ISSUE 05 2026
Term 2, Week 1
Primary Campus Report
Student Leadership Workshop
Secondary Campus Report
What’s on in Term 2!
Policy Spotlight
COLLEGE REPORT SECONDARY VISUAL ARTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1
College Report
Students took part in an exciting ACMI Animation Workshop as part of their Art Development program. At ACMI, students explored industry-standard tools used to create some of the world’s most recognisable animations, including Rick & Morty, Hazbin Hotel and The Simpsons, using Toon Boom Animation. Through a series of hands-on animation exercises, students unleashed their creativity to produce their own original animation loops, while gaining valuable insight into animation career pathways and the broader screen industry. The experience didn’t stop there — from the workshop ( and one of our students winning a WACOM tablet) to an exhibition visit and a walk through Hosier Lane, students enjoyed a full day of rich learning, creative exploration and inspiration. A big day out… and not a single dull moment in sight.
2
Primary Campus Report
4
Secondary Campus Report
6
Student Perspective
8
School Council Report
9
Term 2 Calendar
10
What’s on @ The Lakes
See photos from this excursion in the Student Perspective article
14
Policy Spotlight
The Lakes South Morang College respectfully acknowledges that beneath the significant River Red Gums that feature across our school's landscape lay the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri-Willam people of the Kulin Nation.
15
Community Connections
16
Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY CAMPUS REPORT
Term 1 has provided a highly productive and purposeful start to the year across our Primary Campus. Students have settled well into their classrooms, with consistent routines and expectations now firmly established. This strong foundation has enabled teachers to create calm, structured and engaging learning environments where students feel supported and ready to learn. LEARNING ON PRIMARY IN TERM 2 As we move into Term 2, our focus continues to build on this strong start. Teaching and learning programs remain carefully tailored to meet the needs of every student, drawing on the comprehensive assessment practices and student data gathered throughout Term 1. This ensures that classroom programs are aligned with both individual learning needs and the Victorian Curriculum, supporting continued growth for all students. A key development in Term 2 will be the implementation of targeted literacy intervention programs across Years Prep to 4. These programs are designed to provide additional, focused support for students requiring further development in key literacy skills, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring every student makes meaningful progress. Numeracy will also remain a major focus throughout Term 2. Teachers will continue their professional learning to strengthen consistency and refine high-quality numeracy instruction, supported by our leadership team and external experts. This work is grounded in evidence-based practices that promote deep understanding, problem solving and effective use of data to inform teaching. In classrooms, students will continue to benefit from clear learning intentions, explicit teaching and opportunities to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts. Ongoing use of formative assessment will allow teachers to closely monitor progress and adjust instruction to meet student needs in real time. TERM 2 EVENTS Alongside our learning programs, Term 2 will also include a number of important community events. We look forward to our Mother’s Day Stall on Wednesday 6th May, followed by our Mother’s Day Breakfast on Monday 11th May. Later in the term, families are warmly invited to attend our Education Week Open Morning on Thursday 21st May, providing an opportunity to see learning in action across the school. We remain committed to maintaining supportive, well-organised learning environments that maximise engagement and ensure all students can access the curriculum. With strong routines in place and a clear focus on continuous improvement, Term 2 promises to be another positive and productive period for our Primary Campus.
