The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL
SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
AMANDA FARRELLY SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Hi Parents/Carers,
At our last meeting we also:
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Endorsed the 2025 Annual Implementation Plan;
As we wrap up another incredible year, there ’ s so much to celebrate across our school community. Our Year 12s have completed their school journey — congratulations on this milestone and best wishes for the exciting paths ahead, whether that ’ s study, work, or new opportunities. Well done to our Year 6s for wrapping up primary school too. We also wish you all the best as you head off on to your secondary school adventures. Lastly, a huge congratulations to our award winners and Valedictorians at our School Awards Night tonight. Congratulations too to our families and staff who have played a part in these successes. At our final School Council meeting in November, each representative shared a personal reflection on the year. Remarkably, our responses echoed one another — a sign of the strong cohesion within our group. Key highlights included:
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Endorsed increasing hirer fees by 5% across all of our facilities hirers commencing in 2026.
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Endorsed purchasing 30 document readers across both Campuses. These readers will integrate with the existing digital screens in classrooms and will enable teachers to model and teach more effectively to students.
I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our parent representatives. Special thanks to Anna - Lisa Tewma, Grant Voss, Helen Skendaris, Jenny Archibald, Josie Benfari, Kathryn Lieschke, and Veronica Marsh for providing leadership and direction, and always keeping our students and families front of mind. I would also like to acknowledge Katrina Hartley and Karen Gilchrist for their contributions to the Welcome BBQ at the start of the year, and to Laura Johnson, Jenevieve Soria, and Caitlyn Cox who have now taken up the fundraising challenge. The sense of teamwork is amazing. We are grateful to our Leadership team — Mr Panas, Ms Lee, and Mr Abney - Hastings — along with Business Manager Mrs Saliba, for their openness to ideas and initiatives and wonderful support. Thank you also to Mrs Thompson and Mrs Potocnik for their admin support; Ms Wilson for promoting our activities; and Mrs McIntyre and Mrs Sutton for representing staff. Thank you also to our Primary & Secondary captains and the reports they provide at our meetings. Strengthening community connections will always remain a key focus. Parents and carers are vital partners in our school, and your involvement in initiatives and events makes a real difference. Early next year, nominations will open for the new School Council term. Joining School Council is a fantastic way to contribute and have input to buildings, grounds and maintenance; school governance, fundraising, and facilities planning. If you ’ re interested, please reach out to me at amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday break – I hope you get a chance to relax and rejuvenate and School Council looks forward to seeing everyone again at our Welcome BBQ in February 2026!
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The installation of air conditioning on the Secondary Campus.
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The growing collaboration between Primary and Secondary Campuses.
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The rising enrolment enquiries and community interest in our school.
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Ongoing upgrades to make our facilities more welcoming.
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Positive feedback for the Prep school readiness program.
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Increased parent/carer and staff use of Compass to support learning and communication.
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And, of course, our seamless and professional newsletter (thank you, Ms Wilson).
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting year with:
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The opening of the Kindergarten;
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The start of the 5/6 VIA program; and
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Funding set aside for new carpets in admin areas, replacement drinking taps on both Campuses, security upgrades, and a new meeting space on Primary.
Cheers,
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
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