Principal's Report

Thank you.

I would like to thank our students, staff, and families for their support throughout this term.

As the holidays approach, I want to give a special mention to our Unit 3/4 students. This break is a valuable chance to find that balance between rest and preparation — with exams on the horizon, please make sure you're looking after yourself as much as you're putting in the study, revision, and consolidation that will set you up well.

I wish our entire community a wonderful holiday break. Please take this opportunity to rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and return in Term 4 ready to embrace the many exciting learning opportunities ahead.

September at LHC

It has been another big term at Lilydale Heights College. Throughout September, students have stayed focused on their learning while also enjoying a range of great events. Some of these have included:

Congratulations Grease Cast & Crew 

What an incredible few weeks it has been for our performing arts program, with our production of Grease wrapping up on Saturday 5th September after a truly amazing season.

Months of rehearsals and behind-the-scenes preparation came together to create something really special, with students from across all year levels contributing their talents both on stage and off. It's a great reminder of just how much work goes into a production like this long before opening night and how much growth students experience along the way, in confidence, collaboration and skill.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms Clark, Ms Delaney and Ms Bassett for their tireless work in bringing this production together.

I would also like to thank our students. You truly were exceptional on and off the stage, and your talent as a member of the cast or crew shone through every night. Productions like this are a wonderful showcase of what our students can achieve and this one will be remembered.

Music Extravaganza

Over the last few weeks, our Music Faculty have ran a Music Extravaganza! 

This involved a two day incursion where students had a "Meet the Professionals" session, where each instrumental group was treated to a mini concert, Q&A session, and practical playing workshop with some of Melbourne's best professional musicians, culminating in a joint concert. Students also took part in ensemble rehearsals, with our senior music students stepping up to mentor younger players in instrumental sectionals. 

On the third day of the extravaganza, our instrumental music students and staff had a mass item rehearsal before heading into Melbourne to see ‘Beautiful Noise – The Musical’ about the life and music of Neil Diamond. Our students were incredible on the excursion with a number of members of the public congratulating them on their respectful behaviour. What an experience for our music students!

R U OK? DAY

Last week LHC recognised R U OK? DAY with a number of different activities on Tuesday and Thursday to promote positive mental health.

A huge thankyou to the Year 12 VCE-VM Class who helped organise the week. Students had the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Petting Zoo- students had the opportunity to feed and sit with goats, lambs, chickens, guinea pigs and swans!
• Ice Cream and Food Trucks- enjoying a tasty snack
• Bundy the Therapy Dog - visited classrooms and sat with students at recess and lunchtime
• Live Music- The Senior Music students treated students to a live performance outside S HUB!

• Student led video- created by 2 of our VCE VM Students promoting positive mental health and the benefits of looking after ourselves and each other

   

Year 8 REACH Day

Last Friday our Year 8 students participated in sessions run by the REACH foundation. Sessions allowed students to reflect on their own actions and challenges and considered how this impacts their actions and behaviour. Many of our students showed a tremendous amount of courage and shared stories to their group that they had never discussed with their peers before. We are incredibly proud of all of our year 8s! To conclude their day, students had a BBQ lunch as a cohort and participated in some team building activities. 

Year 10 Japanese Immersion Excursion

On Wednesday 9th September, Year 10 Japanese students participated in an immersion activity where they travelled to Smith Street, North Fitzroy. Students were given instructions in Japanese and worked in groups to navigate their way down Smith Street. Students had to follow directions written in Japanese, complete challenges along the way, for example speaking with staff in a Japanese supermarket, and interacting with each other and their teachers in Japanese throughout the day using as much Japanese as possible.  Students found the ‘secret’ final destination where they met and ate lunch together at an authentic ‘Okonomiyaki’ restaurant.  Students loved getting the opportunity to use Japanese in a real-life situation!

2027 Year 7 Information Night

On Monday 7th September, we welcomed our new Year 7 students and their families at our Year 7 Information Night. It was wonderful to meet our newest members of LHC as they enjoyed a BBQ before heading into the PAC to learn about the transition process that will be taking place over the next few months. 

We look forward to welcoming them on Orientation Day and in 2027 when they officially become members of the LHC community. 

Learning Conferences

Thank you to all the students and families who made time to attend our Learning Conferences this week. These conversations are a valuable part of the student, parent and staff partnership, giving everyone a chance to sit down together and discuss how students are progressing in their learning.

I'd encourage students to revisit the feedback and conversations from their conference and reflect upon what was discussed. What strengths did your teachers point out? Where is there still room to improve? Use these reflections to set yourself some clear, realistic goals for Term 4. We encourage students to take ownership of their learning, reflecting honestly and setting meaningful goals, so that they can finish the year strongly and maximise their growth. 

Wellbeing Support during the holiday break

As we enter the holiday break, we wanted to share some tips and resources for students and families to support the wellbeing of young people during the school holidays. 

Wellbeing support for students during the school holidays: Click here

Information on additional wellbeing supports available to students and families over the holiday break are available on the Wellbeing page of this newsletter.

Key dates

Holiday Break 21 September – 2 October

Unit 3/4 Practice Exams will run onsite from Monday 21st September – Thursday 24th September. Unit 3/4 Practice Exams are compulsory attendance for all students completing Unit 3/4 subjects unless directly discussed with their Learning Leader. 

Please see the separate post in your Compass Newsfeed for practice exam times and details. 

Monday 5 October

First Day of Term 4. 

Have a wonderful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 5th October. 

Shane Kruger.