Secondary News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we end another busy and productive semester, it’s a great time to reflect on the achievements, growth and experiences that have shaped the past few months here at Lakeside College.
Highlights of the latter half of this term have included our Winter Soiree, Inter-school table tennis and our Year 9 camp to Cairns.
In the final weeks of this term, teaching and learning have remained the central focus for us, with our wonderful staff continuing to deliver engaging, high-quality programs that support student success.
Our Year 7-11 students recently completed Semester 1 exams, a first for our Middle school students. We wish to congratulate them on the academic progress and growth they have demonstrated in their exams, assessments and projects. Our teachers have also continued to support all students in areas of social and personal development, supporting our learners to build levels of resilience and protective measures that address all key areas of their health and wellbeing needs.
As we head into the school holidays, we encourage our students to take some well-deserved time to rest, recharge and reflect on all that we have been blessed to experience this Semester. For our Year 12 students, the break can also be an opportunity to consolidate learning and prepare for the challenges of the next term, as their academic school year is drawing to a close.
We wish all families a safe and relaxing holiday and look forward to an exciting Semester 2 full of new opportunities and continued success.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Joanne Rothwell Mrs Amanda Trewin
Head of Middle School Head of Senior School
Year 9 Camp - snapshot
Day 1:
Our Year 9 students left bright and early Sunday morning for their exciting adventure in Cairns and what a fun-filled first day they had!
After landing, they headed straight to the Cairns Aquarium where they were treated to an incredible variety of ocean life — hopefully just a sneak peek of what’s to come at the reef on Tuesday!
Students and teachers have settled into a stunning resort that’s all about comfort and relaxation for the week ahead. With sunny skies and a balmy 25 degrees, they capped off the day with a refreshing swim in the beautiful lagoon pool.
Day 2:
Year 9 had an action-packed day 2 exploring the best of Far North Queensland!
First stop: Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where they braved a lagoon boat cruise and watched crocodiles leap out of the water for a feed – an unforgettable sight!
They then cruised along the stunning Northern Beaches to the Daintree Discovery Centre, and explored the rainforest from both above and below the canopy – a magical experience in one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
To finish off the day, they treated themselves at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, sampling unique and delicious flavours.
An amazing day of wildlife, nature, and sweet treats – Year 9 are making memories to last a lifetime!
Day 3:
While Melbourne braved the cold and rain, our Year 9 camp cohort was soaking up sunshine and reef vibes in Far North Queensland!
Spirits were high as students set off on their Great Barrier Reef adventure. With a reserved space on the top deck, they were treated to breathtaking views during the 1.5-hour journey to the Moore Reef Pontoon.
And the pontoon didn’t disappoint! Students jumped straight into an exciting range of activities, including:
🐠 Snorkelling
🚤 Glass-bottom boat rides
🛝 A fun water slide
🔭 An underwater viewing platform
🔬 A guided Marine Biology snorkelling expedition
Our students made the most of every moment and represented our school with pride.
To top it all off, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on the pontoon — the perfect way to recharge after a big morning of adventure.
What a truly memorable day!
Day 4:
What a stunning day for our Year 9s, with sunshine and a perfect 25°C setting the scene for an unforgettable experience on Fitzroy Island!
Students spent the day with Marine Biologists, diving deep into the wonders of the reef.
Activities included:
🐢 A visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
🛶 A fascinating glass bottom boat tour
🌿 Learning about the indigenous culture of the reef and Fitzroy Island
🌊 Exploring how experts are working to protect the reef from cyclone damage
There was also time for snorkelling, swimming and enjoying the beautiful island surroundings.
To cap off the day, students headed into Cairns Night Market for dinner and some souvenir shopping.
A long and busy day, but truly a memorable one!
Day 5:
What an amazing way for our Year 9s to wrap up their camp!
They started their day on Thursday with a scenic train ride to Kuranda, taking in the spectacular views of the rainforest and waterfalls. Once they arrived, students visited the Rainforest action Nature Park, where they enjoyed an Indigenous dance show. Special shout outs to Emily, Rai and Jai, who bravely volunteered to join in the performance!
Students also had the chance to learn how a didgeridoo is made and played including the meanings behind the different sounds. They also tried their hand at spear throwing and had a go at throwing a boomerang!
Lunch was an incredible Aussie BBQ buffet, complete with a wide range of salads, veggies, meats, vegetarian curry, rice and noodles—something for everyone!
The day ended with a breathtaking Skyrail ride back down the mountain, giving us one last look at the stunning rainforest canopy.
Today, our Year 9s say goodbye to the beautiful Cairns sunshine and return to a wintery Melbourne, just in time to start the Term 2 holidays.
A huge thank you to all our dedicated staff for ensuring every student was safe, supported, and had the opportunity to make unforgettable memories.
Enjoy your well deserved break!