Welcome to issue 13 of the College Newsletter! IN THIS ISSUE: - Year 4 and 9 student reflections - Celebrating science with bubbles of curiosity! - School Council Report - Mobile Phone Policy at The Lakes - What’s on in Term 3
THE LAKES SOUTH MORANG COLLEGE NEWSLETTER 2022 - ISSUE 10 Date 00, 2022
Term 3, Week 6 Issue 13 - 2023
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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.
Principal Welcome
01
Student Perspective
04
National Science Week
05
School Council Report
06
Primary Awards
08
PRINCIPAL WELCOME
Policy Spotlight
09
Secondary Assessment Calendar
10
BILL PANAS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
What ’ s on @ The Lakes
11
Social Scene
15
Community Noticeboard
16
Hello Lakes families,
It is a very busy time at the College. This week we celebrated all things SCIENCE in Science Week, culminating in an open morning on Wednesday. Teachers and students celebrated this important occasion and promoted the virtues of science in classes and other activities. Wednesday's Open Morning for families was well attended and allowed our school community to engage in Science Week fun. Thank you to those for taking the time to be a part of learning on the day. Our Local State MP from Mill Park, Lily DÁmbrosio, also visited us today on the Secondary Campus to lead a sustainability workshop with students. A range of students representing Years 9 - 12 were actively involved in a tremendous think tank session that demonstrated how resourceful, creative and environmentally conscious young people of today have become.
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE:
• Year 4 and 9 student reflections
• Celebrating science with bubbles of curiosity!
School Council Report
•
• Mobile Phone Policy at The Lakes
What ’ s on in Term 3
•
The Diamond Valley RSL Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service was held at Greensborough last Saturday. The ceremony highlighted the sacrifices of our veterans and the impact that their experiences have had on their lives post war. The College, represented by both students and staff, paid our respects by laying a wreath on behalf of our College community. The Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans members thanked the College for our ongoing and committed relationship that sees our students actively engaged in acts of gratitude and remembrance towards those who have served in the interests of our country.
Secondary Campus 80 Jardier Terrace, South Morang 3752 (03) 9401 3919 Primary Campus 275 Gordons Road, South Morang 3752 (03) 9400 9000
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRINCIPAL REPORT
Our four key pillars continue to enable our students to advance with their learning, teamwork and their social/emotional development.
SCHOOL VISION
At the beginning of this year I shared the College strategic plan and vision with the school community. Within this, I highlighted that any high performing school requires an effective and cooperative partnership between the school and families. Various suggestions were provided to families around enacting this important partnership, enabling families to play an active role in supporting their child ’ s learning and simultaneously increasing our overall school performance. The response has been enlightening and voracious in so many ways. Families have been proactive in supporting many of our school programs including fundraising events, work experience placements, resourcing sports teams and the school production, as parent/carer helpers, and, reaching out to the local council and our MPs to lobby for facilities and infrastructure. We have welcomed increased responses to family surveys on how to best communicate and engage you in school operations and many parents/carers have been asked to complete the DET Parent/Carer/Guardian Opinion Survey over the coming week. I sincerely thank you for your increasing involvement, a positive mindset and solution - based approach to opportunities, issues and challenges faced by our children at school.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Do not underestimate your impact on student performance and effective relationships at the school level. In our first year of our current strategic plan, I am extremely proud of our overall improvement to NAPLAN results particularly in Reading where we are above like and network schools at Year 3 & 5 level. I applaud our Year 9 NAPLAN results which exceeded both the Whittlesea network schools and like schools in all tests - Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Vocab & Numeracy. Our teachers are ecstatic with the results, justifying the resources and programs implemented to develop skills and knowledge. The student cohort is hard working and team focused. As Bonnie has mentioned previously, a large number of students have received certificates of excellence for their performance and overall growth. Our Production performers and support team put on an outstanding show this year. This does not happen without effort, sacrifice and teamwork. This was an incredible feat that showcases how our College works as a whole school community to realise the hopes of our children. We are all inspired by what young people can achieve when challenged, encouraged and given the opportunity to excel at school.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
This applies to all stakeholders in our education community and as parents/carers we need your overriding support to continue in the following areas of school life:
1. Learning: the provision of some regular quiet study time at home for your child to practice the skills and knowledge learnt at school, complete any unfinished school - work and remain organised in their learning
2. Attendance: Regular attendance ensures that students do not miss out on important learning that takes place during the school day. Ensuring students are at school on time is a key element in setting students up for success.
