Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive.

It is hard to believe that we have already reached the end of Term 1 for 2025. It has been an exciting term at Lilydale Heights College, full of opportunities for students to learn and grow. As mentioned in my previous newsletter article, two key areas we are focusing on this year are:

Enhancing the way we create a stimulating learning environment for our students. This involves ensuring that classroom lessons are engaging, relevant, supportive and tailored for students so they are able to successfully achieve learning growth.
Strengthening student voice and agency. We are exploring new ways for students to actively participate in their learning and play a greater role in shaping their experiences at Lilydale Heights College.

Enhancing Stimulated Learning

Throughout the term, our teachers have been actively engaged in their Learning Teams, working on an Action Learning Task (ALT) focused on maximising learning growth through the consistent implementation of the MAPS Instructional Model. Teachers had the opportunity to choose from three options aligned with different stages of our Instructional Model MAPS. They explored how to best meet students at their point of need, create engaging and stimulating learning experiences, and effectively measure learning growth. Teachers then participated in Professional Growth Conversations, where they shared insights gained from their Action Learning Tasks and reflected on their own personal learning goals. It was exciting to hear about the diverse approaches taken to enhance stimulated student learning and to see the deep commitment of our teachers in driving continuous improvement.

Strengthening Student Voice & Agency

Our new Student Voice Team has been actively working this term to enhance student involvement and ensure that students have a say in shaping their school experience. Meeting twice already, the team has explored what Student Voice looks like at Lilydale Heights College and brainstormed ways to increase engagement. You will see from the Student Voice & Agency article later in this newsletter, some of the great work this team has been working on. I met with the Student Voice Team recently where they shared with me their thoughts on some suggested changes to the College uniform. I was impressed by the deep thinking I saw from the students in the meeting and their goal of supporting school improvement for students. The team is also in the process of gathering feedback from students on their perspective of how their classes can be engaging and interesting. This information will assist our staff in enhancing the way we create a stimulating learning environment for students based on their input. It is an exciting time at LHC, where students will be able to play an even greater role in shaping their school experience.

Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 11 March we held our Whole School Swimming Carnival at Croydon Memorial Pool. It was fantastic to see students getting involved, whether competing in races, cheering on their houses, or participating in the novelty events. Check out this video for some of the highlights from the Swimming Carnival https://youtu.be/KiMGLBTmdbc

I would like to thank all the students and staff who organised and participated in this whole school event. Particular thanks to Sonya Tamos, James Rippingale, Charlie Colaneri, Bec Sikhali and Demi Carmody.

Harmony Day

Harmony Day was held on Monday 17 March and was a fantastic success! Our school community came together to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion, with students wearing a splash of orange to embrace the spirit of the day. Through gold coin donations, we raised valuable funds to support 7 Women, an incredible organisation empowering women from marginalised communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful cause!

NAPLAN

We recently completed the NAPLAN for 2025, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Year 7 and 9 students for their dedication and effort throughout the assessments. A huge thank you also to our staff for their support in creating a positive and encouraging environment for our students. Individual Student NAPLAN Reports will be available for families at the start of Term 3.

Learning Walks

Our Leadership Team has been actively engaging in Learning Walks across the school as part of our Shared Practice initiative. These walks involve small groups of teachers and students visiting classrooms for a short period to observe and reflect on the teaching and learning strategies in action. With a focus on Stimulated Learning, the goal is to identify and explore the ways teachers are engaging students and fostering rich learning experiences. These observations help promote professional conversations, encourage the sharing of effective practices, and support our collective vision for high-quality teaching. A big thank you to our staff and students for welcoming these visits—your openness and collaboration play a key role in strengthening teaching and learning across our College!

Open Night

On Tuesday 25 March, we had the pleasure of hosting our Open Night, welcoming prospective families to experience all that Lilydale Heights College has to offer. It was a fantastic evening filled with energy and enthusiasm as students and staff proudly showcased our school. This year, we saw an incredible response, with 700 people registering for tours—and many more attending on the night. The strong turnout reflects the positive reputation our school holds within the community and reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for our students. The night was an incredible success and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our amazing staff and exceptional young people who contributed to the evening.

Learning Conferences

Learning Conferences provide an important opportunity for families, students and teachers to discuss learning progress and to build communication between home and the College. We invite parents/guardians to book a learning conference with their child’s teachers via Compass.

Learning Conferences will take place on:

Thursday 03 April 4pm – 8pm.

Friday 04 April 10am – 1pm.

All conferences will be held in person at the College in C-Wing and the Library. Further details on Learning Conferences can be found in your Compass Newsfeed. We look forward to seeing our students and families at the Learning Conferences.

Holidays and Return to School

KEY DATES FOR THE END OF TERM 1

Thursday 3 April

Last day of classes for Term 1
School ends at 3pm
Learning Conferences will be held onsite from 4pm – 8pm

Friday 4 April

Learning Conferences will be held onsite from 10am – 1pm.
No regular classes will be held on Friday 4 April. It is expected that students accompany their parents to their conferences and participate in the discussion of their learning.
The General Office will close at 3pm.
This is the last day of Term 1.

KEY DATES FOR THE BEGINNING OF TERM 2

Monday 21 April

Easter Monday (Public Holiday). School is closed.

Tuesday 22 April

Term 2 begins.

Friday 25 April

ANZAC Day (Public Holiday). School is closed.

Wellbeing Support during the holiday break

As we enter the holiday break, we wanted to share some tips and resources for students and families to support the wellbeing of young people. Wellbeing support for students during the school holidays: Click here

Information on additional wellbeing supports available to students and families over the holiday break are available on the Wellbeing page of this newsletter.

Thank you

I would like to thank our students, staff and families for their support this term. I wish our entire community a fantastic holiday break. Please use this time to relax and recharge your batteries, and let’s return in Term 2 refreshed and ready for more exciting learning opportunities.

Shane Kruger

Principal.

Year 9 Clifford Park Overnight Camp

James Rippingale