PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

School Review

We recently undertook the four-yearly review that occurs in all government schools. The aim is to examine how the school has performed in the areas of learning and wellbeing and to set goals for the next four years.

The three-day review included classroom observations and focus groups with students, staff and parents, all contributing incredibly valuable feedback and ideas for future goals. My thanks to everyone involved, with a special thank you to School Council President Racheal Eade and Vice President Kylie Doughty.

The focus areas for the next four years include VCE-VM improvement, the implementation of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM), a continued focus on attendance, and strengthening our pathways programs. It is an exciting time, and we are very keen to embed and strengthen much of what we do.

Professional Learning Day – August 21

To involve all staff in the prescribed improvement strategies identified through the School Review, Friday 21 August will be a Professional Learning Day and therefore a student-free day.

Planning for 2027

Schools begin their planning process for the following year in Term 2. We have started this process with interviews for every Year 10 student, course advice and seminars for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11, sessions in Thrive classes relating to career education, and applications for specific programs.

Course selection begins at the start of Term 3. I encourage every student to speak with their teachers and review the course selection handbooks to choose subjects they enjoy and that will help build their skills for the future.

Battle of the Bands

We have so many talented students here at LHS! Congratulations to everyone who participated in the recent Battle of the Bands. We look forward to the final on Thursday.

Thank you also to the staff and parents who continue to support our talented musicians.

Finalists:

• ROOM2 – Charlie, Chase, Reid & Brady
• NAVI – Darby, Nick, Bryn & Asher
• WunPTuJ – James L, James W, Zac & Phoenix
• HSD – Hermione, Sigourney & Declan

Best of luck to all finalists!

Year 12 Formal

This year, the Senior School student leaders and associates decided they would like to introduce a Year 12 Formal. The team has organised the event for Friday 19 June, and everyone is looking forward to what promises to be a great night.

We are excited to see this become a new annual tradition and look forward to celebrating this special occasion with our Year 12 students.

Uniform and Mobile Phones

As the cold weather sets in, we encourage students to ensure they are wearing sufficient uniform items to stay warm. 

The updated jacket and school shirt are warmer than previous versions, and students are encouraged to wear non-visible layers underneath their uniform. 

Thick tights can help those wearing the winter skirt, and long uniform pants are available through Lowes. We are seeing more students choosing this option.

Mobile phones are banned during school hours. While students are onsite, we are responsible for responding to any illness, emergency or welfare concerns that may arise, and this is difficult when students contact parents or carers directly. It is also beneficial for students to have a break from their phones. The research regarding smartphone use and its links to addiction, anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation is well documented.

Reports

Unfortunately, the recent work bans that were in place across the state impacted the third cycle of progress reporting. The upcoming end-of-semester reports will not be affected.

Wendy Powson

Principal