Assistant Principal 

It has been extremely pleasing to see so many Year 9 and 10 students recognised at the recent Progress Award Assemblies. These assemblies acknowledge students who have consistently demonstrated strong application to their studies, positive learning behaviours, improvement, persistence and commitment to the values and expectations of the college. 

Achievement at Lalor Secondary College is not solely defined by final academic results, but also by consistent effort, resilience, growth and a willingness to continually improve. Students who attend regularly, arrive prepared for learning, engage positively with staff and peers and apply themselves consistently place themselves in the strongest possible position for success at school and in the workforce. The Progress Awards provide an important opportunity to formally recognise students who demonstrate these qualities and contribute positively to the college community.

Over recent weeks, Year 9 students have participated in Cyberbullying and Online Safety workshops aimed at developing student understanding of the risks and consequences associated with unsafe and inappropriate online behaviour. The workshops focused on respectful online communication, digital footprints, social media use, group chat expectations and the significant impact online behaviour can have on the wellbeing of others.

Students explored the permanence of online actions and the importance of acting responsibly, respectfully and safely within digital environments. These sessions form an important component of the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting students to navigate increasingly complex online spaces appropriately and responsibly.

Work Experience placements are a compulsory component of the Year 10 program. These will occur in Week 10 from 22nd of June – 26th of June. Work Experience provides valuable opportunities for students to develop workplace readiness skills, explore potential career pathways and gain insight into the expectations and responsibilities associated with employment. 

Students who have not secured a placement will be required to attend school during the Work Experience period and will participate in an alternative program onsite. Middle School staff and Ms Charalambous have provided support through lunchtime sessions each day last week to assist students with resumes, employer contact, applications and placement organisation. Students requiring support are strongly encouraged to reach out immediately if they have not secured a placement. 

Semester examinations will take place during Week 7. A detailed timetable will be provided to students. Examinations provide students with an important opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the semester and to prepare for the academic expectations associated with senior secondary schooling.

Students should now be actively preparing for examinations by:

• Revising classwork and course materials regularly
• Completing all outstanding coursework and assessment tasks
• Organising revision notes and study resources
• Developing structured study routines and revision timetables
• Reviewing teacher feedback to identify areas requiring improvement
• Engaging in active revision strategies such as summarising, self-testing and practice questions

Families are encouraged to support students by reinforcing consistent study habits at home, ensuring students have access to an appropriate study environment and encouraging effective organisation and preparation throughout the examination period. Consistent and structured preparation over time remains the most effective strategy for examination success.

Year 12 laptops are currently being audited for return, purchase and/or repair. All Year 12 students are required to present their laptop devices to the college for review by the IT team. Devices not returned or presented for audit will be deemed lost. Families will be contacted where devices are not returned or are damaged. Students are reminded that all college-loaned devices remain the property. Further detail regarding this will be provided in a Compass News Feed item specific to Year 12 during Term 2. 

Finally, families are reminded that casual clothing is not permitted at the college. Students are expected to attend school each day in full and correct school uniform. Hoodies are not part of the approved Lalor Secondary College uniform and will be confiscated if brought to school. Consistent implementation of the college uniform expectations supports a safe, orderly and focused learning environment and promotes a strong sense of pride and belonging within the college community.

Thank you to families and students for your support to hold our high expectations at Lalor Secondary College

Jules Ryan

Assistant Principal

Middle School