Secondary News

As we head toward the end of term 1 and the holy season of Easter, we are reminded of the need to stop and reflect upon what Jesus’ crucifixion means for us. As Christians, we believe that Easter is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. In Romans 4:25 we are told that “(Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Because of this sacrifice we will experience life everlasting.  Easter is the symbol of new life from the dead and as believers in Jesus we have a new life. We are called to live this life by faith in Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. My hope and prayer for all within our community is that our Easter celebration this year brings renewed joy, celebration and life through the risen and glorified Jesus Christ. 

Farewell Mr Brennen

Throughout our lives we are blessed to meet people who touch our hearts and souls in ways that enrich our lives forever. I know I speak for all within our community when I identify Mr Thomas Brennen as one such person.

I first met Tom in October of 2021 when I applied for the position of Head of Secondary School at Lakeside College. On meeting Tom, I soon became aware of his great passion for Lakeside College and in particular, it’s students. It was also clear that I was speaking to a man of deep faith and a person who was not afraid to live out his Christian values and beliefs. I was also struck by the fact that every student and staff member was known to Tom. It was clear that the Principal of Lakeside College was like none other I had met – he is indeed special and unique. 

Tom always prioritises the wellbeing of his students over everything else. He truly is a man that has embraced his vocation and done so with gusto and determination. Under Tom’s amazing leadership Lakeside College has grown from strength to strength and although it has increased in numbers, our fundamental commitment to the care, wellbeing, emotional and spiritual growth of its students has not wavered.  It is no wonder that our students have such love and respect for Tom and this was made blatantly obvious by the student’s reactions on hearing the news of Tom leaving. Many were overwhelmed by the news and expressed to me through tears their sadness over Tom’s impending departure from Lakeside College. It is also clear that our parents have a great deal of love and respect for Tom. Since the announcement of Tom’s leaving, it has been touching to see so many parents and past students coming into the front reception asking to speak with Tom so that they can express their gratitude and appreciation for all he has done for them.

Tom’s great humanity is matched by the depth of his intellect. Those of you that know Tom know how learned he is, especially in the field of theology. We are often amazed at Tom’s ability to speak with real authority on so many issues and on such a wide range of issues. His highly analytical mind and problem-solving abilities have kept us all in good stead as we have traversed unprecedented growth in student numbers, the trials and tribulation of running a school during lockdown and ensuring that excellence in educational outcomes for our students remains at a consistently high level. 

We all wish Mr Brennen every success as he commences his new role as Principal of Cornerstone College in Mt Barker, Adelaide. We will miss you dearly Mr Brennen and as you leave, we leave you with this Irish blessing.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

God bless you Tom.

Mr Robert Tassoni

Head of Secondary

Medieval Day at Lakeside College

On Friday the 31st of March 2023, our Year 8 students took part in a Medieval Day run by History Up Close! Students have been learning about Medieval Europe all of Term 1 and this week, history came ALIVE!

Our Year 8 students were up and out of their seats, travelling back in time and immersing themselves in the Medieval culture. From trying on different types of armour, costumes and helmets, to looking at the weapons used in battle; there was never a dull moment! A stand out moment for all was taking part inthe shield wall activity. Students enjoyed going into battle with each other, by forming a shield wall to defend themselves from archers who were armed with tennis balls! Our next rotation of activities involved a live demonstration of Medieval instruments and dancing. Our students were taught how to play authentic instruments in a Medieval band and were also taught a fun Medieval dance!

There were numerous activities throughout the day and students wereengaged from start to end! In ending our day, our students learnt the art of using Medieval longsword and the art of winning a duel. Students were provided protective gear and took part in a friendly rubber longsword battle. Itwas a day full of laughter, immersion and dress ups! The Medieval Day was awonderful opportunity for our Year 8 students to take their learning outside of the classroom and most importantly bringing our history to life. Our students are now looking forward to bringing what they have learnt back to the classroom!  

Ms Rochelle Rabba

Year 8 Humanities Teacher

Luna Park Physics Report

Friday 10th March saw the combined Year 11 and 12 physics students travel to the iconic Luna Park, St. Kilda. For its original buildings, entrance and wooden frame roller coaster, it is one of only two remaining in the world, the other being Coney Island, New York. Apart from the park's history, the main aim was to attend the annual VicPhysics event that has been run there for a decade or more. 

Physics students from over 50 schools across Victoria attended.  It is an ideal experiential way to learn physics, and students, after taking in each ride, gathered to complete worksheets, to calculate the gravitational effects, energy values, speeds, acceleration, and forces of each of the rides they went on. 

Their textbooks have these ride examples in them as a way of analysing wider physics applications such as those in mechanical engineering and aerospace technology. End-of-year physics exam questions often include questions relating to the contexts, and calculations completed on the day.

Mr Nevil Schultz

Year 12 Homeroom Teacher

Food Technology

The Year 10 Food Technology class was busy in the kitchen baking for the two weeks leading up to our Open Day. The students made over one hundred Jumbo Chocolate Chip cookies, Raspberry Muffins, YoYo biscuits and multiple trays of Chocolate Brownies, and Lemon Slice all for the Open Day treat boxes which were given out to prospective families.  

I was so impressed by my Year 10 students, their ability to listen and take instruction, their professionalism and taking their role seriously, and their dedication to seeing the job through to completion. The end product was amazing and many families were blown away by the standard of the student's work. 

Well done Year 10 Food Tech students! 

Rowena Kohinga

Food Technolody Teacher

Chess Club Tournament 

Every Monday lunch, we run chess club and all our students have fun as well as improving their cognitive skills such as memory and problem-solving. 

On Tuesday the 4th of March, Lakeside secondary students participated in the Interschool zonal chess tournament conducted by Northern Star. Our students participated in this tournament for the first time, and it was wonderful to see them enjoying each game and making new friends. All our students did their best playing challenging games and supported our school by winning the maximum number of points. We are very proud to announce that 5 of our students (Ewan W, Makiah S, Charlie W, Caedyn B and Deng M) received the Certificate of Credits. 

Congratulations to Ewan W who received the opportunity to play at the NSC Victorian Schools State Finals which will be held in Term 4. We wish you all the best!

Ms Regi David

Mathematics Teacher