3. Communication: Please maintain open communication with teachers and learner coaches. This is important particularly around absences and the follow up of any missed school work.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
4. Cyber smart practices: Keep some tabs on your child ’ s social media time and activities, particularly around who they are engaging with online, and how they engage with others online. 5. School Policies on Lunchtime and After School Detention: Lunchtime and Afterschool Detentions on the Secondary Campus enable students to catch - up or complete required school - work under the supervision of teachers who can offer learning support. These are used a last resort for the collection of incomplete school - work, enabling teachers to accurately track student learning and progression. Without these opportunities to catch up on missed or incomplete school - work, students and families cannot be guaranteed an automatic or seamless progression to the next year level. We need families to work in partnership with the College and make the necessary arrangements for your child to attend these sessions when required. If this is not possible you need to contact the school and make alternative arrangements. You cannot just tell your child not to attend. This is NOT an option. As a community, we need to keep raising the bar on learning. Our students have already proven that they will step up to the challenge when they feel encouraged and supported by all of us.
SCHOOL PRIDE
Our narrative on providing the best possible learning environment through school improvement continues. New carpet has gone in across the Prep/1 and Years 9/10 spaces. Painting and room touch ups continue on the secondary campus and will continue throughout the year. Upgrading of the Primary campus Prep/1 toilets looks like it will start during the Term 3 holidays with upgrades happening in 2024 in the Years 3 - 6 and Secondary campus toilets. Landscaping at the front of the Primary and Secondary campuses will start over the next fortnight. This will give both campuses a new dimension and look for our community. A boom gate for the Primary campus carpark will also be installed this year. New student lockers have given the Secondary campus learning areas a fresh modern look and partitions for individual subject/classes have been completed. Unfortunately, a small number of students have vandalised and graffitied our improvements which is totally unacceptable. As a result, we have no option but to ask School Council to endorse the installation of CCTV cameras on both campuses for added security and school safety. There will be no tolerance with any students who choose to ignore our values and cause damage. We all know the importance of a well maintained and clean school environment, and the importance in taking pride in your school.
I am looking forward to many student achievements and highlights over the remainder of term 3 and our School Council is always open to new ideas and learning experiences for our children.
I am humbled by your tremendous support and trust. Have a lovely weekend.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
PRIMARY REFLECTION GEORGINA & HARRY YEAR 4 SRC
“ Wominjeka ”. This means Hello/Welcome in the Kulin language of First Nations. We can ’ t believe we ’ re already in Week 6 of Term 3. On Friday the 11th, the Year 4 cohort went to the Melbourne Museum which was so much fun! During our visit we focused on “ Place and Culture ” of First Nations People of Australia. We learnt about the significance of Country and Place to Indigenous Australians across Victoria. We talked about how Indigenous Australians connect to the land, sea, waterways and sky. We learnt about the many Countries/Places of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia, and the responsibility they have for Country and Place. It was very interesting learning about another culture. We can ’ t wait to learn more about First Nations People of Australia. Signing off!
SECONDARY REFLECTION ZAF YEAR 9 SRC
Term 3 for the Year 9’ s has been quite an adventure, from all things to do with Production and even a Salvation Army excursion to the city. Production was a blast and got everyone pumped, especially because the majority of Year 9’ s were involved in the School Production in some way. It turned out to be a sell out on the Wednesday night, and we couldn ’ t be more thrilled with the support we got. As part of our book we are studying this term in English, our excursion to Salvation Army in the city was also a cool experience. We got to listen to stories of homeless people and how they live and got to walk around the city to observe people sleeping rough. As we continue moving ahead for this term, our eyes are on the big day for the 9/10 intermediate inter school sport boys basketball, happening this upcoming Friday. Our boys are ready and willing to give it everything to come out victorious as we verse the toughest schools in our area.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK
BUBBLING WITH CURIOSITY! CELEBRATING NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK ON THE PRIMARY CAMPUS
On Wednesday, the Primary campus celebrated National Science Week with a bubble investigation! With the help of some Year 9 students we asked - How big can you make a bubble? As scientists we made predictions, experimented and investigated all things bubbles and then finally reflected and applied our knowledge to other bubble themed challenges. It was great to also share our learning with our families and friends who visited
in Session 1 to see Learning in Action!
Check out this video to see the fun activity we all participated in https://youtu.be/cCZJNKF2TpU and share the fun!
