Principal's Report 

Learning Focus

This month, our learning focus continues to be on preparing for and completing assessment tasks.  By now, most students have completed numerous short formative assessment tasks and either completed at least one assessment task in most subjects. 

Our Professional Learning Teams are concentrating on enhancing our collaborative abilities to better differentiate instruction.  That is grouping in mixed ability classrooms, providing explicit instruction, multiple exposures to concepts and the colleges instructional model (Gradual Release of Responsibility).

NAPLAN

We are pleased to share that individual NAPLAN reports have now been distributed to students and their families. In addition, the College has received summary data, enabling us to analyse trends both at the class level and for individual students. I’m proud to report that Lyndale Secondary College has once again outperformed similar schools, network schools, and State averages.

These results are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff, who continuously strive for excellence in teaching and are deeply committed to our students' success. Below is a summary of our performance:

Thank you for your continued support in fostering an environment where our students can thrive.

High School Musical Production: WOW! 

A huge congratulations to our entire production team and community members for delivering yet another outstanding season at Lyndale Secondary College. ‘High School Musical’ was a sell-out success, showcasing exceptional energy, dynamic movement, and incredible sound—both on and off the stage. Kudos to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in bringing this production to life. Well done!

State school spectacular

We are thrilled to congratulate our talented students who performed in the mass dance category at this weekend’s State School Spectacular! It was Lyndale Secondary College’s debut in this remarkable event, and based on the incredible energy and enthusiasm displayed, it certainly won’t be our last.

A special congratulations to Savannah Darbon, who stood out as one of the principal dancers—a truly outstanding achievement!

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, Dhalia Harper and Priyanka Suja Rani, for their unwavering support and expert guidance throughout rehearsals and on the Show Days.

We couldn’t be prouder of our students for their hard work, passion, and commitment. Well done to all involved!

Workforce Planning and Subject Selection

Planning for the 2025 school year is in full swing.  Students have submitted their subject selection for the upcoming year, which will inform decisions about which subjects will be offered.  

College Values:  Respect Resilience and Responsibility

As we move through the school year, I want to remind everyone of the importance of our core values: Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility. 

Our school values are key to ensuring a positive and orderly learning environment for everyone. By showing respect to your peers and teachers, demonstrating resilience when faced with challenges, and taking responsibility for your actions, you are not only supporting your own learning but also helping create a space where everyone can succeed.

Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial; missing just one day every two weeks adds up to missing a month of school each year. Consistent attendance helps students develop habits that benefit them in adulthood. 

Beyond academics, daily attendance fosters skills like teamwork and meeting deadlines. Additionally, frequent school attendance is linked to better outcomes in adulthood, such as higher earnings, better job prospects, and improved health. 

If you need assistance ensuring your child attends school regularly, please contact us at 9795 2366 and follow the prompts for your child’s subschool.

School Saving Bonus 

Dear parents and carers, 

In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus, per child. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs. 

The bonus can be used towards 2025 school costs, which may include:  

• camps, trips, excursions and incursions  
• swimming and sporting programs  
• outdoor education programs  
• graduations
• school uniforms
• textbooks.   

The bonus can be used at our school’s approved textbook or uniform suppliers either in-store or online, or through State Schools’ Relief. Any amount that you choose to allocate to textbooks and uniforms will be valid until 30 June 2025. It will then transfer to your child’s school account for future activities. 

Funds will roll over for use in future years if it is not all spent in 2025.

The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025. 

Actions for parents and carers 

Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to: 

• Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. All Year 7 enrolments for Lyndale Secondary College in 2025 should be finalised and returned to the College.  
• Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information on your Compass Parent Portal. If changes are required, contact the school directly. 

We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice: 

• in October, to verify your email address 
• in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus. 

Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email. 

To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.