ISSUE 01 2026
Term 1, Week 2
Campus Principal Reports
Term 1 Calendar
Welcome BBQ Information
Congratulations Class of 2025!
Privacy & Visitor Policy
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PRINCIPAL REPORT BILL PANAS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
1
Principal Report
2
Primary Campus Report
Welcome to 2026! Our dedicated staff are excited to welcome students back for a year of learning, growth, and opportunity. We remain committed to ensuring every child achieves 12 months of progress in literacy and numeracy by addressing individual needs and providing the right support. A warm welcome to all new families—please contact the College with any questions or support needs. Soon, you will receive information on supporting your child’s learning and strengthening school–parent/carer partnerships. We are also pleased to introduce a new student leadership structure and enhancement programs in the Arts and Sport, alongside enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
4
Secondary Campus Report
6 Term 1 Calendar
7
What’s on @ The Lakes
8
Curriculum
9
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.
10
Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY CAMPUS REPORT
Welcome to the 2026 School Year – Primary Campus We are excited to welcome back our Primary Campus students and families and extend a warm welcome to those joining our community for the first time. In 2026, we are pleased to welcome close to 80 new students. We look forward to working in partnership with all families to ensure every child experiences a successful and positive educational journey. We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday break and had time to rest and recharge. As we return to school routines, we are excited to reconnect with our students, staff, and families as we begin another year of learning, growth, and achievement together. Staffing Update and Class Structure We are pleased to continue into 2026 with a stable and experienced staff team. We officially welcome back Mrs. Comito, returning from family leave and joining the Year 3 team. Leah Georgiadis will transition from full-time to 0.6 in 2026. Our dedicated staff, together with strong parent and carer involvement, remains one of the greatest strengths of our school. The Importance of Family Partnerships Family involvement plays a vital role in student success. Families can support learning by: Ensuring students have the correct uniform and equipment Establishing consistent routines at home Taking an active interest in their child’s progress We encourage families to stay connected by engaging with teachers, monitoring learning via Compass, and attending Learner Review meetings. Thank you to those who joined us at the Meet and Greet—your feedback is always valued. Our Expectations as a School Community Learning is our core purpose. Every lesson and routine is designed to maximise learning time and help students achieve their best. We expect all students to demonstrate respectful, responsible, and safe behaviour at all times. School pride is central to our culture. Wearing the uniform correctly, caring for our environment, and representing our school positively are important expectations. Families play an important role in reinforcing these values so students arrive each day ready to learn. All decisions are made in the best interests of students. Abuse or intimidation will not be tolerated, and we ask all adults to model respectful behaviour within our school community. We value the strong partnership we share with our families and look forward to a successful year ahead.
2026 PRIMARY CAMPUS TEAM
Bill Panas
College Principal
Marcus Abney-Hastings
Primary Campus Principal
Assistant Principal – P-12 Teaching & Learning
Renee Short
Learning Specialist - Disability Inclusion
Robert Zull
Learning Specialist – Mental Health & Wellbeing
Rebecca Sutton
Teaching & Learning - Numeracy
Meagan Mansfield
Naomi Harris
Numeracy Leader
Jazlyn Hayton
Positive Climate Leader
YEAR 5/6 VIA
Liv Spence
5/6 VIA
SPECIALIST
Liam Brooke
Digi Tech
Duong Ho
Visual Arts
Marc Heenan (Tues - Fri)
Performing Arts
Alex Price
PE
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Lesley Johnson
Dale Saliba
Janine Hanson
Karen Thompson
Emily Duggan
Tanya Freeth
Dylan Johnstone
Amanda Kent
Joey Chan
Megan De Marco
Lauren Cheney- Andrewartha
Melissa Ladiges
GROUNDS & MAINTANENCE
Marcus Abney-Hastings Primary Campus Principal
Kane Butler
Prep A: Clare Hallahan
We warmly welcome our newest Prep learners and their families to our school community. Whether you are new to the school or joining us again with a younger sibling, we wish you every success during this exciting and important stage of your child’s learning journey. In Term 1, students will learn their way around the school and develop confidence in seeking help when needed. In the classroom, children will build strong foundations in phonological awareness, learning to hear and produce the sounds of English. In Mathematics, students will explore positional language and patterns, supporting future numeracy success. