ISSUE 08 2026
Term 2, Week 10
Principal Report
Year 3 Reflection
Walking forward together
Student Term 2 Review
Primary Term 2 Awards
What’s on in Term 3?
PRINCIPAL REPORT BILL PANAS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1
Principal Report
3
Policy Spotlight
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. Congratulations to all of our students who have successfully completed Semester One. Throughout the Semester, students have undertaken a wide range of assessments, and our senior students have also just completed their examinations. Student achievement and progress will be communicated through the end of Semester One reports which will be available at the end of Term 2 for P-10 students and week one of Term 3 for VCE students. This enables teachers to use the holiday period to mark exams and finalise SACs. Our students are to be commended for their exam preparation, presentation, maturity and perseverance. The College is extremely proud, and we are confident that our Year 12 students will be prepared and counselled for a successful career pathway at year’s end.
4
College Connections
6
Student Perspective
10
Term 2 Awards
12
Sport Scoreboard
13
Compass Update
14
School Council
15
What’s on @ The Lakes
18
Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRINCIPAL REPORT
This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the significant transformation of the College, particularly the positive cultural shift that has strengthened student choice, voice, and agency. A detailed presentation of the final survey results will be delivered to School Council by our Student Captains next term. We are now investing in a revised leadership structure that drives positive change and promotes high levels of school pride and expectation through the implementation of key priorities within our Annual Implementation Plan: learning, wellbeing, communication, and events. Student leadership is now more authentic, visible, and collaborative across the College. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to review and reflect, make recommendations, and lead events and programs. The introduction of a comprehensive leadership structure has resulted in 76 new student leaders. The establishment of Community Student-Led Action Teams has created authentic opportunities for students to identify challenges, develop solutions, and lead improvement initiatives aligned with key school priorities. These efforts have contributed to measurable improvements in student voice and agency, with Survey results showing student connection increasing from 43% to more than 50% in Years 7–9 and from 38% to more than 60% in Years 10–12 by 2026. Collectively, these initiatives are strengthening student engagement, enhancing teaching practice, improving wellbeing supports, and embedding authentic student agency within school improvement processes. The College is building a strong foundation for continued growth through collaborative, evidence-informed approaches that place student learning, wellbeing, and voice at the centre of decision-making. We have challenged our families to become more actively involved as partners in their children’s learning, and their increased engagement has been invaluable in supporting student success. We remain committed to encouraging parents and carers to work alongside us in strengthening learning outcomes and building a thriving community hub for education. This partnership is a hallmark of high-performing schools and will continue to foster positive community relationships, address learning gaps, encourage participation in Learner Review Meetings, and strengthen the connections that unite us.
We also extend our congratulations to all Learners of the Term Award recipients. This achievement reflects our commitment to academic rigour, high expectations, and school pride. Your success continues to set this benchmark and further inspires our teachers’ passion for teaching and their belief in every student’s potential to be realised. A special mention to our Year 5 cohort who completed a week o f transition on the Secondary Campus. This was their first opportunity to take studies for an extended time on the campus with secondary teachers. The students really enjoyed the change and embraced the program, particularly the canteen offerings. A new learning environment re-energised many students as they confidently challenged themselves in new routines, changing classrooms every session and a myriad of learning tasks testing a range of skills and passions. Our cohort seamlessly stepped up to the plate and made themselves right at home which reinforced the importance of the transition program. Our new transition programs have no doubt played a significant role in managing the change from primary to secondary education. Our preliminary data indicates that only a handful of students will be leaving us at the conclusion of 2026. At this stage, we will have approximately 85 Year 7 students next year which is up on this year’s number of 65. Only six students exited at the end of 2025 for private schools predominantly. At the other end of transition, we have 24 students already enrolled in Prep for next year. Please contact the General Office if you are intending to and not yet have completed an enrolment form for 2027. Advanced notice seriously helps our ability to effectively staff our school and associated programs. Our Primary NAPLAN results are among the highest in our network, with many cohorts performing well above the state average, particularly in Literacy. In the Secondary years, our Year 7 and Year 9 Literacy results are already exceeding those of neighbouring colleges. While our Numeracy data continues to improve steadily, we have a clear and targeted plan that includes additional intervention and support. As a result, we are confident in our planning for significant growth. We are also encouraged by our consistently strong VCE Mathematics results and are working to replicate this success across Prep–Year 10 Numeracy, one of our key improvement priorities for 2026. Preliminary results from the Attitudes to School Survey-Students are extremely positive. Our results have improved compared with 2025 and are above both similar schools and the state average. Most significantly, the College has now exceeded every student survey target established in our Strategic Plan four years ago.
