Welcome to Issue 12 of the College Newsletter! This includes: Principal Report Father’s Day Fundraising Year 6 Student Update Year 12 Student Update Mobile Device Policy Student Agency on show Resilience Project What’s on @ The Lakes
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter
Term 3, Week 9
ISSUE 12 2025
Principal Report Father ’ s Day Fundraising Year 6 Student Update Year 12 Student Update Mobile Device Policy Student Agency on show Resilience Project
Image : Primary Artwork from the Art Show
PRINCIPAL REPORT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
BILL PANAS COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
01 Principal Report
04 School Council
Congratulations to our students for their wonderful efforts this Term. To our end - of - Term award winners and their families, we are particularly proud of your commitment to your studies and our College programs. You have excelled while modelling our Values and raising expectations for academic rigour and a positive learning environment.
05 Student Perspective
06 Curriculum
08 Student Agency
LEARNER REVIEW MEETINGS
10 Primary End of Term Awards
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. This week we conducted our Primary Learner Review Meetings and our annual Art Showcase. Attendance was 75%, reflecting our belief that parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their child ’ s learning and in planning effectively to meet goals and targets. This compares to 66% attendance at our Secondary meetings two weeks ago. Overall, this upward trend in participation is very encouraging and strengthens the critical family–student–College partnership.
12 Sport Scoreboard
14 Social Scene
15 Policy Spotlight
16 What ’ s on @ The Lakes
18 Community Noticeboard
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRINCIPAL REPORT
Please note that there are no Learner Review Meetings next Term. Parents/carers who have not yet contacted their child ’ s Learner Coach are encouraged to do so via Compass.
bring our community together to celebrate important College events and milestones. It was uplifting to meet so many supportive parents and carers whose encouragement motivates staff and leadership to remain committed to student learning and wellbeing.
RECENT EVENTS
PRIMARY DEVICES
This week our Year 5 students engaged in a Transition Program designed to support their move into the Secondary campus. Students experienced a range of activities that built confidence, developed independence, and helped them become familiar with new learning environments. Staff were impressed with the maturity and enthusiasm shown, and it was wonderful to see friendships forming and students embracing the challenges ahead. We look forward to continuing to support them on this important journey into Year 6 and beyond. Our Year 9 and 10 students have also been busy this week with City Experience and Work Experience programs. These opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom, providing real - world challenges that build problem - solving, organisation, and self - discipline. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students meeting their goals with enthusiasm and maturity. Thank you to families for your support and flexibility, which made these programs possible. Exponential learning opportunities such as these, fast - track cognitive development for adolescents. This is done through presenting them with challenging situations and testing their problem solving, organisation and self - discipline. We also extend our appreciation to all who attended our annual Father ’ s & Special Friends Day events. Special thanks to our dedicated Fundraising Team, whose efforts
On the recent student - free day, new IQ - Touch interactive boards were installed in all Primary classrooms, completing our digital technology improvement rollout. These upgrades provide a consistent and modern platform for our junior classes, ready for engaging learning.
FACILITIES UPDATE
The Term 3 holiday period will see significant progress across both campuses:
•
Primary Campus – The scout shed along Lakes Boulevard will be relocated behind the Secondary Gym, making way for the new Kindergarten build. Parking changes will occur over the next six months; updates will be shared as Council provides information. The gym floor will also be re - lined, and an additional interview room will be added to the staffroom. Secondary Campus – New concrete pathways through landscaped areas will be completed, the Technology “ fishbowl ” computer lab will enter its fit - out stage, and preparations for the Exam Centre will continue ahead of the busy Term 4 exam schedule.
•
Primary Campus Enrolment Handbook
HOLIDAY ADVICE
A reminder to VCE students: practice exams will take place over the first three days of the Term 3 holidays, and attendance is compulsory.
To our students: please take time to relax, reflect, and enjoy family and outdoor activities as the weather improves and daylight savings begins. Balance is important—so we also encourage you to establish a holiday study routine to revise, complete outstanding tasks, and prepare for a productive Term 4. The final Term is pivotal for student growth, with assessments designed to capture the knowledge and skills built throughout the year. Our College expects 12 months ’ growth in line with curriculum standards. The Progression Policy, available on our website, outlines the minimum standards and performance outcomes expected; all Secondary students have been briefed. Please stay safe, take care of one another, and return refreshed for an inspiring Term 4 filled with opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our students.
