair deserves the highest praise. This year’s Inspire magazine will sit proudly on my coffee table at school and at home for many years to come. As you read, may you feel the same sense of pride and optimism that I do. Together we are building a community where dreams are nurtured, ideas are celebrated, and futures are shaped with confidence and purpose. Here’s to The Lakes — a College of learners, leaders, and dreamers, where the future continues to shine ever brighter.

Mr. Panas College Principal

people at their best, striving not just to meet expectations but to redefine them.

Primary Campus Reflection

MARCUS ABNEY-HASTINGS

As we come to the close of another school year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have shared as a school community. This year has been one of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements — a true testament to the resilience and dedication of our students, staff, and families. From the outset, our focus was on fostering an environment where every student felt supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. I am proud to say that we made significant strides in academic performance, extracurricular engagement, and community involvement across our College. Our students demonstrated not only academic excellence but also compassion, creativity, and leadership, taking themselves out of their comfort zone at times. I also want to acknowledge the vital role our families played. Your partnership, encouragement, and support were integral in helping our students thrive and build a strong partnership between home and school. ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL GROWTH This year, our students have made tremendous progress across all areas of learning. From early literacy and numeracy skills in our P-2 spaces to the development

of critical thinking and creativity across the senior year levels, I have witnessed firsthand the eagerness and enthusiasm with which our students approach their learning every day. Our NAPLAN data across Years 3 and 5 continue to be steady and in line with network, similar schools and State benchmarks. Our dedicated teaching staff have implemented innovative and engaging programs that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that each child is supported and challenged appropriately. These results were on the back of the introduction of several new initiatives this year aimed at enhancing foundational skills, building a more consistent approach to the way we teach through the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model and The Science of Learning. These new initiatives have resulted in considerable improvements in student confidence and output across Prep-Six and will be a stepping stone for 2026. SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL WELLBEING Educational settings like our College are not just about academics, but also about nurturing the whole child. At The Lakes, we place a strong emphasis on social- emotional learning. Through the introduction of the Resilience Project in 2025, we saw a consistent approach to wellbeing that allowed our students to engage in activities that fostered empathy, resilience, and cooperation. This program, doubled with our

whole-school approach to School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports meant that as a school, we were able to prioritise and support students with their mental health and wellbeing. Our Youth Worker and wellbeing programs provided vital support to both students and families, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all. This was evident in the 2025 Attitudes to School Survey where The Lakes continued to perform above network and similar schools across the State. COMMUNITY AND PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT Our school community has never been stronger. We greatly appreciate the ongoing partnership of parents and caregivers, whose involvement in classrooms and school events meant that we were able to bring the partnership between home and school even closer in 2025. Events such as our annual Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, our Welcome Back BBQ, and our fortnightly assemblies brought us closer and enriched the educational experience for our students. These opportunities for connection were essential in the strong Parent/Carer Opinion Survey data in 2025 and for building a sense of belonging and pride in our school. Thank you to all our parents and carers who have contributed or given feedback throughout the year.

JERUSHA, KENZI, MANEEL & LACHLAN 2025 PRIMARY CAPTAIN REFLECTION

LOOKING AHEAD As we look forward to the next school year, we are committed to building on our successes of 2025. We will continue to innovate in teaching practices, strengthen our wellbeing programs, and deepen our engagement with families and the wider community. I am confident that the foundation we have laid this year will support our students in becoming confident, curious, and caring learners who are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our school community — students, parents/carers, teachers, support staff, and volunteers. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and spirit make our school a special place to work.

Enjoy the well-deserved break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting year of learning and growth in 2026.

Thanks again for all your support.

Mr. Abney Hastings

Secondary Campus Reflection

BONNIE LEE

This year has been one of momentum and consolidation on the Secondary Campus. We’ve built on recent achievements while continuing to refine the way we support student learning, wellbeing, and growth. Across all areas, our focus has remained steady: to create an environment where every student feels challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their potential while living our College values of Learning, Leadership, Teamwork, and Respect. LEARNER COACHING AND GROWTH The Learner Coach program has matured into an integral part of our Secondary experience. Students have embraced the opportunity to set goals, reflect on progress, and connect meaningfully with peers across year levels. These sessions have fostered a stronger sense of belonging and accountability, helping students see themselves not only as learners but also as leaders within our community. The vertical groupings in Years 7–9 and Years 10–12 have been invaluable in allowing students to model positive behaviours, engage in peer coaching, and truly live out our College motto of Aspire to Inspire. SUPPORTING TRANSITIONS Our expanded transition program has again proved highly effective in welcoming new students into the Secondary Campus. By scaffolding the academic and social expectations of secondary schooling, we’ve seen students adjust quickly and confidently, ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. Our growing enrolments reflect The Lakes’ vision of being the school of choice in the area — a testament to our students’ outstanding academic results, among the highest in the region, their positive engagement shown through the Attitudes to School Survey, the strong satisfaction of families highlighted in the Parent Opinion Survey,

and above all, the exemplary way our students model behaviour both in and out of the classroom.

