The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Term 4, Week 1
ISSUE 13 2025
Campus Reports Primary Term 4 Expectations Secondary 7-12 Exams Term 4 Calendar Science of Learning Local Businesses—We need you!
Image : Year 5 Preston Market Excursion
CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY – 2026 WELCOME BBQ THE LAKES FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The Lakes Fundraising team are excited to announce that preparations for our 2026 Welcome BBQ are underway —and we would love to feature the incredible businesses within our school community. If you're a parent/carer or family member who runs a business—whether it's delicious food, engaging activities, or beautiful handmade crafts—we want to support you and share your work with our wider community.
01 Call to Action!
02 Primary Principal Report
04 Secondary Principal Report
We ’ re particularly interested in partnering with businesses that offer:
06 School Council
Food services and tasty treats
Fun, interactive activities for all ages
07 Curriculum
Craft sellers with handmade goods
08 Term 4 Calendar
Entertainment that brings people together
10 What ’ s on @ The Lakes
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, promote your business, and be part of a day that celebrates the spirit of our school community. If your business aligns, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Amanda Farrelly, School Council President, at amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au.
12 Community Noticeboard
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.
TERM 4 WORKBOOK EXPECTATIONS – YEARS 3-6
TERM 4 CURRICULUM OVERVIEWS
To support your child ’ s learning and organisation at school, we have developed clear expectations for how student workbooks should look and be used in the classroom. With these expectations, we are hoping for greater consistency for students to build better work habits and ensure students take greater pride in their work.
These Workbook Principles/expectations include:
Prep
Ruling margins in red and with a ruler
Dating work
If students make a mistake, cross it out in the same colour and not scribble over the mistake
Rule off after the completion of a task
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Students will keep books and equipment in a condition that they are truly proud of. Students will not draw on the front or back covers
Teachers across Years 3 - 6 have spoken to students about this expectation and as a school, we would appreciate parents/carers also being aware of these expectations. Failure to abide by the above expectations will result in students starting their work again. We are hoping this trial in Term 4, will allow us to develop this across P - 6 in 2026. Any issues, please do not hesitate to speak with me at school.
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Have a wonderful start to Term 4.
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Four
Five
View the Primary Handbook
Six
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter CAMPUS INFORMATION
SECONDARY CAMPUS BONNIE LEE SECONDARY CAMPUS PRINCIPAL
Dear parents/carers,
2. Get Feedback on Practice Examination Responses
Upload your practice examinations once completed.
From this Term, The Lakes moves into our Examination Season— for the first time across Years 7 – 12.
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Prompt: “ Here is my 600 - word essay response to {essay prompt}. Give me feedback on structure, argument strength, and clarity. Suggest 3 improvements. ”
For our Middle Years (7 – 9), exams aim to embed great study habits early: learning how to revise, manage time, and demonstrate knowledge under timed conditions. For our Senior Years (10 – 12), exams will sharpen exam craft and directly prepare students for VCE examinations. This approach is part of strategic spiralling examination practice at The Lakes: each year level building on the last, increasing depth and complexity so that students grow real skill, confidence and calm when facing assessments.
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Prompt: “ Mark my practice examination as if you were a VCE examiner. Point out errors and show how to fix them. ”
This helps students improve quality of answers, not just quantity of study.
3. Summarise and Organise Notes
Upload your study notes.
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Prompt: “ Summarise my notes on {topic} into a one - page study guide with key terms bolded. ”
YEAR 12: FINAL STRETCH—OWN YOUR PREPARATION
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Prompt: “ Turn these dot points into a retrieval practice quiz I can test myself with. ”
Our 2025 Year 12s have been incredible—focused, resilient and supportive of one another. We have full confidence in their ability to achieve what they set out to do, and we ’ re excited to celebrate them at their Final Day and Graduation Ceremony. As they head into their final examinations, we recommend that all students develop a study schedule that targets 10 – 20 full practice examinations all across subjects during the revision period (mix school - issued papers, VCAA papers and reputable provider papers). Students should then track their scores, their error types, and the time needed to complete these practice exams. Improvement comes from feedback + repetition.
This aligns with our Science of Learning focus—clear, structured note - making and retrieval practice.
