Principal's Report

Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive.

As we draw the year to a close, it has been wonderful to reflect on and celebrate the many achievements across our school community. Throughout the year, we have shared these moments through our social media, Weekly Wraps and newsletter articles, highlighting the successes of our students, staff and community. This month, there is also much to celebrate. 

Highlights from December

On Thursday 4 December, we held our annual End of Year Awards Ceremony in the PAC and online, allowing families, students and staff to share in the celebration. Students were recognised for their efforts across both semesters, with awards acknowledging academic excellence and personal achievement. Congratulations to all of our award recipients.

We were excited to welcome our incoming Year 7 students for Orientation Day on Tuesday 9 December. After a few early nerves, students quickly settled in, embraced the activities and enjoyed getting to know their peers and teachers. The positive feedback from families has been wonderful, and we look forward to welcoming our new students back in 2026 as they begin their secondary school journey at Lilydale Heights College.

Our SIRC members recently came together for their Planning Day, where they demonstrated impressive leadership, collaboration and commitment. Their thoughtful discussions and ideas will help shape priorities for the year ahead, and we thank them for being such a strong voice for our students.

On Monday 8 December, we came together for our final assembly/Clapping Ceremony — an exciting celebration of every student who received an award throughout the year. With music filling the PAC and plenty of encouragement from peers and staff, it was a fitting and uplifting way to conclude the academic year.

Finally, congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their outstanding VCE results. We are proud to recognise our top five achievers, who have embodied our values of Excellence, Respect and Responsibility throughout their learning journey. A special congratulations to Alana B, Dux of 2025, with an exceptional ATAR of 95.6, along with Mia EA, Alma K, Jarrah OH and Jake A. Well done to all our VCE and VCE VM students on a wonderful year.

Farewell Ms Phillips

This year, we say farewell to Assistant Principal, Ms Phillips. After 35+ years in education, Ms Isabella Phillips will be retiring. Ms Phillips began at LHC in 1994, before taking a short break and then returning in 1997. She has remained at LHC ever since. During that time she has had a positive impact on the lives of many students and staff. On behalf of the College community, I would like to thank Isabella for everything she has done for our students and staff over her years in education. She has shaped many lives and, as our Year 12’s stated, ‘adopted’ many of us. Her leadership has helped shape the school into what it is today. We wish Isabella all the best in her next adventure away from education. Whilst we know she will be busy, we hope she takes the time to relax and enjoy life. 

Thank you Ms Phillips. 

Key information for the end/beginning of the year. 

The College will be closed from Friday 19 December 2025. 

The College Office will reopen on Tuesday 27 January 2026 11.30am – 4.15pm

(Please note our office staff will be in Professional Learning from 8.30am-11am and therefore unavailable.) 

Year 7 and 12 students commence Wednesday 28 January 2026

Year 8 - 11 students commence Thursday 29 January 2025

Support during the holidays

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

Wellbeing support for students during the school holidays: Click here 

On the Wellbeing Page of this newsletter, we have a document outlining some additional wellbeing supports also available to students and families over the holiday break.

Thank you

As we reach the end of the year, I would like to acknowledge and thank our whole Lilydale Heights College community for the care, commitment and partnership shown throughout the year. Together, we have shared a year filled with learning, growth and many moments of celebration.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our staff for their professionalism, dedication and genuine care for students. Their tireless efforts create a supportive, engaging and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, to learn and grow.  

To our families, thank you for the trust you place in us and for the ongoing support you provide. Strong partnerships between home and school play a vital role in student success, and we are grateful to work alongside you in supporting your child’s learning and wellbeing.

And to our students — thank you for your energy, effort and positivity throughout the year. It has been wonderful to watch you learn, grow and achieve throughout 2025.

I wish our entire community a relaxing holiday break. Be safe. Take care of yourself and others, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for another exciting year at Lilydale Heights College. 

Shane Kruger

Principal.