The Lakes South Morang College - Issue 12

ISSUE 12 2026

Term 3, Week 10

Father‘s Day Fun Reflection

Mobile Phone Policy for Students

Sport Scoreboard for Term 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PRINCIPAL REPORT BILL PANAS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Principal Report

Student Perspective

Congratulations to all of our students on a wonderful Term 3. Every one of our students has had opportunities to grow and thrive in their learning, both in and out of the classroom. Whether it has been SAC or CAT results, sporting achievements, Wakakirri success, Book Week readings, or student leadership initiatives, the enthusiasm, verve and drive of our students continues to excite and inspire us as adults. A huge congratulations to all of our Term 3 Learner of the Term Award recipients. These awards are a reflection of their commitment, endeavour, perseverance and leadership. We are extremely proud of your achievements and the positive impact you have made on our College community.

Sport Scoreboard

School Council Report

Policy Spotlight

End of Term Awards

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.

Community Noticeboard

The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRINCIPAL REPORT

ATTITUDE TO SCHOOL SURVEY — STUDENT RESULTS We are delighted to share that our results are above similar schools, our network and the State in all categories of the Student Attitudes to School Survey. This result is clearly a reflection of the growing maturity of our College community. The outcome is a credit to the commitment, understanding and connections that our staff have forged with our students. It is particularly pleasing given our College context and the significant cultural shift we have experienced in recent years. Our students are increasingly embracing our journey towards high performance and high expectations. This does not mean that all student behaviours and ownership of learning are yet at the level we expect. However, it is this part of the journey that excites us most as we continue through this important period of reflection and growth. The results will undoubtedly play an important role in helping us identify priority areas for school improvement, while maintaining the safe, cordial and harmonious environment that is a key foundation for effective academic and community partnerships. We have asked our School Leaders to work with the Student Leadership Team to consider how they would like to share these results — results that belong to our students — with their peers, teachers and School Council. We have also asked them to consider how they would like to celebrate this significant milestone. It takes an army of believers to make positive change. Well played, Team Lakes!

PARENT/CARER SURVEY Thank you to all of the families who have completed the Parent/Carer Survey. We will share the results with you when they are released to schools later in the year. Your feedback will form an important part of our ongoing commitment to engaging, supporting and resourcing the needs of our community effectively. We are hoping to exceed the wonderful participation of 77 families in 2025. 2027 PLANNING Planning for 2027 is well underway, with enrolment anticipated to reach approximately 750 students — around 375 on each campus, an increase of approximately 30 students. Pleasingly, our existing teacher cohort intends to return, providing valuable continuity for our students and College culture. Ms McKenzie and Ms Stockley will also resume duties on the Primary Campus for two days each week. If your child will not be returning in 2027, please notify the General Office as soon as possible.

STAFF DEPARTURE We farewell Ms Dale Saliba, our College Business Manager, after more than six years of outstanding service. Dale has provided significant leadership to our College, School Council and the Whittlesea Principal Network. We sincerely thank her for her professionalism, positivity and unwavering support of our students, families and staff, and wish her every success for the future. PARENT/CARER SUPPORT Thank you to families who participated in our Learner Review Meetings, with almost 80% parent/carer attendance at Primary and 50% at Secondary. Strong partnerships between students, teachers and families are central to student success, and we greatly value the continued engagement of our families.

Families can support their child’s learning by:

Regularly checking Compass for information regarding events, behaviour, academic progress and student learning goals. Engaging in regular conversations with their child about academic and wellbeing goals. Attending Learner Review Meetings to discuss student goals and academic progress with classroom teachers. Providing students with an engaging and appropriate learning space at home. Supporting students to complete their recommended weekly homework.

Current Status: Our anticipated 2027 enrolment is approximately 750 students, with around 375 students on

each campus. This represents approximately 30 additional students compared with our current enrolment.

