From the Secondary Principal Team 

Senior School at The Lakes has been abuzz this fortnight with Year 11 exams and Year 12 Step Up week. All students involved showed focus and diligence during their examinations, followed up by a week of excitement and preparation as they enter VCE Units 3 & 4 of their studies. Next week we will see the Year 11 Step Up week commence, and look forward to students beginning their VCE and VCAL pathways. 

This week, the Instrumental Music program held a lunchtime concert celebrating the skills and talents of all students involved. This event was a very special given that restrictions over the last two years have impacted so heavily on the Performing Arts right across our state. It was a pleasure to be able to once again use the Arts to bring students together and connect.

Leadership, one of our school values, is a characteristic that we strive to develop in all learners across the College. This week, applications have closed for the first round of formal Student Leadership positions for 2022. The initial round involved students applying for the positions of School Captain (two positions at Year 12), Vice-Captain (two positions at Year 11) and Peer Support Leaders (eight positions at Year 10). A panel will shortlist the applications ahead of an interview process that will begin next week. Early next year the second round of positions will open for the Student Representative Council (eight positions across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10) and House Captains (eight positions at Year 9).

We have some exciting news to share on the Secondary Campus. Marta from Year 7 participated in the 2021 round of the Victorian High Achievers Program, and her outstanding work in this area resulted in an invitation to have her work published. Additionally, Michaella from Year 10 has been the inaugural Lakes recipient of the University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. Michaella was one of 1500 applicants and was successful based on her academic achievements and community involvement. Michaella will join a supportive University community and peer network through a tailored program of events and activities over the next two years.

As mentioned last week, our aim to strengthen our connection to Aboriginal culture and knowledge systems continues to grow. Our Dreamtime mural, painted by Simone Thomson, has been installed on the Secondary Campus. The mural depicts both Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow. Around the Campus we have been building our indigenous garden beds, along with the development of a Bush Tucker Garden that will provide produce to support our Food Technology program. Students have been instrumental in these projects, building garden beds and planters, clearing vegetation and planting the indigenous plants.

As we race towards the end of the term, it is time for us to say happy holidays to our Year 11s finishing this week and our Year 10s finishing next week. At the same time we look forward to welcoming our incoming 2022 Year 7 cohort, who will all be onsite for their Transition Day on December 7th.

Bill and Bonnie