Principal's Report

Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive.

Welcome back to Term 3! 

I hope that all of our students, staff and families had a wonderful holiday break and have returned to school this term refreshed and relaxed. 

Mid-Year Awards

In the first week of term, we hosted our Annual Mid-Year Awards Ceremony — a special occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding efforts of our students. Held in the PAC and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person, the event brought together students, staff and families to share in our students’ achievements. This special occasion recognised those who have set high goals for themselves, embraced challenges and demonstrated both excellence in their learning and growth in their personal endeavours.

While the ceremony celebrated individual successes, it also serves as a reminder to every student that each new semester brings fresh opportunities. Semester 2 is a chance to set new goals, push through challenges and see just how much you can achieve when you give your best effort.

Congratulations once again to all our award recipients.

Voice of 8

On Friday 25 July, our Year 8 students participated in the Voice of 8 Program — a unique and engaging initiative designed to strengthen student voice, agency and connection to learning. This program invites students to explore their interests through a wide range of hands-on activities, including Outdoor Survival, Sport/PE, Music, Pasta & Sauce, Filmmaking and Craft.

One of the program’s greatest strengths is the way students and staff work together to co-design the experience. By contributing their own ideas and shaping the activities, students help create learning opportunities that are personally meaningful and highly engaging. This collaborative approach not only empowers them but also nurtures creativity, problem-solving and a connection to their learning.

The energy and enthusiasm on the day was amazing. It was wonderful to see students embracing new challenges, supporting one another and discovering fresh ways to apply their skills.  

Attendance

At Lilydale Heights College, we know that regular school attendance plays a vital role in student learning and overall wellbeing. To help families stay informed, the College sends an SMS each morning if a student is marked absent. From this term, these notifications will be sent at 9.15am.

If your child will be away from school, we kindly ask that you record their absence in Compass before 9.15am. This ensures our records are accurate and helps us maintain strong communication between home and school.

In addition, we have introduced a new attendance feature through Compass this year. Twice per term, families will receive an email and chronicle post on Compass summarising their child’s year-to-date attendance rate. This figure includes both explained and unexplained absences and is designed to give you a clear picture of your child’s attendance so far. 

This initiative supports the Department of Education’s focus on regular attendance and student engagement. By working together, we can help every student stay connected, engaged and on track with their learning. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting your child’s education.

Semester 2 – Reviewing and Setting Goals

Earlier this term, we came together for our Mid-Year Awards Ceremony — a special occasion to recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, perseverance and personal growth.

Now, as we begin Semester 2, every student has the opportunity to write their own next chapter. With new subjects and fresh units of learning ahead, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what you achieved in Semester 1 and what you learned about yourself along the way.

Every success, every challenge and every step forward helps shape you as a learner. Now is the time to set ambitious but achievable goals, challenge yourself to try new things and stay focused on giving your very best effort. Remember, learning growth comes from persistence, curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Make this semester one where you look back and feel proud of how far you’ve come — not just in what you’ve learned, but in how you’ve grown.

Thank you

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Tim Wright for so capably stepping into the role of Acting Principal during my long service leave at the end of last term. I am also grateful to our Assistant Principals, Ms Isabella Phillips and Ms Michelle Gaudion, along with Acting Assistant Principals Ms Emily Gerson and Ms Shannon Sargeant, for their dedicated leadership and commitment to the College in my absence. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth running of the school and continued support for our students, staff and community.

Shane Kruger

Principal.