Staffing: Our anticipated staffing profile for 2027 is 88 staff — 4 Leadership, 56 Teaching and 28 Education Support, comprising 46 full-time and 42 part-time staff. Teacher Vacancies: Recruitment is currently underway for Senior Biology and Mathematics and English/Humanities positions on the Secondary Campus.

Examples include:

Junior School Students (Years 7–9): nightly reading, unfinished learning tasks, research for projects and other tasks as required. Senior School Students (Years 10–12): a minimum of four hours of study per week for each subject.

Administration Vacancy: Recruitment will also take place for a new College Business Manager.

READ OUR COLLEGE HANDBOOKS FOR

The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRINCIPAL REPORT

ASSESSMENT REDEMPTION & PROGRESSION POLICY Families are reminded that the College has a Progression Policy, available on our website at www.thelakes.edu.au. Meeting assessment requirements is an important part of demonstrating satisfactory progress and readiness to move to the next year level. The College runs SAC Redemption sessions for VCE students and CAT Redemption sessions for Years 7–10 twice each week. Students who are required to complete or resit an assessment will be scheduled into a redemption session, which will appear on their Compass timetable. These sessions are not optional — students are expected to attend when scheduled and complete the assessment requirements for their subjects. Additional redemption opportunities will operate during Term 4 to support students in meeting College expectations and progressing successfully to the next year level. SCHOOL COUNCIL FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE Thank you to all of the families who attended our annual Father’s Day Stall & Breakfast. The morning was a wonderful opportunity for dads and their children to attend school together and enjoy a quick egg and bacon roll. Special thanks and congratulations to our amazing fundraising team, who continue to generously volunteer their time to ensure that our College is rich in relationships, community connection and school pride.

PREPARING FOR TERM 4 1. Uniform:

Students are expected to return in full school uniform at all times. Families are asked to ensure students have the correct uniform ready for Term 4 and reinforce expectations around attendance, punctuality, remaining in allocated classes and appropriate behaviour. 2. Student Learning Folders: Student Learning Folders must be maintained and taken to all classes. Teachers will continue to check student work, note-taking and homework. Our recent classroom walks have highlighted encouraging progress, with increasingly orderly, collaborative and focused learning environments across the College.

3. VCE Practice Exams: Our Year 12 students will complete onsite practice

examinations during the first week of the holidays. We wish them every success as they enter the final stage of their VCE journey and thank our VCE team for giving their time during the break. Families are encouraged to support a balanced study routine and contact the College if additional support is required. 4. SCHOOL REVIEW Our 2026 School Review will take place on 4, 10 and 12 November, led by Department of Education representative Mr Brian Collins, alongside challenge partners Mr Anthony Oldmeadow and Ms Carol Vidmar. The review will examine College performance across teaching and learning, curriculum, culture, communication and staffing, with opportunities for stakeholder feedback. Findings will help inform our next School Strategic Plan 2026–2029. On behalf of the Leadership Team — Ms Lee, Ms Short, Ms Conversano and myself — and our dedicated staff, I wish all of our students and families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 3. We look forward to welcoming everyone back ready to go for a wonderful final term of learning, achievement and celebration.

What’s been happening?

ART INCURSION ON SECONDARY

Our VCE Art students and Art Development Program students had a fantastic opportunity to spend the day extending their technical artistic skills in the comfort of The Lakes. This incursion was organised to support our VCE students in developing greater technical competency and engagement with their artistic practice before entering the busy examination period later in the year.

TOYS IN MOTION ON PRIMARY

Our Year 2 students had a blast exploring pushes and pulls during our Toys in Motion incursion! Through hands-on activities and experiments, students discovered how forces can make objects move, stop and change direction. A fun- filled day of science and learning!

YEAR 9 SCIENCE

9A Science students had a great learning experience investigating endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions. Students worked collaboratively in teams to mix solutions and record initial and final temperatures to help them determine what type of reaction had occurred.

