ISSUE 14 2026
Term 4, Week 4
Celebrating the Secondary Development Program
What’s on @ The Lakes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
COLLEGE REPORT SCOTT MCLEAN LEADING TEACHER - ASSESSMENT & COMMUNICATION
01
College Report
04
School Council Report
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. practices. As part of our forward planning, we are currently exploring the implementation of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) for 2027. DIBELS is a research‑validated suite of literacy assessments designed to identify students who may require additional instructional support. As we move toward the final weeks of the school year, our focus across both Primary and Secondary remains firmly on high‑quality assessment, meaningful reporting, and preparing students for success in 2027. With Semester 2 reports for Prep to Year 11 scheduled for release on Wednesday 16 December, this newsletter provides an overview of key assessment programs, end‑of‑year events, and upcoming initiatives that will shape teaching and learning across our College. PRIMARY CAMPUS: STRENGTHENING LITERACY AND NUMERACY FOUNDATIONS Our Primary team continues to refine and strengthen evidence‑based assessment
06
Student Perspective
08
Curriculum
10
Policy Spotlight
11
What’s on @ The Lakes
14
Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE REPORT
Years 9–11 Examinations Normal classes do not operate during examination periods for Years 9–11. Students are required onsite only for their scheduled exams.
The tools focus on early reading skills such as phonemic awareness, decoding, and reading fluency, and are widely used internationally to support systematic literacy development. The materials are designed strictly for assessment—not for coaching or practice—and provide teachers with clear indicators of student progress and areas requiring targeted intervention. Alongside DIBELS, we are exploring Phonics Plus as a systematic synthetic phonics program for 2027. With a structured progression of grapheme–phoneme correspondences from Foundation to Level 2, the program supports accurate reading and spelling through explicit teaching, high-frequency word resources and handwriting guidance. This reflects our commitment to consistent, evidence-based literacy instruction. To celebrate learning and build enthusiasm for mathematics, students from Prep to Year 5 will participate in World of Maths at the end of the year. This interactive incursion features over 150 hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving, teamwork and real-world mathematical thinking. Students are invited to experiment, build confidence and discover the joy of mathematics.
Year 11: Monday 16 – Friday 20 November Year 10: Wednesday 25 – Friday 27 November Year 9: Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 December
Further details will be communicated through Compass and year‑level coordinators.
Year 11 SAC Redemption & Exam Catch‑Up SAC Redemption sessions continue on Mondays and Thursdays (Weeks 1–7), 3:15–4:15 pm. Students with outstanding SACs must attend their scheduled sessions and complete required work under the conditions set by their teachers. Exam catch‑up sessions for Year 11 will run every afternoon during Week 8, with extended sessions on Monday 23 November and Thursday 26 November from 2:05–4:30 pm. Step Up Programs for 2027 Our Step Up Programs prepare students for their 2027 year levels by introducing new subjects, teachers, expectations and routines, helping them transition with confidence. Year 12: Monday 23 – Thursday 26 November Year 11: Monday 30 November – Thursday 3 December Years 7–10: Monday 7 – Thursday 10 December
SECONDARY CAMPUS: EXAMINATIONS, REPORTING & 2027 TRANSITION
Term 4 is a significant period for our Secondary students, particularly those in senior year levels. With this newsletter going live on 28 October, our Year 12 students have now completed their final day of classes on Monday 19 October and enjoyed their Celebration Day on Tuesday 20 October, beginning with the traditional 8:00 am breakfast and followed by a parade and final excursion. Year 12 Examinations Year 12 examinations commenced on Tuesday 27 October with English and will conclude on Monday 16 November with Food Studies. During this period, school bells and announcements are suspended to maintain a calm environment for students sitting exams. Bells will resume at 11:00 am on Monday 16 November. Staff and students are reminded that the bus loop and the area directly in front of the Examination Centre remain restricted zones for all who are not attending an exam.
Each subject will include three sessions led by current teachers of the respective year levels.
The 2026 Exam and Step Up Handbook for Years 7–11 is available here: Secondary Exam and Step Up Handbook outlining timetables, protocols, catch-up arrangements, progression policy and preparation advice. Looking Ahead As the year draws to a close, we remain focused on supporting students through examinations, celebrating achievements and preparing for a successful start to 2027. Thank you to all families for your ongoing partnership. Semester 2 reports will be shared on Wednesday 16 December.