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
Hello all,
Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone involved in the School Production, Bring it On, two weeks ago. From the lead and ensemble casts, the band, to the behind - the - scenes teams and of course to the musical ’ s Directors, everyone did an amazing and fabulous job. For the majority of our Primary students (and their families), due to the COVID disruptions, this was their first ever Production experience, and they too did a wonderful job in their performances. Aside from showcasing our school ’ s talented students, the intangible benefit of Production is that it brings both Campuses together as a united school and boosts school pride; and all of which aligns with core areas of focus in our Strategic Plan. Our interim Fundraising Subcommittee ’ s first activity was a raffle held at Production. Thank you to everyone who showed their support – ticket sales way exceeded our expectations! An even bigger thank you to our local businesses who donated goods and services as prizes. A list of participating businesses can be found on the next page, so please get behind and support them in return. In general fundraising news, the interim Subcommittee has scoped out activities and ideas for the next 18 months and is hoping to announce its next ‘ project ’ soon! Also, the committee will reach out to parents/carers who expressed an interest in helping out with fundraising via the recent Parent/Carer Engagement Survey in the near future too. On that note, another huge thank you to parents/carers who completed School Council ’ s Parent/Carer Engagement Survey in June. The response rate also far exceeded our expectations, and the feedback received was incredibly valuable, with lots of good ideas for School Council and our Leadership team to think about and explore.
In other news, at School Council ’ s most recent meeting on 15 August, we:
• Were presented with the School ’ s impressive 2023 NAPLAN results;
• Viewed samples of and discussed adding a waterproof jacket to our school uniform range. This was in response to our student reps report at the May School Council meeting requesting a waterproof jacket as part of school uniform;
•
Discussed and further scoped out upcoming fundraising events;
• Supported a request for pedestrian lights to be installed on the second Gordons Road school crossing (near on the bridge). A letter to the City of Whittlesea is to be drafted and sent; and
• Approved the installation of sliding doors to some of the learning spaces on the Secondary Campus. Similar to the installation of the walls in classrooms earlier this year, these doors will help to minimise disruptions to classes.
As always, if you have any issues, ideas, questions that you would like raised at our next Council meeting, or any other support, we are more than happy to hear from families so please feel free to send me an email to amanda.farrelly@education.vic.gov.au. Council meets twice per term on a Tuesday at 5:30pm and visitors and observers are always welcome!
Cheers,
Amanda Farrelly
School Council President
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES
EPPING
EPPING
and Crown Pillows
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY CAMPUS AWARDS
LEARNER OF THE WEEK
Prep A
Prep B
Prep C
Ming D
Soul W
Aaron T
1A
1B
Ellie B
Channy N
2A
2B
Monica D
Gurbir S
3A
3B
Elijah T
Mason G
4A
4B
Trinity A
Fletcher U
5A
5B
5C
Selena G
Amrit B
Maddison B
6A
6B
6C
Annika M
Haim M
Angus B
LIFESTYLE AWARDS
Sport
Art
STEM
Prep
Anastasia M
Savannah W
Marley
Year 1
Sibel S
Ray T
Edward A
Year 2
Ethan F
Trisha S
Mason Z
Year 3
Cohen V
Aubrey W
Aubrey H
Year 4
Kenzi E
Fletcher U
Tyson C
Year 5
Samira B
Tre H
Kara T
Year 6
Tri Thong B
Harry S
Ashwin B
POLICY SPOTLIGHT
MOBILE PHONES - STUDENT USE
http://www.thelakes.edu.au/uploads/8/3/9/0/83901006/mobile_phone_ - _student_use_policy_2022.pdf
In accordance with the Department ’ s Mobile Phones — Student Use Policy, issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at The Lakes during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted (see policy for exemption categories).
The Lakes South Morang College understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. In this instance, students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored in their lockers/school bags/ secure storage during school hours.
Mobile phones owned by students at The Lakes are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the owner ’ s (student ’ s or parent/carer ’ s) risk.
Where students bring a mobile phone to school, The Lakes South Morang College can provide secure storage. Secure storage is storage that cannot be readily accessed by those without permission to do so. At The Lakes students are required to store their phones either in their lockers, or, handed into the school administration office to be placed in a lockable cupboard/safe.
Policies are available to all families via the the Sentral Portal (under Resources) or via our website http://www.thelakes.edu.au/policies -- reports.html
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SECONDARY ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
At The Lakes South Morang College, the submission of work for assessment is an integral part of the Teaching and Learning process. The Lakes South Morang College have developed a process that is equitable and fair to all students and applied consistently across all year levels and learning areas. As part of this commitment, this Semester the Secondary Campus have updated the Calendar that is available in the Sentral Parent and Student Portals to include CAT ’ s (Common Assessment Tasks 7 - 10) and SAC ’ s/ SAT ’ s (School Based Assessments VCE 11 and 12). Each Monday a list of tasks due for the week are displayed on the calendar. Please note that actual date of submission will fall somewhere in the week listed. This specific information is available on Task Sheets distributed to students throughout the term. Each task is listed with the Year level, subject and a short label of the task.
We hope that this information will enable parents and students to manage the important process of Assessment Submission.