The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SPORT SCOREBOARD

Primary Interschool Sports Term 3 has been another busy Term for 5/6 sport. We have had numerous teams representing our school. From our Friday Morning teams, representing our school in Teeball, Volleyball and Tennis. To teams representing our school in Volleyball Gala Day and District Athletics.

We have had a number of great results this Term:

1 place in Volleyball Gala Day – Boys B Team st 2 place in Volleyball Gala Day – Boys A Team nd As I type this our boys Friday Morning Volleyball Team currently sits undefeated

District Athletics was also a big success with 8 students making it through to division rounds.

Congratulations to the following:

Macie W – 1500m Mackenzie T – 1500m, 800m Elijah – Discus Ava R – Long Jump, 200m Siena C – Triple Jump, Long Jump, Relay Athena, Aubrey H, Keelie – Relay

And an additional CONGRATULATIONS to Siena for winning her Division Triple Jump and will move onto Regionals early in Term 4! Good Luck!

Secondary Sports Wrap-Up!

Term 3 has been another action-packed Term for Interschool Sport, with students representing our school across Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball at every year level, Senior Futsal and Interschool Gymnastics. Basketball was a huge success this Term, with fantastic numbers of students putting their hand up to trial for teams. It was wonderful to see so many students keen to represent the school, develop their skills and work together as a team. Our basketballers showed plenty of enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competitions. Senior Boys’ Futsal was a particularly special day, as it gave our Year 12 boys their final opportunity to represent the school in the sporting arena. They had a fantastic day competing together and creating some great memories. A special mention must go to their student manager, Dave, who stepped up and took the team for the day — a fantastic way to finish their school sporting journey! Interschool Gymnastics also produced an outstanding result, with our girls finishing 2nd overall in the team competition. Even more impressive, we were the only public school competing. The girls represented the school with pride, determination and resilience and should be incredibly proud of their achievement. Congratulations to Ella who came 1 on P bars and Kiara who came 2 on vault. st nd Across all sports this Term, our students continued to demonstrate great sportsmanship and our school values. Whether celebrating a win, supporting a teammate or showing respect to opponents, our students consistently represented the school with pride.

A huge thank you to staff and students who have helped coach teams and congratulations to everyone who participated in Term 3 Sport.

You have done us proud!

The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT

Our dads and special guests enjoyed delicious egg and bacon rolls, coffee served by Roast 66 Coffee Roasters, and donuts from OMG! Decadent Donuts. The breakfast was filled with great conversation, plenty of smiles and a wonderful sense of community. We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback from those who attended. A special thank you to Mr Panas, Ms Lee, and parents Jo and Grant, who cooked an impressive 140 eggs and countless pieces of bacon to keep everyone well fed. Thank you also to our dedicated parent volunteers who helped with shopping, organising the photo frame and craft activities, serving on the morning, and supporting the event behind the scenes. Our volunteers generously give their time and energy to create these opportunities for our school community, and we are incredibly grateful for their contribution. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Bakers Delight Plenty Valley, Bakers Delight Epping and Diamond Valley Egg Farm in Yarrambat for their generous donations of bread rolls and eggs, as well as Camp Australia for sponsoring the event. Their support helped make the morning such a success. Alongside the breakfast, our Father's Day stall on Wednesday 2 September was once again a wonderful success. The stall not only gave students the opportunity to choose a special gift for a dad, grandparent or other significant person in their life, but also highlighted the strong support our community continues to show for school fundraising initiatives. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the stall such a valued part of this celebration. We hope all of our dads and special people enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day on 6 September. The Fundraising Team is already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for another memorable breakfast next year. Friday 4 September saw another fantastic turnout for the Parent Fundraising Team’s annual Father’s Day Breakfast, held to celebrate the dads and special people in our school community. It was wonderful to see so many families embrace the early start and come together on a beautiful spring morning, with clear blue skies and sunshine providing the perfect backdrop.

Amanda Farrelly School Council President

POLICY SPOTLIGHT

MOBILE PHONES - STUDENT USE POLICY https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/mobile_phone_-_student_use_policy_2026.pdf

In accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones - Student Use Policy, issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at The Lakes during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted (see policy for exemption categories). The Lakes South Morang College understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. In this instance, students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored in their lockers/ school bags/secure storage during school hours. Mobile phones owned by students at The Lakes are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the owner’s (student’s or parent/carer’s) risk.

Where students bring a mobile phone to school, The Lakes South Morang College can provide secure storage. Secure storage is storage that cannot be readily accessed by those without permission to do so. At The Lakes students are required to store their phones either in their lockers, or, handed into the school administration office to be placed in a lockable cupboard/safe.

Please ensure you and your child are aware of our Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy and that mobile devices include smart watches with the call feature activated during school hours.

The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY END OF TERM AWARDS

LEARNER OF THE TERM AWARDS

For consistently showing all our school values in all areas of his learning and being a positive role model for his peers.

Harry T

Prep A

For consistently engaging in his learning with enthusiasm and curiosity. Oliver creates a learning environment in which his peers feel motivated to try their best.

Oliver H

Prep B

For making a great effort to produce high quality learning and supporting his friends in their learning.

Makai J

Prep C

For consistently working hard across all learning areas and making great progress this Term. Theodosia has shown a positive attitude towards their learning and should be proud of the effort she puts in each day. For consistently trying her best and applying herself to her learning this term. Maylie is a very focused learner who always gives things a go. She should be very proud of the effort she puts into learning each day! For consistently demonstrating our school values and always striving to do his very best. He is a wonderful leader and positive role model for his peers. We are so proud of the effort, growth and positive attitude he has shown this term! For making a great effort to consistently do his best with all his academic tasks and for always being a great role model for his peers. For making sound growth across the curriculum and consistently applying himself to his learning, demonstrating a positive attitude and a strong commitment to achieving his best. For always applying himself and trying his best effort in all his learning tasks. You always follow The Lakes school values with pride.

Theodosia G

Maylie T

Toby V

Thieven S

Gavin F

Jihoo P

For demonstrating our school values every day and setting a wonderful example for her peers through her kindness, respect and commitment to learning.

Erina S

For consistently applying herself to every learning task and always striving to produce exemplary work. Audrey is a wonderful role model who demonstrates dedication, pride, and a commitment to doing her very best.

Audrey L

For making a great effort to consistently demonstrate teamwork and be a wonderful leader to his peers. He works collaboratively with others, supports his classmates in group tasks, and always contributes positively to classroom and school activities.

Leon W

For consistently applying herself to every learning task and always striving to produce her best work. Ava is a wonderful role model who demonstrates dedication, pride, and a strong commitment to achieving her goals. For consistently listening well, working independently and producing high-quality work with great pride and care.

Ava M

Jaisal L

For making a great effort to improve across all areas of his learning and being an excellent role model to his peers.

Mason G

5/6 VIA

For consistently treating others with kindness and respect and always approaching challenges with resilience and determination.

Neve L

For being an exemplary school leader and consistently challenging herself in all aspects of her learning.

Aubrey H

CITIZENSHIP AWARDS RESPECT

LEARNING TEAMWORK LEADERSHIP

Prep

Mackenzie M

Zoey H

Hyzin E

Matea A

Heizal A

Taio L

Danny B

Porsha G

Rafael G

Jaxyn L

Lucy M

Ysabella P

Lily M

Connor D

Lucas R

Indiana G

Crew K

Eliza M

Ariyan J

Chelsea J

Layla B

Viana S

Max P

Charlie B

Keira F

Oscar S

Ryan L

Elise S

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. 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.

ACCESSING LEARNING TASKS AND ACADEMIC REPORTS

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: Placing a future Absence Request through the Compass

Education Portal; 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.

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. 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.

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

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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