Junior Years Report 

Year 8 English- Lara Tourism Campaign Excursions

For their final assessment, Year 8 English students are creating tourism ad campaigns to draw visitors to Lara. Students had to create a research folio, ad pitch, script and storyboard, then go out into the community to film their ad campaign at key locations in Lara. Students went out into the community with their teachers to do their filming and photography across two days in week 5 across the sporting clubs, library, skate park, Lara Village, the train station and Hoffman Walk. Students interacted with local businesses and members of the public respectfully as they captured their footage. 

We are looking forward to the editing process next week and seeing the final product videos.

 Well done, Year 8s!  8D

2nd place: Payten Walker 9D

Year 9 Camps - Cumberland River

Our Year 9 Cumberland River Camps were held across Week 4 (9ABCD) and Week 5 (9E) of Term 4 with two keen groups embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. Here, some exceptional examples of teamwork, leadership, organisation, problem solving, and resilience were on display as students navigated a series of challenging bushwalking trails in the Great Otway National Park near Lorne. Back at camp, small teams worked together to set up tents and cook their own dinner. Indeed, some impressive healthy meals, including spaghetti, fried-rice, pasta, curries, and several stir-fry variations, were prepared on portable camp stoves. Later in the evening, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows by the campfire capped-off a highly rewarding day of adventure.

While participation across this cohort was a tad disappointing, the interpersonal skills displayed by those who attended only highlights and reaffirms the importance of outdoor adventure, environmental appreciation, time away from regular routine, and limiting or reducing our reliance on IT devices and screens…at least for short periods. 

We have a few ideas to consider in terms of scheduling for next year, which will hopefully encourage and support more students to step outside their comfort zone, and increase participation for 2026 and beyond… 

Many thanks to all families, as well as the staff involved, for assisting students to prepare for this experience - your support of our camps and extra-curricular programs is greatly appreciated.

Brent Hodges

Camps & Programs Coordinator

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 

Brylee McNamara - Junior Years Assistant Principal