Student Engagement & Management
This term I had the opportunity to attend professional learning with Simon Breakspear, which focused on the importance of listening for understanding.
One of my biggest takeaways was that we don't always need to have the solution to every problem. Sometimes, the most valuable thing we can do is simply listen, ask questions to better understand someone's situation, and let them know they are supported. Whether it's a student, colleague, friend or family member, taking the time to genuinely listen can make a significant difference.
I encourage our school community to think about how we can all become better listeners and continue supporting those around us.
Another topic that has generated plenty of discussion recently is student access to toilets during class time.
Our expectation is that students take responsibility for using the toilet before school, at recess, lunchtime or after school wherever possible. This helps maximise valuable learning time and reduces unnecessary disruptions to lessons.
We understand that genuine or urgent situations do occur, and teachers will always use their professional judgement to support students when needed. However, routine trips to the toilet during class should not become a daily occurrence. Like all schools, we also have a duty of care to know where students are throughout the day and to ensure appropriate supervision across the campus.
By encouraging students to use break times appropriately while responding compassionately to genuine needs, we can strike a balance between student wellbeing, safety and maximising every learning opportunity.
Course counselling has now been completed for all students returning to Lyndale Secondary College in Years 9–11 in 2027.
Thank you to all of our students and families who actively engaged in the course counselling process. From attending year level assemblies and our Information Evening, reading the information shared on Compass, researching subjects, and completing the required preparation before counselling appointments, your involvement has helped make this year's process our smoothest yet.
The goal of course counselling is always the same—to support every student in successfully completing Year 12 and leaving school with a pathway that suits their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
Occasionally, students and families choose pathways that differ from the recommendations provided by the school. While we respect these decisions, our advice is always based on giving students the greatest opportunity to experience success throughout Years 11 and 12. We remain committed to working alongside every student and family to help them achieve their educational goals.
Success is not defined by studying a particular subject or achieving the highest ATAR. Success comes from perseverance, resilience and a willingness to continue working towards your goals, even when challenges arise. A positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to learning will often take a person further than academic results alone.
The course selection process has now been handed over to our Timetabler, who will begin the enormous task of constructing the 2027 timetable. It's hard to believe we're already planning for next year!
Lastly, we have been working hard to establish an active SRC, and we are excited that a yearbook will be produced for the first time in a very long time in the school’s history!
To help reduce the cost to students, the SRC is working on a range of fundraising initiatives. We are hoping the Toastie Truck can visit the school and that we can continue our fundraising journey. If your child has not yet placed an order, please encourage them to do so. Every toastie will help contribute towards making the students’ dream of creating a yearbook a reality. Order forms are available from the Front Office and on Compass.
Thank you for supporting our SRC and helping our students make this exciting project happen! More information on when the Toastie Truck will come out will be communicated via Compass.
Toastie Options
- Double Cheese Toastie (regular bread) - $4
- Ham & Double Cheese Toastie (regular bread) - $6
- Ham & Double Cheese Toastie (gluten-free bread) - $6
- Vegan Double Cheese Toastie with non-dairy spread (regular bread) - HALAL - $4
- Vegan Double Cheese Toastie with non-dairy spread (gluten-free bread) - HALAL - $4
- Ham & Vegan Cheese Toastie with non-dairy spread (gluten-free bread) - $4
Multiple toasties may be ordered.
Diana Kennedy
Assistant Principal - Student Management & Engagement