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program at the University of Melbourne, a reflection of the ambition and confidence of our students. On the back of our outstanding 2024 VCE results — the highest in the Whittlesea region — our College has been sought out by schools across the area and beyond. Teachers and leaders have looked to our practices as a model for lifting student outcomes, further cementing our reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning. STRONG EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC RIGOUR In 2025, The Lakes South Morang College introduced formal examinations for students in Years 7–12, alongside an extensive and comprehensive Step-Up Program to support students’ transition into the following year’s studies. These initiatives mark an important step in preparing our students for the rigour and independence required in senior secondary learning and beyond. The introduction of examinations at all year levels helped students develop valuable study habits, time management, and self-reflection skills, while the Step- Up Program ensured every learner begins the new academic year with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. Together, these programs have helped our College create a consistent culture of high expectations, continuous growth, and readiness for future success.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Our students also continued to shine across leadership, sport, work placements, and community initiatives. From City Experience and Work Experience to VET and VCE programs, students embraced opportunities to develop real-world skills and pursue their passions, showing resilience and drive in every endeavour. LIVING OUR VALUES Perhaps most importantly, 2025 has reinforced how deeply our College values guide daily life on Campus. Students have consistently demonstrated Respect, Leadership, Teamwork, and a passion for Learning — in classrooms, on stage, on the sporting field, and within the community. These values have become visible in the way our students interact, problem-solve, and rise to challenges together. LOOKING FORWARD As the year closes, we celebrate not only the progress achieved but also the strong foundation it has created for the future. 2025 has been a year of growth, creativity, and achievement — a year that leaves us well-positioned to continue striving for excellence as a learning community.

2025 SECONDARY CAPTAIN REFLECTION

COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY A special highlight in 2025 was Freaky Friday the Musical, which saw one third of our Secondary students involved — either on stage, backstage, or in the band. Productions like this showcase the incredible creativity, teamwork, and commitment of our students while bringing families and the wider community together in celebration. EXPONENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES This year, our students also embraced unique opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. For the first time in the College’s history, a delegate of students featured in the Model United Nations, stepping into the shoes of country ambassadors to debate global issues and explore solutions using the formal protocols of the UN General Assembly. Experiences like this challenge our students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and engage with complex, real-world issues on a global stage. ACADEMIC GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT 2025 has also been marked by impressive academic success. Our Year 9 students achieved the highest number of NAPLAN Certificates of Achievement in the College’s history, recognising those who demonstrated exceptional growth across their testing period. We also recorded the most applications ever for the prestigious

ZAF, ANHAD, AIDEN J & HASTI

Ms. Lee

School Council Reflection

AMANDA FARRELLY

As we look back on 2025, our very active School Council have remained deeply committed to playing a strategic role within our school community. Our body of dedicated parents/carers and staff have continued to provide steady and thoughtful leadership this year that keeps our school moving forward. This year hasn’t been about dramatic change, rather it’s been about consistency, staying focused, and making meaningful progress. Every step we’ve taken has been aligned to the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, whether it’s supporting student wellbeing, enhancing learning outcomes, or deepening our connection with families and the wider community, School Council has stayed true to its purpose. Entering a new School Council term, the urgent ‘must do’ items regarding buildings and grounds were completed after a three-year program of improvements and upgrades. Therefore, our focus for 2025 was to support our Leadership team on improving our learning environments and reinforcing parents/carers as learning

partners. This shift was energised by the outstanding performance of our 2024 VCE students, whose median study score rose from 24 to 30—an achievement that placed The Lakes as the top-performing government school in the Whittlesea network. One of the most exciting developments this year was the rollout of digital screens across the Primary Campus. Initially introduced in Prep to Year 3 classrooms during Term 1, their success led to expansion into Years 4–6 by Term 4. The feedback from both students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the screens’ ability to transform classrooms into engaging, interactive and effective learning spaces with multiple uses. Building on this success, Council endorsed the early introduction of the BYOD laptop program for Year 5 and 6 students—previously implemented at Year 7— to ensure students are well-prepared for the digital demands of secondary education. The introduction of the Resilience Project initiative this year has also been fantastic to help our students build mental strength, embrace challenges and develop a growth mindset that will carry them through life, both inside and outside the classroom.