2026 CURRICULUM LEVIES PAYMENTS
Currently, 33% of families have made payments—similar to last year. We are very grateful to those who have contributed and remain mindful of the cost - of - living pressures many families face. These contributions directly support resources and opportunities that help students thrive and meet our high expectations. As a College we are committed to providing the best possible resources and school environment for students to thrive in at school and push the boundaries of high expectation – evidenced in the changes to our facilities over the last four years. School Council will explore alternate revenue - raising options for next year to ensure our programs remain sustainable. This may include reviewing camps, elective offerings that require payment, or adjusting the non - contribution levy. These measures will help maintain staffing ratios and resource requirements within budget.
Mr Panas College Principal
REMINDERS – COLLEGE FOCUS FOR TERM 4
•
High expectations around uniform and bringing materials to class
•
Attendance and punctuality
•
Organisation, particularly with CATs, SACs, exams and College events
•
Compliance with the Mobile Phone Policy
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SCHOOL COUNCIL
FUNDRAISING REPORT
AMANDA FARRELLY SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Last Monday saw another awesome turn out to the parent/carer fundraising team ’ s annual Father ’ s and special person ’ s Day Breakfast, held to celebrate all of the dads and special persons in our school community. It was wonderful to see so many attend the early start, in perfect early Spring weather of sunshine and blue sky. Our Dads and Special Persons enjoyed egg and bacon rolls and coffee served by Harringtons Coffee Love , followed by fun activities planned, organised and hosted by our Year 12 PDS students. It was a fantastic morning with lots of positive feedback from those who attended! A particular thank you to Mr Panas, Mr Abney - Hastings and Ms Short who cooked up an estimated 170 eggs and pieces of bacon; our parent/carer volunteers for the shopping legwork, organising the photo frame and craft activities; and serving; and to the staff who assisted both on the day and behind the scenes. Our parent/carer volunteers are amazing and contribute a huge amount of their own time to be able to deliver these events. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Bakers Delight Plenty Valley , Bakers Delight Epping and Diamond Valley Egg Farm in Yarrambat for their generous contributions towards supplying the bread rolls and eggs; and Camp Australia who sponsored the coffee van. The gold coin donations collected will go towards purchasing outdoor yard activities on both campuses. Hope everyone had a lovely Father ’ s Day on the 7th and the fundraising team look forward to seeing everyone again at next years breakfast!
Cheers,
Amanda Farrelly School Council President
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
YEAR 6 REFLECTION LEVI & AVA YEAR 6 SRC
Wow! Term 3 has flown by so quickly, but it ’ s been packed with learning, fun and exciting experiences! One of the highlights has definitely been sport. We've been playing 5/6 sport and winning most of our volleyball, tee ball and tennis matches, go us! It's been awesome working as a team and improving our skills each week. In Inquiry, we ’ ve been diving deep into space, planets, and galaxies. It ’ s been so cool learning about what ’ s out there beyond Earth. As part of our project, we created information posters, made paper mache planets, and even filmed our own videos. We ’ ve become mini experts on the solar system! Learner Agency Hour has been something we ’ ve all enjoyed. Getting to choose what we learn about and work with different teachers has made it really engaging and fun. It ’ s great to have a say in our own learning!
Another big part of Term 3 was our novel study. We read Wonder, which was such an amazing book. It had so many powerful messages about kindness, friendship, family and accepting others. It also connected really well with our Resilience Project, where we focused on GEM; gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. The reflections we did helped us think more about how we treat others and ourselves. As we look ahead to Term 4, we ’ re getting super excited for Funfields, it ’ s going to be an awesome way to celebrate the end of primary school. Graduation planning is already underway, and we ’ re all pumped about performing our song. We can ’ t wait! Another exciting thing coming up is our visit to the MCG as part of our "Influential Australians" inquiry unit. It ’ ll be amazing to stand on the same ground as famous AFL players and learn about their impact. Term 3 has been full of learning and laughter, and we can ’ t wait to make Term 4 just as memorable!