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s learning. Year 1 has an exciting Term ahead as we learn about Our Place Our Stories. We will explore what makes our school and local area special, sharing stories about our favourite places and the people who help us. Through hands-on activities, discussions, art, and practical learning, children will build a strong sense of belonging. A key focus this Term is settling into routines, working together, and developing positive relationships. Practising kindness, inclusion, and respect as we learn how to be good friends and thoughtful community members. We look forward to a happy, busy, and engaging Term of learning together. Welcome to Year 2 and the start of an exciting year of learning! In Term 1, students will focus on settling into new routines, building friendships, and developing as independent learners. We will strengthen reading, writing and numeracy skills through hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving and curiosity. We also have an exciting excursion planned to the Planetarium, where students will explore and deepen their understanding of planets and space. Wellbeing, classroom expectations, and a growth mindset will be key focuses to ensure every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn. We look forward to a fun and engaging Term together. We are excited to begin another fantastic year of learning together! Throughout the Term, students will continue to strengthen their literacy skills through the engaging study of the novel Matilda, developing comprehension strategies, vocabulary and a love of reading. In numeracy, there will be a strong focus on building number knowledge and problem-solving skills to support confidence and accuracy. Students will also explore Australia, deepening their understanding of our country, its history and its diverse cultures. In addition, we will continue to embed the principles of the Resilience Project, helping students build gratitude, emotional literacy and positive coping strategies for learning and everyday life. We welcome our Year 4 cohort to a new year at The Lakes! Throughout Term 1, students will settle into new routines, build positive relationships, and develop confidence as independent learners in a classroom that promotes wellbeing, clear expectations and a growth mindset. In Literacy, students will focus on persuasive writing and information reports, learning how to share opinions, support ideas, and use text features effectively. In Mathematics, students will build confidence with place value, addition, and subtraction. To support student learning in Science, students will visit Scienceworks to further develop their understanding of chemical sciences. We look forward to working in partnership with families to support a positive and successful year ahead. We warmly welcome our Year 5 cohort to a new year at The Lakes. Throughout Term 1, students will establish consistent routines, build positive relationships, and develop confidence as independent learners within a classroom environment that values wellbeing, clear expectations, and a growth mindset. In Literacy, the focus will be on narrative writing, with students developing creativity, supporting ideas effectively, and applying text features drawn from a novel. In Mathematics, students will strengthen their understanding of data, factors and multiples, divisibility, multiplication and division, and area and perimeter. We look forward to working in partnership with families to support a positive and successful year ahead. Welcome to Year 6! We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing holiday break and is feeling ready for an exciting year ahead. Year 6 is a special and memorable time, filled with leadership opportunities, new challenges and lots of learning and growth. This Term, students will be reading and exploring the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, using it to develop their comprehension, writing and speaking and listening skills. In Mathematics, we will focus on key concepts including number, algebra and data, building strong foundations and problem-solving strategies. We are very excited to be part of our students’ final year of Primary school and look forward to working in partnership with families to support a positive, successful and rewarding Year 6 journey.
Prep B: Molly Robertson (Tues-Fri) Claire McMullin (Mon & Tues)
Prep C: Jodie Portelli
1A: Andrea Thorneycroft (Mon, Tues & Fri)/ Georgia Kempen (Wed & Thurs)
1B: Laura Adams
2A: Michelle Tee
2B: Leah Georgiadis (Mon-Wed)/ Meagan Mansfield (Thurs- Friday)
3A: Katie Giles
3B: Alisha Cugnetto
3C: Sarah Comito (Mon & Tues)/ Gemma Sweeney (Wed-Fri)
4A: Keara McIntyre
4B: Jaz Hayton
5A: Nicole Nicolazzo
5B: Meagan Mansfield (Mon & Tues)/ Naomi Harris (Wed - Fri)
6A: Nancy Sultan
6B: Robert Zull (Mon &Tues) / Bec Sutton (Wed - Fri)
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SECONDARY CAMPUS REPORT
Starting the Secondary School Year Well Welcome back to the start of a new Secondary school year - a significant moment for students and families alike. How students establish routines, organisation and expectations in the first weeks has a powerful impact on their learning, wellbeing and confidence across the year. On the Secondary Campus, our focus is on creating the right conditions for students to settle quickly, feel supported and engage positively in learning from day one.