Advocacy work has also been in the mix in our meeting agendas. School Council supported efforts to address important issues, including: • The operation of student bus services by schools outside our region; • Inconsistencies within the Department’s ‘Find My School’ platform; • The delay in increased funding contributions to Victorian Government schools, now postponed until 2031. Across the College, 2025 was rich (and busy!) with vibrant events and celebrations, including the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Harmony Day, Athletics Day (thankfully rain-free!), Cross Country and Interschool Sport Gala Days, Crazy Hair Day, Easter Raffle, International Women’s Day Lunch at Parliament House, Open Days for Education and Science Weeks, Book Week, two Performing Arts Showcase nights, the Freaky Friday production, Primary Art Show, and a wide array of excursions and camps across all year levels. Whilst the urgent ‘must-do’ items regarding buildings and grounds were completed in 2024, facilities were not completely overlooked – on Secondary, a new exam centre, First Aid room upgrade and the creation of a computer lab have all been achieved. On Primary, the reconfiguration of office and meeting spaces for families has been the priority.

Our parent/carer-led Fundraising Subcommittee team continue to kick goals with events designed to connect and bring community engagement, successfully organising another Welcome BBQ, Mother’s & Father’s Day Breakfasts, Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Stalls and a fundraising pie drive. Their efforts have led to the development of strong strategic partnerships with:

I would also like to thank our Leadership team and our administration staff for their wonderful support of Council’s ideas and initiatives, and we appreciate everything they have done for us this year. As we head into our final year of our current Strategic Plan, the College is still in a process of positive change. School Council welcomes your ideas, your thoughts, and your feedback on ways we can make our College the best it can be. We look forward to working with all of you as we continue on this journey in 2026.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS •

Coles Supermarkets (Mill Park Lakes, Epping, Mernda & Plenty Valley)

• Woolworths Supermarkets (South Morang Central, Plenty Valley & Rivergum) • Bakers Delight (Mernda, Plenty Valley & Epping) • Whittlesea Bowls Club • Camp Australia • Frankie’s Cafe • Tony’s Pies • Proactivity • Porta Putts • Suzi Starface • Harringtons Coffee Love • Diamond Valley Egg Farm I would like to thank our much-valued School Council members, plus the Fundraising Subcommittee team, for their time and efforts, their dedication and their commitment to continue to engage with the school community in 2025 and acknowledge the hours they put in voluntarily to make positive changes to our school.

Amanda Farrelly School Council President

Celebrating Staff This year has been one of remarkable achievements by our dedicated staff, whose commitment to professional growth and passion for education continue to inspire our community. Here, we take a moment to highlight their outstanding accomplishments: Mrs. Solaja: We congratulate Mrs. Solaja for being approached by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority to join the 2025 VCAA Assessment team in assessing VCE Serbian Language students from across the State. Ms. Cugnetto : Our congratulations extend to Ms. Cugnetto, who graduated from the Whittlesea Schools Network “Leaders in the Making” program. This initiative supports emerging leaders in developing the skills necessary to be more influential, confident, and effective within their school communities. Ms. Cugnetto’s accomplishments signal a bright future in leadership. Ms. L. Spence : Congratulations to Ms.L Spence on her appointment as a 2025 NAPLAN Assessor. This prestigious role has provided her with valuable professional development, allowing her to gain first- hand insight into national assessment processes. The knowledge and expertise she brings back directly benefit our staff and students, further enhancing our collective focus on growth and achievement. Mr. Serra and Mr. Wickramasinghe : We celebrate the recent graduates of Initial Teacher Education programs, including Mr. Serra and Mr. Wickramasinghe, who are taking their first steps in their teaching careers. Their energy and fresh perspectives will no doubt be a valuable asset to our students and school culture.

Ms. Gessas, Ms. S. Spence, and Ms. Adams: We also celebrate the recent career progressions of Ms. Gessas, Ms. S. Spence, and Ms. Adams, who successfully completed their provisional registration Inquiry projects and Career Start programs to achieve full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Dr. Nayyar: Dr. Nayyar, a respected researcher in maternal nutrition, has been working on finalising her 2nd PhD throughout 2025. Her work through Victoria University’s Institute for Health & Sport, Western Health, the University of Melbourne, and Griffith University sits at the intersection of nutritional biochemistry, pregnancy health, and developmental programming. In 2025 she was invited to present her research findings on Maternal Health at a medical conference in Queensland. Congratulations Dr. Nayyar – your impact on both our College and at National and International levels is something that we are very proud of. Dr. Nayyar embodies our College motto of Aspire to Inspire! Mr. Panas: We congratulate Mr. Panas who has led the Whittlesea School’s Network in 2025 as Network Co- Chair. This role saw Mr. Panas working with Principals and Assistant Principals from across our region, in conjunction with Department of Education specialists, to support the continual growth and improvement of schools in our area. In addition, Mr. Panas graduated from the WISE: System Leaders program. This is an invitation-only professional learning and development program that provides opportunities to support for system leaders. The program recognises that system leaders like Mr. Panas lead work

