From the Principal's Desk

End of Term Update

As we come to the end of Semester One, it is a good opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have achieved together as a school community. With this in mind, when students return after the holidays we will hold our Semester One Celebration Assembly. This is always a special occasion where we recognise the many different ways students achieve success. For some, this may be 100% attendance. For others, it may be outstanding learning growth, improved effort, resilience, leadership or consistently demonstrating our school values. We look forward to celebrating these achievements together and encouraging every student to consider the next achievable goal on their learning journey.

Celebrating Our Progress

This is also a great time of year to celebrate some of the progress across the school over the last few years. Here are a few highlights that have come across my desk recently as I learn more about the school. 

Across 2025 and 2026, the majority of measures in our Student Attitudes to School Survey have been above the Victorian state average - a strong vote of confidence from our students in the quality of our school and community.

Our academic outcomes continue to strengthen as well. Last year our students achieved NAPLAN Numeracy growth well above the state average, demonstrating the impact of the high-quality teaching and learning occurring across the school.

At the senior level, we have seen sustained improvement in VCE outcomes over recent years, culminating in the strongest results in the school's history in 2025. Equally pleasing was the fact that 98% of our Year 12 students transitioned into positive post-school pathways, whether university, TAFE, apprenticeships or employment. This represents a significant improvement over the past decade and once again places Lara Secondary College above state averages.

These achievements reinforce that regardless of students pathways and strengths, the school provides a great stepping stone to help them succeed. 

Whilst progress is not always straightforward, all of these measures also point towards a very healthy school culture of learning and aspiration that is only growing stronger and stronger. Something all our students, families and staff should be very proud about. 

Staffing

Often mid semester we say goodbye to some staff and welcome some new teachers. This term we thank Ms White for all her great work and wish her all the best at her next school. We also welcome back Ms Farrell who will pick up her classes. We’ll also be saying goodbye to Ebony, one of our fantastic integration aides and later in the term (Week 6) Mr Fennel. We wish all these fantastic educators all the best.

VCAA Consultation

VCAA, who oversee the delivery of VCE and VCE VM are asking school communities to share their feedback. 

Feedback gathered through the survey will form part of the evidence base for any future review of VCE studies. The survey is anonymous and will close on Monday 10 August. The survey can be accessed at Consultation survey: 2026 Have your say on VCE Studies. 

A Developing Reading Culture

In the last few months the rate of borrowing from the library has more than quadrupled from 85 to 336 books borrowed. There are brand new titles from a range of genres and non-fiction topics, some new spaces to relax with a good book into and an increased borrowing limit. There is strong evidence to show that reading reduces stress, improves mental health, makes people happier and actually increases intelligence. One University of California research paper found that books have 150% the range of words found on television. It’s fantastic to see us making progress in this area.   

Finally, a big thank you to our students, staff and families for another positive semester. I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break, has the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and returns refreshed and ready for another exciting semester of learning.

Andrew McConchie

Acting Principal