If you have any further questions regarding this process, please contact Renee Short on the Secondary Campus.
WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
Breakfast Club on Both Campuses Every Wednesday - 8.15am - 8.45am
(Except for the first week and last week of the term)
AUGUST:
Secondary Parent/Carer Interviews
Wednesday 23rd
No school on Secondary
Primary Book Week Parade
Primary District Athletics
Monday 28th
Year 1 Minibeast Incursion
Tuesday 29th
Father ’ s Day Stall on Primary
Wednesday 30th
Year 7 Production Students
Art Centre Excursion
Wednesday 30th - Friday 1st September
Year 3/4 Gundiwindi Camp
SEPTEMBER:
Monday 4th - Friday 8th
Year 9 City Experience
Monday 4th
Year 11 VM & Year 12 VCAL Fair Share
Wednesday 6th
Year 8 World of Work
Thursday 7th
Year 11 Food - Fair Share
Friday 8th
Father ’ s Day Morning on Primary
Primary Parent/Carer Interviews
Tuesday 12th
No school on Secondary
5/6 Hot Shots Tennis Gala Day
Wednesday 13th
Year 2 Push, Pull & Motion Incursion
Thursday 14th
Footy Day
Primary End of Term Assembly
Friday 15th
Last Day of Term 1.15pm Dismissal
Book Now for Primary Tours on 9404 9000 for individual 2023 School Tours
Book Now for Secondary Tours on 9401 3919 for individual 2023 School Tours
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
A reminder to our current families who are planning to enroll siblings for Prep 2024. With Prep orientation
sessions fast approaching.
Please see the office for information about enrolling your child for 2024. All new enrolments receive a free T shirt!
THE LAKES COMMUNITY FEEDBACK PRIMARY & SECONDARY CAMPUSES
Your feedback is valued. Please use the following link to provide our College Council and Leadership Team with feedback to help make The Lakes a positive learning community for all.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
SOCIAL SCENE
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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. CURRICULUM CHARGES We can see that many parents/carers have began to make financial contributions towards the 2023 Curriculum Contributions through QKR Payments. The College is most appreciative of the continued support and commitment shown by families through their contributions. Your financial contributions are what enables our College to operate and deliver the best possible education and support for our students. With exciting upgrades happening throughout both campuses this year including new carpets, sporting facilities, fencing, lockers and upgrades of toilet facilities, it is important that we work together to provide the best facilities for our wonderful students.
ATTENDANCE - EVERY DAY COUNTS If you are aware that your child will not be attending school due to illness or other circumstances, please ensure that you contact either office to ensure our attendance records are accurate. Ways of communicating absences include:
Placing a future Absence Request through the Parent SENTRAL Portal;
•
Calling the office;
•
Sending an SMS on 0427 226 537.
•
As required by the Department of Education, all schools must notify parents/carer informing that their child is absent. Please inform the office of absences before 10:00 am each morning.
STAY CONNECTED
The Sentral Parent Portal is the primary method for home - school communications at The Lakes.
We are excited to say that most families have access to the Parent Portal. The portal allows students and parents\carers to keep up to date with important information and communication. This includes student academic reports, parent - teacher interview bookings and permission for students to attend camps, sport and excursions.
The Student and Parent Portal can be accessed at school, from home and from mobile devices. If you are experiencing any issues with Sentral, please contact either office to assist you.
Thank you for your support and partnering with us in 2023.
Sentral Portal
STAY UP TO DATE WITH COLLEGE EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES THROUGH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
https://www.facebook.com/ TheLakesSouthMorangP9School
Scan the code to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College. Orders need to be in by 9am on the day.
Please call Karen on 9404 900 to discuss further, if you have a service or upcoming event you would like to promote through our Newsletter.
14th September
We are always looking to build new or foster current connections within our community!
Please call Karen on 9404 900 to discuss further, if you have a service or upcoming event you would like to promote through our Newsletter.
To thrive, children need a safe and supportive environment at school, at home and in the broader community; no exceptions. At The Lakes South Morang College, we believe meeting the physical and emotional needs of our students is paramount in laying the foundations for a fulfilling future. We pledge to provide an environment that has zero tolerance to child abuse and will strive to work in partnership with our parents and community members to keep our students safe every day, in every way.
The Lakes South Morang College Child Safety Statement
PRIMARY CAMPUS: Telephone: 9404 9000 275 Gordons Road South Morang 3752 SECONDARY CAMPUS: Telephone: 9401 3919 80 Jardier Terrace South Morang 3752 ABN 52 938 171 499 PO Box 207 South Morang 3752 lakes.south.morang.co@education.vic.gov.au
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