by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Learning Focus/Professional Learning

The recent Curriculum Day saw teachers refining Semester 2 unit plans and embedding writing-to-learn strategies in the curriculum as part of the College’s literacy plan. These strategies are highly effective in improving students’ subject knowledge as well as their writing skills.

Teachers of English, Mathematics and Science also began planning for changes to the Middle School curriculum in 2018, aimed at enhancing students’ skill development through Years 9 and 10 as well as their pathways into Senior School.

Lilydale Education Plan

Thank you to those family and community members who have contributed to the Lilydale and Upper Yarra Education Plan through a series of consultation events. The plan will help transform education in Lilydale and Upper Yarra and invigorate secondary education at Lilydale Heights, Lilydale High and Upper Yarra Secondary College. This is a rare chance to directly influence and help shape the future of your community. With your ideas, perspective and feedback we can develop an Education Plan that is tailored to the needs of the Lilydale and Upper Yarra communities.

Science Family Night and Athena Mission

The long anticipated Athena Mars Mission at the College was the highlight of the Science Family Night held on Thursday, 17 August. The well attended evening included many opportunities for young members of our school community to try science first hand. Congratulations to Shannon Sargeant and Terry Payne for all of their work.

China Sister School Visit

Seven students and one teacher from Kunshan Yushan Middle School in Jiangsu Province arrived in the College on 4 August and spent one week with our students. The students were completely immersed in school life and described their experience as “positive, fun and exciting”.

Thanks must be forwarded to all the host families and staff that made this invaluable experience possible.

Respectful Relationships

The unacceptably high rates of family violence, in particular violence against women and their children, are well documented. The Government is investing $21.8 million over two years to roll out a holistic approach to Respectful Relationships across schools and early childhood services. This approach will support the delivery of respectful relationships education, through the new Victorian Curriculum across all year levels. Lilydale Heights College is committed to honouring this program and has joined a partnership with Yarra Hills SC as its supporting school. SELF classes will be the forum for the delivery of this program.

Music Success

Congratulations to the Intermediate Concert Band for their Silver Award and to the Senior Concert Band for their Bronze Award at the recent Victorian Schools Music Festival. These talented musicians are to be congratulated for their efforts and commitment to excellence in Music. Congratulations must also be forwarded to all their instrumental music teachers and to Mr Barker for his leadership. Well done everyone!

College Production

This year’s College Production has been an outstanding success. This can be attributed to the commitment and collaboration between College staff and students. The Lilydale Heights interpretation of “The Wizard of Oz” has been exceptional. The production has involved over 70 students and many staff. Well done to all who have participated, supported or been audience members for this successful venture down the “Yellow brick road”.

Congratulations too, to our senior Food Studies students who have planned, and produced an amazing array of goodies to be sold during production week as well as catering to visitors in the “The Emerald City Café”.

Again, the outstanding commitment of staff at the College has been a significant factor in the success of the programs and the creation of additional opportunities for our students.

Well done to Mr McKenzie, Ms Meara, Ms Francis, Ms Wilkins and all other staff involved.