Principal's Report 

Welcome to 2024

I would like to welcome everyone from the school community to the 2024 school year.  I trust that everyone has had a safe and healthy summer break and are ready for the upcoming year.  

We are confident that the school year will start smoothly, that students will settle quickly, and the focus in the classroom will be firmly on improving learning outcomes. 

A special welcome to our new year 7 students and their families.

Welcome to returning staff and the following staff who have also joined the outstanding team at Lyndale Secondary College:

Manjula Algama

Carolyn Bates

Claire Boyce

Charlee Chen

Ana Finlay

Greg Fletcher

Subha Jayasuriya 

Erin Lagaaia

Eliza Lanz

Rob McCombe

Nicole McCoy

Adam Nettleingham

Ashlee Robinson

Taylor Rogan

Alina Wang

As always, school has started with a rush, and I would like to remind you of some important information and upcoming events.

All students have now been issued with a college planner. I would ask that parents familiarise themselves with it, and get into the habit of regularly checking it. We have asked teachers to instruct students to record home tasks within it. We hope the re-introduction of a hard-copy college planner will allow for easier access, monitoring and support of student learning by parents.

I am pleased to report that the college continues to build upon our successes. Our 2023 VCE results were not only excellent but outstanding considering the teacher shortages that we have been facing.  Our school median continues to improve from a 27 to 29 and this is 5 points above our neighbouring schools.

Our 2023 College Dux, Ciya Joseph, received an outstanding ATAR score of 95.55 

6.6% of our students received an ATAR over 09

23% received an ATAR over 80

46% received an ATAR over 70

We have had an extremely successful start to Term 1 with four weeks nearly completed I could not be more pleased with the start of our year.

Walking through the school, students appear very settled and well and truly into the routine of school. The tone is impressive.

College Vision and Values

At Lyndale Secondary College our fundamental purpose is to foster a learning community that caters for the unique academic, physical, social and emotional needs of our students. Lyndale Secondary College is a fully inclusive learning community that caters for the development of the whole person, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our aim is for every child to experience growth and success.

This vision is underpinned by the core values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility.

Respect for yourself, others, our community and for our learning. We have pride in our school and promote the right to learn.

Resilience in yourself and encouraged in others. We are relentless in the pursuit of success.

Responsibility We show strength of character and are accountable for our actions.

2024 Learning Focus

The main focus areas related to student learning outcomes were and will be, outlined to staff and students at the beginning of this school year. The college priorities as outlined in the College Strategic and Annual Implementation Plan this year include:

Learning – Focus on improving student achievement and growth in learning

Wellbeing – Focus on supporting wellbeing to improve engagement in learning

Key strategies that will be used to support attainment of the goals will include:

• Continue work on guaranteed and viable curriculum
• Use of data to know your students and how they learn
• Continue work on differentiation, formative assessment and feedback
• New reporting and assessment process
• High Impact Teaching Strategies
• High Impact Wellbeing Strategies: Tiers 1,2 3
• Consolidation of Behaviour Management model

Mobile Phones

Since 2020, mobile phones are banned in all government schools. The policy was introduced because teachers and parents regularly raise concerns about the use of mobile phones during school hours as a cause of constant distraction in classrooms. The policy provides consistency for principals, teachers, students, parents and school communities. 

As part of the policy, students must switch off their phones and store them securely from the moment they arrive on school grounds until they leave at the end of the day. Failure to abide by this regulation will result in a confiscation of the student phone. 

Students are being reminded regularly of these arrangements and the College Mobile phone Policy is available on the College website.

Attendance- it’s NOT OK to be AWAYEncouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child get better results, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behaviour and have a better chance of completing Year 12. But when students are absent for an average of just two days of school per month—even when the absences are excused– it can have a negative impact. 

Students who attend school regularly feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to complete Year 12, setting them up for a strong future.

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS 

I cannot emphasise enough how important these are for the running of our school to a standard above and beyond! 

The environment has been our focus over many years and students love their surroundings but also the new furniture. 

Parents' generous contributions have enabled all the facilities to be the best they can be for the students in our care and also for the additional services to be provided like our sick bay and of course our immersive learning laboratory. 

I know everything is voluntary and I am grateful for everyone’s generous support. 

Child Safe Standards

Legislation introduced by the Victorian Government which took effect from January 2017 ensures organisations that deal with children have appropriate and consistent measures in place to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse. The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all organisations that provide services to children including Victorian schools. The aim of the Standards is to ensure organisations are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect. Relevant resources for parents and students can be found at: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safety or by contacting the college office.

Annual Privacy Reminder

Lyndale Secondary College collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the School’s privacy Policy. Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website at: https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/

Student Accident Insurance 

Parents/carers are reminded that the Department of Education & Training does NOT provide personal accident insurance for students. 

Parents/carers are responsible for the cost of any ambulance expenses and medical expenses. Reasonably low-cost accident insurance is available if parents/carers wish to cover any expenses not covered by Medicare and/or private health insurance. You may choose your own insurance company or contact EBM Insurance Brokers online at www.studentcover.com.au to apply for cover.

Thank you again and we look forward to a productive and successful school year.

Regards and best wishes

Pam Robinson

Principal