YEAR 12 REFLECTION AIDEN & ANHAD YEAR 12 VICE CAPTAINS
As the final stretch of the school year approaches, the air is growing heavier with a mix of excitement, stress, and expectation. Students across the class are managing a full slate of activities, exams, and preparations, while also counting down the days until exams and, for a majority, graduation. The Freaky Friday school production was a massive success and a source of pride for the Year 12s. It was the final musical for this group, with Jesse in the lead role, alongside cast members Bailey, Jorja, and Alannah, and musicians Aiden and Josh in the band. One of the highlights of the Term was also the Students vs Teachers Basketball Game, held on Thursday, 21st August in support of Daffodil Day – Cancer Council. The gym was packed with students from both sides as students and teachers went head
to head in a competitive match (with the students taking the win). The drink stall fundraiser and the game combined raised over $1,000 for the Cancer Council's Daffodil Day. Looking ahead, practice exams are scheduled for the first week of the holidays, giving students a valuable opportunity to test their knowledge and fine - tune their exam skills under timed conditions. It's a tense time, but one that is a vital part of building confidence and readiness for the final exams. For the majority of subjects, SACs will be completed by the end of this tTerm, with the majority concluding this week. What this will do is allow Term 4 to be kept solely for exam preparation and revision, giving students time to consolidate their knowledge, complete targeted one - on - one sessions with teachers, and focus on performing at their best in the final exams.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter CURRICULUM
THE RESILIENCE PROJECT ON PRIMARY Building resilience and wellbeing across our school community
At The Lakes South Morang College – Primary, the wellbeing of our students, staff, and broader community is a fundamental priority. As part of this commitment, we are proud to implement The Resilience Project (TRP) – a nationally recognised, evidence-based wellbeing program that equips young people with the tools and strategies to support positive mental health. TRP is centred on proactive mental health strategies that aim to prevent mental ill - health and build emotional strength and resilience in young people. Through consistent, purposeful teaching of the core pillars of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy, our students are developing the capacity to recognise and regulate their emotions, form healthy relationships, and cope more effectively with adversity.
Every week, students from Prep to Year 6 participate in dedicated TRP lessons that are explicitly aligned with the program's evidence - based framework. These lessons are tailored to be age - appropriate and are designed to foster discussion, reflection, and the practical application of strategies in both the classroom and everyday life. Staff at The Lakes have participated in an extensive professional learning program delivered by TRP, both onsite and online. These sessions have significantly strengthened our staff ’ s understanding of mental health education and have equipped them with the confidence and skills to deliver the TRP curriculum with purpose and consistency. Wellbeing is now embedded not only in our student programs but also as part of our professional culture. The positive impact of TRP is evident across our school. Students are increasingly using emotional literacy in their daily interactions and are developing the language and confidence to talk about their feelings. They are engaging in conversations about gratitude, empathy and mindfulness – both within structured lessons and informally throughout the school day.
Click to enlarge image
https://youtu.be/F7wE0ssrJug?feature=shared
Recent research conducted by Monash University has reinforced the effectiveness of The Resilience Project in schools. Findings show that students who engage in TRP demonstrate higher levels of resilience, optimism, and overall life satisfaction. The research also indicates that the program enhances students ’ ability to cope with stress and emotional challenges, supporting the development of lifelong wellbeing habits. These findings validate our continued investment in TRP as a vital component of our wellbeing approach. To measure the impact of our work with TRP, students in Years 3 – 6 participated in the Resilience Youth Survey , which assessed students' levels of hope, resilience, and life satisfaction. Results indicated that approximately 50% of students are currently showing high levels of hope and resilience. While this is an encouraging result, it also highlights the importance of our continued focus on building wellbeing skills across the entire school community. Our work with TRP has reinforced that individuals with higher levels of hope and optimism tend to use more proactive and effective coping strategies. By embedding the regular teaching of these strategies into our weekly curriculum, we are helping students to build the emotional toolkit they need to thrive now and in the future. Moving forward, our goal is to extend this practice beyond structured lessons, encouraging both students and staff to apply these strategies consistently throughout their day - to - day experiences.