that extends beyond their own school or setting, and enables collective responsibility to influence learner outcomes and reduce the variability of performance within and between schools. Mrs. Saliba: In addition to Mr. Panas’ role at the Whittlesea School’s Network, Mrs. Saliba also took on the role of Network Administrative Lead. This prestigious role has seen Mrs. Saliba support Principals and Assistant Principals from the region in their broader Network roles. Ms. Lee: Throughout 2024-2025, Ms. Lee has been enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Education specialising in Indigenous Education at the Queensland University of Technology. Graduating this year, Ms. Lee was successfully awarded two QUT Executive Deans’ Commendations for Academic Excellence. This achievement recognised a GPA of 6.5 or higher across all areas of her studies. Additionally, Ms. Lee has been invited to speak at a Round Table discussion with the United Nations Family Planning Association, sharing her insights around designing age- and developmentally appropriate, inclusive Relationships and Sexual Health Education as a means to support declining fertility rates globally. Celebrating Our Team’s Growth and Learning : We are incredibly proud of the professional milestones our staff have achieved this year, and their continuous growth reflects the vibrant and evolving learning culture at our College. Their hard work not only enriches our community but also ensures that our students are receiving the highest quality of education. Congratulations to all!

Cultural Connections

BONNIE LEE

This year has been an exciting and significant one for the Koori Group at The Lakes. Our students have engaged in meaningful cultural learning, community connection, and creative expression that has strengthened both personal identity and our whole-school commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The highlights of the year have been our Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by Aunty Zeta, Simone and Nicole Thomson, guiding us to set intentions for the year ahead and our care and connection to Country. Another was our visit to the Dreamtime Expo at the Maurice Rioli Centre, where students experienced a showcase of culture, creativity, and inspiration from across First Nations communities. Another memorable moment was attending Bangarra’s Illume performance at The Arts Centre, which left our group in awe of the storytelling power of dance and the way it connects culture, history, and contemporary expression. Closer to home, our Koori Group has proudly contributed to the College identity through design and language. Students worked collaboratively to create the design for the new Indigenous polo tops, which will be included on

the 2026 uniform list — a lasting symbol of pride, culture, and visibility for our community. We also celebrated the launch of our new House names in Woi-wurrung language, further embedding local culture into our everyday school life. To complement this, our College values of Learning, Leadership, Teamwork, and Respect were translated into Woi-wurrung, ensuring they are expressed and lived in ways that honour Country and culture. Yayal = Blue House = meaning - Rain Biik = Green House = meanng - Ground Bial = Red House = meaning- Red Gum Ngawan = Yellow House = meaning - Sun Respect - gahgook Teamwork/working together - murmuk gadhaba Leadership/Elder - nanggit Learning - yagilaith The achievements of the Koori Group this year have left a lasting impact across the College. Through their leadership, creativity, and cultural pride, they have helped our school community continue the journey of truth-telling, respect, and reconciliation, inspiring all of us to live out our College motto: Aspire to Inspire.

The Lakes South Morang College offers a program for Indigenous students called the Koori Program, which includes many fun and interesting activities. Last year, for example, we cooked kangaroo damper with the help of former staff member Jemimah, who guided us and helped build the Koori Program into something we all looked forward to. The program makes sure everyone feels comfortable, even giving students the opportunity to bring a friend so that we can relax, have fun, and fully participate. One of the highlights has been designing our new Koori uniforms, which all members helped to create. We began this project in 2023 with support from that year’s Year 12 students — Jakson, Chloe, and Maddie — who have since graduated but continue to stay involved and contribute to the program. There’s always something enjoyable to do — whether it’s sport, art, or simply talking and getting to know people from other year levels. The Koori Program has helped make sure that no one feels alone and that everyone has someone to talk to when they need support. - Milly R Year 8 & Aubrey H Year 5

Student Fundraising

PRIMARY SRC

This year has been an amazing year for the SRC (Student Representative Council) at our school. As SRC members, we have worked really hard to raise money to improve our school and make it a better place for every student. We are super proud to share all the awesome things we have been able to purchase this year because of the fundraising efforts. It feels great knowing that we have helped make school more fun, comfortable, and interactive for everyone! MINI WHITEBOARDS AND MARKERS One of our very first big purchases this year was over 700 mini whiteboards and markers! We bought enough so that every student across the College could have their own whiteboard and marker for Literacy and Numeracy mini lessons. These have made learning so much more interactive. Instead of just listening or writing in their books, students get to write, draw, and solve problems on their whiteboards and then show their answers to the teacher. It makes lessons more fun and helps us all to learn better. Plus, it’s really handy because now every student has their own marker and board, so we don’t have to share and wait!