Routines That Make a Real Difference While programs and leadership opportunities are important, the strongest predictor of a successful start to Secondary school is routine. Secondary students benefit enormously from consistent habits that support independence and organisation.
Helpful routines for students include:
Packing their school bag the night before Charging devices overnight and checking they are ready for the day Arriving early enough to socialise, settle and reset before learning begins Checking Compass daily for timetable changes, messages and deadlines Using their Learning Folio consistently to organise learning materials
Clear Support and Familiar Faces
For 2026, we have built in a strong transition program, supported by clear structures and trusted adults. Each year level on the Secondary Campus is guided by a dedicated Year Level Leader who works closely with Learner Coaches, classroom teachers and families to support engagement, wellbeing and learning progress.
For families, small, consistent supports can make a big impact:
For 2026, our Year Level Leaders are:
Checking Compass regularly for communication, learning tasks and scheduled events Talking with your young person about their day and upcoming learning Encouraging regular sleep patterns, particularly in the first few weeks Reinforcing punctuality, attendance and readiness for learning Supporting students to problem-solve rather than stepping in immediately Secondary school is a time when students are learning to manage increasing responsibility. Encouraging independence, while staying connected, helps students build confidence and resilience.
Year 7: Ms Freind Year 8: Mr Sicurella Year 9: Mrs Ganikis Year 10: Mrs Moreira Years 11 & 12: Mr Collins
These leaders play an important role in ensuring students feel known, supported and held to consistent expectations as they settle into the year.
We also have addition key people across the campus to provide support to students:
Wellbeing: Mrs Watt Careers: Mrs Potocnik
Essential Items: Being Ready to Learn Every Day
New Opportunities for Student Growth in 2026
Being prepared for the school year is one of the best ways to reduce stress and support learning. Families are encouraged to ensure students have all essential items ready, including: Correct full school uniform A fully functioning laptop meeting College requirements Required textbooks and learning materials Writing equipment and subject-specific stationery A USB-C portable power bank (wall outlets cannot be used) A sturdy combination lock for lockers Cash or a debit card for canteen purchases (phones are not permitted) When students arrive organised, they can focus, engage, and participate confidently. We value the partnership between home and school and look forward to working together to support every student’s success.
In 2026, students in Years 7–9 will also have access to new Development Programs designed to nurture talent, confidence and commitment. These include the Dance Development Program, Artist Development Program and Athlete Development Program, which provide structured opportunities for students to develop skills, discipline and creativity while building pathways into senior studies. Alongside this, a refreshed student leadership structure will provide more inclusive leadership opportunities through student-led action teams focused on learning, wellbeing, events and communication. This approach allows more students to contribute meaningfully, develop leadership skills and have a genuine voice in shaping school life. We welcome to our leadership structure:
School Captain: Adele School Captain: Zaf Vice Captain: Carmel Vice Captain: Omar
Bonnie Lee Secondary Campus Principal
YEAR 7
Welcome to Year 7 and the start of an exciting new chapter. Term 1 is all about helping students feel comfortable, confident and connected as they begin Secondary school. Students will get to know their teachers, make new friends and learn their way around the Campus while settling into daily routines. A strong focus will be placed on wellbeing, positive behaviour and feeling safe and supported at school. In the classroom, students will explore new subjects, practise key literacy and numeracy skills, and enjoy hands-on learning activities. We look forward to working closely with families to ensure a happy and successful start to the year. Welcome to Year 8 and the next stage of Secondary school. Term 1 focuses on building confidence, independence and responsibility as students continue their journey. Students will strengthen friendships, build positive relationships with teachers, and confidently navigate routines and expectations across the Campus. Year 8 students will experience new specialist subject rotations in the Arts and Technologies, developing practical and creative skills. In the classroom, they will continue to strengthen literacy and numeracy through hands-on learning across a broad range of subjects. Year 8s are encouraged