by Rosina Fotia, Principal

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly Term 4 passes. With only a few weeks remaining in the school year, Lilydale Heights College remains a very busy and active place. Much planning is currently being undertaken to ensure that the 2016 school year winds down smoothly and that preparations for the 2017 school year are well in hand.

Learning Focus

Staff at the College have been focussing on literacy and numeracy in the classroom throughout the whole of this year. Teams of teachers have been working on identifying and implementing evidence based strategies which will enhance student learning outcomes. These teams have participated in high level Professional Development activities supported by the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership. The work of these teams forms the foundation for supporting learning in all of our classrooms. The 2017 school year will see some reorganisation of the structure of the day for students and staff. The College will move to a four period per day / two week timetable structure. This reorganisation will minimise time lost moving between classes and allow more flexibility in subject offerings for students.

eSmart Accreditation

Lilydale Heights College has recently acquired eSmart School accreditation. The eSmart Schools Framework is designed to help schools improve cyber safety and reduce cyber bullying and bullying. eSmart accreditation is given to schools which provide evidence of policies, practices and whole-school change processes that support the creation of a cyber safe or eSmart environment. Congratulations to Mr Terry Payne and the eSmart Committee on all their work.

Victoria Police concerns around harm occurring to young people

We have received information from Victoria Police about local ‘pop-up’ parties and social gatherings being organised via social media which are unsafe for the young people attending. These parties are being hosted in private homes, abandoned buildings and public halls across south-eastern and eastern Melbourne.

Victoria Police acknowledges that many young people are also attending safe parties but have requested that we pass on this information regardless. However, Victoria Police has made a number of recommendations to ensure young people can safely attend local gatherings:

• Talk to your children and be mindful of where they are;
• Be vigilant around monitoring all of your child’s social media accounts (consider there may be multiple accounts) and look online at any events your child wants to attend;
• Investigate any party your child is attending, and be satisfied of where your child is and who they are with. If a party location is unknown one or two weeks prior to a party date, this may be of concern.
• Underage alcohol drinking and drug use is not recommended.

Students with any wellbeing concerns or issues are encouraged to speak to our wellbeing team. If you have any information that may assist police, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you are concerned that your child has been the victim of a sexual assault and may require support, please contact Centre Against Sexual Assault on 1800 806 292.

Year 12 Exams and Valedictory

This month saw the final Year 12 exam completed and we formally farewelled our Class of 2016 at the College Valedictory Dinner. I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the Year 12 class of 2016 on their contribution to the College and congratulate them on completing their formal education. We wish them every success for the future. Congratulations must also be forwarded to the families, friends and staff who have supported them throughout their journey.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day in Australia is dedicated to Australians who died as a result of war, particularly from World War I onwards. The College marked this significant day with a minute of silence across the whole school. On a wider community level, Jonathan Burgham and Ruby Moran represented the College at the RSL service held in Lilydale. Our students laid a wreath on behalf of the College community but also on behalf of the Honorable Tony Smith, Member for Casey.

Music Showcase

The highlight of the Instrumental Music Program is the annual End of Year Showcase. This year was no exception. The evening showcased the talent and growth of all of our Instrumental students. Playing to a filled Karralyka Theatre, each ensemble performance was executed perfectly and enjoyed by all. Congratulations to all students involved; your commitment to excellence in musical performances has been outstanding. Well done to Mr Veevers and the Instrumental Team!