In a recent video celebrating our journey with TRP, students reflected on how the program has impacted them. Their voices speak volumes:
“ It has helped me to remember things that I am grateful for during my day. ” – Harry A, 6B
“ I have learnt about many emotions and how to manage them. ” – Sophia C, 6B
“ It has helped me manage stress in my body. ” – Haadi M, 4C
“ It has helped me use strategies when I feel emotions like anger. ” – Amelia V, 4C
These reflections show that the program is not only being understood but truly making a difference in the lives of our students. As we move through the remainder of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, we are excited to build upon our partnership with The Resilience Project. With consistent practice, community involvement, and a shared commitment to wellbeing, we are confident that our work will continue to build a resilient, hopeful and emotionally literate school community.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter STUDENT AGENCY
STUDENT AGENCY IN ACTION Secondary students contributing to the future of learning and engagement at The Lakes.
The Secondary Agency and Engagement team would like to highlight some of the outstanding work that our student leaders have done this Term in the area of student voice. All of our students on the Secondary Campus completed the annual Attitudes to School survey earlier this year. This year ’ s results were quite pleasing in some areas like Effort & High Expectations for Success, this reinforced a lot of the work we have been doing as a College over the year, however we saw a dip in our results in some other areas like Sense of Connectedness. So, with an open mind and eager to get some further feedback, we asked our Student Leaders to dig a little deeper into these results and find out a bit more about what we have been doing well and where we can improve in the eyes of our students. The Student Leaders quickly set to work by collecting data through online discovery interviews where students were asked specific questions related to their year level and their Attitudes to School Survey results. They then gave up their time to sit together with the Student Agency and Engagement Team to interpret the responses and identify some key findings for each year level, this process was really interesting as it highlighted the different attitudes and priorities of students in different year levels.
The Student Leaders then presented their findings to the entire Secondary staff at a staff meeting in late August. They are to be commended for how and what they presented. Their positive feedback and their constructive criticism was incredibly valuable and sparked a number of deep conversations about our curriculum, our learning programs, our policies and procedures and our school grounds. A range of key points came up that our teachers and leadership team have taken on board, among them were the value of timely feedback, the importance of positive student - teacher relationships, rewarding positive effort and building school pride through events and programs, our recent Teacher vs. Student basketball competition and RUOK Day events have proved extremely popular. The Secondary Agency & Engagement Team look forward to inviting more of our students into meetings in Term 4 and into next year. Staff feedback is that these meetings have been incredibly productive and thought provoking, and our students love the fact they have a forum to be heard and for actions to come out of their feedback.
Mr Taylor & Mrs Greaves Secondary Agency & Engagement Leaders
HELPING CHILDREN BUILD ADVOCACY SKILLS
Advocacy helps children express needs, solve problems, and create positive change. It is more than standing up for rights—it ’ s about communication, empathy, confidence, and responsibility. Parents/Carers play an important role in teaching these skills from an early age.
WHY IT MATTERS
Children who advocate effectively:
•
Build confidence and independence.
•
Think critically and make decisions.
•
Communicate clearly and respectfully.
•
Understand different perspectives.
These skills support school success, healthy friendships, and active citizenship.
SIMPLE WAYS TO SUPPORT AT HOME
•
Listen actively – Give full attention, ask open questions, and show their voice matters.
•
Model advocacy – Express your needs calmly and respectfully.
•
Teach assertiveness – Role - play situations and use “ I ” statements instead of blaming.
•
Build confidence – Encourage small steps like asking a question or sharing an idea.
•
Foster empathy – Talk about feelings, read diverse stories, or volunteer as a family.
•
Highlight rights and responsibilities – Discuss fairness, safety, and the impact of choices.
By supporting open communication, empathy, and confidence, parents can raise children who advocate for themselves and others—skills that prepare them to become thoughtful, responsible adults.
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter PRIMARY END OF TERM AWARDS
LEARNER OF THE TERM AWARDS
PREP:
Consistently challenging herself in all learning areas and being a positive role model to her peers by sharing her enthusiasm for learning.
Prep A
Emmy D
Making a great effort to produce work to the best of his ability and challenge himself in his writing.
Prep B
Danny B
YEAR ONE:
1A
Ysabella P
1B
Marlee M
YEAR TWO:
For making a great effort to attempt and complete his work to the best of his ability and adopting a respectful attitude, positive mindset, and commitment to doing his best. For consistently challenging his own thinking, approaching tasks with determination, and always putting in his best effort to achieve success with his learning.
2A
Marley T
2B
Hunter B
For showing courage and determination, overcoming challenges with a positive mindset and never giving up, even when she feels afraid.
