by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Welcome

I would like to welcome everyone from the school community to the 2018 school year. I trust that everyone had a safe and restful summer break and are ready for the upcoming year. The school year has started smoothly, students have settled quickly and the focus in the classroom has moved to improving learning outcomes. We have also officially welcomed all our new staff and students at a whole school assembly. A special welcome must be extended to our 120 year 7 students and their families.

Welcome to the following staff who have also joined the outstanding team at Lilydale Heights College:

• Courtney Croxford, Adolescent Health Nurse
• Chris Ferre, Head of Music
• Daniela Gentile, Mathematics/Science
• Tessa Henley, Food Technology/Science
• Jaimee Holten, English
• Rose Lahza, Quicksmart
• Louise Martin, Physical Education
• Jeremy Ng, Mathematics/Science
• Catherine Rafferty, Student Support
• Jodie Smith, Mathematics

2018 Learning Focus

The main focus areas in terms of students learning outcomes were developed during 2017 and were outlined to staff at the beginning of this school year. The college priorities this year include:

• Improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students
• Improving curriculum and assessment practices
• Increasing students level of active engagement in learning
• Building student capacity to become more resilient, self-reflective learners and productive global citizens

In addition to this, the College will undertake a Strategic Plan Review this year and will work with all community stakeholders to develop is focus for the coming four years.

College Contacts

Following is a list of key staff members within the school who you may contact regarding your child’s progress. Whilst every effort will be made to provide immediate contact, these staff members do have teaching allotments and may not always be available when you call. Please leave a message and they will endeavour to contact you as soon as mutually convenient. Contact can be made by calling the office on 9735 1133.

• Bryce Denny, Head of Junior School
• Henry Lees, Year 7 Liaison
• Fariba Riazati, Year 8 Liaison
• Michelle Gaudion, Head of Middle School
• Tessa Henley, Year 9 Liaison
• Shannon Sargeant, Year 10 Liaison
• Tim Wright, Head of Senior School
• Emma Steeper, Year 11 Liaison
• Lesley Sutherland, Year 12 Liaison
• Emily Gerson, Student Wellbeing and Engagement
• Tim Chapman, Head of Curriculum

College Leaders 2018

Congratulations to the following students who have been nominated as College leaders for 2018. These students have been selected because they display skills and attributes that the Lilydale Heights community values. These values include: a willingness to achieve their best: EXCELLENCE, RESPECT for themselves and others and a capacity to accept the RESPONSIBILITY for their own actions.

Term One Key Dates

There are some significant events which need highlighted to families before the next newsletter. Please see below.

• Year 12 Soaring Start Camp, Wednesday February 7 - Friday February 9
• College Photos, Monday February 19
• Catch-up photos, Thursday February 22
• Swimming carnival, March 1 (Croydon Memorial Pool)
• Curriculum Day, Friday March 9 (Student free day)

College events can also be accessed on the Compass calendar.

Child Psychologist

Lilydale Heights College has 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 this year.

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 Ms 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 impacts upon 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.

Child Safe Standards

Legislation introduced by the Victorian Government which took effect from January 2017 ensures organisations that deal with children have appropriate and consistent measures in place to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse. The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all organisations that provide services to children including Victorian schools. The aim of the Standards is to ensure organisations are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect. Relevant resources for parents and students can be found at: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safety or by contacting the college office.

Thankyou again and we look forward to a productive and successful school year.

Regards and best wishes,

Rosina Fotia

Parents will receive regular communication through the College newsletter on the last Friday of each month. The College newsletter can also be accessed via the compass portal and on the College website.