READ OUR COLLEGE HANDBOOKS FOR
POLICY SPOTLIGHT
We are also encouraged by improvements in student attendance. Primary attendance currently sits at 88.67%, while secondary attendance is 83.49%. Both figures represent considerable growth compared with the same time last year. However, we will continue working together to achieve attendance levels closer to the state average of more than 92%. Feedback from parents and carers regarding our goal of ensuring all Semester One reports are opened, reviewed, and discussed has also been very encouraging. We want every family to be actively involved in the learning journey, and one of the most important starting points is having meaningful conversations with your child about their report and progress. Our commitment to high expectations continues to foster an environment of professional growth, supported by purposeful learning spaces and improved facilities that are essential for high-impact teaching and learning. Alongside our ongoing building upgrades, we are delighted to announce that The Lakes South Morang Kindergarten was officially opened on 23 June by the Department of Education, with several distinguished community representatives attending the celebration. This milestone completes our educational precinct vision and will serve our families and community for many years to come. Our School Council has provided outstanding leadership, support and guidance throughout our journey. They share our commitment to maintaining a beautiful, welcoming, and a well-presented learning environment. As we continue this work, it is important that we all play our part in caring for our school. We ask families to remind their children that they lead this work by respecting our grounds, classrooms, and facilities at all times. By taking pride in our surroundings and treating them with care, we create a positive environment and learning experiences for everyone at the College. Please lead by example and encourage your children to be protective of their school community. Together, we can ensure our school remains a place we are all proud to call our own. We are looking forward to our Performing Arts Showcase evening at PRACC presenting students with another opportunity to shine and demonstrate school pride, collaboration and teamwork. I hope that you can come along and celebrate your child’s performance and revel in the wonderful achievements of the entire semester one performing arts program. There is still much work ahead, but we remain resilient, focused, committed, disciplined, and ready for the challenge. On behalf of Mrs Lee, Mr Abney-Hastings and Mrs Short, and myself, thank you for your extraordinary support, dedication, and commitment to preparing your children for learning. We particularly acknowledge those families who have faced difficult and, in some cases, tragic circumstances this term. Your support has meant a great deal to us, and none of our student achievements would be possible without it. On behalf of the Leadership Team and our dedicated staff, we wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable Term 2 holiday break. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any additional support.
DUTY OF CARE thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/ch ild_safety_and_wellbeing_policy_2024.pdf
“Duty of care” is a legal obligation that requires schools to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of reasonably foreseeable harm, which can include personal injury (physical or psychological) or damage to property. The reasonable steps that our school may decide to take in response to a potential risk or hazard will depend on the circumstances of the risk. Our school has developed policies and procedures to manage common risks in the school environment, including: Yard duty and Supervision Bullying Prevention Camps and Excursions First Aid Tree Maintenance Grounds Maintenance Personal Property Child Safe Standards External Providers (including RTOS delivering VET) Emergency Management Volunteers Visitors Working with Children and Suitability Checks Mandatory Reporting Occupational Health and Safety School staff, parents, carers and students are encouraged to speak to the principal to raise any concerns about risks or hazards at our school, or our duty of care obligations.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AT THE LAKES: WALKING FORWARD, TOGETHER
At The Lakes, our commitment to Indigenous education continues to grow through celebration, student voice and meaningful action. Across our College, we are proud to honour culture, strengthen understanding and create opportunities for every student to feel a deep sense of belonging and pride. At The Lakes, Indigenous education is not a moment in time—it is part of who we are. Together, we are learning, growing and walking forward with respect, pride and purpose.
A NEW CHAPTER: INDIGENOUS UNIFORM LAUNCH In 2026, we proudly launched our Indigenous uniform items across both the Primary and Secondary Campuses. These were co-designed with Wurundjeri artist Peter Hood, alongside our Koori Group and parents/carers. The design reflects the flowing Plenty River and the strength of the River Red Gums —powerful symbols of connection, life and resilience on the land where our College stands. Importantly, these uniforms are for all students, creating a shared opportunity to celebrate culture and identity and allowing every learner to shine with pride.
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: “ALL IN” This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In,” called on all Australians to actively contribute to reconciliation every day—reminding us that reconciliation is not a spectator sport, but a shared responsibility. During this important week, we were thrilled to welcome back alumna Chloe Thompson, now an Indigenous leader at the Richmond Football Club. Chloe shared her inspiring journey and her role in choreographing the AFL Dreamtime Round dance, highlighting the power of cultural storytelling on a national stage.
