Senior Years Report 

Reminder: Energy Drink & School Uniform Expectations

As we continue to promote a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, we would like to kindly remind families of two important expectations to support a positive and focused learning environment:

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks (e.g. Monster, V, Red Bull) are not permitted at school. These drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can negatively affect students' concentration, behaviour, and overall wellbeing throughout the day. If students are seen with energy drinks, they will be asked to dispose of them.

School Uniform

Students are also reminded that hoodies are not part of the approved school uniform and should not be worn during school hours. We ask that students come to school in full uniform each day, which supports a sense of belonging and school pride. If students are seen in a hoodie or non-uniform jumper, they will be asked by staff to put it in their locker or their relevant sub school for the day. If you need support in purchasing any of our school uniform items, please reach out to your child’s Year Level Coordinator via phone or email. 

We appreciate your continued support in reinforcing these expectations at home to ensure a safe, respectful and positive school environment for all. 

Every Day Counts: The Importance of School Attendance

At Lara Secondary College, we know that every day at school matters. Daily attendance helps students make the most of learning, friendships and opportunities that shape their future.

We understand there are times when your child may need to miss school. To help minimise disruption, please consider scheduling family holidays or medical appointments outside of school hours. If your child is feeling worried about friendships, schoolwork or exams, coming to school is the best way to get support — staying home can make worries feel bigger.

If your child is finding it hard to attend, please reach out to their Year Level Coordinator or Sub School Leader — we’re here to help. And remember to let us know about any absences promptly via Compass.

For more information about the importance of everyday attendance, see Attendance and Missing School.

Remember, Every Day Counts.

Brylee McNamaraAssistant Principal 

Pierre Grzybek - Senior Years Assistant Principal

2025 Senior Snow Camp

Our Senior Snow Camp took place during the first week of Term 3, with 20 enthusiastic students engaging in an epic week-long adventure at Mt Hotham. 

Arriving shortly after midday (after a super early 5AM departure), students were quickly kitted out with equipment and ushered straight into their first lesson! Learning to snowboard (or ski) is a challenging experience, which often requires significant commitment, determination, patience and resilience. Despite feeling a tad weary (after such a big day of travel), all students made considerable early progress and continued to build on newfound skills over the following days. 

Weather-wise, it was one of everything…from clear skies and sunshine upon arrival, to strong wind, thick fog, rain and substantial snow falls through the middle of the week, with high cloud, lighter winds and more sunshine to finish. Indeed, the alpine region is an extreme environment and the team adapted remarkably well to the changing conditions - testing new skills on steeper and more varied terrain under the expert guidance of Mr St Pierre. 

In between structured lessons and casual snowriding, some also built a snowman, created snow angels, challenged Ms Foster to a toboggan race or snowball battle, and took time out for a hot chocolate. 

During these (once-in-a-school-lifetime) alpine adventures, students often express feelings of freedom, independence and connection to the outdoor environment, as well as an unrivalled sense of achievement and personal satisfaction, which can lead to improved confidence and self-esteem back at home and school. While learning to snowboard (or ski) is of course a key outcome, many other elements make up an experience of this nature. For instance, the ability to apply interpersonal skills including organisation, self-management, teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership, and tolerance is crucial, not only while on the snow, but also within the lodge accommodation or when moving about the resort. On multiple occasions, students were acknowledged and praised by our supplier partners for consistently demonstrating respect and maturity at every turn. 

Lastly, if you would like to be part of the fun-filled action next year, please keep an eye out for a Compass Event (Senior Snow Camp 2026 - Deposit Request), which will be activated later this term. 

Brent Hodges

Camps & Programs Coordinator