2C
Elyanna B
YEAR THREE:
For consistently trying her best to make improvements to her learning and listening to her teachers on what she can do to strive for success.
3A
Mackenzie T
For being an incredible friend and an amazing support to others during School Camp. Your kindness, encouragement, and teamwork made camp a memorable and positive experience for everyone.
3B
Ray T
YEAR FOUR:
For consistently applying herself to learning tasks, asking questions, and being a respectful, positive and valued member of the class.
4A
Ria M
For always giving 100% in every learning task and being such an outstanding, positive member of 4B.
4B
Layal B
For consistently taking pride in his work and showing strong determination to succeed in all areas of learning. A true role model, Nestora always gives his best and inspires others through his effort and attitude.
4C
Nestora M
YEAR FIVE:
For your hard work, positive attitude, and fantastic effort have really stood out this term.
5A
Sam P
For making a great effort to overcome challenges with his learning, by making better choices in class and in his work effort.
5B
Elijah T
For making a great effort to challenge herself in her learning by actively seeking feedback and remaining fully engaged.
5C
Annabelle F
YEAR SIX:
For being a dedicated and respectful student who consistently strives for excellence in her work.
6A
Kathy N
For her great effort and skill set during literacy and consistently setting high standards for herself.
6B
Sophie W
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
Respect
Learning
Teamwork
Leadership
Prep
Maylie T
Yasmin N
Harlow P
Alexander S
Year One
Yomal P
Loran M
Jaxyn L
Taona C
Year Two
Ivy L
Xavier P
Hannah T
Luke D
Year Three
Meloreen Q
Rhyder T
Ellie B
Cooper Z
Year Four
Isla J
Rolanda S
Charlie B
Agam S
Year Five
Ajay T
Selena V
Noah MK
Elise S
Year Six
Fletcher U
Tania F
Jonah B
Thomas B
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SPORT SCOREBOARD
SECONDARY INTERSCHOOL SPORTS
This Term, our students proudly represented the College in interschool basketball, one of the most popular sports on our calendar. With strong interest across year levels, it was fantastic to see so many students keen to get on the court and compete. Basketball continues to be a favourite among our Year 7 boys, with two teams entered into competition this Term. Both teams displayed incredible energy, teamwork, and determination throughout their matches. The players gave their very best every time they stepped on the court, never giving up and always holding their heads high, regardless of the result. Their positive attitude and sportsmanship were clear highlights of the day and a great reflection of our school values. Across all year levels, our basketball teams showed skill development, persistence, and a strong sense of teamwork. Students supported each other both on and off the court, making this Term a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all involved. A big thank you goes to our staff coaches and student coaches who dedicated their time and energy to training sessions and game days. Your guidance, encouragement, and support are vital to the success of our sporting program, and we appreciate your commitment. Congratulations to all students who represented the College this Term in basketball – you should be very proud of your efforts.
PRIMARY INTERSCHOOL SPORTS
Another eventful term has passed by our sporting students on Primary. As I type this, we have 5 students lined up to compete in division athletics after winning through at District level.
Good luck to:
Kyle W – shot put, 100m
Jerusha – Shot Put
Ajay – Shot Put
Siena – Long Jump
Georgina – Discus
Friday morning sport has also brought some wins this Term, with our boys volleyball finishing Premiers and our girls volleyball finishing Runners Up. Awesome effort!
Other Term 3 Friday morning sports included tennis and tee ball.
Finally, we had our Volleyball Gala Day event, where our B boys team finished second on the day.
Overall, a busy and successful Term of sport where our students
represented our college demonstrating our values on a weekly basis.
Well done team!
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter SOCIAL SCENE
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.
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.
Please ensure you and your child are aware of our Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy and that mobile devices include smart watches with the call feature activated 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.
Policies are available to all families via our website http://www.thelakes.edu.au/policies -- reports.html
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter WHAT ’ S ON @ THE LAKES
Breakfast Club on Primary Campus Every Wednesday 8.15am - 8.45am
SEPTEMBER:
Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th
Year 12 Practice Exams
OCTOBER:
WEEK 1
TERM 4 BEGINS!
