Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

‘Empowering students for learning and life’

As the term and year comes to a close, it is worth reflecting on the many wonderful events that have taken place in the 11 weeks that have made up this Term 4. 

We have celebrated with our Year 12 students and their families at our Valedictory/Graduation  Dinner; we have acknowledged and commended those students who work hard and try their very best at our Endeavours Awards ceremony; Christmas Dances and performance at our local shopping centre; the Melbourne Football Club running clinics for our students interested in AFL; the Rugby League representatives working with our Rugby Academy group, election process for our 2020 School Captains; our Senior Students undergoing exams followed by an Orientation program in readiness for the start of 2020; a meet and greet by the Leadership team for incoming Year 7 students and their families; to name just a few of the many events that have occurred this term.  I must also mention our final Awards Presentation Ceremony that will be held on Tuesday 17th of December, to celebrate our students’ Academic Achievements.  Our College is always busy with many happenings and there is much to celebrate in what has been another successful year.  Our College Yearbook provides highlights of our 2020 school year.

The high expectations motto that underpins all our values is evident in all that we do at Lyndhurst.

This is evident, not only in the great achievements we have made academically, in the sporting field, the arts, community work, the list goes on, but more importantly in the atmosphere and culture at Lyndhurst, which generates a sense of belonging, working together, supporting each other to achieve our very best.

Our College review that took place in Term 1 of this year, highlighted the positive culture and community feel at Lyndhurst.  High Expectations and connection got the College community by all was evident.

Our parent community, our school council, our staff and most importantly our students all play a significant role in creating the culture in our school and for the great improvements and achievements we have made at the College over the last few years, which we have continued to build upon in 2019.   Thank you to everyone.

As we head into the last two weeks of the school year, our students are finalising assessments, staff are busy writing reports and our senior students are completing their exams and undergoing an orientation program to support them in their transition into their successive school year.

We are now eagerly awaiting the Year 12 VCE results which are released this evening, 11th of December, and we wish all of our students the very best and we will be working with them during the last week of term to support them in accessing the best pathway to achieving their goals.

Special Congratulations

On 9th of December, we had the first of our Awards ceremonies - these were our Endeavour Awards.  At this ceremony, we had the privilege of applauding those students who work hard, do their very best, model positive behaviours, support others and participate in a range of activities.  It was great to see many parents/carers and family members in attendance and their pride as their students received their reward.  A special mention must be made of all the staff who diligently and tirelessly worked behind the scenes to organise and create an event celebrating our students’ endeavours.

Staffing Updates

I wish to acknowledge the staff who will be leaving at the end of the year, Ms Claire De Niese  who has worked at Lyndhurst for a number of years, leading our Drama and Performing Arts program creating a lot of  opportunities for our students to showcase their talents.  Claire is moving onto St Margaret’s College.  Mr Troy Ryan joined us this year and has contributed to both the PE and Maths department, and he is now moving on to Sydney. I would like to thank them for their dedication and work done for our students and our College and wish them all the very best in their new endeavours.  We have 6 new staff joining us in 2020, including a Leading Teacher who will be overseeing the Year 8 students.  We still undergoing the recruitment process for some of the vacancies which we hope to finalise by end of the school year.  Details of new staff will be provided in the first newsletter in 2020.

Key Dates

Please note that the summer holiday break commences on Friday 20th December (1.30pm finish).

The 2020 school year will commence for Year 7 and 12 students only and new students to the College on Thursday 30th of January.   The rest of the College, Year 8 – 11 will commence school on Friday 31st of January.  This will support the transition of our new Year 7 students to the College.   Tuesday 28h and Wednesday 29th January will be student free days for the College, where staff will be undertaking professional learning and getting ready for the 2020 school year.   We will also have an additional student free day on February 20th.  

We expect all students to be ready and willing to do their very best for the year ahead.

Information regarding the book sale and office hours prior to this date are published on our website.

Please note that the office is closing at 2:30pm on Friday 20th December (the last day of the school year).

I wish all members of our College community a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Konnie Prades

Principal