to take on emerging leadership roles, supporting younger students and contributing to a safe, respectful learning environment. We look forward to working closely with families to support continued growth and success. Welcome to 2026! This year promises to be an exciting journey for our Year 9’s, filled with engaging learning, new challenges, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. From the very start, Term 1 sets the tone with both learning (NAPLAN) and fun activities that bring our school community together, including the much- anticipated interschool volleyball competition for the 9’s and 10’s on Monday March 23 . We look forward to a year of growth, teamwork, and memorable experiences both in and out of the classroom. rd Welcome back. Year 10 is your first in Senior school, where school stops being something that happens around you and starts becoming something you have real control over. The choices you make this year. How you work, how you respond to challenges, how you treat others and how you treat yourself will set the tone for the year ahead. I look forward to watching you all succeed and participate in work experience. Welcome to an exciting new Term for our VCE students and The Lakes South Morang College community, where we’ll support every student to grow, connect and succeed. This Term emphasises resilience, belonging and progress as students prepare for their first Unit 1 and Unit 3 SACs—an opportunity to demonstrate growth and strengthen assessment skills. Some VCE students will begin VET subjects to gain practical experience in a range of accredited courses, while others undertake application processes for 2026 leadership roles with our College Community Action Teams. Outside the classroom, interschool volleyball will showcase teamwork and school spirit, and the whole‑school athletics carnival celebrates participation, fitness and community pride. Teachers will support learning, wellbeing and study strategies, and we look forward to partnering with families for a positive, successful term.
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11 & 12
APPLICATIONS CLOSE THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY, 2026 tH
SECONDARY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter TERM 1 CALENDAR
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Week 1
Term 1 Begins All Day
Australia Day Public Holiday
Curriculum Day All Day
P-12 Meet & Greet Day 10.30am - 6.30pm VCE Information 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Elevate Incursions Secondary Campus
Feb 06
Feb 02
Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 05
Week 2
Whole school Assembly 11.45am - 12.45pm Welcome Back BBQ 3.15pm - 5.30pm Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Feb 09
Feb 10
Feb 11
Feb 12
Feb 13
Week 3
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Feb 16
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 20
Week 4
School Council Meeting 5pm
Curriculum Day All Day
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Feb 23
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 28
Week 5
Resilience Project Parent Information Session (Primary Only) 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Week 6
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 9 Media Excursion All Day
Mar 14
Mar 09
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Week 7
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Labour Day Public Holiday
P-12 Learner Reviews 10.30am - 6.30pm
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 NAPLAN Testing
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Week 8
Year 8 Volleyball All Day
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Year 2 Excursion All Day
VCE Art Excursion All Day
Year 9 Dance Excursion All Day
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Week 9
Year 5/6 Interschool Sport 9am - 11am
Primary Student Leadership Excursion All Day
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am
Primary Assembly 9.15am Year 4 Excursion 9.15am
Year 5/6 VIA Incursion All Day VCE Drama Excursion All Day
Intermediate Volleyball All Day
Mar 30
Mar 31
Apr 01
Apr 02
Apr 03
Week 10
Primary Breaky Club 8.15am - 8.45am Student Leadership Excursion ALL DAY
Good Friday Public Holiday
Whole School Athletics Carnival 9.30am - 3.00pm
Whole School
Primary
Secondary
College Events
Assessment
Pupil Free Days
WHAT’S ON @ THE LAKES
W elcome BBQ & P icnic! The Lakes South Morang College’s Fundraising Committee warmly invites all families to our
F riday 6 F ebruary 2026 th
3:15pm to 5:30pm Primary Campus
Celebrate the new school year, reconnect after the summer holidays and meet new families to the school.
Inflatable courses, magic show, facepainting, hair spray & braiding, lucky dip and games on the grass
BBQ sausages, popcorn, zooper doopers and cans of soft drink available to purchase
BYO picnic food, picnic blanket or chairs No alcohol permitted
Tokens available on the day to spend on activities.
