Assistant Principal 

Welcome back to term two. I hope families had the opportunity to enjoy the nice weather over the break, I know many students did appreciate an extension of summer, before the arrival of cooler weather that’s due to hit this term.  I hope that parents had the opportunity to check Progress Reports available on Compass, which were released during the last week of term one. If you haven’t, please do so. These provide an insight into the learner dispositions of your child and are a valuable monitor of the effort they are placing into consolidating their learning and making the most of educational opportunities in all their classes.

Thank you to parents and caregivers for your continued support in ensuring that our senior students arrive to the college on time. Please remind your teenagers that mobile phones are not permitted at school and need to be kept in student lockers for the day. In the past we have seen significant issues arise when students break these rules, and then have to have their devises confiscated for the day. Mobile phones disrupt learning and open up the flood gates for possible breach of rules in classroom assessments. Under no circumstances are mobile phones permitted in classrooms. Strict VCAA penalties can result in assessment scores if students are in possession of these mobile devices during School Assessed Coursework (SACS).

Senior students are also required to attend Assembly sessions when these are scheduled in their weekly timetables. They are designed to provide an opportunity for the delivery of essential information and preparation regarding course work, exam preparation, and applying for tertiary places and career pathways. In recent weeks it has been disappointing to see parents sign their senior student out from college during these sessions. Assemblies are a compulsory component of their requirement of attendance at school.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) have outlined the dates and times of the two General Achievement Tests (GAT) on Tuesday 17th June.  This year, as was the case in 2024 all students including those in Vocational Major pathway, (VM) are required to sit section A Literacy (Reading and Writing) and Numeracy from 9.00 -11.15, then only VCE students (not VM will complete section B – General Knowledge and Skills from 1.15 to 3.00 pm. Further information to students along with an opportunity to become acquainted with the types of questions, will be provided during assemblies. It is essential that all students apply themselves fully to achieving their very best. 

Year 11 students will attend the Careers Show on the 15th of May with the senior school team. This is an annual event which provides a wonderful opportunity for students to seek information about career pathways and to explore a variety of tertiary options which are available. These opportunities are invaluable to assist students with their planning of career goals after Lalor Secondary College.  We understand that at times these decisions may be overwhelming and daunting to students but please remember we are here to support you in this process.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact the college, ask for Ms Charalambous, (Careers counsellor) for individual careers advice pertaining to your teenager.  Members of the senior school team and I are also happy to assist with any inquiries you may have about your child’s progress in senior school. 

Laura Forster

Assistant Principal 

Year 11 & 12