Welcome to Issue 2 of our College Newsletter! In this issue: - Secondary Agency & Engagement - Smoking Ceremony - Welcome BBQ Success! - Communication Policy at The Lakes - School Captain Introductions - What’s On @ The Lakes
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Term 1, Week 4
ISSUE 02 2025
Welcome to Issue 2 of our College Newsletter. In this issue: Secondary Agency & Engagement Smoking Ceremony Welcome BBQ Success! Communication Policy at The Lakes School Captain Introductions What ’ s On @ The Lakes
COLLEGE REPORT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
JACKIE GREAVES SECONDARY AGENCY & ENGAGEMENT
01 College Report
Welcome back to all our students and families,
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Our Learning Coach Program has commenced on both campuses. This year students in years 10 - 12 will also participate in the program. All students have been working on building their learner profiles which will assist them greatly in their learning journey for 2025. In the coming weeks we will be conducting student interviews across the Primary & Secondary Campus to get some important feedback about the current learning experience for our students here at The Lakes. Student Voices are the most important voices at our school, and we want them to feel heard and supported. Student leaders will share these results with our staff during the term.
03 Student Perspective
It has certainly been a wonderful, calm and engaged start to 2025. While it is still early in the year, the Student Agency and Engagement Team have been busy working closely with our students, our wellbeing team and our leadership team to prepare for what we ’ re sure will be a very successful 2025. Below is an update of what ’ s been happening in the area of Agency and Engagement at our college:
04 Community Connections
05 Policy Spotlight
06 School Council
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08 School Council Elections
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10 Compass Updates
To start the term and set our students up for success the Secondary students participated in the Elevate Program which focused on time management and effective study habits.
13 Social Scene
14 What ’ s on @ The Lakes
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.
18 Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE REPORT
Our student leadership team is growing! Congratulations to all the Primary and
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Secondary students who have been appointed to positions for this year. SRC & House Captain positions will be finalised in the next couple of weeks, we thank all the aspiring young leaders who have put their hands up to apply for & undertake leadership roles this year. Working in conjunction with the wellbeing team, we are currently organising lunchtime programs to further engage our students and build their sense of connectedness to school and to each other. We have a number of exciting learning experiences and excursions in the next couple of weeks including podcast training for our school captains at Melbourne Polytechnic and five of our amazing young women in year 12 will be attending an International Women ’ s Day lunch at Parliament House with our local State Member of Parliament the Hon Lily D ’ Ambrosio. To prepare students for the demands of senior secondary school and to maintain our high expectations across the college we will be
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sending out attendance letters for students who aren ’ t meeting attendance requirements. It is critical that students maximise their learning time at school. These will be sent out every 3 weeks. Parents/Carers if your child is absent please log this absence via compass. Mr Zull, Mr Taylor and I are all looking forward to working with our students, families and the wider school community this year. We will provide updates along the way on our progress. We all firmly believe that The Lakes will continue to be a leader in student agency and that positive, cooperative relationships between students, families and teachers are critical to our young people ’ s success.
Kind Regards,
Mrs Jackie Greaves
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
PRIMARY CAPTAIN ’ S REPORT JERUSHA L, KENZI E, MANEEL R & LACHLAN M
Good morning, everyone!
What a fantastic start to the year it has been here at The Lakes South Morang College! It's exciting to see all our students back, ready to learn, and enthusiastic about the year ahead. We are particularly thrilled about working with the Resilience Project this year! This program will teach us valuable skills in managing our emotions, being kind to one another, and building a positive mindset. We are sure that the Resilience Project will help us not only as individuals but as a school community to grow stronger and more supportive. As we move into Term 1, we also want to remind everyone to be SunSmart ! The weather has been warm, and it's important that we protect ourselves from the sun. Remember to wear your hats when outside, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Keeping safe in the sun will help everyone stay healthy and have fun while enjoying the outdoors. This term, our focus is on Respect as part of the SWPBS program (School - Wide Positive Behaviour Support). Respect for others, for ourselves, and for our environment is something we all value here at The Lakes. By practicing respect, we create a positive and inclusive school culture where everyone feels safe and supported. It ’ s also exciting to welcome our new Preps to the school! Starting school is such an important milestone, and we are so happy to see these young learners beginning their school journey with us. We hope they have a wonderful year filled with growth, friendship, and fun! Finally, as your school captains, we are extremely honoured to be in this role. We are looking forward to working with all of you this year to help make our school a safe, supportive, and fun place to learn. We will continue to encourage everyone to do their best and celebrate the achievements of our school community. Together, we will make this year amazing!
