The Falcon Newsletter

Wellbeing News

Celebrating Our School’s Multicultural Liaison Team

At our school, we take great pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and families, regardless of their cultural background. A key part of this effort is the incredible work of our Multicultural Liaison Officers (MCLOs). These dedicated staff members work tirelessly to ensure that every family feels supported, understood, and empowered within our school community.

 

The Role of Our Multicultural Liaison Officers

Our MCLOs serve as a bridge between families, students, and the school, helping to break down language barriers and facilitate clear and effective communication. Their role is essential in ensuring that parents and guardians are informed and engaged in their child’s education, regardless of the language they speak at home.

 

How MCLOs Support Our School Community

  • Facilitating Communication: MCLOs assist with translating and interpreting important school information, ensuring that every family has access to essential updates, policies, and resources.
  • Providing Guidance and Support: They help families navigate the education system, helping with enrolment, understanding school expectations, and accessing community resources.
  • Encouraging Parental Involvement: By bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, MCLOs empower parents to take an active role in their child’s learning journey, attend school events, and communicate with teachers and staff.
  • Promoting Cultural Awareness and Inclusion: Through their work, MCLOs help celebrate the rich diversity of our school, fostering an environment where all cultures are acknowledged and respected.

A Vital Asset to Our School

The contributions of our Multicultural Liaison Team go beyond translation and interpretation. They help create a sense of belonging for students and families who may be new to the country or adjusting to a new educational system. Their efforts ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our MCLOs for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our school community. Their work is invaluable, and we are fortunate to have such a passionate team ensuring that our school remains a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and heard.

Mrs Shazia Ali: Born in Pakistan Shazia was a teacher in her home country. Shazia joined Lyndale Secondary College in 2019. Shazia speaks Hazaraghi, Dari, Persian, Urdu, Hindi and English. 

Mr Sayed Quraishi: Sayed was born in Khabul, Afghanistan, and speaks  Persian, Dari, Pashtu, Hazaraghi and English. Sayed joined Lyndale Secondary College in 2009 and is also a teacher of Persian at the Victorian School Of Languages.

Ms Min Zhou: Zhou joined our team in 2025. Born in Wuhan, China she speaks Mandarin and English.

Wellbeing and Inclusion at Lyndale Secondary – A Fantastic Term of Support and Engagement

 

This term at Lyndale Secondary has been a remarkable one for wellbeing and inclusion, with a strong focus on supporting our students and creating a welcoming, engaging environment for all.

We have been proud to offer a range of wellbeing and inclusion supports, ensuring that students feel valued, heard, and supported throughout their school journey. A highlight of the term was the opportunity to collaborate with incredible guest organisations such as One Love and REACH, who provided inspiring sessions that encouraged personal growth, resilience, and community connection.

Beyond these initiatives, students had access to a variety of extracurricular activities that fostered both social engagement and personal development. From fitness clubs promoting healthy lifestyles to the ever-popular anime club, there was something for everyone to enjoy. These activities, along with numerous other student-led and staff-supported programs, created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere across the school.

As we reflect on the term, we celebrate the positive impact of these initiatives and look forward to continuing to build a strong, supportive, and inclusive school community. Thank you to all students, staff, and guest organisations who contributed to making this term such a success!

 

On behalf of the Wellbeing and Inclusion team we with our families a safe and happy term break.

 

Michelle Lewis 

Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Inclusion

World Autism Awareness Day: Promoting Understanding and Acceptance

Every year on April 2nd, the global community comes together to observe World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, increasing understanding, and promoting acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This annual event, established by the United Nations in 2007, highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of individuals with autism and fostering an inclusive society that supports and values neurodiversity.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s communication, behaviour, and sensory experiences. Because autism exists on a spectrum, every person with ASD has unique strengths and challenges. Some individuals may have difficulty with social interactions and verbal communication, while others may possess remarkable talents in areas such as mathematics, music, or art. Recognizing and embracing this diversity is essential for creating an inclusive world.

World Autism Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. By educating ourselves, fostering supportive environments, and advocating for meaningful change, we can build a world that truly embraces neurodiversity. Autism is not a limitation but a unique way of experiencing the world, and by working together, we can create a society where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive.

 

Applications are now open for young people aged 16-25 years who live, work or study in the City of Greater Dandenong to join the 2025 Young Leaders program, which will run across May to September 2025.

 

The program provides a unique opportunity for participants to work with likeminded individuals, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact by planning and delivering community projects. 

 

Young people of all different backgrounds, experiences and interests are encouraged to apply! 

 

For more information: Young Leaders Program | Youth

Register interest here: Young Leaders – Application Form – Greater Dandenong 

 

You are also welcome to contact Youth and Family Services with any questions or inquiries.