Principal's Report 

Dear Lyndale Secondary College community,

As we come to the end of the 2025 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, families and staff for your support, partnership and commitment to our College.

It has been another busy and productive year at Lyndale. Across the school, from Year 7 through to Year 12, we have continued to focus on what matters most: strong learning growth for every student, and a safe, inclusive and caring environment where young people are known, valued and supported to thrive.

Our College values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience have been at the heart of this work. I am proud of the many ways our students have demonstrated these values in their learning, in the yard, on camps and excursions, in sport, in the arts and in their leadership across the year.

Learning, Growth and Achievement

Throughout 2025, teachers have worked hard to provide engaging, challenging learning in every classroom. Our continued focus on high-impact teaching strategies, literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, and consistent routines in classrooms has supported improved student engagement and learning growth.

We have also continued to refine our assessment and feedback practices, so that students know what they are learning, why it is important, and what their next steps are. The dedication of staff to ongoing professional learning and collaboration has been a key driver of this improvement.

To our students: thank you for your effort, your curiosity and your persistence. Learning is not always easy, and your willingness to have a go, to learn from mistakes and to keep trying is what builds long-term success.

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Student Voice

Student wellbeing remains a core priority for our college. In 2025 we have continued to strengthen:

• Our proactive wellbeing supports and check-ins
• Our partnerships with families and external services
• Our focus on safe, orderly and predictable learning environments
• Student voice and leadership opportunities across all year levels.

We know that when students feel safe, respected and connected at school, they are more ready to learn. Thank you to the Student Leadership Team, captains, peer leaders and all students who have contributed to assemblies, clubs, events and initiatives that build a positive school culture.

To our families: your communication with us, your support of our expectations, and your trust in working through issues together have been greatly appreciated. Strong partnerships between home and school make an enormous difference for our young people.

Farewell to the Class of 2025

To the Class of 2025, congratulations on completing your secondary schooling.

Whether you have been with us since Year 7 or joined along the way, you leave Lyndale having contributed to the story of this College. We are proud of your achievements – in the VCE, VCE Vocational Major, VPC and other pathways – and of the young adults you have become.

As you move into further study, training or employment, or take time to consider your next steps, I encourage you to:

• Continue to work hard and take opportunities
• Stay connected to positive people and role models
• Remember the values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience that have guided you here.

You will always be part of the Lyndale community, and we look forward to hearing about your future successes.

Acknowledging Our Staff and School Council

I would like to sincerely thank all staff – teaching, education support and leadership – for their professionalism, care and tireless work throughout 2025. Schools are complex places, and it is the daily efforts of staff in classrooms, offices, the library, wellbeing spaces, grounds and facilities that keep the College running and ensure our students are supported.

Thank you also to our School Council for their ongoing commitment, guidance and stewardship of the College. Your time, expertise and advocacy behind the scenes make a real difference to the opportunities we can provide for our students.

Partnerships and Community

We are fortunate to work in partnership with many organisations and individuals who support our students and families – local primary schools, community organisations, volunteers, service providers and local businesses.

To all those who have contributed time, resources, mentoring, scholarships, or support to our students this year: thank you. You are an important part of the Lyndale story, and your contribution is valued by our whole community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Planning is already well underway for 2026. Our focus will remain firmly on:

• Lifting student learning growth
• Strengthening literacy and numeracy across all year levels
• Continuing to build a strong, respectful and inclusive school culture
• Ensuring that every student is known, challenged and supported in their learning.

We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students and families to the College community, and to seeing our returning students step into new year levels, new subjects and new opportunities.

Key Dates – Start of 2026

As part of our start of year planning, Lyndale Secondary College will be using two of our five Student-Free Days at the beginning of 2026 to invest in targeted professional learning for staff. One day will focus on strengthening our Lyndale instructional model, with particular attention to differentiating and scaffolding learning to better meet the needs of all students. The second day will be dedicated to student engagement and wellbeing, ensuring that our practices continue to support safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments. This work underpins our commitment to high-quality teaching and improved learning outcomes for every student.

In line with the Victorian Government school term dates, Term 1, 2026 begins on Tuesday 27 January 2026 for staff, with all students commencing on Thursday 29 January 2026.

Further details regarding booklists and uniform expectations will be communicated via Compass in January.

Thank You and Best Wishes

Finally, I would like to thank you, our parents, carers and families, for the trust you place in us to educate and care for your children. It is a privilege we do not take lightly.

I wish all members of the Lyndale Secondary College community a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. I hope you are able to spend time with family and friends, recharge, and do things that bring you joy.

I look forward to working together again in 2026.

Warm regards,

Pam Robinson

Principal