SECONDARY CAPTAIN ’ S REPORT ANHAD, AIDEN, HASTI & ZAF
Hello, I am Anhad and I am one of the Secondary School Captains. As captain, I am committed to establishing clear communication channels, ensuring that your concerns and ideas are not only acknowledged but also have a real impact on school decisions. By actively listening to your perspectives, I aim to contribute to a vibrant school culture that inspires each of us to reach our full potential and take pride in our community. I will be a reliable leader who not only represents but also actively uplifts voices within our school. Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and wishing everyone success, growth, and great memories! Hey, my name is Aiden. I am a secondary school captain at The Lakes South Morang College who has attended since 2013. I am grateful to have this opportunity to help the school grow and to help students become more satisfied with their learning and career skills, i also would try my best to listen to students opinions or ideas on what they would like to see happen at our college like a lunch time activity. I will make sure I do anything for this to happen and I will make sure it does work out! Hello, my name is Hasti. I came to the Lakes South Morang College in 2020, and it ’ s safe to say that our school has come a long way. I am so grateful to be your vice captain of 2025, and I promise I will put all my efforts in to make our school an even better place. My biggest priority is to connect with all the students and staff while ensuring everyone feels supported, valued, and respected in our school community. I will strive to create a welcoming environment where students can voice their ideas, share their concerns, and work together to bring positive change. Together, let ’ s make 2025 a year of growth, unity, and success. Hey everyone, My name is Zaf and I am one of your vice captains on the secondary campus. As vice captain, I aim to be a leader who is both approachable and compassionate and someone who fosters an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. I believe that leadership is not about being at the front, but about valuing the voices of my fellow peers and students, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are heard. I am committed to creating a space where open communication thrives, and I will represent our school community with an immense amount of pride. Additionally, I look forward to contributing to the future plans of our school alongside my fellow leaders, ensuring that we all grow together in the best possible way.
Thank you, and let ’ s make this year the best one yet!
"Together, as leaders of tomorrow, let us lead with respect, grow through learning, inspire with teamwork, and always strive to be the best we can be. In our hands, the future shines brighter through leadership, and together, we ’ ll thrive." From your 2025 Primary Campus Captains!
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
WELCOME TO COUNTRY AND SMOKING CEREMONY WITH AUNTY ZETA, SIMONE AND NICOLE THOMSON
At The Lakes South Morang College, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Australia ’ s First Peoples and affirm that this land always was and always will be a place for learning and connection. As part of our commitment to fostering respect, understanding, and connection, we recently held a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony—two significant practices that hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. These ceremonies were conducted by the matriarchal Wurundjeri trio of Aunty Zeta, Nicole and Simone Thomson.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A SMOKING CEREMONY
A Smoking Ceremony is a sacred ritual that involves the burning of Eucayluptus leaves, to cleanse the space, ward off negative energy, and promote the health and well - being of those present. It is a powerful way to bring people together, create a sense of belonging, and mark new beginnings—making it especially meaningful in a school environment.
WHY THESE PRACTICES MATTER IN SCHOOLS
By incorporating these traditions into our College ’ s events, we reinforce our commitment to learning, respect, and inclusivity. These ceremonies allow students and staff to experience Aboriginal culture in a living, meaningful way, fostering a deeper understanding of history and ongoing traditions and perspectives of our First Peoples. Our Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony are more than symbolic acts, they remind us that reconciliation is an active process—one that requires ongoing learning, reflection, and action.
WHAT IS A WELCOME TO COUNTRY?
A Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony conducted by a Traditional Custodian of the land, in our case, the Wurundjeri - Willam people. This practice acknowledges the ongoing connection of First Peoples to Country and welcomes people visiting the land by setting clear intentions for responsibility, care and connection whilst on Country. It is an important act of respect and recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty and custodianship.
We thank Aunty Zeta, Nicole and Simone for their generosity in sharing their culture with our community and look forward to continuing to learn from and with them.
POLICY SPOTLIGHT
COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/communication_policy_2024.pdf
Successful communication strategies are an integral part of building The Lakes South Morang College ’ s reputation and image, both within our community and the wider public.
The Lakes South Morang College aims to build a community where all members – students, families and staff are able to communicate with integrity in an honest and respectful manner. The development of a partnership where all are valued, connected and informed are primary considerations. The Lakes South Morang College Communication Policy provides guidelines for the provision of effective formal and informal communication between the College and our school community.
The Lakes South Morang College is committed to:
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Promoting a friendly, collaborative and cooperative relationship between students, parents/carers and teachers.