Monday 6th
School Returns
Wednesday 8th
VCE Psychology Incursion
Prep Excursion
Friday 10th
5/6 Tennis Gala Day
WEEK 2
Primary Assembly 9.15am in Gym
Monday 13th
WEEK 3
Song Dance & Drama Night ‘ Women in Music ’ (tickets required)
Wednesday 22nd
Friday 24th
Primary Disco
WEEK 4
Primary Assembly 9.15am in Gym
Monday 27th
Year 4 Excursion
Year 12 Exams begin
Tuesday 28th
Year 7 VIA Workshop
Thursday 30th
3/4 Soccer Gala Day
Book Now for Primary or Secondary Tours on
9404 9000
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OFFICE HOURS AT THE LAKES
BELONGINGS, AMBULANCE & INSURANCE
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.
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.
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 8:45am 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:
CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND)
•
attempt to contact the parents/carers
•
attempt to contact the emergency contacts
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 2025 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.
•
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.
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.
To update or make changes to your Photographing, Filming and Recording consent, please download and complete this form before returning to the front office.
YEAR 5/6 NOTEBOOK PROGRAM - 2026
2026 Is a Transition Year
Students currently using iPads may continue to do so in 2026 if necessary, but please note that they are no longer considered the best tool for learning at this level. Their limitations in software compatibility and keyboard functionality will impact students' ability to engage fully with learning programs. We strongly recommend all students begin using a Windows notebook as soon as possible.
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 .
Timeline
We understand that this may have a significant impact on families. We will be running information sessions in Semester 2. The purpose of these sessions will be to provide details on differences between the existing iPad program and our new notebook program that aligns with our Secondary program. If you have any immediate concerns or questions please contact the front office and they will forward your queries to the technology team at the college.
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:
Click here for more information.
•
Offer a full desktop computing experience
•
Support keyboard proficiency and multitasking
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.
•
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 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
CANTEEN ORDERS This year the school canteen is offering lunch orders through the Flexischools app.
Scan the code to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College. Orders need to be in by 9am on the day.
Follow the steps below to setup an account and select The Lakes South Morang College.
CAMP AUSTRALIA
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Do not forget to sign your Glasses for Kids Consent forms!
Glasses for Kids staff and optometrists will visit our school and offer students who provide consent with initial vision screening and if required, further testing and glasses for FREE ! You must return your Consent Form and Optometrist Questionnaire to school to participate in the program. To find out more about the Glasses for Kids program, visit https://stateschoolsrelief.org.au/programs/glasses-for-kids-program/
Questions? Speak to your teacher or school contact today.
COLLEGE CONTRIBUTIONS
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL – EVERY CONTRIBUTION COUNTS! If you haven ’ t yet paid this year ’ s voluntary or elective levies, we kindly ask you to reconsider.
WHY IT MATTERS
High performing schools are built on one key strength - the parent/carer - school partnership. Our College proudly offers some of the lowest levies in the state—heavily subsidised to make education accessible for all. But to maintain and improve the quality of your child ’ s experience, your contribution makes a real difference and underpins our pillar to enhance school pride at every opportunity.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT HAS HELPED FUND
Primary Campus
Secondary Campus
Across Both Campuses
•
•
•
A brand new synthetic oval
Gym and classroom painting
Upgraded air conditioning in classrooms
•
•
Refurbished student toilets
New bin lifters and goal posts
•
Enhanced security systems
• Smart TVs with faster connectivity in classrooms
• New exam centre and computer lab
•
New accessibility ramps
•
A vibrant new art room
•
Internal painting and lighting upgrades
• Significant technology upgrades
•
Communication system improvements, including a move to Compass
THE BIGGER PICTURE
PAYING YOUR LEVIES
Smaller Class Sizes: We continue to prioritise smaller class sizes to ensure more personalised learning and better outcomes. Enrichment & Leadership Opportunities: From camps to student leadership programs, we ’ ve maintained a wide range of offerings that many other schools have had to scale back.
1.
Visit your Compass Portal
2.
Click on Payments Centre
30%
Click on 2025 Curriculum Contributions
3.
LOOKING AHEAD
•
Opening of an onsite Kindergarten in 2026
•
Planned refurbishment of the Technology Centre on the Secondary campus
Your support helps us deliver on our commitment to high standards and school pride. If you ’ re in a position to contribute, please support our College community as we head into the second half of the year.
•
Ongoing transition to energy - efficient LED lighting
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
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/carers 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: 9404 9000 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
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker