From the Principal

A Year In Reflection and a Time to Look Forward

In reflecting back on 2023 we are reminded of what a great year this has been. Lakeside College continues to attract interest from local families seeking a Christian education for their children. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that, as a relatively small community, we are connected through a common set of values and beliefs. It is our values and beliefs that sustain us through times of challenge, as well as through times of celebration and success. The year 2023 has been a year of significant change for all of us. We have had a change of College Principal and a change in leadership structure impacting upon former significant leadership roles.  It is important to note that our community has supported these transitions so that the changes have taken place smoothly and seamlessly. This is something of which we should all be proud. 

In my first three terms as the Principal of Lakeside College, I have been privileged to get to know more and more of our community, especially our parents and students. I have also been able to work with a fabulous group of teachers and support staff who ensure that our high expectations for student learning and standards of behaviour remains at the highest level. One of the most significant things that took place this year was a review of our Mission, Vision and Values statement. The review of this most significant document involving a great deal of consultation and reflection. The review also required the Lakeside College Board to provide guidance and feedback as to the form and content of our Vision, Mission and Values statement. It now gives me great pleasure to share this with you. 

Mission, Vision and Values

Vision 

To be a school of choice where each student, as a child of God, is known, valued and heard.

Mission Statement

Within a Christian environment, we aim to develop life-long learners who strive for excellence, serve and care for others and work to fulfill their potential.

Learn, Care, Achieve.

We learn together, inspiring life-long learning

We care for ourselves, each other and the wider community

We achieve beyond what we believe possible

We do all this to give glory to God and to serve the world in love

Values

We seek to operate by the values shared by all Lutheran schools in Australia, lived out in our context and community.

Our core values are Compassion, Service, Excellence and Love.

These become the language we use in our community.

Compassion - we show care and consideration for all people, especially those in need of our support

Service - we focus on service and equip each member of our community to support and care for others.

Excellence - we encourage each member of our community to achieve the best of which they are capable

Love - we urge each other to love, just as Christ has loved us.

In comparing this to our previous Mission, Vision and Values statement we can see we have maintained similar themes, but refined the wording. In particular, we surveyed staff to determine the four most valued values. As such, the values of compassion, service, excellence and love should and will underpin all we do as we head into the future. 

Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” The Good News: It is God's desire for us to be kind to one another at all times. We have been chosen to do well for and be well to our sisters and brothers. Let us take this message in our hearts as we immerse ourselves in the holy season of advent, when God’s promise of eternal life is realized through the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

In closing, I wish all of you a holy and happy Christmas. I pray that you all have a restful time over Christmas and have a peaceful and rewarding new year. 

Mr Robert Tassoni

Principal