by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Welcome

I would like to welcome everyone from the school community to the 2019 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 140 year 7 students and their families.

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

• Ms Alison Bieber, Science and Japanese
• Mr Jacob DeKunder, English and Media
• Ms Juliet Honey, Careers Education
• Ms Lara Kinder, English and VCAL
• Mr Troy McGown, Mathematics and PE
• Mr Shane O’Connor, Product and Design
• Ms Jane Scobie, English
• Ms Kendall Seath, English
• Ms Sonya Tamos, Educational Support
• Ms Shenae Whitfield, Health and Humanities

2019 Learning Focus

The College undertook a Strategic Review during 2018 and has now determined its core focus for the next four years.

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

• Improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students
• Actively engaging all students in their learning by developing an aspirational culture.

Key strategies which will be used to support attainment of the goals will include:

• Establishing and implementing a guaranteed and viable curriculum
• Developing, embedding and evaluating the implementation of a whole school instructional model.
• Implementing a whole school approach to the inclusion of opportunities for student agency in all learning programs.
• Enhancing engagement with parents and the school community.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive, whole school pathways and careers program to enhance student aspirations.
• Embedding the school vision and values in all school practices to enhance the culture and raise expectations for all learners.
• Establishing a culture of students’ aspirational goal setting which are monitored and progress is evaluated.

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
• Troy McGown, Year 9 Liaison
• Lara Kinder, Year 10 Liaison
• Tim Wright, Head of Senior School
• Daniella Gentile, Year 11 Liaison
• Lesley Sutherland, Year 12 Liaison
• Emily Gerson, Student Wellbeing and Engagement
• Tim Chapman, Head of Curriculum

Attendance- 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 results, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of completing Year 12. But when students are absent for an average of just two days of school per month—even when the absences are excused– it can have a negative impact. Students who attend school regularly feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to complete Year 12, setting them up for a strong future.

Parents are required to advise the College of student absences on 9735 7040.

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 6- Friday February 8
• College Photos, Monday February 18
• Catch-up photos, Thursday February 21
• Swimming carnival at Croydon Memorial Pool, Thursday February 28
• Curriculum Day / Student free day, Tuesday February 19

College events can also be accessed on the Compass calendar.

College Building Works

The detailed design process for the $8,000,000 building works is now complete and the project will go to tender in the next few weeks. Works will include a sustainability centre, establishment of a town centre and erection of a new indoor sports stadium. It is anticipated that building works will commence in term 2.

Child Psychologist (Sarah Padbury)

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.

Our Pact- Parental Control and GPS family locator

Our Pact is a breakthrough screen time parental control app, app blocker, website blocker GPS locator, kid tracker and family locator that enables parents to manage their family's screen time and locate family members. This free app has come highly recommended and supports families with the management of screen time for their children.

Thank you again and we look forward to a productive and successful school year. Regards and best wishes

Rosina Fotia,

PRINCIPAL

*Parents will receive regular communication through the online 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.