Her message to our students was clear: being “all in” means embracing identity, using your voice and taking pride in who you are.
STUDENT VOICES: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Our new Acknowledgement of Country video brings together the voices of students from Prep to Year 12. This powerful piece reflects not only respect for the wisdom of the past, but our ongoing responsibility to care for Country. It aligns beautifully with our whole-school commitment to embedding Indigenous perspectives in authentic ways— ensuring that honouring culture is something we live, not just say.
NAIDOC WEEK 2026: “50 YEARS OF DEADLY” NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrates the theme “50 Years of Deadly.” This milestone acknowledges five decades of strength, resilience and leadership from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while honouring those who have shaped the journey through culture, activism and community leadership. At The Lakes, this theme invites us to reflect on how far we have come as a College in Indigenous Education and understanding over the last 19 years that our school has been in operation. Additionally, it allows us to recognise the Deadly role our young people play in shaping the next chapter. NAIDOC is a celebration, but also a call to continue listening, learning and walking together.
DRIVING CHANGE: YOORROOK JUSTICE COMMISSION COMMITMENTS We are committed to embedding the key education recommendations from the recently released Yoorrook Justice Commission into our practice. These include: Ensuring culturally safe learning environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel respected and empowered Strengthening the representation of First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives across our curriculum Supporting student wellbeing through practices that recognise identity, voice and belonging Building staff capability to confidently and respectfully teach Indigenous perspectives Advocating for stronger First Nations voice and leadership in education systems These actions reflect Yoorrook’s call for education that is truthful, inclusive and grounded in First Peoples’ knowledge and perspectives, ultimately creating better outcomes for all learners.
A FUN WAY TO EXPLORE IDENTITY Learning about culture can also be engaging and fun! The “Who’s Who” Indigenous personality quiz offers a great way for students to explore different identity archetypes in a playful, accessible way. It’s a fantastic conversation starter—helping students appreciate the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while reflecting on their own identities.
Find out if you are a Dolphin, a Wombat, a Kangaroo or an Eagle here: https://ausidentities.com.au/personality-quizzes/
DID YOU KNOW? At The Lakes, we are proud to have 33 students and 1 staff member who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This means there is at least one Indigenous student in every year level from Prep to Year 12.
This is something we celebrate—because every one of these students contributes to the strength, culture and future of our school community.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Year 3 Reflection
Term 2 has been lots of fun and full of exciting learning and activities!
One of our favourite events was Education Week. On Thursday 21st May, our parents and carers came into our classrooms during Session 1 to see what we have been learning in Literacy and Numeracy. We got to complete activities with them, which was really fun. It was great to show our families the learning we do every day at school. We have also loved DJ Thursdays! Every Thursday at lunchtime, the Year 6 Performing Arts Captains bring out a big speaker and run a mini dance party for Primary students. We enjoy dancing with our friends and having fun together. Another highlight has been Fun Fridays. Our House Captains organise different games, activities and mini competitions for all primary students to join in at lunchtime. So far, we have enjoyed stacking cup challenges and paper plane competitions. We can't wait to see what activities are coming next! On Friday 29th May, we celebrated our whole-school PJ Day. Students were able to wear their favourite PJ’s and winter woollies to school. It was a fun day, and we were proud to help raise over $250 for The Lakes. Our Primary and Secondary Student Leadership Teams also participated in a Leadership Conference on Friday, 29th May. As student leaders, we spent Sessions 3–5 working together, sharing ideas, discussing future events, and learning from each other. It was such a fun and exciting opportunity to collaborate and make new connections with the Secondary students. We are also very excited about Hoop Time on Thursday 11th June. We are looking forward to representing The Lakes, playing basketball against other schools and having lots of fun with our teammates. Term 2 has been amazing so far, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the term brings!
House Competition Reflection
As the Secondary House Captains, we would like to thank all students who participated in our weekly Friday House Competitions throughout the Term. It has been fantastic to see so many students getting involved, representing their Houses, and showing outstanding house spirit each week. The competitions have provided a great opportunity for students to connect with their peers, work together, and enjoy some friendly rivalry. Over the weeks, students have taken part in a variety of activities including Trivia, Mario Kart, Pictionary, and a Colouring Competition. Each event challenged students in different ways, whether it was testing their knowledge, creativity, teamwork, or gaming skills. It has been wonderful to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, encouraging one another, and contributing valuable points to their House totals. The points earned during these Friday competitions have been added to each House’s overall score, alongside the House Athletics points earned earlier in the year. With every point counting towards the final standings, the competition between Houses has remained close and exciting. We would like to congratulate all students for their enthusiasm and participation, and we look forward to seeing even more students involved in future House events.
