Principal's Report

Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive.

As we reflect on yet another outstanding year at Lilydale Heights College, our vision of Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive remains at the heart of everything we do. This guiding principle has shaped our academic and cocurricular programs throughout the year, with remarkable achievements across the board.  I am consistently proud of our students, staff and College. Many exciting things happen at LHC every day, and it’s impossible to capture them all. A few key moments from 2024 are:

Awards Ceremony

Our recent End-of-Year Awards Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of academic excellence, outstanding contribution and personal growth. Students were recognised for their exceptional achievements across all areas of learning, with awards highlighting their dedication, resilience and pursuit of excellence. The afternoon recognised the top ten Academic Achievement Award recipients from each year level. The ceremony also recognised those who demonstrated exemplary contribution within the school and wider community. This event was held in our Performing Arts Centre and live streamed across the school and into the homes and workplaces of families. Our annual Awards Ceremony was an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the growth of our students throughout the year and celebrate their collective and individual successes. 

We also recently held our annual Clapping Ceremony, a fun afternoon dedicated to celebrating and recognizing all students who received awards during the semester. Held on the students' last day of classes, the event was filled with music and a vibrant atmosphere of celebration. Students were called to the stage to collect their awards, greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers from their peers and teachers. It was a wonderful way to recognise their achievements and finish the semester.  Congratulations to all students who were recipients of awards this semester. 

Orientation Day

On Tuesday, December 10, we welcomed our new Year 7 students to Lilydale Heights College for their Orientation Day. The day was a blend of excitement and curiosity as students gathered to meet their new classes and teachers for 2025. We had students attending from over 35 different primary schools!  For some, the day was about reuniting with familiar faces, while others were starting fresh in a brand-new environment. I spoke to our Year 7’s about the importance of building connections and encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones to meet new people during the day. The challenge was set for each student to meet and speak to three people that they did not know.  As I visited classrooms throughout the day, it was wonderful to see students engaged in a range of activities that encouraged collaboration, curiosity, relationship building and connection. 

I would like to thank Mr Troy McGown, Ms Krystina McCrory, Ms Taylah Moschetti and Mr Chris Edwards for the organisation and running of the day. It was a team effort with all Lilydale Heights College staff coming together to take part in different elements of the day. We look forward to getting to know our Year 7 students further in 2025. 

VCE Results

Congratulations to our VCE and VCE VM students who achieved some amazing results this year. 

Our College Dux for 2024 was Lily-Rose Booth, who achieved an ATAR of 96.1! An amazing achievement. Lily was very closely followed by other students who also achieved outstanding ATAR scores. 

We saw our Study Scores above 40 increase significantly based on our 2023 data.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the VCE to an excellent standard, three of our graduates have also successfully met the criteria to complete the Victorian Baccalaureate. These students have excelled in their completion of Maths Methods and Japanese and have been rewarded with the additional honour. 

We are extremely proud of the Year 12 cohort and all that they have achieved this year. We wish them all the best for the incredible future that awaits them.

Numeracy: Leading the Way

The incredible success of our Numeracy Program was recognized this year when our team was invited to present at several high-profile educational events. Their presentation outlined the strategies that have led to significant improvements in our Numeracy results. The recognition extended beyond our immediate area, with invitations to share our approach with other schools across the state. This is a reflection of the outstanding work being done in numeracy at our College and highlights the impact of sustained, focused effort on student achievement.

Reflecting on Our Vision

Throughout the year, our commitment to maximising learning growth has been unwavering. From constructing Curriculum Maps and implementing Learning Pathways to developing point-of-need teaching strategies and embracing our new Shared Practice Model, we have made significant strides in our teaching and learning. The result has enhanced collaboration, increased use of evidence in teaching and learning and a more tailored approach to meeting the needs of every student. Our use of Curriculum Maps, Developmental Assessment and Learning Pathways has continued to narrow our focus on targeting our teaching to meet the needs of our students and to support them to achieve learning growth. We will share more about our Learning Pathways with the community in 2025.

Central Australia Tour:  An Unforgettable Journey

At the end of Term 2, 43 Year 10 students, along with five dedicated staff members, embarked on a 12-day expedition through Central Australia. This tour was a unique blend of cultural learning, exploration and personal growth. Starting in Renmark and travelling through iconic destinations such as Wilpena, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, students were exposed to the breathtaking beauty and history of Australia. From learning about Indigenous culture at Uluru to experiencing the underground world of Coober Pedy, this trip was an incredible adventure that created life-long memories for our students.  

College Musical: Matilda Jr!

This year’s College Production, Matilda Jr! was nothing short of spectacular. Over several performances, our students brought this beloved story to life, captivating audiences with their talent, energy and enthusiasm. What made the production even more special was the teamwork behind the scenes. From set design and costumes to lighting and choreography, both students and staff worked tirelessly to ensure a polished, professional production.

The joy and pride felt throughout the school were evident and the success of the production is a testament to the creativity and dedication within our school community.

Japan Tour: A Cultural Adventure

This year, I had the privilege of traveling with 24 students and three staff members on an exciting tour of Japan. This experience has allowed our students to immerse themselves in the rich history, traditions and modern innovations of Japan. Visiting cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, and spending time at our sister school in Ibaraki, the trip has provided our students with invaluable opportunities to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of global cultures. 

Sporting Success

Our students have once again shown their excellence in sports, representing Lilydale Heights College in a variety of competitions. Many teams and individuals progressed through district, division and even state levels—a testament to their determination, discipline and teamwork. We are immensely proud of their achievements and commitment to excellence in their chosen sports.

Student Voice: A New Initiative

In line with our commitment to fostering student voice, we introduced a new initiative this year—students are now part of our interview panels for teaching and education support staff roles. This has allowed students to engage directly with the recruitment process, offering a fresh perspective and ensuring that their voices are heard in decisions that shape their learning environment. It has been inspiring to see our students take on this responsibility with maturity and insight, contributing meaningfully to the College’s future direction.

Celebrating Creativity: Music Showcases

In Term 1, 22 students from LHC travelled to Perth on a Music Tour. During this tour they participated in a range of workshops and performances. It was an incredible opportunity for our students who upon return expressed how amazing it was to have the opportunity to explore interstate together and expressed an appreciation for the experience to work with the students at John Curtain College of the Arts. 

Our Mid-Year and End-of-Year Music Showcases have been standout events, highlighting the talents and hard work of our music students. These performances not only demonstrated their musical abilities but also reflected the growth and progress they’ve made under the guidance of our dedicated Music staff. The range of performances showcased the depth of talent at the College and the rich opportunities our growing Music Program offers.

Valleydale Café

A special highlight this year was the opening of our Valleydale Café. Our new look student run café has quickly become a vibrant hub within the school, offering a welcoming space for both students and staff to connect, grab a coffee and have some great food. The café not only provides practical learning opportunities but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration, continuing to build upon the positive culture at LHC. 

Collective Effort

None of this year’s achievements would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students and the support of our families and College Council. Our staff's professionalism and care continue to build a nurturing and high-achieving school environment, while our students’ enthusiasm and willingness to embrace opportunities make every day at the College rewarding.

As we look ahead to 2025, I am confident that we will continue to grow and succeed as a community, always striving to maximise learning growth and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another successful year at Lilydale Heights College. Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday season, filled with joy and time spent with loved ones. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2025, ready for another year of success and growth.

Key information for the end/beginning of the year. 

The College will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024. 

The College Office will reopen on Tuesday 28 January 2025, 11am – 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 29 January 2025

Year 8 - 11 students commence Thursday 30 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 wellbeing supports available to students and families over the holiday break.

Shane Kruger

Principal