NETBALL BIBS FOR PRIMARY TEAMS Another fantastic purchase was two complete sets of netball bibs for our Primary netball teams. These bibs look so amazing when we wear them with our Primary sport uniform. They make us look really professional when we go to compete against other schools. It’s great to feel like part of a team, and having the right gear helps us play our best and feel proud of representing our school. FIDGET TOYS, WOBBLY CHAIRS, & BALANCE CUSHIONS We also focused on making classrooms better places to learn by buying lots of fidget toys, wobbly chairs, and balance cushions. These items are really helpful when students need to focus but might feel a bit restless. The fidget toys help some of us keep calm and concentrate during lessons. The wobbly chairs and balance cushions are awesome because they let students move a little while they work, which helps us pay better attention and stay engaged. These resources have been really popular and used all the time! LAP DESKS FOR FLEXIBLE SEATING We bought more lap desks so students can choose to sit on the floor if they feel more comfortable during class. Sometimes, sitting at a desk isn’t the best for everyone, and the lap desks give us the freedom to change how we learn. Flexible seating helps students feel more relaxed and ready to learn, and it’s been great to see how many students love using them.

WOODEN OUTDOOR BENCHES – OUR BIGGEST AND BEST PURCHASE! Our biggest and best purchase this year, in our opinion, has been eight beautiful wooden benches for outside. The students at school said they wanted more outdoor seating, and we listened! These benches have been a huge hit and are used every day. Students love sitting on them to eat lunch with friends, chat, or even play games on the tables. It’s made our outdoor areas much more comfortable and inviting. We feel proud that we could make this happen because it really makes the school a nicer place to spend time. STUDENT VOICE AND CHOICE All of these purchases were made because of student voice and choice. As SRC members, we visited every year level and surveyed students, asking them what they wanted inside and outside the classroom for 2025. We made sure to listen carefully and bring their ideas to life. We believe student voice is so important because it means the things we buy really help the students and make a difference in their everyday learning and playing. FUNDRAISING EVENTS Of course, none of these purchases would have been possible without SRC fundraising! The SRC students have worked super hard to organise and run many fun fundraising events throughout the year. Some of the highlights include Crazy Hair Day, Footy Colours Day, Harmony Day, Easter Raffle Day, and Winter Woollies Day. These events were not only fun for everyone but also raised a lot of money to support our school.

We loved seeing all the crazy hairstyles on Crazy Hair Day and the colourful footy jerseys on Footy Colours Day. Harmony Day was special because it celebrated all the different cultures in our school community. Easter Raffle Day was exciting because so many people participated, and Winter Woollies Day was great for keeping warm and raising money at the same time! LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026 We can’t wait to organise even more exciting fundraising events next year! Being part of the SRC has taught us a lot about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of working together to make our school better. We feel really proud of what we have achieved this year and hope that the things we’ve bought will help students for many years to come. Thank you to all the students, teachers, and families who have supported our fundraisers this year. Without your help, none of this would have been possible. Together, we are making our school a better place for everyone!

Community Relationships

CLARE HALLAHAN

This year has been an exciting one for community connections at The Lakes. Our focus has been on strengthening relationships with local kindergartens and Lakes families while providing rich learning experiences for our youngest learners as they begin their journey towards school.

objects). These practical, hands-on sessions encouraged learning through play, games, and movement, with families joining in to share the experience and continue learning at home. We also sent home information outlining key activities and skills, empowering families to reinforce learning and strengthening the bridge between home and school. Our community connections extended beyond the readiness program. Throughout Term 3, several local kindergartens visited us as part of their transition to ‘big school.’ Children joined us for story time, practised whole-body listening, and completed simple, engaging activities based on the books we read. These visits helped children grow in confidence and excitement for school life. A highlight of the year was welcoming our kinder friends to celebrate Science Week. Together, we conducted a colourful experiment, creating rainbows using markers and watching the colours blend—a joyful introduction to scientific thinking and discovery. We also enjoyed several whole-school community events. During Education Week, families were invited to celebrate learning at The Lakes South Morang College. Parents and carers joined their children in classroom activities while our Leadership team conducted tours for prospective families. Science Week brought another

