FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Valedictory Dinner

On Wednesday, December 4, Year 12 students, families, and Lilydale High staff gathered at Crown Palladium for a final farewell to our graduates of 2024. It is always a great evening where we acknowledge every student and present awards to those high achievers. 

The School Captains, Zoe Haydon, Charley Reynolds, and Jet James, opened with a speech. The Valedictorians, Connor Nugent, Charley Reynolds, and Olivia Bradshaw, gave a heartfelt speech on behalf of the graduating class. 

2024 School Captains

2024 Valedictorians

We wish the class of 2024 all the very best for their future endeavors and thank them for being part of the story of Lilydale High School.

2024 School Dux

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2024 Dux, Olivia Bradshaw, for her remarkable ATAR achievement of 97.3.

This exceptional accomplishment not only reflects Olivia's intelligence and commitment to her education but also serves as an inspiration to her peers and future students at our school. 

We are incredibly proud of Olivia and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things she will achieve in her future endeavors.

Year Level Award Ceremonies

Congratulations to all students who received awards at our ceremonies held on Friday, November 29, and Friday, December 6. We are very proud of all your achievements this year. 

A comprehensive list of awards for each year level is included on the Sub-School pages, showcasing the exceptional achievements of our students and highlighting their dedication to excellence in learning, resilience in life, and thriving in the community.

Thanks also to the parents and carers who were able to attend the ceremonies; it’s great to have you present to share in the celebrations.

A special mention to the year-level students awarded the Principal's Award;

Year 7  Charlie Glenn

Year 8  Ben Seymour

Year 9  Liam Hartigan

Year 10  Noah De Pedro

Annual Implementation Plan 2025 - Focus

Every year, government schools develop their Annual Implementation Plan that is derived from the four yearly School Strategic Plans. 

Student attendance is still a concern in many schools, and Lilydale High is no exception. Our data revealed that there were too many students with 20 or more days absent. Some were missing one day a week on average. In 2025, there will be a renewed focus, including new processes and policies in place to continue to address this trend.

Research from both Monash and Melbourne Universities has found that regular non-attendance at school can be linked to:

• Low academic outcomes
• Difficulties with peer relationships and friendships
• Difficulties with the transition from school to post-secondary education and training
• Increased risk of poor physical and mental health

The relevant information will be sent out at the beginning of 2025; we will also be briefing students on their return to school.

Recent Camps/Tours

The recent Queensland trip for a group of our basketball players was a huge success, as was the USA trip that returned last Saturday. 

My thanks to the students who represented LHS exceptionally well and to the staff who made these trips something that the students will remember for a lifetime.

Orientation Day

The statewide orientation day was held on Tuesday, December 10, with our new Year 7 students in attendance to meet their new classmates and some of their teachers. 

It was an anxious start for some, but we know that the transition process begins quite early for students these days, thanks to the relationships between primary and secondary schools; this makes the whole process part of the natural progression. 

We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students on Thursday, January 29, 2025.

School Council

School council members met last Monday for the final meeting of 2024. My thanks to all members for their support and contributions this year; I can’t overstate the importance of all you do. 

Farewell to our student members, Zoe Haydon, Charley Reynolds, and Noah Vincent. The role you have played as the voice for students has enabled us to gain insight and understanding of the needs of the school. Thank you for being part of the council, and we wish you well in your future endeavors!

To all LHS families, have a wonderful festive season and a safe and restful summer break. We look forward to seeing students back at the end of January. 

To those families leaving us, thank you for being part of the long history of Lilydale High. We wish you all the very best now and always.

Wendy Powson

Principal