Order your family’s copy via Compass
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
Hello Lakes families,
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now completed their final week of formal classes! This is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved throughout their schooling journey. We also extend our thanks to the parents and carers who have supported them every step of the way. Your encouragement and guidance have played a vital role in helping them reach this point. As our students prepare for the next chapter—whether that’s sitting exams for an ATAR, pursuing further education or training, or stepping into the workforce—we wish them every success. No matter the path they choose, we know they’ll carry the skills and resilience they’ve developed into the future.
Best of luck as well to our Year 11 students who are beginning their exams!
In fundraising news, The Lakes Fundraising team are excited to announce that preparations for our 2027 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 or engaging activities—we want to support you and share your work with our wider community.
We’re particularly interested in partnering with businesses that offer: 🌮 Food services and tasty treats 🎨 Fun, interactive activities for all ages 🎶 Entertainment that brings people together
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!
A massive thank you too to all the families and staff who purchased a chocolate box in the recent Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser!
In other news, at School Council’s most recent meeting on 20 October, we:
Discussed the new Department of Education wording around parent/carer curriculum contributions, introduced in September 2026 as part of the revised Parent Contributions Policy, and what it may mean for The Lakes. You may have seen in the media recently there has been growing concern from Victorian Principals around this new wording and the impacts to school budgets. Discussed the take-home reader resources available for Primary students and whether the level and variety of readers are appropriately supporting students as they develop their literacy skills. Discussed if the school’s annual publication, Inspire, remains the most effective and sustainable way to celebrate and share student learning. While the publication has long been a valued showcase of student achievement, it requires significant staff time and printing costs, and many learning successes are now shared through newsletters, social media and other digital platforms. Brainstormed a wishlist of infrastructure, facility and grounds improvements to help shape 2027 School Council- funded projects.
Reviewed the results of the recent Parent Opinion Survey. This year’s results showed overall positive results similar to 2025. A key finding though was a growing gap between parent confidence in student wellbeing and confidence in teaching and learning. While parents continue to rate safety, care and connectedness highly, areas identified for improvement was what information parents need to better understand their child's learning, how school communication can be improved, and how the College can better support students to develop organisation, study skills and independent learning habits. Endorsed 2027 Curriculum Days. There will be additional pupil-free days available under the new Victorian Government Schools Agreement, and these have been incorporated into the school calendar to support staff professional learning and development. Agreed to follow up with our canteen service provider to provide water as an option on special lunch order days, and not just fruit juice.
As always, if you have any issues, ideas or questions that you would like raised at our next Council meeting, or any other support, please feel free to send me an email to amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au. Our last meeting for 2026 will be Tuesday 1 December.
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Celebrating Our Outstanding 2026 Student Survey Results!
A Message from Our Student Leaders
We are incredibly proud to share the amazing results from the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS)!
Recently, we as Student Leaders presented the results to College staff, highlighting the incredible improvements across our school and celebrating the positive impact our teachers, staff and students are having on our learning environment. One of the biggest achievements is that The Lakes South Morang College is performing above similar schools, our network and the state across every overall category! This is something our whole College community should be extremely proud of. What Are We Celebrating? Our results show significant improvements in teaching and learning, student wellbeing, relationships, school safety and student voice.
Some of the highlights include: Student Voice and Agency: Increased from 50% in 2025 to 63% in 2026.
Sense of Connectedness: Increased from 57% to 71%, showing more students feel they belong at our College.
Teacher–Student Relationships: Improved by 9.7%, reflecting the positive relationships between students and staff.
School Safety: Improved by 9.1%, with 85% of students feeling they have someone at school who advocates for them.
Teaching and Learning: Improved by 6.2%, with stimulated learning sitting 12% above similar schools.
Our Years 4–6 students achieved particularly outstanding results, with 84% positive responses for Student Voice and Agency, demonstrating how strongly our younger students feel heard and valued. We also celebrated significant improvements in engagement and relationships across Years 10–12 and continued improvement across Years 7–9. Our Student Voice Matters! As Student Leaders, we are especially excited about the improvements in student voice, agency and connectedness. These results show that more students feel listened to, included and connected to our College community. We believe that when students have opportunities to share their ideas, contribute to decisions and take ownership of their learning, our school becomes an even better place for everyone. While we have so much to celebrate, we also recognise that there are areas we can continue to improve. In 2027, we want to work alongside staff to strengthen student wellbeing and resilience, promote inclusion and respect, and ensure every student feels safe, supported and valued. A Huge Thank You to Our Staff! As Student Leaders, we want to say a massive THANK YOU to all our amazing teachers and staff! These results don't happen by accident. They reflect the hard work, care, encouragement and commitment our staff demonstrate every day. Whether it's making learning engaging, listening to our ideas, supporting us when things get tough or creating classrooms where we feel included and respected, you are making a real difference. We are incredibly proud of what our College has achieved together, and we are excited to continue working with students and staff to make The Lakes an even better place to learn and belong. Congratulations, The Lakes! Let's keep building on these outstanding results in 2027!
