Acting Assistant Principal 

The class of 2026 began their Year 12 journey last week with their Year 12 Orientation program.  Students got a taste of their Year 12 classes, information about the VCE and pathways support.  We were also able to celebrate all the achievements of Year 11s throughout Semester Two.  Students were acknowledged for outstanding attendance, a key requirement for high achievement in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), participation in the College community, leadership and academic excellent. 

Our College Captains for 2026 were also announced last week. Congratulations to all those who nominated for leadership positions in the College.  

There were an overwhelming number of deserving nominees and it bodes well for excellence in both formal and informal leadership of the student body in the coming year.  Particular congratulations go to our College Captains for 2026, Darko Topkoski and Teresa Lauina, and our College Vice Captains for 2026, Jed Garcia and Ali Mohammadi. 

Whilst the Class of 2026 are now on their final summer break prior to the sprint toward the finish line that is Year 12, there is preparation work that needs to be done.  Over the break, our Year 12s for 2026 must ensure they have read all their English novels and completed all their orientation and holiday homework, so they start 2026 at the same point as their peers and do not put themselves under undue time pressure.  The year will start with the Study Skills Camp from Wednesday 28 January, which will put everyone in the right frame of mind for a productive, focused and collaborative year.

The Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) held their award night on Thursday 19 November to acknowledge excellence in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and School Based Apprenticeships (SBAT) for 2025.  Lalor Secondary College had several students receive awards.  I would like to congratulate the following students on receiving VET Achievement awards: Elias Dimitriou for Business Studies, Amelia Apostolopoulos for Dance, Jaafar Sleiman for Sports, Aquatics and Recreation, Marija Trajanoska for Beauty Services.  I would also like to congratulate the recipients of SBAT Achievement awards: Thomas Dimovski for Eletrotechnology and Dominic Bruno for Automotive.  All these young people have a very bright future ahead of them in their chosen careers and we are very proud of their efforts.  Thanks also to Ms Christine Sakellaris for all her work for with the VET, SBAT and VCE (Vocational Major) students this year. 

The Class of 2025 enjoyed the Year 12 Formal on Friday 21 November.  This was a wonderful celebration of the end of their examinations, that also concluded last week.  Students caught up with peers, reminisced over fun times had whilst at the College, laughed and danced the night away.  A huge thank-you to Ms Crystal Gray and Ms Carly Ryan, Senior Engagement Leaders, who facilitated the night with the wonderful Celebrations Committee, made up of members of the Class of 2025.  I would also like to acknowledge College Vice Captain, Jayden Chau, who spent hours filming and editing a farewell video for the Class of 2025.  It was a lovely, and sometimes hilarious, tribute to the cohort’s time at Lalor Secondary College.

Best of luck to the Class of 2025 in the coming weeks, keeping the nerves at bay before the ATAR results are released on Thursday 11 December. Whatever the results, we are proud of your efforts throughout the year and know that you will find passion in whatever you do in life. Congratulations on completing your final secondary school assessments.  Please look out for a Compass post from Ms Jade Charalambous early in Week 6 with very comprehensive information about accessing your ATAR results, Study Scores and change of preference times with the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).  This will go out to all students and families.

It is also that time of year when there are students transitioning from Middle School at Year 10 to join the Senior School as Year 11s.  Last week the Year 10s completed their examinations in English, Humanities, Science and Mathematics.  They will begin their Year 11 Orientation Program on Tuesday 25 November.  They will be provided with details about the VCE structure, requirements and expectations, assessment and course information, begin each of their subjects and be provided with the required holiday homework.  Like the new Year 12s, homework and any outstanding orientation work from the week must be completed over the break to ensure a smooth and successful start to 2026.  English novels must also be read in full. 

Congratulations to all our senior students for your efforts throughout 2025.  Those of you continuing with us in 2026, ensure you put your best foot forward and complete all the preparation work before returning to the College for 2026. Have a productive and restorative summer.

Ms. Kathryn Carmody

Acting Assistant Principal 

Senior School