open morning, with families working side by side on fun science activities such as making slime, creating marble runs, experimenting with rainbows, and testing paper aeroplanes. These experiences sparked curiosity and creativity while deepening family engagement in learning. Looking back, our community connections have provided rich opportunities for children, families, and educators to come together in meaningful ways. Whether through early Literacy and Numeracy sessions, kindergarten transition visits, or community events, the common thread has been collaboration. By working together, we’re giving children the best possible start— helping them feel confident, supported, and excited about learning. At The Lakes South Morang College, education is a partnership between school, family, and community. The connections we’ve built this year have strengthened both learning and belonging, and we look forward to continuing these important partnerships in the years ahead.

To begin the year, we visited each of our local kindergartens to meet our little friends in the

community. These visits were a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with both children and educators. During our visits, we ran a phonemic awareness incursion designed to support the very first steps of learning to read. Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and play with sounds in words—is one of the strongest predictors of later reading success. Through fun, playful activities, the children listened carefully to sounds, clapped syllables, and experimented with rhyming words, building strong early literacy foundations. Across Terms 2 and 3, we ran a popular school readiness program attended by many local children and families. In Term 2, the focus was on phonemic awareness, while Term 3 shifted to early Numeracy—exploring counting and subitising (instantly recognising small groups of

Hope Arts Festival

PRIMARY ART

On Tuesday the 18th and 25th of February, students from The Lakes South Morang College were fortunate to take part in a special art workshop led by a professional artist from the Whittlesea Council. The workshops focused on the theme of “Hope”, encouraging students to explore creativity, symbolism, and connection to nature through

collaborative effort exhibited in a public setting. As Aria B expressed, “I found it very inspiring and really enjoyed it. I’m happy that I learnt new things and I enjoyed using new materials,” and Kathy N added, “It was a fun way to connect with nature.” Their enthusiasm captured the pride and excitement shared by all who contributed to the project. On Wednesday the 2nd of April, our young artists attended an excursion to the Convention Centre to view their artwork on display. The experience was both rewarding and empowering as students saw their creations celebrated by the wider community. “I liked it because we were making things out of nature,” said Eleftheria G, while Evelyn M noted, “I learnt how to draw on leaves.” Many students reflected on stepping outside their comfort zones and trying something new — “We stepped out of our comfort zone by using natural materials,” said Aleen. The Hope Arts Festival experience not only showcased our students’ artistic talents but also reminded them of the power of creativity, collaboration, and connection to nature.

their art. Using natural materials such as leaves, sticks, and stones, students created beautifully textured pieces inspired by the environment. As Elise S shared, “I liked how we used nature with it. I liked also how we used nature to make the animals,” while Amelia V reflected, “It was fun using natural materials for a change and I liked the Aboriginal style.”

The completed artworks were later displayed in the foyer of

the Plenty Ranges Convention Centre during the Whittlesea Community Festival on March 16th. The collection, rich in colour and texture,

reflected the theme of hope through nature and community. Students were thrilled to see their

A Great Start! We have loved spending time with our Year 4 buddies this year! It’s been great to develop a friendship with them and have someone older to look up to. We enjoy seeing our buddies in the playground and asking them for help when we need it. One of our favourite moments was celebrating 100 days at school. We got to make delicious snacks and have fun with the Year 7 students too, which was really exciting. Our teachers even dressed up as old people, which made us laugh a lot! We are happy to be part of such a fun and caring school community.

PREP

TERM 1 In Term 1, our Prep students embraced creativity and mindfulness. During Learner Agency Hour, they delved into the art of zentangles—a relaxing activity that fosters focus, patience, and artistic confidence. Their intricate patterns reflected both creativity and care, highlighting their enjoyment of the mindful drawing process. TERM 2 In Term 2, our Prep learners crafted Gratitude Glasses as part of The Resilience Project. This engaging activity encouraged them to recognize and appreciate the small joys in life, from warm hugs to sunny skies. It provided a delightful way to practice gratitude and positivity daily. TERM 3 Term 3 marked the celebration of 100 days of learning, laughter, and growth in Prep. Students enjoyed a magical day filled with making fairy bread, decorating cookies, and participating in cross-age activities with Year 4 and Year 7 buddies. Teachers and students dressed up as if they were 100 years old, while others wore outfits themed around the number 100. It was a fantastic and memorable way to celebrate our incredible Prep students and all they had achieved in their first 100 days of school.

