Principal's Report

Maximising learning growth to ensure all students can thrive.

It has been a busy time at Lilydale Heights College over the last few weeks! Students have been working hard to complete their coursework, final assessments and examinations for 2024. For our Year 10 and Year 11 students, this also meant starting their GO Program—a fantastic opportunity to get a head start on 2025. This program helps our students familiarise themselves with their new classes and begin their learning for 2025. For each subject, our students have received their learning materials to work on over the holidays, setting them up for a great start when they return.

We are also preparing to welcome our new Year 7 students to the college. Our Year 7 Team has been out visiting local primary schools, meeting with teachers and getting to know the students who’ll soon be joining us. Recently, we ran a virtual session where our incoming students met some of the key staff, learnt about Orientation Day and had the opportunity to ask questions about their transition into Lilydale Heights College. It was great to see their enthusiasm and hear their thoughtful questions about starting high school.

Starting Year 7 is a big step, and we’re here to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Orientation Day on December 10 will give our new students the chance to explore the school, make new friends, and start to feel what school will be like at Lilydale Heights College. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students and sharing this exciting next chapter of their education journey!

Parent Contributions

At this time of year, schools and families are making preparations for 2025. Subjects are being released, booklists published and information on Parent Contributions are communicated. I did want to take a moment in this newsletter to share with families the importance of Parent Contributions. Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian Curriculum and we want to assure you that all contributions are voluntary. Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for our students. This has made a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer. The support that we receive through Parent Contributions is always greatly appreciated and allows us to continue to provide materials, equipment and positive learning spaces for our students. Within our school, this support has allowed us to provide a wider offering of subjects and special curriculum experiences; enhanced digital learning opportunities, upgrade of our Apple iMac computer pod and faster WIFI and internet.

Families are able to pay their Voluntary Financial Contributions for Curriculum items and/or other curriculum items via Payment Plan instalments, Compass, Centrepay or in full to the General Office.

School Saving Bonus Information

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. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.

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

From Tuesday 26 November, families will receive an email from the Department of Education (DoE) outlining their unique School Saving Bonus Code. Emails will be sent out over several days from the DoE. A detailed guide on how to access and use these funds has been provided to parents via Compass.

Second Hand Book sale

We are exited to announce the details of the Second hand book sale for 2024. This year we are expanding to encompass the sale of relevant books across Years 7-12.

Details on how to sell and purchase second hand books can be found in your Compass Newsfeed. 

Collection date: Students to bring books for sale to C1 before school, recess or lunch between 2nd & 5th December.

Sale day: Thursday 5th of December (4:30-6:30pm) in C1. Please note: CASH ONLY

Please consult the booklists available at Lilydale Books for exact titles and subject requirements for your child's Year level.

Further details on the Second Hand Book sale can be found in your Compass Newsfeed. If you have any additional questions, please contact Bryce Denny or Michelle Gaudion at the College.

Intentions for 2025

As we continue to plan classes for 2025, it is important for us to have accurate student numbers. This allows us to maximise the learning opportunities for all students and to ensure that all students are supported in their transition. 

If your child is not planning to return to Lilydale Heights College in 2025, can you please contact the General Office to let us know? Thank you for your support with this.

Shane Kruger

Principal.