Renee Short Assistant Principal P-12 Teaching & Learning
Prep A: Clare Hallahan
In Term 2, our Prep students will continue building strong foundations in Literacy and Numeracy. We will learn two new sounds each week and practise reading and writing words that include these sounds. In maths, we are focusing on part-part-whole understanding to develop number sense, for example, recognising that 6 can be made in different ways (3 and 3, 4 and 2, 5 and 1 or 6 and 0). Students will also learn the Auslan alphabet and numbers as part of our language and numeracy program. We will visit the library every Wednesday. In Term 2, our Year 1 students will be exploring an exciting integrated Literacy topic all about our local waterways, with a special focus on The Lakes in South Morang. Through this topic students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while learning about the natural environment around them. Students will participate in a Waterways Walk around beautiful lakes of South Morang. In Numeracy we will focus on Measurement. Students will be encouraged to develop problem solving skills to explain their thinking while we explore length, mass and capacity. Term 2 in Year 1 is going to be a lot of fun! In Term 2, students will continue building confidence and independence in their learning. Our Inquiry, embedded in Literacy, explores how technology has changed over time, as students compare past and present technologies and their impact on daily life. In Numeracy, there will be a strong focus on addition and subtraction strategies, along with measurement concepts including mass, capacity and length. Students will engage in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences across all areas. Wellbeing remains a priority, with a focus on positive relationships, resilience and a growth mindset. We look forward to another engaging term together. In Term 2, our Year 3 students will explore a rich and engaging curriculum across all learning areas. In reading, they will be studying ‘The BFG’ while developing their comprehension skills along the way. In Writing, students will create poetry and information reports linked to the Discovering Australia unit. They will learn about Australia’s key natural features, including rivers, deserts, rainforests, the Great Dividing Range, and the Great Barrier Reef. An exciting incursion will allow students to meet Australian animals up close. In Numeracy, students will focus on fractions, length, patterns, data collection, and addition and subtraction, building strong problem-solving skills. We are very excited about the learning ahead. In Term 2, our Year 4 students will engage in a range of exciting learning experiences across the curriculum. In Writing, students will focus on narrative texts, developing their ability to create engaging characters, settings and storylines. They will also be introduced to poetry and participate in the “Weaving the Moon” workshop. In Reading, students will explore the class novel Fantastic Mr Fox, with a focus on understanding character and setting, as well as examining story structure, including rising action, climax and how authors build tension throughout a narrative. In Numeracy, students will build their skills in length, area, and addition and subtraction, strengthening their problem-solving and reasoning abilities across a variety of contexts. In Term 2, our Year 5 students will engage in a range of learning experiences. Students will study the novel Blueback by Tim Winton, examining themes, characters, and author messages, while connecting their learning to a Parliament unit and how arguments are debated. In Writing, there will be a strong focus on persuasive texts, with students learning to express opinions, support ideas with evidence, and influence an audience. Students will use these skills to respond to the text Blueback by writing a persuasive letter to Parliament. In Numeracy, students will focus on fractions, decimals, probability, and 3D objects, applying their skills through problem-solving and reasoning tasks. In Term 2, the 5/6 VIA class will continue building on the skills they acquired in Term 1. In Literacy, students will be exploring persuasive texts, including how to present arguments and opinions and use evidence to justify positions and persuade an audience. They will expand on their knowledge of formal language and use grammatical techniques to communicate their ideas. In Numeracy, our key units will be fractions, decimals, probability and pattern, where students will apply their knowledge in a range of tasks. In Term 2, our Year 6 students will engage in a range of learning experiences across the curriculum. In Literacy, students will be reading and exploring the novel The Silver Donkey by Sonya Harnett set during WWI. We will use this novel to develop comprehension, grammar, writing tasks, speaking and listening skills along with spelling and homework expectations each week. In Mathematics, students will focus on key concepts such as Fractions, 3D objects, Decimals, Probability and Pattern. In Year 6, as leaders we remain committed to upholding our school values of Respect, Leadership, Learning, and Teamwork while maintaining high academic and behavioural expectations for all students.
Prep B: Molly Robertson & Claire McMullin
Prep C: Jodie Portelli
1A: Andrea Thorneycroft & Georgia Kempen
1B: Laura Adams
2A: Michelle Tee
2B: Leah Georgiadis & Meagan Mansfield
3A: Katie Giles
3B: Alisha Cugnetto
3C: Sarah Comito & Gemma Sweeney
4A: Keara McIntyre
4B: Jaz Hayton
5A: Nicole Nicolazzo
5B: Meagan Mansfield & Naomi Harris
5/6 VIA : Liv Spence
6A: Nancy Sultan
6B: Robert Zull & BeK Sutton
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SECONDARY CAMPUS REPORT
As we commence Term 2, I would like to acknowledge the strong and positive start our students have made to the year. Throughout Term 1, we have seen a noticeable lift in student engagement, connection and pride in our College. Classrooms have been purposeful, our co-curricular programs well attended, and our students have represented the College with maturity and respect in the wider community. This provides us with a strong foundation as we enter a Term that is both academically significant and rich in opportunity. Term 2 is a pivotal period in the academic calendar, particularly for our Senior students. Those undertaking VCE will be working towards the completion of Units 1 and 3, a key milestone that requires sustained focus, organisation and resilience. In addition, students in Years 10–12 will undertake end of Semester examinations, providing an important opportunity to demonstrate their learning and prepare for future pathways. Later in the Term, senior students will also complete the General Achievement Test (GAT), an important component of the VCE assessment framework. These moments are not simply assessment points, but opportunities for students to develop the habits, discipline and confidence required for success beyond the College. For our Year 9 students, the Term includes Morrisby Testing, which plays an important role in supporting students to better understand their individual strengths, interests and potential career pathways. This is complemented by participation in the Model United Nations Assembly, where students are challenged to think critically, collaborate effectively and engage with global issues. These experiences are integral in developing well-rounded learners who are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world. Across the College, students will continue to engage in a broad range of interschool sporting opportunities, including Badminton, AFL, Soccer and Netball. These programs not only promote physical wellbeing, but also strengthen teamwork, resilience and school pride. We are consistently proud of the way our students conduct themselves when representing the College, and the positive feedback we receive from the community is a testament to this. A key highlight of the Term will be Education Week, where we celebrate learning across all areas of the College and provide opportunities to showcase the breadth and depth of our programs. This will be supported by a range of experiences, designed to enrich student learning and provide meaningful, real-world connections to the curriculum.