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Listening and respecting both students ’ and parents ’/ carers ’ ideas, opinions and suggestions.
Therefore it is essential that all members of the community consider and incorporate the school Values and protocols when communicating information so as to:
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Providing opportunities for parents/carers to share information both formally and informally with the College.
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preserve the professionalism of the school,
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Nurturing a spirit of respect and cooperation between students, parents/carers, and the College.
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protect the rights of individuals,
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Providing an environment that is sensitive to the cultural and social values of families and the community. Ensuring confidential information is managed in a manner consistent with community expectations, professional standards and legal obligations.
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uphold our duty of care to students, and
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comply with departmental and legal requirements.
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Policies are available to all families via via our website http://www.thelakes.edu.au/policies -- reports.html
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL
WELCOME BBQ SUCCESS!
We saw another awesome turn out to the parent fundraising team ’ s annual Welcome BBQ & Picnic on Friday 7 February, held to reconnect our school community for the new school year and to welcome new families to The Lakes. It was great to see so many stay back after school and bring picnic chairs and blankets, creating a wonderful community vibe. It was a fun afternoon with lots of positive feedback received from those who attended. Over 200 students and their families enjoyed a BBQ sausage sizzle, slushies, racing against each other on the Ninja Warrior Course, having a hit at mini golf, and bubbles and facepainting. However, perhaps the most popular activity was the water dunk station, where students all got a chance to either water dunk or throw a water bomb at a teacher! Huge thank you to Mr Abney - Hastings, Ms Hayton, Ms Spence and Ms Price for volunteering and braving the cool weather! Thank you to our parent volunteers who cooked up a storm on the BBQ; served slushies, drinks and sausages; sourced supermarket donations; did the shopping legwork; organised the activities and facilitated them on the day; and helped with setting up and packing down. Our parent volunteers are amazing and contribute a huge amount of their own time to be able to deliver these events. Also, a shout out to the staff who assisted on the day and behind the scenes too.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge and thank the below organisations whose support and generous contributions to the event are appreciated:
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Coles Supermarkets (Mill Park Lakes, Epping, Mernda & Plenty Valley);
• Woolworths Supermarkets (South Morang Central, Plenty Valley & Rivergum);
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Bakers Delight Mernda; and
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Whittlesea Bowls Club
Sales of the wristbands and the gold coin donations collected will go towards purchasing outdoor yard activities on both campuses.
Hope everyone has had a smooth start to the school year and Fundraising looks forward to seeing everyone at the next event!
Cheers,
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
SCHOOL COUNCIL AGM
The Annual General Meeting of School Council will be held on Tuesday, 27th March 2024 at 6.00 pm. The normal March School Council meeting will follow at 6:30 pm.
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
School Council Elections will open Monday 12th February and nomination forms may be obtained from the school office and must be lodged by 4.00 pm on Monday 19th February 2024.
School Council candidates list will be posted by 4:00 pm Wednesday 21st February 2024.
If required, ballot papers will be prepared and distributed by Monday 26th February 2024.
Close of ballot (if required) will be Monday 4th March, 2024.
School Council nomination forms can be printed here:
Please see attached documents for more information about School Council.
School Council Election Bulletin 2025.pdf
SCHOOL COUNCIL STUDENT ELECTION
School Council nomination for Student Member are now open, nomination forms may be obtained from the school office and must be lodged by 4.00 pm on Monday 19th February 2024.
School Council candidates list will be posted by 4:00 pm Wednesday 21st February 2024.
If required, ballot papers will be prepared and distributed by Monday 26th February 2024.
Close of ballot (if required) will be Monday 4th March 2024.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMPASS UPDATES
Your contributions enable us to maintain high - quality teaching and learning programs, enhance extracurricular offerings, and ensure the upkeep of our buildings and grounds. These resources significantly enrich the educational experience for all our students. Your support has allowed us to make upgrades to our facilities during this holiday period including the installation of smart displays in classrooms on the Primary Campus and air - conditioning on the Secondary Campus. School Council, along with its Finance Committee, collaborates closely with our Leadership Teams to establish recommended student fees that align with the College's budgetary needs.
The Lakes South Morang College ’ s voluntary financial contributions for 2025.
While Government schools provide free instruction to meet standard curriculum
requirements, assuring that all contributions are voluntary, the ongoing financial support from our families is crucial. Curriculum contributions range from $85 - $200 per student, depending on the needs of the year level for the school year. Additional contributions for the ongoing cost of Compass, student wellbeing programs, first aid equipment, facilities maintenance/improvements and library are $75 per student for the school year.
