Staff and Student Learning Assistant Principal Report
Teaching and Learning
We are thrilled with the dedication and hard work so many of our students are displaying at the beginning of this year with their learning. As parents/careers, you play a vital role on your child’s education, and you can see what work students are completing by checking lesson plans on Compass. If you ever have any concerns or questions, please email you child’s teachers through Compass or feel free to call the school on (03)9795 2366.
Study Group
A reminder that we have commenced Study Group on a Tuesday and Wednesday after school from 3.15-4.15pm. ALL students are welcome, and we were thrilled to see over 30 students attend this week.
This is a fantastic opportunity for all students to work with our university tutors. These tutors are knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, and they would love to work with any interested student. Bring your work, laptop and questions!
New Staff
Over the next two newsletter editions, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce our new teaching members of staff. We have been very lucky to have acquired some amazing new teachers and we would like to welcome them to the Lyndale community for 2024.
Meet some of our new teachers working at Lyndale in 2024:
Adam Nettleingham
My name Adam Nettleingham and I am the new Food technology teacher at Lyndale. I have been teaching for 28 years and have taught Food Technology to all year levels. I have also taught Geography and Health. I have come from Berwick College, where I taught for 25 years. I am looking forward to a change in scenery and the community spirit of a smaller school.
I love teaching Food Technology as it is relevant to every student. We all have to eat and make food choices. Teaching about such a life skill and how it can impact ones mental, social and physical well-being is very rewarding. I also enjoy that students look forward to completing practical tasks in the kitchen and developing new skills that they can then take home with them.
Carolyn Bates
I am one of the Year 11 Coordinators with Tayla Shannon. I also teach Yr 12 Psychology; Yr 11 Psychology and Yr 11 Health and Human Development. I began my teaching career in 2000 at Berwick SC as a PE and Psychology teacher. I took some time away mid 2005 to have children (2 boys) before returning to Berwick SC mid-2009.
While there I have taught VCE Psychology, VCE HHD; Junior and middle years PE as well as VM Literacy and Personal Development. I have also been a Year 12 Coordinator; a Kenny Learning Team assistant coordinator; assistant KLA (PE) and Sports Coordinator.
My teaching philosophy is that enthusiasm generates enthusiasm. If you aren't invested in the content and the learning then your students won't be either.
I am really excited to be at a smaller school so that I can be more involved in the Lyndale community. After 24 years at the same school I look forward to learning and immersing myself in the varying cultures that make up Lyndale SC.
Erin Lagaaia
Hello, my name is Erin Lagaaia and I have joined the Science Team here at Lyndale Secondary College in 2024. I was previously at Cranbourne SC for the last 4 years. I migrated from Samoa in 2006, originally to Tasmania and then made a big move to Melbourne in 2014.
I teach junior science and am passionate in supporting students to develop their science inquiry skills which is the foundation of Scientific investigation. I am an avid reader and sports spectator/cheerleader – especially basketball!
Greg Fletcher
I have worked in waterway management and policy for about 20 years, mostly based in Horsham in Western Victoria before deciding to make a shift across to teaching after moving back to Melbourne in 2022. Working in environmental management is a fascinating space, you’re always learning something new and able to do exciting things like trapping platypuses or fish to monitor their populations.
I’m hoping to engender amongst the Lyndale students a passion for and awareness about our environment and the issues it faces. It’s been exciting to see their enthusiasm to date and I’m looking forward to getting out into the field to help them develop the skills and ideas that they might want to take forward into potential careers protecting our environment.
Eliza Lanz
I am Miss Lanz and the last four weeks at Lyndale have been amazing. All students, staff and teachers and have been so welcoming, inviting me into the Lyndale community. My role at Lyndale is teaching Humanities and I specialise in Business Management and Legal Studies. I am currently teaching Year 12, Year 10 and Year 8. My previous experience comes from working in schools in Wantirna and Glen Waverley. Prior to being a teacher, I used to help manage a before and after school care program. I also studied criminology at university before I decided I wanted to pursue teaching.
My philosophy around teaching is to create an engaging and secure learning environment for students, providing them with the knowledge to succeed. My specialisation in inclusive education has provided me with the skills to teach and ensure every student feels included and respected.
My highlights at Lyndale so far have been the swimming carnival and Year 7 Camp. The swimming carnival was great to see all the students outside the classroom and having fun in the sun and winning some ribbons. Alongside this, coming on Year 7 Camp was such a fun experience for the students but also myself – I even got to go on the Giant Swing!
Claire Boyce
Hello! My name is Claire Boyce. I am teaching EAL and The Language School at Lyndale Secondary College. I am currently finishing my Master of Education at RMIT.
I spent many years abroad as my undergraduate degree was in languages, but eventually returned to Melbourne. I have a daughter in Year 10 at Preston High School. It’s a long way to travel but shared enthusiasm with another staff member, about Lyndale, was extremely attractive.
My previous profession was a chef. I have probably cooked for some of you inadvertently, as I have worked at the Australian Open for many years and at the MCG. (No, I don’t take orders!) I am very passionate about food, but also about languages and education.
I wear a respirator/mask because I am immunocompromised; not sick. I wear it so I don’t sick, and it has proved to be very effective!