Principal's Report

Awards Ceremony

We were delighted to share the success and achievements of our students at our recent Awards Ceremony. This event was held in our Performing Arts Centre and live streamed across the school and into the homes and workplaces of families. The ceremony served as a tribute to the exceptional achievements of our students, who have once again demonstrated unwavering dedication to academic excellence, outstanding leadership and growth. These students have exemplified our College values of Excellence, Respect and Responsibility, demonstrating their commitment to their studies and personal growth. Congratulations to all our Award recipients for their remarkable accomplishments this year.

Orientation Day

On Tuesday 12 December we welcomed our new Year 7 students to Lilydale Heights College. There was a mixture of nerves and excitement as students gathered in the PAC to meet their Year 7 cohort and teachers for 2024.  As I welcomed students, I spoke to them about our College values and set the challenge for them to get to know at least three other people during the day. Some students already knew others, whilst others were the only ones coming to us from their Primary School. It was important that all students felt welcomed and included.  As I visited classes throughout the day, it was extremely encouraging to see students including each other, talking to people that they had never met before and immersing themselves in the engaging activities that our teachers had developed. 

I would like to thank our Year 7 Learning Leader Ms Michelle Gaudion for her work in preparing a transition process and Orientation Day that supports all students as they join our learning community.

Thank you to the Year 7 Liaisons Ms Meg Milner and Mr Chris Edwards and our Transition Coordinator Ms Krystina McCrory for all their support of our students. 

I would also like to thank and welcome to the team Mr Troy McGown who will be taking on the role of Year 7 Learning Leader for 2024.

Finally, thank you to our staff who ensured that all students had a wonderful experience for their first day of high school. 

VCE Results

Congratulations to our VCE and VCE-VM students who achieved some amazing results this year. We were extremely pleased to see that all of our data moved upward with our Median Study Score, Median ATAR, High ATAR, Low ATAR and Study Score >40 all increasing. This has highlighted to us that our focus on excellence in teaching and learning is having a positive impact on our students' learning and results.  

We also achieved a 100% completion rate for our VCE and VCE-VM students, another fantastic result. 

Our College Dux this year was Laura Dangaard who achieved an incredible ATAR score of 96.45!  Congratulations Laura. 

Well done to all of our graduates. We look forward to hearing about the amazing things that you will do as you take these next steps into your future. 

College Captains

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 2023 College Captains for their leadership this year. Laura, Erin, Ash and Fletcher have done a remarkable job in representing the students and being their voice in a range of forums. Their commitment to working with students and staff to continually build and improve the College has been remarkable, making them wonderful role models for our community. On behalf of the College, I would like to thank you for your contribution to our community and wish you all the best for your future. 

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to our Student Leadership Team for 2024:

College Captains:  Hayley, Zak, Amelia, Jolyon 

Vice Captains:  Jairus, Tahlia

Year 12 Prefects:  Athena Rose, Mia 

Year 11 Prefects:  Liv, McKenzie

Sustainability Captain:  Lachlan

First Nations Captain:  Spencer

Music Captain:  Darcy

House Captains

Castella:  Amy, Mia, Ella

Melba:  Kayleigh, Jolyon, Amelia, Charlie 

Olinda:  Jairus, Cindy

Yarra:  Ryleigh, Hayley, Xavier, Harry

SIRC 2024

YEAR 8:  Reid, Ella, Harper, Harry

Year 9:  Heath, Lena, Holly, Keira

Year 10:  James, Scarlett 

Thank you

As we approach the conclusion of another remarkable year at our school, I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Lilydale Heights College community for their unwavering support. Our school thrives because of the remarkable individuals—students, staff, and families—who contribute to its success. 

To our families, friends and the broader community, thank you for your support of our students and the school. We highly value the positive relationships and support received throughout this year and look forward to continuing to work with our community in 2024. 

Thank you our dedicated staff, whose commitment to providing the best learning opportunities and unwavering support for our students is remarkable. The positive culture and learning environment at Lilydale Heights College is  a testament to the collective effort of our incredible team, both within and outside the classroom. It truly takes a whole community to build a culture of excellence and we are fortunate to have a team that makes this happen every day.

On behalf of the College Community I would like to extend my thanks to the members of our College Council, whose contributions have played a vital role in shaping a positive educational environment and ensuring the best learning opportunities for our students. Your commitment to the school and, more importantly, to our students, has been wonderful.

As we approach the holiday season, I extend warm wishes to our entire community for a safe and joyous break. May this time be filled with relaxation, meaningful connections with family and friends and the pursuit of activities that bring you joy. Enjoy this well-deserved break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2024 for another year of shared growth and success at Lilydale Heights College.

Start of Term 1 2024

The College Office will reopen on Monday 29 January 2024 from 9am – 4pm

Year 7 and 12 students commence Tuesday 30 January 2024

Year 8 - 11 students commence Wednesday 31 January 2024

Shane Kruger

Principal.