TERM 4 In Term 4, our Prep students had an enriching day at the farm. They planted seeds, patted guinea pigs, fed animals, and learned about caring for sheep. Students also engaged in crafts using real wool and took on farming tasks like shoveling and pushing wheelbarrows. The highlight was a ride on a real tractor, bringing smiles all around. It was a wonderful, hands-on day of learning, laughter, and muddy fun. Later in the Term, students began preparing for their transition to Year 1. They visited the Year 1 classrooms to get a feel for what next year would be like, helping build confidence and excitement for the new challenges ahead. They also continued diving deeper into the phonics code to create even more amazing pieces of writing. Linking Literacy and Science, students explored the much-loved text, Wombat Stew, as a springboard into learning about the difference between fiction and non-fiction texts. They read non-fiction books to discover fascinating facts about Australian animals.

Showcasing Music

PRIMARY PERFORMING ARTS

After a short hiatus, Primary Music was back in full swing at our Performing Arts Showcase, with the Hall of Fame: Music Legends Showcase in Term 2. The energy at PRACC was electric as Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 students came together along with Secondary students to celebrate the joy of Music and The Arts. What made the night truly special was the dedication behind the scenes. Students gave up lunch times, practised at home, and encouraged one another as they

In Term 4, our youngest performers from Prep, Year 1, and Year 2 took to the stage for the Women in Music showcase, celebrating iconic female artists and the power of music to inspire. The event highlighted the enthusiasm and confidence of our Primary students as they performed songs that honoured some of the world’s most influential women in the music industry. Each class brought their own creativity and energy to the performance, with colourful costumes, lively singing, and expressive movement filling the stage. The showcase was a wonderful way to celebrate the students’ growth in musical skills throughout the year and their ability to work together as a team. Families and staff were delighted by the performance, which perfectly captured the joy and excitement that comes from sharing music and performance within our school community. The Hall of Fame and Women in Music brought classic hits to life. Our concerts are always a reminder of how much our community enjoys the Performing Arts. Families, friends, and staff cheered proudly as the students shone under the lights, celebrating the resilience, passion, and energy of our performers.

prepared to ‘strut their stuff’ on stage. Their hard work showed in every performance: from strong singing, aspiring drummers, colourful costumes and finally the confidence of stepping out in front of a sold-out audience.

Navigating Year One!

YEAR ONE

Later in the Term, the Year 1 students went on an excursion to the Essendon Traffic School as part of their Inquiry topic on Mapping. They enjoyed riding bikes around the traffic school while wearing helmets and following all the traffic signs, including stopping at railway crossings and traffic lights. TERM 4 The Year 1 students looked forward to celebrating their Year 1 Dinner on the 7th of November. This special event involves dressing up in disco clothing and sharing a celebration dinner.

This year we had so much fun, especially on Crazy Hair Day in Term 1. Everyone went wild with different hairstyles and colours. We loved seeing Mr. Abney-Hastings with his pink and purple hair! Another special memory was our Hall of Fame production in Term 2. We were excited and a little nervous to perform in front of our parents/carers, but the whole night was such a fun experience. We got to sing and dance together, and everyone did their best. Now, we are super excited about our Year 1 dinner coming up soon. It’s going to be a great time to celebrate the year with our friends! - Taher A & Marlee M

TERM 1 The Year 1 students went on an exciting local walk, exploring the beauty of their community, observing nature, and identifying different features found on a map. They even learned a little about local history along the way. TERM 2 Our curious Year 1 learners explored mapping skills through the world of Hairy Maclary! As part of their Inquiry unit, students created their own Hairy Maclary towns, placing key story locations on a map and learning how to give and follow directions. We were so proud of their creativity, teamwork, and growing understanding of how maps help us make sense of the world around us. TERM 3 On Thursday, 26 June, Years 1s took part in two fantastic friendship workshops run by Urstrong Friendship. Through fun role-play with teddy bears, students learned the basics of friendship, including the Four Friendship Facts, the qualities of a Green-Zone Friendship, and how to use the Friend-o-Meter to reflect on how they were feeling in their friendships. They also practised how to put out Friendship Fires by Talking-it-Out, and learned the difference between Friendship Fires and Mean-on- Purpose moments. Students worked through the Friend- o-Cycle and practised when and how to use a Quick Comeback.

“I am looking forward to having a disco with my friends.” – Rafael G

They also looked forward to celebrating Dinosaur Day in December, where all students came dressed as either a dinosaur or a scientist.