Primary & Secondary families welcome! All school-aged students and siblings must be accompanied by a parent/carer. Proceeds of money raised to go towards purchasing outdoor yard activities for both Campuses.
Wristbands and Tokens available at the event!
Food Menu BBQ Sausages ........................$3 Can of drink ............................. $2 Popcorn ..................................... $3 Fairy Floss ................................. $3 Zooper Dooper ....................... $1 All food items available to purchase on the day of event. Prices subject to change.
Token Activity Menu Token bundle of 12 Tokens .......... $12 Water Dunk 1 throw.................................... 1 Token 3 throws ............................ 2 Tokens Lucky Dip ................................. 3 Tokens Hair spray & braiding ....... 5 Tokens Unlimited Fun Rides ....................... $15
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter CURRICULUM
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025! We are very proud to announce to our College community the outstanding results of our Class of 2025.
Valedictorian – Anhad Singh – ATAR Score – 95.95
100% of students that applied for University placements received a 1 round offer st 90% of students were accepted into their 1 preference st
Music Performance (Diploma/Degree)
Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)
Commerce (Degree)
RMIT University
Biomedical Science
RMIT University
Sport and Exercise Science (Bachelor)
La Trobe University
Arts
University Of Melbourne (The)
Fashion Enterprise
RMIT University
Business (Bachelor)
La Trobe University
Information Technology (Diploma)
RMIT University
Justice - Diploma
Swinburne University of Technology
Legal Practice (Paralegal) (Associate Degree)
RMIT University
Legal Practice (Paralegal) (Associate Degree)
RMIT University
Criminology/Psychological Science
La Trobe University
Engineering (Honours)
RMIT University
Health Sciences (Diploma) / Nursing (Degree)
La Trobe College Australia
Science/Engineering
University Of Melbourne (The)
Accounting
Monash University
Engineering Technology (Associate Degree)
RMIT University
Engineering Technology - Electrical (Advanced Diploma)
RMIT University
Information Technology (Diploma)
RMIT University
Engineering-Environmental (Honours)
RMIT University
Engineering-Chemical (Honours)
RMIT University
POLICY SPOTLIGHT
PRIVACY POLICY https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/schoolsprivacypolicy.aspx Our College collects and uses student and parent/carer personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice. Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/photographin g_filming___recording_of_students_policy_2024.pdf describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent/carer consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. We ask parents/carers to also review the Digital Learning Policy http://https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/digital_l earning_policy on how we use digital technologies safely at the school and what parents/carers can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns , please contact the College. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents.
This information is also available in ten community languages:
Amharic Arabic Dari Gujarati Mandarin Somali Sudanese Turkish Urdu Vietnamese
VISITORS POLICY https://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/visitors_policy_2024.pdf
The Lakes strives to create an open and inclusive College community, and encourages parents and carers to be actively involved in their child’s development and education. We also strive to foster strong partnerships with local community services, schools and other organisations. From time to time, different members of the public may visit our College. Visitors may include, but are not limited to: Parents/carers Volunteers – see our College’s Volunteers Policy for more information Prospective parents/carers, students and employees Invited speakers, sessional instructors and others addressing learning and development Public officials (e.g. Members of Parliament, local councillors)
Persons conducting business e.g.: uniform suppliers, booksellers, official College photographers, commercial salespeople Tradespeople Children’s services agencies Department of Families, Fairness and Housing workers Victoria Police Persons authorised to enter College premises (e.g. Worksafe inspectors, health officers etc) Other Department of Education and Training staff (including allied health staff) or contractors NDIS therapists or other allied health or health practitioners All visitors to The Lakes are required to report to the Campus Administration office on arrival where the College’s Child Safety Code of Conduct is available and visible to visitors when they sign in.
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 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 2026 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.
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 on the Primary Campus. Wide-brimmed hats (with the school logo), are available at the uniform shop.
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
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. Please note that the designated entry and exit gate on Lakes Boulevard will be closed in Term 1. This is due to construction on The Lakes South Morang College Kinder. Students and parents/carers are asked to either enter/exit the school through the Gordons Road gate or the front office.
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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