We also look forward to welcoming prospective families through our Secondary Campus Tours, particularly those considering enrolment for Year 7 in 2027. These tours offer families the opportunity to see our College in action and experience the learning environment and culture that our students and staff work hard to cultivate each day. Supporting this, our Year 5 Transition Week will provide younger students with the opportunity to spend extended time on the Secondary Campus, building confidence, familiarity and a strong sense of belonging as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. In the area of student wellbeing, Year 10 students will participate in their scheduled immunisations, ensuring we continue to prioritise the health and safety of our community. The Term will conclude with the Semester 1 Performing Arts Showcase, a celebration of the creativity, talent and dedication of our students. This event is always a highlight and reflects the strength of our Performing Arts programs and the willingness of our students to step forward and share their talents with the community. While Term 2 offers a wide range of opportunities, our focus remains firmly on maintaining high expectations for all learners. We expect students to approach their learning with purpose — to be organised, to complete work to the best of their ability, and to seek feedback in order to improve. At the same time, we place equal importance on how students contribute to the culture of our College. We expect all students to demonstrate our core values of Learning, Leadership, Teamwork and Respect in their daily interactions. These values underpin everything we do. They shape our classrooms, our co-curricular programs and our relationships. When students commit to these expectations, they not only improve their own outcomes, but contribute to a learning environment where all members of our community can thrive. Term 2 is an opportunity to build on the strong start to the year, to remain focused and to take full advantage of the opportunities available. I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with students, staff and families to ensure a successful and rewarding term ahead.
Bonnie Lee Secondary Campus Principal
YEAR 7
In Term 2, our Year 7 students will continue to build their skills and confidence through a wide range of exciting opportunities across school life. Students will take part in interschool sport, representing the school in Volleyball, Netball and Australian rules football, while development programs in Art, Dance and Sport will also continue to support growth in creativity, teamwork and performance. Wakakirri rehearsals will continue throughout the term, with the backstage crew beginning work on set construction, props and costumes as preparations build toward performance. Students in 7A and 7B will also be preparing to perform at the end-of-term Performing Arts Showcase, with further information to be shared with families closer to the event Membership in our Development Programs continues to grow, with more Year 8 students stepping forward to extend their skills, challenge themselves and embrace new opportunities. This willingness to engage deeply in their learning and personal growth is one of the many reasons Year 8 continues to lead the way in positive chronicles across the College. Year 8 students will also have the opportunity to represent the school in Netball, Soccer and AFL. Term 2 will be a busy and engaging time for our Year 9 students, with a key focus on subject selection for Year 10 alongside Morrisby Testing to help students better understand their strengths and future pathways. Students will also be actively involved in sport, including the Whittlesea Division Track and Field event on May 22nd and the start of winter interschool sport in AFL, Soccer and Netball, making it a term that offers a strong balance of academic planning and extracurricular opportunities. As we move into Term 2, our Year 10 students are stepping up their coursework and CATs as they prepare for their upcoming end-of-term exams. A key focus this term is attendance and punctuality, recognising that being on time supports learning, builds responsibility and sets students up for success. To reinforce this, we are introducing a “Time for Time” lateness policy, where any time missed at the start of the day will be made up during recess. With a highly capable cohort, ensuring students are present and ready from the first bell will help maximise their opportunities to achieve their best. In Term 2, Year 11 and 12 students will continue their Unit 1 and 3 coursework and SACs, building their skills and preparing for key assessments. Week 8 will be Exam Week, concluding with the GAT on Tuesday 16th June for students undertaking Unit 3 and 4 subjects. Towards the end of the term, students will transition into their next units, with Year 11 moving into Unit 2 and Year 12 into Unit 4. Students are encouraged to stay organised, keep up to date with their work and seek support when needed.
