by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Another term has flown by, the days are longer and the weather is warmer. Lilydale Heights College continues to be an active learning environment where learning and extra curricular opportunities continue to be presented to students by highly committed staff.

Learning Focus

Some staff at the College have continued to work on the introduction of Substantive Talk as a focus in developing literacy skills in students, while others have chosen to focus on Curriculum Design as a means of improving student engagement.
Senior students have prepared for and sat practice examinations. Feedback from these exams provides students with an insight into the areas they need to focus on in preparation for the end of year examination period. Many Year 12 students will also be attending VCE master revision classes over the term break.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are now available for parent and student access via the Compass portal. These reports provide parents and students with an important opportunity to discuss progress and to build communication between parents, students and the College.

Attendance at School

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.

Music Medals

Congratulations to all of the College bands that competed in the Victorian School Bands Festival. This festival provides students and schools with and opportunity to showcase their talents in a state of the art venue as well as learn from the performances from other schools. This year the College won a Gold and Silver medal in competition. Congratulations to all the musicians and to their amazing teachers.

Camps! Camps! Camps!

This month has also seen a diverse array of camp opportunities undertaken by students from across the College.

Year 8 Howqua Camp

Year 8 have returned from a three day camp to Howqua in the High Country. Students spent time engaging in a variety of outdoor activities including horse-riding, zip line, high ropes and various outdoor challenges. Thank you to all students and staff involved in what was a very successful experience for all involved.

Year 9 Warburton Camp

This new Year 9 experience offered a great opportunity for students to learn outside the classroom, develop strong relationships and take part in activities that built resilience and team building skills. Students were provided with a choice of walking or cycling their way to Warburton. After camping overnight they then enjoyed a choice of activities ranging from swimming to visiting the Healesville Sanctuary or the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie before returning to the College.

Ota First Sister School and Japan Visit

This week we farewelled eight students and two staff members as they travel to Japan to spend time at our sister school. Whilst there they will be immersed in Japanese language and culture and attend classes at Ota first high school. After eight days with host families at our sister school they will travel through Japan and return home late September. We wish them safe travels.

Debutante Ball

The Lilydale Heights College Debutante Ball was held on Friday September 7th at The Grand Receptions in Wantirna. 14 couples undertook weeks of dance rehearsal in preparation for what proved to be a very entertaining evening. It is not often that students, parents, friends and community come together, and this event has definitely been a calendar highlight. Congratulations to the organising committee led by Mr Tim Wright and Ms Emma Steeper. Thanks and appreciation are also forward to Mr Ron Haines, President of the Rotary Club of Lilydale and his wife who attended as special guests of honour.

I wish everyone a restful term break. School resumes on Monday October 8th at normal time.