The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
March School Council Meeting Following the AGM, our regular March meeting commenced. At this meeting we: Heard from our Primary Captains on their aspirations for the year ahead. Agreed for School Council to write to the City of Whittlesea requesting the installation of speed humps along Gordons Road, in between The Lakes Boulevard and Jardier Terrace. This is in response to the serious accident that happened outside of the Secondary Campus on 16 March and ongoing concerns about speeding and driver behaviour. This is a significant issue with over 1000 students travelling along this road, from our school, the Collingwood English Language School and Merriang Special Development School. Endorsed an amendment to the Excursion Policy that students are not to meet, disembark, or travel via train stations as part of school excursions. This is an interim measure for 2026, due to heightened community concerns related to ongoing activity around train stations. This amendment will apply for 2026 only and School Council will review at the end of the year and determine whether this continues in 2027. Discussed the timing of Learner Review Meetings. This year, Primary Campus Learner Review Meetings were moved forward to be held on the same day as the Secondary Campus, however the percentage of families booking an appointment was significantly down compared to previous years. We endorsed that Learner Review Meetings will revert to either week 10 or 11 in Term 1 2027. Discussed the planning for the Mother’s Day stall and breakfast to be held in May. Discussed how to increase School Council’s focus on the Secondary Campus for 2026. This includes gaining a clearer understanding of the full teaching and learning journey at Secondary and the need to better promote the school, as it is still widely perceived as P-9 school by the community, not realising that we now offer a VCE program. Discussed if there was a need to pursue a school holiday program at The Lakes with Camp Australia. Community Issues & Parent Feedback School Council is here to represent the whole school community, so if you have any issues, ideas or questions for upcoming meetings, or need support, please contact a member or email amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au. We also welcome suggestions on how families can better partner with the school to support student learning and strengthen our community.
Hello Parents & Carers,
Amazingly, we are at the end of Term 1 already, feels like yesterday that we were at the Meet & Greets! Lots of events have already taken place including the Welcome BBQ; Harmony Day; Athletics Day; Learner Review Meetings; the Easter Raffle; and excursions for many year levels. Annual General Meeting Our most recent meeting on March 17 began with our AGM. We welcomed many new faces for 2026-7: Katie Morris, Jo Mallappa and Laura Johnson (parent reps); Jackie Greaves and Jaz Hayton (DE reps); and Janavi N (student rep). A huge thank you to Josie Benfari, Helen Skendaris, Kathryn Lieschke, Bek Sutton, Keara McIntyre and Tijana M for all of their work on School Council, their passion for improving the school is truly valued and greatly appreciated by the entire school community.
Our Council members for the 2026/27 term are:
Parent members:
DE members:
Bill Panas (Executive Officer, College Principal) Marcus Abney-Hastings (Primary Campus Principal)
Jenny Archibald (Primary)
Amanda Farrelly (President, Primary)
Laura Johnson (Primary) Jackie Greaves Jo Mallappa (Primary & Secondary) Jaz Hayton Veronica Marsh (Primary & Secondary) Katie Morris (Primary) Student members: Anna-Lisa Tewma (Treasurer, Secondary) Janavi N Grant Voss (Vice President, Primary) Taylor V
Guests: Renee Short (Teaching & Learning Assistant Principal) Dale Saliba (Secretariat, Business Manager)
The 2025 Annual Report to the School Community was also presented by Mr Panas and endorsed. This report celebrates our school’s highlights in the 2025 school year and is a public document published on our website. Curriculum Charges A huge thank you to families who have paid the 2026 Curriculum Charges—your support is greatly appreciated. While all contributions are voluntary and students are provided with free instruction to meet standard curriculum requirements, these contributions play an important role in enhancing programs, upgrading facilities, and improving school grounds for the benefit of all students. We value your partnership in helping us provide the best possible learning environment in 2026.
Council meets twice per term on a Tuesday and visitors and observers are always welcome.
Have a wonderful Easter break,
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
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