by Rosina Fotia, Principal

2021 has been another busy and productive school year. It is difficult to believe that this is the final newsletter for the school year. December has been very productive with students engaged in classroom and extra-curricular activities. While the College is busy preparing for the 2022 school year, many programs and activities have continued to be prepared and delivered to students still at the College.

Learning Focus

December has been a busy and exciting time for all. The focus on student learning has been unwavering at this time of year with students undertaking end of year examinations, assessments and many students completing their Individual Learning Plans in preparation for the upcoming academic year. In addition to this, students from Years 9, 10 and 11 have completed at least one week of the “UP” program where they have officially transitioned into the next school year. Additionally, there has been a range of engaging activities occurring at lunchtimes during this month. These activities have included: Music concert, testing of icy-pole stick bridges designed and built in Year 7 Maths, playing the games designed and built in Year 8 Maths, Pride Club and catch-up and homework help clubs. Thank you to all those students and staff involved in making a success of the opportunities.

The Class of 2021

Farewell to the class of 2021, your contribution to the College community whether it be in the academic, sporting, arts or performing arts fields throughout your time has been much appreciated. Whether you move on to employment, training on further studies, College staff and Council would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future.

2021 College Dux

Congratulations to the Dux of the school for 2021, Kai Mayne. Kai finished with a score which places her the top 12 percent of 45,000 Year 12 students in the state. This is an outstanding achievement.

Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Award

Congratulations to Aimee Norris of Year 11 who is the recipient of the 2021 Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Award. Aimee was selected from a significant number of high calibre entries from across the state. She will receive a substantial sponsorship from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The sponsorship is designed to support Aimee with continued engagement in her educational journey. Well done Aimee!

Duke of Edinburgh

Congratulations to Clare Rayner who has again been recognised for her contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh Program. Clare continues to go above and beyond in her drive to enrol as many students as possible into the international program. Clare has been officially recognised for her achievements in the Award Leader role at Lilydale Heights College. Well done Clare!

Awards Night

This College event was held on the afternoon of December 6th. This ceremony is the highpoint of the academic school year for students in Years 7 to 11. Awards are presented for academic distinction to students who have worked well ahead of their expected levels. Students who have contributed significantly to the College through Sport, Music and Leadership in the SIRC were also acknowledged on the night. In addition, we also presented awards to students who have shown a strong commitment to the College Values and contributed to the wider school community. Congratulations to all award recipients; your commitment to personal excellence and outstanding achievements are a credit to you all.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal’s awards for consistently demonstrating achievement above the expected standard in alignment with the College Values of Excellence, Respect and Responsibility.

• Year 7          Ivy Connor
• Year 8          Alasdair Norris
• Year 9          Athena Rose Marana
• Year 10        Laura Dangaard
• Year 11        Sarah Rice

Orientation Day

On December 7th, we welcomed the 2022 Year 7 cohort to the College. Students gathered in the performance centre where they were formally welcomed, before being whisked away to meet teachers, familiarise themselves with the College grounds and, most importantly, begin to develop new lifelong relationships. Congratulations and thank you to all students and staff who contributed to the success of the day.

Community Outreach Week Year 9 Fundraiser

Year 9 Community Outreach Week this year was another great success. The aim of this week is to provide students with an opportunity to give back to their community at a time when needed the most. Students identified “Backpacks4VICKids” as the organisation that they wanted to support. This organisation provides disadvantaged youth with backpacks filled with school equipment, clothing and gifts for the upcoming school year. Students planned a series of fundraising activities which included: egg and coffee breakfast for staff, a coffee and cake session for families, biscuits in a box for purchase and the sale of hand-made and decorated planter boxes and pots. After a busy week, the students, supported by the wonderful Year 9 team of teachers, raised over $1,200. An amazing result!! Congratulations to all involved.

Reports

End of Semester Reports are now able to be accessed by parents/guardians online. The aim of the report is to indicate to parents/guardians the progress your student has made over the semester period. Reports will give you an indication of how well your student is progressing and summarise the major assessment tasks completed by students this semester. Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you are unable to access your child’s reports.

School resumes for students on February 1st, 2022.

On behalf of the College Council and Staff at Lilydale Heights College, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of the College and, most importantly, the students in our care. Together we have worked to make the most of the opportunities presented to us and, collectively, we have done a remarkable job.

We wish you all a very restful and safe festive season.