HERE ARE THE CURRENT SCORES...
400
925 500 575
Stay posted for Term 3 events!
COMMUNICATION THROUGH CONVERSATION The Communication Action Team is excited to launch The Lakes News, a new podcast for The Lakes South Morang College. With the theme “Communication through conversation,” the podcast will share student voice, school updates, interviews, events, achievements, and stories from across our college community.
Stay tuned as we bring The Lakes to life through meaningful conversations.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
2 = Year 2 Understanding Money
3 = Year Three Wildlife Incursion
0 = Prep Fluency Reading 1 = Year 1 Wildlife Expedition
4 = Year 4 “Weaving the Moon” Poetry Workshop
5 = Year 5 Civics Incursion 6 = Year 6 Fun Math Friday 7 = Year 7s on Art Excursion
8 = Year 8s Creating Films in Media
9 = Year 9s on the UN Excursion
11 = Year 11s on VM Golf Excursion
10 = Year 10s on Art Excursion
12 = Year 12s sitting the GAT
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY END OF TERM AWARDS
LEARNER OF THE TERM AWARDS
For making a great effort to consistently role model The Lakes school values to his peers.
Prep A Mason Z
For making a great effort to engage in all learning tasks to his highest ability and supporting others to reach their full potential.
Prep B Dylan M
For making a great effort to be a positive role model for his peers by consistently producing high-quality work.
Prep C Leo P
For showing improvements in all areas of his learning. Aflie is always trying his best and giving 100% effort. Well done, Alfie!
Alfie C
1A
For trying his best in all learning tasks and approaching classroom activities with a positive attitude. Jovan is a wonderful role model who demonstrates respect, responsibility, and kindness towards others. Well done, Jovan! For making an outstanding effort across all areas of her learning. Kaleen's hard work and enthusiasm for learning have led to great improvement in both Literacy and Maths. Keep up the excellent work, Kaleen! For making a great effort in her Literacy tasks this term, particularly with her narrative writing which showed great use of adjectives and detail. Keep up the awesome work, Marlee! For consistently striving to achieve her best across all areas of the curriculum and demonstrating enthusiasm, confidence, and a strong willingness to challenge herself.
Jovan J
1B
Kaleen A
2A
Marlee M
2B
Ivy L
3A
For making an amazing effort in all your learning tasks. You are so dedicated to your learning and always put in your best effort.
Mia C
3B
For making an outstanding effort across all learning tasks. Marley’s hard work, focus, and dedication to improving in all areas of his learning have been truly impressive. For consistently taking his time to complete tasks thoughtfully and always putting in his best effort. Your positive attitude and dedication to learning is to be commended. For making a great effort in all areas of her learning and for always showing kindness, respect, and a caring attitude towards everyone. Evelyn is a wonderful role model at The Lakes, consistently demonstrating respectful behaviour and having a positive impact on others.
Marley T
3C
Martin R
4A
Evelyn M
4B
For his dedication and positive attitude towards all areas of learning, and for always treating others with kindness and respect. Chace is a valued member of The Lakes community who consistently displays excellent behaviour, supports his peers, and leads by example. For her consistent effort in class to produce high-quality work, particularly her persuasive letter, which effectively used a range of persuasive techniques to clearly argue and support her opinion. For showing the value of Learning by always being ready to learn, approaching tasks with enthusiasm and consistently producing thoughtful and well-organised work.
5A
Chace K
Isla J
5B
5/6 VIA Brian D
For making a great effort to demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and for taking pride in his work and achievements.
Axel T
6A
For consistent application in his learning and for his strong academic growth.
Hamza Z
6B
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS RESPECT
LEARNING TEAMWORK LEADERSHIP
Prep
Dreeti L
Hartaj S
Piper S
Oliver H
1
Amir H
Dinethmi T
Nugah K
Aria T
2
Yomal P
Harper B
Taona C
Theiven S
3
Jihoo P
Tass V
Christian M
Vedansh R
4
Meloreen Q
Krish P
Crew K
Dominick R
5
Chenuvi W
Ella A
Tyler S
Ria M
6
Neve L
Aubrey H
Macie W
Misha M
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SPORT SCOREBOARD
Primary Interschool Sports
Term 2 was another exciting season of Primary interschool sport, with students from Years 3–6 proudly representing our school across a range of competitions and gala days. Students participated in Friday Morning Sports, including AFL, Netball, and European Handball, as well as Cross Country, 3/4 Hoop Time, Girls AFL Gala Day, Boys Netball Gala Day, and Tee Ball Gala Day. Throughout the Term, students demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship while competing against schools from across the district. We celebrated several outstanding achievements this term, particularly in Cross Country, where three students progressed to the Division Finals. Congratulations to Axel (Year 6), who finished 2nd at District, and Macie (Year 6) for qualifying for Division level. A special congratulations goes to Mackenzie (Year 4), who placed 1st at District, 10th at Division, and earned the opportunity to compete at Regional level—an incredible achievement. Congratulations also to our Boys Netball B Team, who finished runners-up on their Gala Day, while our Girls AFL, Boys Handball, and Boys Tee Ball teams all achieved impressive 3rd-place finishes. We look forward to another exciting term of sport in Term 3, including Friday Morning Sports, District Athletics, and the Volleyball Gala Day.
HOOPTIME
CROSS COUNTRY
Secondary Sports Wrap-Up!
Term 2 was another fantastic season of Secondary sport, with students proudly representing our school across a variety of interschool competitions. Throughout the Term, students demonstrated outstanding commitment, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship while competing against schools from across the district. Our netball program was particularly strong, with teams competing across all year levels, while our Senior Boys, Year 8, and Year 7 Boys soccer teams also represented the school with enthusiasm and determination. Earlier this Term, students competed in the District Interschool Athletics competition, showcasing excellent effort, school pride, and perseverance across a range of track and field events. Most importantly, students consistently demonstrated our school values whenever they represented the College. Whether competing on the court, field, or track, they showed respect, teamwork, inclusion, and a positive attitude, making us proud both on and off the sporting arena. A special thank you goes to our dedicated coaches and supervising Secondary teachers, whose time, enthusiasm, and support made these valuable opportunities possible. Congratulations to all students who participated in Term 2 sport and represented our school with pride throughout the season.
YEAR 7 SOCCER
SENIOR NETBALL
COMPASS UPDATE
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL
Dear Parents and Carers,
The Lakes South Morang College Parent Fundraising Committee is excited to launch a Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser to help raise money for new drink fountains for our students on both Campuses. We are seeking expressions of interest from families who are willing to help by selling a box of chocolates. This fundraiser is simple, fun, and a great way to support an important project for our school community.
Each box sold raises $20 towards our drink fountain fundraising goal.
We are hoping that each participating family can sell at least one box. If you have lots of eager buyers lined up, you're welcome to take additional boxes as well.
If you would like to participate, please let us know by completing this expression of interest form. This is an opt in event to gauge interest, with more information to come in Term 3!
Consent for this event is due by 11:59PM on the 10/07/2026 via Compass, to view the details of upcoming events please click here: https://thelakes-vic.compass.education/Organise/Activities/Events/
Thank you for your support. Every box sold brings us one step closer to providing improved drinking facilities for our students.
Kind regards, The Lakes South Morang College Parent Fundraising Committee
UPCOMING EVENTS TERM 3 @ THE LAKES
Primary Campus
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT’S ON @ THE LAKES
WELCOME TO THE 2026 VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open, and The Lakes South Morang College is excited to be participating. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including: Access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs) A modern user-friendly interface Rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved The option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review.
TO LOG IN:
1. Go to https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.a u/searchbooklist. 2.Select the School/Student button. 3.Select the VPRC login option. 4.Enter your username and password (sent home with Primary students) 5.Select Login.
The 2026 Challenge theme is ‘Stories to discover. Stories to tell’.
It is not a competition; it is a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books. Prep to Year 2: Read a total of 30 books, with 20 or more of those books from the Challenge book list Year 3 to Year 9: Read a total of 15 books, with 10 or more of those books from the Challenge book list Year 10: Read a total of 15 books, with 5 or more of those books from the Challenge book list.
You can also contact our school’s Challenge coordinator Laura Adams with any questions you may have!
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. CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND) The Department administers the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to help eligible families with the costs of camps, sporting activities and excursions/incursions. From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary and secondary school children, up from $154 and $256 respectively. Applications for 2026 CSEF support will open from 27 January 2026 to 26 June 2026
Please also be aware that both the Primary and Secondary Campus offices will close at 4:00 pm each day.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
Please support us in making sure all students are safe.
school camps/trips
swimming extension activities and other school-organised sport programs
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.
outdoor education programs
excursions/incursions that are extracurricular as defined in the Parent Payments policy
Ways of communicating absences include: Placing a future Absence Request through the Compass
graduations/valedictories.
Education Portal; Calling the office;
Forms can be downloaded on the Departments website under Camps Sports and Excursions Fund or you can obtain one from the school office. 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 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
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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