The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE REPORT
Notable impacts in Term One include: This positivity is clearly visible and sets a strong tone for our school community. Although our overarching goal at the beginning was to embed programs and implement policy to the highest standard this year, what is actually happening is quite different: We are well and truly pivoting to lift the bar with Term One data far exceeding initial targets, largely as a result of targeted planning, understanding student learning and wellbeing needs, and listening to and empowering our students to take increased responsibilities for their learning. SCHOOL COUNCIL This focus has led to a broader, positive shift across College operations. We have seen an increase in: completed assessments, enhanced student involvement in leadership; enrolment in our new enhancement programs - sitting at capacity, and a strong commitment from students to embrace learning challenges and remain focused throughout the day.
We welcomed our 2026 School Council team last Tuesday and look forward to their ideas, insights and leadership as we begin a year of school review. We are pleased to introduce our new parent/carer members Jo, Laura and Katie, who join returning members Amanda, Grant and Anna-Lisa in their second year. Janavi joins as our new student representative alongside Taylor, and we also welcome new staff representatives Ms Hayton (Primary) and Mrs Greaves (Secondary). Our executive team continues to play a vital role in overseeing and ensuring the effective implementation of finance, education policy and procedures, facilities, and community engagement, including fundraising initiatives. The first responsibility of the new Council was to approve the 2025 Annual Report to the School Community. The report will now be submitted to the Department of Education for approval and quality assurance before being published on the college website as official documentation. INDUSTRIAL ACTION We thank our families for their understanding and support during the recent industrial action campaign. We worked diligently to provide timely and accurate communication via Compass and to give as much notice as possible regarding changes to College operations. We acknowledge the inconvenience caused and the impact on family and work commitments. This is why we aim to schedule all Pupil Free Days at the beginning of the school year in consultation with our executive team and School Council. ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Congratulations to Mrs King, Ms Price and the PE team, along with staff and student organisers, for delivering a fantastic Athletics Day at the Meadowglen Athletics Track. Students proudly represented their Houses, demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, and competed with enthusiasm. A number of students have achieved qualifying results and will go on to represent the College at District level. We wish them every success as they aim for finals in Term 2. Thank you also to the many families who attended and supported our students, contributing to a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere throughout the day.
Consistent implementation of school practices -reflected and readily observed in safe and calmer classrooms resulting in record student attendance across all levels with primary up 0.68% to 91.35% and secondary up 0.74% to 85.35%. This is above the state median and a credit to all of our parents/carers and families who are fostering the importance of continuity with school attendance and high expectation. Increased reports of positive behaviour and school service - higher rates of punctuality and a strong problem- solving mindset from all students. Staff contact with parent/carers regarding selfless and positive contributions by students either with their school work or leadership is up 23% in comparison to the same time last year. A significant reduction of Incident Reports for challenging behaviour - although our College was already well below the state median for incidents: a. Minor and Medium incidents which include low level class disruption, disrespect towards peers and teachers, and not bringing the correct equipment to classes is down 50% b. Major incidents including aggression, intimidation, harassment and any form of bullying are down 25% c . School suspensions are down 60% on the same time last year. A revitalised student leadership program - more students than ever are now involved meaningful leadership roles influencing learning, wellbeing, and events- a record 72 students from both the Primary and Secondary Campuses are in active leadership roles driving the College Strategic Plan focusing on school improvements and learning opportunities for all students. The introduction of new development programs in performing and visual arts, as well as athletics, which has driven high levels of student engagement and motivation across the College. Over 90 students are enrolled in the new programs which is very exciting and will most likely positively improve our median rating in student Attitude to School survey results and our overall commitment to academic rigour across all learning programs. The expansion of the VIA program to Year 5 and 6, providing 26 Primary students with early opportunities to build skills, challenge themselves, and prepare for future learning.
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