by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Learning Focus.

Term 3 has an uninterrupted focus on teaching and learning. Students are busy in all classes where teachers are actively involved in challenging their learning and developing environment, where students are encouraged to extend themselves.

Curriculum Day was held on August 13 for teachers. Teachers worked collaboratively to revise and update Semester 1 and Semester 2 curriculum plans. This work included refining Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) and School Assessed Coursework tasks (SACs), as well as developing ideas for increasing student voice and agency in curriculum design and assessment. Another focus for staff was the development of a concrete set of consistent resource guides such as essay templates, research hints and report models for students to use in each faculty area.

Careers and 2020 Subject Selections

Information Evening for all prospective 2020 students to assist in making informed decisions about selection of electives and options for their Middle & Senior School programs was held this month. Students received further information at a Year Level Assembly prior to the Information Evening. Following this, students and parents were invited to attend Managed Individual Pathways sessions (MIPS) to assist them in finalising selections for subjects in 2020. These selections determine which subjects will be offered in the 2020 school year. Thank you to the staff who have given their time to support students and their families with this decision making process.

Science Week and Sustainability Resource Smart School Gold Star

Science Week was once again a success with the faculty organising many “science focused events” to celebrate. Staff and students enjoyed exhibitions, quizzes and challenges and immersed themselves in the wonders of science throughout the week. In addition to this, the College has received its first star and recognition as a Resource Smart School. This was honoured with a visit from Sustainability Victoria and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, who commented:

“Lilydale Heights has achieved certification for the one-star awakening under the Resource Smart Schools Program, which indicates very clearly that they are leaders in the field.”

“It’s wonderful to meet with such an innovative, passionate, committed and articulate group of student leaders who are showing, not just through their actions, but through their passion advocacy, how we can go about preserving what we have in our natural environment, encouraging greater project work on initiatives around biodiversity, getting involved in the work at a local level to restore, repatriate and rehabilitate land.”

“As well as making sure that other people know about the importance of better sustainability in practice, that it saves money, that it saves the environment and that it’s also a really important part of tackling climate change.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of the work that’s been undertaken by student leaders including those here at Lilydale Heights College.”

Congratulations to Shannon Sargeant and her Sustainability Team. A job well done!

Attendance

A reminder to parents that daily attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally:

• School participation maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks
• School helps children to develop important skills, knowledge and values that set them up for further learning and participation in their community
• School helps them to make the most of life opportunities

A child missing one day a fortnight will miss four weeks in a year, and more than a year of school by Year 10. It is important that children develop regular attendance habits at an early age.

Mobile Phones 2020

Last month, the Minister for Education James Merlino announced mobile phones will be banned for all students at Victorian State Primary and Secondary Schools from Term 1 2020. The aim of this policy is to reduce distraction, tackle cyber bullying and improve learning outcomes for students.

The policy is being introduced because teachers and parents regularly raise concerns about the use of mobile phones during school hours as a cause of constant distraction in classrooms. Rolling out this statewide policy will provide consistency for principals, teachers, students, parents and school communities.

As part of this new policy, students must switch off their phones and store them securely from the start of the school day until the final bell. When emergencies occur, parents and guardians can reach their child by calling the school.

Music Gold Medal

Congratulations to the Stage Band on their Gold Medal win in the Victorian Schools Music Festival. Much credit must be awarded to Mr Rob Conway for his unwavering leadership and encouragement.

College Production: Fractured

The mind of Mr Peter McKenzie works in many mysterious, creative and inclusive ways. Once again, he has written and produced this year’s College Production. Over 70 students from Years 7 to 12 have been involved in the production this year centred on a series of Fairy Tales. Congratulations to all students who contributed in a variety of capacities from performing onstage, to set design, to costume creation and back stage support. The power of the College Production is its unfailing ability to bring students from all year levels together for one united purpose. Well done to Mr McKenzie and his support team; your passion, care and support for people in our care is priceless. Thanks must also be extended to Ms Francis and her Year 11 Foods class for their themed catering on the evening.