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter CURRICULUM
CELBRATING PASSION AND POTENTIAL: SECONDARY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Throughout 2026, The Lakes South Morang College’s Secondary Development Programs have provided students with valuable opportunities to explore their passions, develop specialised skills and build confidence beyond the classroom. Through the Athlete, Dance and Artist Development Programs, students have been encouraged to challenge themselves, discover their strengths and develop skills that support their growth both personally and academically. BUILDING STRONGER, MORE CONFIDENT ATHLETES The Athlete Development Program (ADP) has supported students to develop their athletic potential through strength and conditioning, sport-specific training and opportunities to learn more about sporting performance. Alongside physical development, students have strengthened their discipline, goal-setting and commitment to personal improvement. One student reflected, “The Athlete Development Program has really helped me test my abilities in sport and fitness. As someone who is passionate about sports, it has pushed me to perform at my best, provided me with great opportunities, and kept me motivated and committed to achieving my goals.” Another student highlighted the positive impact the program has had on their daily routine, sharing, “The Athlete Development is great. It keeps me in a routine and gives me something to get up to in the morning. It's fun and enjoyable.” These reflections demonstrate how the program helps students stay motivated, build confidence and develop positive habits while pursuing their sporting interests. EXPRESSING CREATIVITY THROUGH DANCE The Dance Development Program has provided students with opportunities to explore movement, creativity and performance in a supportive environment. Through dance, students can develop their technique, coordination and musicality while gaining confidence in their ability to express themselves through movement. The program encourages students to explore new ideas, challenge themselves and continue refining their skills. Dance also provides valuable opportunities for students to collaborate, learn alongside their peers and celebrate their individual progress. By developing perseverance, creativity and self-expression, students can build confidence both on and off the dance floor, while discovering new ways to communicate and connect through performance. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2027 Following a rewarding year of learning and development, The Lakes South Morang College looks forward to continuing its Secondary Development Programs in 2027. The Athlete Development Program will expand to include Year 10 students, offering personalised strength and conditioning, sport-specific training drills, and excursions and incursions that provide insights into professional sporting environments. To learn more about the programs and application opportunities, visit the Secondary Development Programs webpage.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter POLICY SPOTLIGHT
HALLOWEEN DRESS UP GOLD COIN DONATION
A DAY TO SHINE Team D r eam Pe r fo r mance and mo r e !
Seconda ry Cam pus
TERM 4 CALENDAR
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
Oct 05
Oct 06
Oct 07
Oct 08
Oct 09
Week 1
11pm Deadline for Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser Orders
Student Leadership All Day
12 Drama Performance Exams
Tennis Gala Day All Day
Prep Excursion All Day
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Oct 12
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Week 2
10 Media Incursion 9am - 11am Year 1 Excursion All Day
Primary Assembly 9.15am
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Oct 19
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
Week 3
3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day All Day
Year 12 Celebration Day
5pm School Council Meeting
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Oct 26
Oct 27
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Week 4
Primary Assembly 9.15am 8 Design Excursion All Day
All Day Halloween Dress Up Day
Year 12 (VCAA) Exams
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Nov 04
Nov 05
Nov 06
Nov 02
Week 5
Nov 03
Student Free Day
Melbourne Cup Holiday
Year 12 (VCAA) Exams Year 3 & 4 Camp Camp
Year 12 (VCAA) Exams
All Day Year 11 Psyc Excursion
Year 6 Excursion All Day
Year 1 Dinner 5pm Year 2 Sleepover 6.30pm
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Week 6
Primary Assembly 9.15am
9:15am 2027 Prep Transition
Year 12 (VCAA) Exams
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Week 7
Year 12 (VCAA) Exams Year 11 Exams Exams
Year 2 Excursion All Day
9:15am 2027 Prep Transition
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Evening Year 12 Graduation Ticket Required
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Week 8
Primary Assembly 9.15am
Year 3 Excursion All Day
9:15am 2027 Prep Transition
Year 10 Exams Exams
Year 12 2027 Step-up
7B Excursion All Day
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Week 9
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Curriculum Day
Year 11 2027 Step-up
Year 9 Exams Exams
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Year 7 & 8 Exams Exams
Evening Performing Arts Show Ticket Required