Families can pay these contributions via the Contributions tab in their Compass portal.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMPASS UPDATES
SOCIAL SCENE
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
Breakfast Club on Primary Campus Every Wednesday 8.15am - 8.45am (Except for the first week and last week of the term)
FEBRUARY:
WEEK 5
Monday 24th
Year 8/9 VIA ACMI Excursion
Friday 28th
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport
MARCH:
WEEK 6
Primary Assembly 9.15am in Gym
Monday 3rd
Primary Hockey Clinic
Tuesday 4th
Primary Leadership Conference
Student Leadership Melbourne Polytechnic Excursion
Thursday 6th
International Women ’ s Day Luncheon Excursion
Friday 7th
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport
WEEK 7
Monday 10th
Public Holiday
Secondary Learner Review Meetings 10.30am - 6.30pm
Tuesday 11th
Wednesday 12th
Year 11 Drama ‘ Top Class ’ Excursion
Friday 13th
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport
Book Now for Primary or Secondary Tours on
9404 9000
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
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.
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.
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 8:45am 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:
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attempt to contact the parents/carers
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attempt to contact the emergency contacts
CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND)
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place the student in an out of school hours care program (Primary Campus only)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps, and sporting activities. If you have a valid means - tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card, or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families. Payment amounts this year are $150.00 for eligible primary school students and $250.00 for eligible secondary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, and sporting activities for the benefit of your child. Foundation 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. It is important that funding made available in 2025 supports students to participate in school trips, camps, and sporting activities this year rather than being held for future years. This funding can also be used in conjunction with any funding accrued from previous years. If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the College on 9404 9000 and ask for an application form. You can also download the form, and find out more about the program and eligibility, on the Department of Education and Training ’ s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund web page. Check with the school office if you are unsure, and please return completed forms to the school office as soon as possible.
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contact Victoria Police and/or Child Protection to arrange for the supervision, care and protection of the student.
Please also be aware that both the Primary and Secondary Campus offices will close at 4:00 pm each day.
Please support us in making sure all students are safe.
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.
Ways of communicating absences include:
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Placing a future Absence Request through the Compass Education Portal;
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Calling the 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.
NO HAT - NO PLAY We will be enforcing our ‘ No Hat, No Play ’ policy in Term 1 on the Primary Campus. Wide - brimmed hats (with the school logo), are available at the uniform shop.
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.
To update or make changes to your Photographing, Filming and Recording consent, please download and complete this form before returning to the front office.
SCHOOL SAVINGS BONUS (SSB)
Department of Education will email you twice:
In Term 4, 2024 families with a child enrolled in Government schools from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will have receive the one - off $400 School Saving Bonus. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education - related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks. The School Saving Bonus is not available for full fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.
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October to verify you email address
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November, providing details on how you can access the $400 bonus.
Please check your junk email regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email. To learn more about the SSB please see attached sheet for government school parents and carers or visit https://www.vic.gov.au/school - saving - bonus
Actions for parents and carers
Parents and carers of children who meet the School Saving Bonus eligibility above are required to do the following by Friday 18 October 2024:
Click here for more information.
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Complete enrolment If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025, please complete enrolment. For more information, read about Enrolling in School. Check your contact information Ensure your contact information is up to date with your school. You can check this information by contacting your school directly.
Your feedback is valued. Please use the following link to provide our College Council and Leadership Team with feedback to help make The Lakes a positive learning community for all.
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THE LAKES COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
CANTEEN ORDERS
Scan the code to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College. Orders need to be in by 9am on the day.
This year the school canteen is offering lunch orders through the Flexischools app.
Follow the steps below to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College.
Please call Karen on 9404 9000 to discuss further, if you have a service or upcoming event you would like to promote through our Newsletter. EP Website
CAMP AUSTRALIA
Nominations close 5pm Friday 15 November 2024
To thrive, children need a safe and supportive environment at school, at home and in the broader community; no exceptions. At The Lakes South Morang College, we believe meeting the physical and emotional needs of our students is paramount in laying the foundations for a fulfilling future. We pledge to provide an environment that has zero tolerance to child abuse and will strive to work in partnership with our parents/carers and community members to keep our students safe every day, in every way.
The Lakes South Morang College Child Safety Statement
PRIMARY CAMPUS: Telephone: 9404 9000 275 Gordons Road South Morang 3752 SECONDARY CAMPUS: Telephone: 9404 9000 80 Jardier Terrace South Morang 3752 ABN 52 938 171 499 PO Box 207 South Morang 3752 lakes.south.morang.co@education.vic.gov.au
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