by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Another term has ended, the days are longer and the weather is warmer (slightly). 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

Staff at the College have continued to work on the introduction of Substantive Talk as a focus in developing literacy skills in students, while the Numeracy team has continued to look at the importance of connecting with Numeracy across all teaching areas.

Senior students have prepared for and sat practice examinations. They will also be attending VCE master revision classes over the term break. Year 8 students have once again attended the Yarra Ranges Technical School facility.

The College has also be successful in obtaining a $4,800 grant for a Maker Space Program. Congratulations to Shannon Sargeant and Michael Waddell for their work in preparing the application for submission. This money will be used to purchase equipment to be used by students in the Science and Technology areas. The purpose of the equipment is to help teachers create a collaborative environment where students can create something out of nothing and expand their own interests and skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Educational Psychologist

Lilydale Heights College has recently secured the services of a Child Psychologist. Sarah Padbury, who is AHPRA and Medicare registered will be operating out of the school on a part-time basis.

Parents who are looking for support for students with:

• anxiety & stress
• panic
• depression
• grief & loss
• friendship or bullying issues
• dealing with parental separation or family conflict
• anger and low frustration tolerance
• transition from primary to secondary school

are encouraged to access their GP for a referral which can then be forwarded to Mrs Emily Gerson, Student Engagement and Wellbeing Leader at the College. Sarah can then meet fortnightly with your child and work to provide them with practical strategies and tools to support them to manage their feelings, thoughts and emotions and help them understand how this affects their behaviour.

All students will be bulk billed.

Please do not hesitate to contact Emily Gerson on 9735 1133 if you have any further queries regarding this initiative.

Middle School Wellbeing Day

Students in Years 9 and 10 participated in a Student Wellbeing Day on Friday, 8 September. Students joined in a series of workshops designed to increase self-awareness and build understanding in key areas. These areas included Consumer Affairs awareness, Cybersafety and online responsibilities and Financial Literacy. Workshops were presented by external facilitators who are specifically trained in delivering the most current information to young people in our community. Congratulations to the Middle School Team and to Ms Riazati for her vision and organisation.

Yarra Group Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to our team of 26 students who competed in the Yarra Group Athletics on 5 September. The carnival proved to be very successful for Lilydale Heights students. Overall results had the Junior School placed 3rd, Intermediate School placed 6th and the Senior School placed 4th. This had Lilydale Heights College finishing 4th out of the nine competing schools. This is an outstanding result given our student population.

The following students came 1st in their events and will now represent the College and the Yarra Group at the Eastern Metropolitan Region Athletics Carnival on 13 October. We wish them every success.

• Lucy Lamond – Under 14 100m
• Zane Wheeler – Under 16 High Jump
• Will Spencer - Under 13 200m
• Rickeylee Brown – Under 17 Javelin and 400m
• Tyler Weeks – Under 17 Shot Put, Discus and Javelin
• Rachel Theobald – Under 20 High Jump
• Bridey Withers – Under 13 Shot Put and Discus
• Phaelin Senior – Under 14 Shot Put
• Cambell Wyss – Under 13 400m
• Jai Reed – Under 15 1500m

Debutante Ball

The Lilydale Heights College Debutante Ball was held on Friday, 8 September at The Grand Receptions in Wantirna. Twenty 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. 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 Bill Parlet, President of the Rotary Club of Lilydale, and his wife who attended as special guests of honour.