5pm School Council Meeting
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Week 10
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Year 8-10 2027 Step-up
Year 9 City Experience All Day
Primary Assembly 9.15am
9:15am 2027 Prep Transition
All Day Year 6 Sec. Transition
A Day to Shine! All Day
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Dance Excursion All Day
Year 7 Statewide Transition
All Day Year 6 Sec. Transition
Evening Year 6 Graduation Ticket Required
All Day Prep - 5 Incursioin
3:15Pm SAC & CAT Redemption
Sep 18
Week 11
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Curriculum Day
Year 7 & 8 Funfields All Day
Year 6 Funfields All Day
1:15pm End of Term - Students Dismissed
Evening Awards Night Ticket Required
Whole School
Primary
Secondary
College Events
Assessment
Pupil Free Days
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT’S ON @ THE LAKES
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OFFICE HOURS AT THE LAKES Parents/carers are welcome in our office areas when they are making payments, bringing a child in late or picking up a sick child from sick bay. Students are not to use these areas before school or after school. The Lakes South Morang College’s grounds are supervised by College staff from 8:50am until 3:15 (Secondary Campus), or 3:30pm (Primary Campus). Outside of these hours, College staff will not be available to supervise students. If a student is not collected before supervision finishes at the end of the day, the Principal or nominee staff member will consider whether it is appropriate to: attempt to contact the parents/carers attempt to contact the emergency contacts place the student in an out of school hours care program (Primary Campus only) contact Victoria Police and/or Child Protection to arrange for the supervision, care and protection of the student.
BELONGINGS, AMBULANCE & INSURANCE Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department of Education does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage. Parents and carers are reminded that the Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and carers of students who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs.
ACCESSING LEARNING TASKS AND ACADEMIC REPORTS
Please also be aware that both the Primary and Secondary Campus offices will close at 4:00 pm each day.
Please support us in making sure all students are safe.
ATTENDANCE - EVERY DAY COUNTS If you are aware that your child will not be attending school due to illness or other circumstances, please contact either office to ensure our attendance records are accurate.
Ways of communicating absences include: Placing a future Absence Request through the Compass
Education Portal; Calling the office;
As required by the Department of Education, all schools must notify parents/carers informing that their child is absent. Please inform the office of absences before 10am each morning.
Please call 9404 9000 if you have a service or upcoming event you would like to promote through our Newsletter.
PHOTOGRAPHING, RECORDING AND FILMING CONSENT thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/photographing_filming___recording_of_students_policy_2024.pdf The Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Consent Form is provided by The Lakes South Morang College at enrolment. Recent Departmental changes to this policy mean that this now only has to be completed once during your child’s educational journey at The Lakes. As a component of our transition to Compass, all families across the College will be sent a message on Compass or contacted by a member of staff in regards to Permission to Publish for your child provided at enrolment. If at any time parents/carers wish to give or withdraw their consent, they can by contacting the College or completing the form below.
STUDENT DIGITAL DEVICES CHANGES FROM 2027 The Victorian Department of Education has updated its Digital Learning Policy, introducing changes to student device requirements from 2027. At The Lakes South Morang College, we remain committed to developing digital literacy through purposeful technology use. Primary Years (Prep–Year 6) Prep–Year 4: Students will continue using iPads to support learning. Years 5–6: Students will use Windows-based laptops to develop digital skills and prepare for secondary school. Device Requirements: Families will no longer be required to purchase or provide a device. However, students who already own a suitable laptop are encouraged to continue using it at school. Secondary Years (Years 7–12) Our existing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program will continue. Why Windows-Based Laptops? Windows-based touchscreen laptops better prepare students for secondary learning by supporting: Keyboard skills, multitasking and file management. Access to software and systems used in secondary school. Creativity through touchscreen and stylus functionality. Continued use into Year 7 and beyond, with devices purchased through approved portals supported by the College. These changes ensure a consistent approach to digital learning across the College while supporting students to become confident, capable and responsible technology users.
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.
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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