“I am looking forward to talking about dinosaurs and dressing up in a dinosaur costume.” – Carter M

“I would like to have fun with the dinosaurs.” – Clarissa T

Science of Learning in Math

PRIMARY NUMERACY

At The Lakes, our approach to teaching Mathematics is guided by the latest research in the Science of Learning and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. In our Primary classrooms, lessons are designed to build confidence in young learners, using explicit teaching, carefully chosen worked examples, and a gradual release of responsibility. Teachers begin by explaining and modelling concepts, then guide students through examples together, before supporting them as they work independently. Throughout this process, teachers continually check for understanding, provide timely feedback, and offer targeted support and extension, ensuring every student is challenged at just the right level and develops a strong foundation in Mathematics.

DAILY REVIEW One of the most effective ways to strengthen learning is through retrieval practice—recalling previously learned knowledge so it can be securely stored in long-term memory. At The Lakes, each Mathematics lesson begins with a Daily Review that revisits key concepts in a structured and logically spaced sequence. This routine reinforces retention, highlights areas where students may need further support, and prepares them for new learning. Using mini whiteboards, students actively engage with questions and receive instant feedback, making learning visible for both students and teachers. ENGAGEMENT Engagement in Mathematics is crucial for students to consolidate learning and grasp new concepts. After the Daily Review, students observe the teacher modelling new ideas, then practice alongside the teacher with guidance before moving into independent work. Mini whiteboards, along with active engagement cues (hand signals, questioning, etc.), encourage all students to stay involved and allow teachers to quickly assess understanding. Independent tasks may include consolidating a new skill, applying it to real-world problems, or exploring ideas through concrete materials, ensuring learning is both meaningful and accessible.

TIMES TABLES ROCK STARS AND NUMBOTS Fluency with number facts is essential for success in Mathematics, as it frees up working memory to focus on more complex concepts. Programs such as Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots provide engaging opportunities for students to practice number facts until they become automatic. This automaticity reduces cognitive load, allowing students to concentrate on higher-order thinking, reasoning, and problem solving in Mathematics and beyond. At The Lakes, we believe that great learning happens when we work together. Our teachers continually reflect on their practice, drawing on research, assessment, and student feedback to refine and improve the way we teach Mathematics. Just as importantly, we value parents and carers as partners in learning and know that by sharing strategies and supporting each other, we can give students the strongest possible foundation in Numeracy. Together, we are building confident learners who are ready to apply their skills both in the classroom and in everyday life.

Fun, Forces & Friendship

YEAR TWO

Year 2 has been a lot of fun this year! One of the best parts was going swimming over Term 3. We loved getting out of school and learning a new sport with our friends. Another highlight was the Push and Pull incursion as part of our Inquiry unit called “The Invisibles.” We got to do lots of hands-on experiments to learn about forces, which helped us understand how push and pull work in real life. We really enjoyed the activities and being able to explore science in a fun way. This year has been full of new experiences and learning! - Gavin F & Anorah C

TERM 1 The Year 2 students went on an excursion to

Additionally, the students participated in a Push and Pull incursion, exploring how objects move through hands-on activities. They investigated the effects of air, gravity, friction, and mass by experimenting with rocket balloons, magnets, tornado tubes, catapults, and marble roller coasters. The day was filled with curiosity, fun, and lots of launching, rolling, and bouncing. TERM 4 The Year 2 students were excited to begin their final Term of 2025. The Term was filled with positive energy, curiosity, and achievement as they prepared to conclude Year 2 and get ready for Year 3. They especially enjoyed the annual Year 2 Sleepover. During the Sleepover, students took part in a disco where they showed off their dance moves, had supper, and wound down with a movie before bedtime. The next morning, they had breakfast before going home. The event helped promote independence, resilience, and teamwork. The term included many exciting activities and preparations.

Westgarthtown (now Thomastown) as part of their Inquiry Unit, ‘Our City, Our Town’. They toured Ziebell’s Farmhouse and museum, learning about the Ziebell family’s life as early dairy farmers. The students explored the cottage garden and sketched their surroundings, participated in a Heritage Walk, and visited the Church and cemetery. They enjoyed stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand. TERM 2 The Year 2 students consolidated their understanding of place value for two- and three-digit numbers. They practised modelling numbers in various ways using a range of hands-on materials to deepen their knowledge. “Using the blocks to build numbers made learning place value so much easier and more fun!” — Dayan L TERM 3 The Year 2 students had an engaging visit to the RSPCA, where they fed rabbits and Lenny the sheep. They met the animals in the adoption centre and learned about what animals need to stay healthy, safe, and happy. A highlight was hearing the story of Gus the French Bulldog and getting to pet him. It was a valuable learning experience for all students.

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