by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Learning Focus

Learning Focus has been on examinations and On Demand Testing as a part of our assessment schedule. On Demand Testing allows students and staff to check student growth in literacy and numeracy throughout this year. Students have been completing Progression Tasks and Common Assessment Task across all subject areas.

The final VCAA exams were held this month and Middle School students have completed their examination period as well. Staff are busily finalising assessment tasks in preparation for end of year reporting. These reports will be available to parents on Friday December 13.

Visit from Minister of Education

The Minster of Education visited the school on November 22. This was an opportunity for the Lilydale and Upper Yarra Education Plan members to share achievement milestones and to discuss progress regarding upcoming building works at the College. We thank the Minister for his time.

Remembrance Day

I escorted two Year 11 students, Lachlan and Eden, to the Lilydale Cenotaph on November 11. The students placed a wreath on behalf of the College community. Meanwhile, Sinead led the minute’s silence held here at the College.

Duke of Edinburgh

Clare Rayner, teacher at Lilydale Heights College, was this week officially recognised for her contribution to the International Duke of Edinburgh Program. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, accessed by students in over 144 countries worldwide, is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. The Award pushes young people to their personal limits by challenging them to develop a sense of community spirit and responsibility for themselves and others. Clare was one of only eight state wide recipients of an award, acknowledging her contributions to the lives of many young Australians, both locally and whilst working overseas. Clare’s award was presented to her at a function hosted by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp, at the Melbourne Town Hall earlier this month.

Valedictory Dinner

Congratulations to the class of 2019 on their Valedictory Dinner. A wonderful formal evening was held and enjoyed by all. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the past 13 years of schooling, remember fun times, laugh at challenging times and farewell those who have supported them throughout the last six years. We wish them all the very best.

Year 7 2020 BBQ

A welcome BBQ for incoming parents and students was held on Saturday November 16, as a part of our Transition Program with families. Those present were provided with brief information about College priorities including the Mobile Phone Policy and Independent Reading, while students had the opportunity to meet new people. Thank you to those involved.

Victoria Road Primary School

Congratulations to Victoria Road Primary School on the official opening of their new buildings. I was honoured to be present at their opening ceremony and it was a delight to see the wonderful new facilities our local primary students now have access to.

Mobile Phones Banned from 2020

In June of this year, The Minster for Education, The Honourable James Merlino, announced that from 2020 mobile phones will be banned in all government schools. 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 state-wide 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 moment they arrive on school grounds until they leave at the end of the day. Students will be reminded regularly of the new arrangements and the College Mobile Phone Policy will be available on the College website before the end of this year.

It’s NOT OK to be AWAY

Encouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child get better learning outcomes, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of graduating from high school and transitioning to further study, traineeships or full time employment. When students are absent for fewer days, their results and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community and develop important social skills and friendships. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school and would like some support, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant sub-school Learning Leader on 9735 1133.