by Rosina Fotia, Principal

As I arrived at school earlier this week, I was greeted by a spectacular sunrise. At the end of a busy and challenging term for many in our community, I took a quiet moment to reflect on the wonderful setting we have at Lilydale Heights College and remind myself that every day is a new beginning.

Learning Focus

The College has shifted swiftly and seamlessly to the new COVID-19 restrictions and back out of them. I am proud of the professionalism shown by all staff members and our unwavering focus on teaching and learning. This is where we can make the biggest difference to student outcomes.

As the term nears an end, the focus is definitely on assessment and moderation. Middle School and Year 11 students are completing end of semester exams. This examination period has played a vital role in helping students track their knowledge, alleviate anxiety related to timed examinations, develop confidence in their abilities and organisation, as well as consolidate their understandings. Supplementing this, teams of teachers are meeting to cross mark each others’ work. This ensures that there is consistency in marking from teacher to teacher and builds teacher capacity to design and assess core work.

Storm Damage

The College was fortunate that no major damage was incurred during recent storms. We are aware that some members of our College community were and continue to be impacted. We wish them the very best and hope that the situation is rectified shortly. The College continued to operate and was pleased to be able to hand over the new stadium facility as a drop in point for local families who were in need of access to hot showers and power for charging devices. It is important that we use resources available to us to support those in need whenever possible.

Reporting

Student end of semester reports have been opened to parents and students during the last week of this term. These reports provide a summary of all Common Assessment Tasks (CATs), School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and examination results for this semester. A reminder that individual feedback on strengths and areas for improvement are provided continuously throughout the semester.

Camps Update

In response to COVID and in order to maximise participation, the following decisions were made regarding planned camps. The Central Australia Tour was postponed and will now depart at the end of Term 3 (September).

Additionally, the Music Camp has been cancelled and a two day workshop will be undertaken by Music students on site during Week 1 of Term 3.

It’s not ok to be away…. nor to be late for school

When children miss school, not only is their academic progress impeded, forcing them to catch up on missed work, they often miss important interactions with their peers which can compound issues of social isolation and low self-esteem.

Please contact the school if your child is absent or you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance.

Please note that the first day of Term 3 will be Tuesday July 13.