4. Build Study Schedules
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Prompt: “ Help me design a 3 - week exam revision timetable for Year 12 {subject}. I want 2 hours per day, with a mix of practice exams and note review. ”
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Prompt: “ Suggest how to balance study for 4 subjects with 1 practice exam per week per subject. ”
This ensures planned, balanced preparation and prevents last - minute cramming.
USING AI TO SUPPORT EXAMINATION PRACTICE AND STUDY SKILLS
AI tools can be a powerful study partner—helping students revise content, practise questions, and reflect on feedback. Here are some safe and effective ways to use it:
5. Learn Exam Techniques
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Prompt: “ What are effective strategies for multiple - choice questions in VCE {subject}? ”
1. Generate Practice Questions
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Prompt: “ Explain how to manage time in a 3 - hour English exam with 3 essays. ”
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Prompt: “ Create 10 short - answer practice questions for Year 12 {Subject} on {Topic}, with answers included. ”
Students can rehearse time management and problem - solving before stepping into the examination room.
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Prompt: “ Write me 5 essay prompts for Year 12 English comparing themes in {Book 1} and {Book 2}.”
This builds exam familiarity and extends revision beyond teacher - provided work.
Important to note: AI works best as a study partner, not a replacement for effort. Students should attempt questions first, then use AI for feedback, clarity, and improvement.
YEAR 12 QUICK CHECKLIST
2026 BOOKLISTS & PREPARATION MATERIALS
Booklists and preparation materials for 2026 will be published via Compass in the coming weeks. Please review requirements early so students can organise resources and set up study systems before Term 1.
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Lock in a weekly plan (subjects, papers, times, rest).
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Complete timed practice papers, then re - work errors within 24 – 48 hours.
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Build a “ weak topics ” list and revise these with targeted questions.
2026 FOCUS: SCIENCE OF LEARNING— ORGANISING AS LEARNERS
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Rotate exam conditions (quiet room, no prompts, strict timing).
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Sleep, nutrition and movement: non - negotiables for memory and focus.
Building on our Science of Learning work, we ’ ll create more opportunities for students to organise themselves as learners. In 2026 we will:
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Embed clear, structured notebooks in every subject (consistent layouts, dates, headings, worked examples, reflection boxes).
EXAM TIPS & TRICKS (YEARS 7 – 12)
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Plan backwards: Put exam dates in a calendar and map study blocks from today to the exam.
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Teach note - taking routines that maximise retention and recall (e.g., Cornell layout, retrieval prompts, spaced review checklists).
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Chunk your revision: 25 – 40 minute focus blocks; short breaks; repeat.
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Use retrieval practice, interleaving and worked examples as standard lesson features.
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Retrieval beats re - reading: Practise recalling without notes; then check and correct.
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Help students build personal knowledge organisers (glossaries, formula banks, concept maps) to reduce cognitive load and strengthen long - term memory.
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Spaced & mixed practice: Revisit topics over days and mix question types (it sticks).
Positioning students first and foremost as learners means their systems—notes, schedules, checklists—work for them, not against them.
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Formula/summary sheets: Build them; don ’ t buy them—making them is the learning.
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Show your working: Method marks matter (and help you find where to fix).
LOOKING AHEAD
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Healthy routine: Sleep > screens; fuel > fizz; movement > melting into the couch.
We ’ re genuinely excited for the final Term of learning—to see students finish well, reflect on progress, and step confidently into their next chapter. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in setting high expectations and building strong learning habits at The Lakes.
KEY DATES: FINISH & STEP-UP
Please check the Term 4 Calendar on page 8 - 9 and Compass for finish dates and Step - Up dates for each year level. The Step - Up period is essential—it provides a head start on 2026 learning, sets expectations, and establishes routines so students begin next year already moving.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL
Meet Our Wonderful Parent/Carer Volunteer Fundraising Team!
The Lakes South Morang College ’ s fundraising team is made up of a small group of parents/ carers who volunteer countless hours and energy into making fundraising activities and events a success, consisting of Jenny Archibald, Veronica Marsh, Josie Benfari, Helen Skendaris, Jenevieve Soria, Laura Johnson and Caitlyn Cox. The team ’ s incredible dedication and hard work have made it possible to bring to our school our annual Mother ’ s Day & Father ’ s Day Stalls, Mother ’ s Day & Father ’ s Day Breakfasts and our Welcome Back BBQ, all events which bring together parents/carers, teachers and students to foster a sense of community and shared purpose, creating a vibrant and supportive educational environment. School fundraising and parent/carer participation are essential. If you have any specific fundraising ideas or would like to participate, please email the fundraising team via School Council at amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au
Welcome BBQ & Picnic! MORE INFORMATION IN ISSUE 14 OF COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
CURRICULUM
THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING IN ACTION AT OUR SCHOOL
At our school, we are committed to ensuring every student thrives as a learner. One of the most exciting areas shaping education today is the Science of Learning —a growing body of research that draws from psychology, neuroscience, and education to understand how students learn best .
The Science of Learning focuses on how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information, and how this can be applied in the classroom to improve learning outcomes. Key principles include:
• Building strong foundations of knowledge before tackling more complex ideas.
• Retrieving information regularly to strengthen memory and deepen understanding.
• Practising in a variety of ways so skills become automatic and transferable.
• Reducing cognitive overload by breaking down tasks and providing clear structure.
This Semester, our teachers have been actively engaging in Professional Development to deepen their knowledge of the Science of Learning and explore practical classroom strategies. With the support of expert providers such as Active Schools Victoria and Elevate Education, staff have participated in workshops and training sessions designed to translate theory into action. Teachers are now incorporating evidence - based approaches into their practice, ensuring lessons are designed to maximise student engagement, strengthen understanding, and create long - term success. For students, this means a learning environment where strategies are intentional, effective, and built around what research tells us really works.
The Science of Learning is helping us empower every student to become a more confident, capable, and independent learner—equipped not only for success in school, but for life beyond it.
Introducing The Lakes Workbook Principles
This Term, the Primary Campus has proudly launched The Lakes Workbook Principles , a set of clear expectations designed to support students in presenting their very best work every day. These principles encourage care, pride, and consistency, while reinforcing our whole - school culture of high expectations. Students are learning that their workbooks are a reflection of their learning journey. Whether it ’ s 5 - star writing every time they put pen to paper , ruling margins neatly in red, dating their work, or ensuring mistakes are corrected with care, the Workbook Principles guide students to take responsibility for the quality and presentation of their work.
The message is simple: my first copy is my finest work . By keeping their books neat, organised, and free from distractions, students are building habits of excellence that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
The introduction of The Lakes Workbook Principles is another way we are helping students make smart learning choices, take pride in their work, and achieve their very best.
Renee Short Head of Teaching and Learning 7 - 12
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter TERM 4 CALENDAR
Term 4 is another busy term of learning and engagement! We are looking forward to seeing our students embrace the opportunities ahead, and thank our staff and families for the continued support in shaping a thriving, respectful and future-focused learning community.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Oct 6
Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
WEEK 1
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
Primary Prep Excursion
Term 4 Begins
Secondary VCE Psychology Incursion
Primary Year 5/6 Tennis Gala
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
WEEK 2
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
Year 4/5 VIA 2026 AGAT Testing
9.15am Primary Assembly
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 24
WEEK 3
Secondary Year 12 Celebration Day
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
6pm Performing Arts Showcase ‘ Women in Music ”
5.30pm School Council
Oct 27
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Oct 31
WEEK 4
9.15am Primary Assembly
Year 12 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
Primary Year 6 Excursion
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
Primary Year 3/4 Soccer Gala
Primary Year 4 Excursion
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
Nov 3
Nov 4
Nov 5
Nov 6
Nov 7
WEEK 5
Year 12 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
Primary
Curriculum Day
Melbourne Cup Day
Year 3 Excursion
Year 1 Dinner
Year 2 Sleepover
Please check each issue of our College Newsletter, Social Media and the Compass Calendar for updates or changes to dates shown here.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
WEEK 6
Year 12 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
Primary Glasses for Kids Program (Prep - Year 3)
9.15am Primary Assembly
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
2026 Prep Transition Session 1
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
WEEK 7
Year 12 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
Year 11 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club 2026 Prep Transition Session 2
Secondary 7B Excursion
5.30pm School Council
Year 12 Graduation Ticket Required
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
WEEK 8
Year 12 (2026) Step Up
Last Day Year 11
9.15am Primary Assembly
Primary Year 3/4 Cricket Gala
Year 10 Exams (see Compass for scheduled times)
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club 2026 Prep Transition Session 3
3.15pm - 4.15pm Yr 7 Homework Club
Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
WEEK 9
Last Day Year 10
Year 11 (2026) Step Up
Whole School Curriculum Day
Year 7 Exams
Year 8 Exams
Year 9 Exams
8.15am - 8.45am Primary Breaky Club
Dec 8
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
WEEK 10
Year 8 - 10 (2026) Step Up Core Subjects
Primary Year 1 Dinosaur Day
Year 6 Transition
State - Wide Year 7 Transition Day
Year 6 Transition
Year 6 Transition
9.15am Primary Assembly
2026 Prep Transition Meet the Teacher
Secondary Year 9 City Experience ( Last Day Year 9)
Year 6 Graduation Ticket Required
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
WEEK 11
Last Day Prep - Year 8
Pupil Free Day
Primary Year 6 Funfields
Secondary Year 7/8 Funfields
Awards Night Ticket Required
1.15pm Dismissal
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OFFICE HOURS AT THE LAKES
BELONGINGS, AMBULANCE & INSURANCE
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.
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:
CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND)
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attempt to contact the parents/carers
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attempt to contact the emergency contacts
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. 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. 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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place the student in an out of school hours care program (Primary Campus only)
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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.
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.
YEAR 5/6 NOTEBOOK PROGRAM - 2026
2026 Is a Transition Year
Students currently using iPads may continue to do so in 2026 if necessary, but please note that they are no longer considered the best tool for learning at this level. Their limitations in software compatibility and keyboard functionality will impact students' ability to engage fully with learning programs. We strongly recommend all students begin using a Windows notebook as soon as possible.
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 .
Timeline
We understand that this may have a significant impact on families. We will be running information sessions in Semester 2. The purpose of these sessions will be to provide details on differences between the existing iPad program and our new notebook program that aligns with our Secondary program. If you have any immediate concerns or questions please contact the front office and they will forward your queries to the technology team at the college.
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:
Click here for more information.
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Offer a full desktop computing experience
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Support keyboard proficiency and multitasking
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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Provide compatibility with the software and systems used from Year 7 onwards
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Offer improved file management, software flexibility, and better integration with our college systems
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Devices purchased through our approved portals will be supported at The Lakes in Years 7 and beyond.
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Support stylus use for handwriting and drawing
THE LAKES COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
CANTEEN ORDERS This year the school canteen is offering lunch orders through the Flexischools app.
Scan the code to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College. Orders need to be in by 9am on the day.
Follow the steps below to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College.
CAMP AUSTRALIA
COLLEGE CONTRIBUTIONS
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL – EVERY CONTRIBUTION COUNTS! If you haven ’ t yet paid this year ’ s voluntary or elective levies, we kindly ask you to reconsider.
WHY IT MATTERS
High performing schools are built on one key strength - the parent/carer - school partnership. Our College proudly offers some of the lowest levies in the state—heavily subsidised to make education accessible for all. But to maintain and improve the quality of your child ’ s experience, your contribution makes a real difference and underpins our pillar to enhance school pride at every opportunity.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT HAS HELPED FUND
Primary Campus
Secondary Campus
Across Both Campuses
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•
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A brand new synthetic oval
Gym and classroom painting
Upgraded air conditioning in classrooms
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Refurbished student toilets
New bin lifters and goal posts
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Enhanced security systems
• Smart TVs with faster connectivity in classrooms
• New exam centre and computer lab
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New accessibility ramps
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A vibrant new art room
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Internal painting and lighting upgrades
• Significant technology upgrades
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Communication system improvements, including a move to Compass
THE BIGGER PICTURE
PAYING YOUR LEVIES
Smaller Class Sizes: We continue to prioritise smaller class sizes to ensure more personalised learning and better outcomes. Enrichment & Leadership Opportunities: From camps to student leadership programs, we ’ ve maintained a wide range of offerings that many other schools have had to scale back.
1.
Visit your Compass Portal
2.
Click on Payments Centre
30%
Click on 2025 Curriculum Contributions
3.
LOOKING AHEAD
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Opening of an onsite Kindergarten in 2026
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Planned refurbishment of the Technology Centre on the Secondary campus
Your support helps us deliver on our commitment to high standards and school pride. If you ’ re in a position to contribute, please support our College community as we head into the second half of the year.
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Ongoing transition to energy - efficient LED lighting
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter UNIFORM PRICING
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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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