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11 & 12
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Student Voice in Action!
On Wednesday 1 April, I had the opportunity, along with our student leadership team, to attend a leadership excursion at Whittlesea Tech School. The day brought together both Primary and Secondary leaders to collaborate through a hands-on Design Thinking program focused on creating positive change within our school. Working within our leadership groups, I collaborated with the Communication Action Team as well as students from different year levels. This experience allowed us to hear a variety of perspectives and work together in a supportive environment where everyone was encouraged to contribute their ideas. With guidance from the facilitators, we focused on identifying areas for improvement in our school before developing practical and meaningful solutions. This process challenged us to think critically about how communication currently works and how it could be improved to better connect students across the school. As part of the Communication team, we explored ideas such as creating a school news report or podcast to share updates and celebrate achievements. It was interesting to see how different teams approached their own focus areas, all working towards the shared goal of improving the school experience. Overall, the excursion was a valuable experience that helped strengthen my leadership skills, particularly in teamwork, communication and problem-solving. I look forward to continuing this work and applying what we learned to make a positive impact within our school community.
Olivia T Communication Action Team Leader
What’s been happening?
PRIMARY LAPTOPS IN ACTION!
Our 5/6 students have been developing their laptop skills throughout Semester 1, using Typing Club, learning to organise files, exploring laptop features, and working with tools in Microsoft Word. It’s been great to see their confidence and independence grow as they build essential digital skills.
SCIENCE WORKS EXCURSION Year 4 students had an exciting excursion to Scienceworks! Throughout the day, they explored the 3 states of matter, solids, liquids, and gases, through engaging, hands-on activities. Students observed how solids keep their shape, liquids flow and take the shape of their container, and gases expand to fill the space around them.
ANIMATION WORKSHOP Students participated in an engaging ACMI Animation Workshop as part of their Art Development program, where they used industry-standard tools to create animation loops, explored career pathways, enjoyed an exhibition and visit to Hosier Lane, and celebrated one student winning a WACOM tablet during a full day of creative learning.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
Dear Families,
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope the break gave everyone a chance to relax, recharge and enjoy some slower, less hectic days. The start of the term always brings a great sense of energy across the school, with students reconnecting with friends, settling back into routines and approaching their learning with a fresh mindset. It has been wonderful to see how quickly students have re- engaged in their classrooms. Term 2 is always a busy and productive time, with plenty of learning, events and opportunities for students to be involved in across the school. We look forward to another positive term ahead. This term, our parent/carer volunteers are once again organising two much-loved traditions: the Mother’s Day Stall and the Mother’s Day Breakfast. The stall is always a highlight for students, giving them the opportunity to thoughtfully choose a gift for the special people in their lives. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support, and to our dedicated volunteers who put in so much time and effort to make this event possible. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast will be held at the Primary Campus from 8:00am – 8:45am, and we warmly invite families from both campuses to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community and celebrate the important people in our students’ lives in a relaxed and welcoming environment. On the day, we are pleased to have Harringtons Coffee Love and OMG Decadent Donuts available, offering fresh coffee and delicious treats (please note this is a cashless event, with EFTPOS only). Families also have the option to pre-order breakfast boxes via CompassTix, which will be distributed at the event. Please ensure all orders are placed by 4:00pm on May 5th. In addition, there will be hand massage and craft stations available for families to enjoy. Thank you in advance for supporting these special events. Our school thrives because of the strength of our community, and these occasions are a wonderful way to come together and celebrate that. Wishing everyone a positive and successful start to Term 2.
Cheers,
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
TERM 2 CALENDAR
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
Apr 24
Week 1
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Term 2 Begins All Day
Year 9 APC Excursion All Day
Year 7 Volleyball All Day
Primary Cross Country Trials 9:30am - 11:00am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Future Year 7 Info Session 5:00pm - 6:00pm
May 1
Apr 27
Apr 28
Apr 29
Apr 30
Week 2
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am 5/6 VIA Excursion All Day
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am Year 8 Media Incursion 9am - 11am
Year 8 Drama Excursion All Day
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Year 8/9 VIA Excursion All Day Year 9 Morrisby Profiling All Day
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
Year 3 Art Incursion All Day
VCE Drama & Art Excursions All Day
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
Week 3
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Mother’s Day Stall
4pm Deadline for Mother’s Day Stall & Mother’s Day Breakfast Box Orders via CompassTix
F. Math & VM Excursions 11:30am
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
Week 4
8:00am - 8:45am Mother’s Day Breakfast
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
Primary Assembly 9.15am
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
Week 5
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Year 10 Immunisations All Day Primary Open Morning 9:00am - 10:00am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Education Week
School Council Meeting 5pm
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
Week 6
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Jun 5
Jun 1
Jun 2
Jun 3
Jun 4
Week 7
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 4 Incursion All Day
Pupil Free Day All Day
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Jun 8
Jun 9
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am Year 5 Transition Week Wednesday - Friday
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Week 8
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Year 10 - 12 Exams
Jun 15
Jun 16
Jun 17
Jun 18
Jun 19
Week 9
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
7:30am Athlete, Artist & Dance Development Program
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Homework Club 11am - 11.45am
Year 10 - 12 Exams
Year 12 VCAA GAT
Year 3 Incursion All Day
School Council Meeting 5pm
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Week 10
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Year 7 DigiTec. Excursion All Day
Showcase Rehearsal All Day
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Performing Arts Showcase Evening
1:15pm End of Term - Students Dismissed
Whole School
Primary
Secondary
College Events
Assessment
Pupil Free Days
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT’S ON @ THE LAKES
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT’S ON @ THE LAKES
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter POLICY SPOTLIGHT
RESPECT FOR SCHOOL STAFF POLICY: COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
STUDENT DRIVERS POLICY: SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY
https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/8390100 6/respect_for_school_staff_policy_2026.pdf
https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/839010 06/student_drivers_policy_2026.pdf
At The Lakes South Morang College, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful environment for all members of our community. This includes ensuring that all staff are treated with respect in their daily work. All parents, carers, visitors and community members are expected to communicate and interact with staff in a courteous, constructive and respectful manner at all times . Staff have the right to feel safe and supported in their workplace, and respectful partnerships between home and school are essential in achieving positive outcomes for students. Unacceptable behaviours include: Aggressive, threatening or intimidating conduct Rude or confrontational communication (in person, email, phone or online) Discriminatory or derogatory comments Inappropriate use of social media to target staff, students or the College Where behaviour does not meet these expectations, the College may implement a range of responses, including communication protocols, mediation, restrictions on access to school grounds, or further action where required. Importantly, we value and encourage feedback from families. Concerns or complaints should be raised in a respectful and constructive way, in line with the College’s Complaints Policy. By working together with mutual respect, we strengthen our community and ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
As students become licensed drivers, The Lakes South Morang College recognises the importance of supporting safe and responsible driving behaviours. Students who drive to and from school must: Hold a valid driver’s licence Follow all road rules and licence conditions Drive in a safe and responsible manner at all times Any unsafe or irresponsible driving may result in the College notifying parents/carers and, where appropriate, Victoria Police. There are clear expectations around vehicle use: Students are not permitted to use their car during the school day , unless approved (e.g. medical appointment with evidence provided) Students cannot transport multiple peer passengers , in line with Graduated Licensing rules (generally one passenger aged 16–22 unless siblings) Students are not permitted to drive to camps, excursions or school activities , unless approved by the Principal in exceptional circumstances In terms of parking: Students may park on surrounding streets (e.g. Jardier Terrace, Gordons Road) Students are not permitted to park in school car parks It is also important to note that vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk, and the College takes no responsibility for damage. This policy supports the safety of all students and reinforces the importance of responsible decision- making both on and off campus.
COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OFFICE HOURS AT THE LAKES Parents/carers are welcome in our office areas when they are making payments, bringing a child in late or picking up a sick child from sick bay. Students are not to use these areas before school or after school. The Lakes South Morang College’s grounds are supervised by College staff from 8:50am until 3:15 (Secondary Campus), or 3:30pm (Primary Campus). Outside of these hours, College staff will not be available to supervise students. If a student is not collected before supervision finishes at the end of the day, the Principal or nominee staff member will consider whether it is appropriate to: attempt to contact the parents/carers attempt to contact the emergency contacts place the student in an out of school hours care program (Primary Campus only) contact Victoria Police and/or Child Protection to arrange for the supervision, care and protection of the student.
BELONGINGS, AMBULANCE & INSURANCE Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department of Education does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage. Parents and carers are reminded that the Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and carers of students who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND) The Department administers the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to help eligible families with the costs of camps, sporting activities and excursions/incursions. From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary and secondary school children, up from $154 and $256 respectively. Applications for 2026 CSEF support will open from 27 January 2026 to 26 June 2026
Please also be aware that both the Primary and Secondary Campus offices will close at 4:00 pm each day.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
Please support us in making sure all students are safe.
school camps/trips
swimming extension activities and other school-organised sport programs
ATTENDANCE - EVERY DAY COUNTS If you are aware that your child will not be attending school due to illness or other circumstances, please contact either office to ensure our attendance records are accurate.
outdoor education programs
excursions/incursions that are extracurricular as defined in the Parent Payments policy
Ways of communicating absences include: Placing a future Absence Request through the Compass
graduations/valedictories.
Education Portal; Calling the office;
Forms can be downloaded on the Departments website under Camps Sports and Excursions Fund or you can obtain one from the school office. Prep and year 7 government school students who are CSEF recipients are also eligible for a uniform voucher. Schools are required to make applications on behalf of parents, so please register your interest at the school office.
As required by the Department of Education, all schools must notify parents/carers informing that their child is absent. Please inform the office of absences before 10am each morning.
Please call 9404 9000 if you have a service or upcoming event you would like to promote through our Newsletter.
PHOTOGRAPHING, RECORDING AND FILMING CONSENT thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/photographing_filming___recording_of_students_policy_2024.pdf
The Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Consent Form is provided by The Lakes South Morang College at enrolment. Recent Departmental changes to this policy mean that this now only has to be completed once during your child’s educational journey at The Lakes. As a component of our transition to Compass, all families across the College will be sent a message on Compass or contacted by a member of staff in regards to Permission to Publish for your child provided at enrolment. If at any time parents/carers wish to give or withdraw their consent, they can by contacting the College or completing the form below.
NO HAT - NO PLAY We will be enforcing our ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy in Term 1 and 4 on the Primary Campus. Wide-brimmed hats (with the school logo), are available at the uniform shop.
YEAR 5/6 NOTEBOOK PROGRAM - 2026 We’re writing to inform you of an important change to our technology program for Year 5 and 6 students starting in 2026. After careful consideration and in consultation with the School Council and broader school community, The Lakes South Morang College has made the decision to transition from iPads to Windows touchscreen notebook computers for students in Years 5 and 6. This move aligns our Primary and Secondary learning experiences and brings our technology use in line with most primary schools across Victoria, who have already adopted Windows-based programs. It also ensures our students are better prepared for the digital expectations of Year 7 and beyond. Why Are We Transitioning to Notebooks? While iPads have served many learning purposes, they are limited in supporting the broader skills needed in upper primary and secondary education. Windows-based touchscreen notebooks: Offer a full desktop computing experience Support keyboard proficiency and multitasking Provide compatibility with the software and systems used from Year 7 onwards Offer improved file management, software flexibility, and better integration with our college systems Devices purchased through our approved portals will be
ROAD SAFETY AROUND THE LAKES SOUTH MORANG COLLEGE The Lakes South Morang College is situated near busy roads with heavy traffic throughout the day, with particular attention to the front of our school, where we have several busy intersections and shared pathways with Coles, Collingwood Language School, Merriang SDS and the Kinder. We strongly remind all families that students must always use the designated school crossings. We are increasingly noticing students exiting or entering vehicles while crossing or weaving through traffic, which poses a serious risk. Please use the designated drop-off zones and encourage your child to cross only at supervised crossings. Holding your child’s hand near roads and vehicles is a simple but effective way to support their safety. Please also take the time to talk with your child about how to stay safe near parked cars, footpaths, and driveways. Please note that the designated entry and exit gate on Lakes Boulevard is currently closed. Students and parents/carers are asked to either enter/exit the school through the Gordons Road gate or the front office.
supported at The Lakes in Years 7 and beyond. Support stylus use for handwriting and drawing
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
LUNCH ORDERS: Download the app to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College. Orders need to be in by 9am on the day.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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