Assistant Principal 

 

9 & 10 

In this unprecedented year, we as the community which is Lalor Secondary College, have much to be proud of and to celebrate. With changes to learning at the forefront of a year which has been all about Covid 19, what has emerged is a strong and sincere sense of community and belonging within this school and wider community. As I have said on many occasions, a measure of a school greatness is reflected by the very people who gather within its walls. The teachers, the students, the education support staff and our broader community of parents and friends. I continue to take great pride in being a member of this strong and resilient community working with our dedicated staff to adapt to the new challenges that were thrown our way.  Under the steadfast stewardship from our Principal Corey Jewell, we were able to navigate our way through and back from remote learning, all the while, following departmental advice to provide a continuation of learning opportunities for our students. Even though, some of the programs and experiences have had to be placed on hold, we can be confident that the program we were able to deliver supported contemporary collaborative learning and teaching opportunities. Through the use of TEAMS students were given access to modified learning programs. Many students have excelled in remote learning, however we know that not all students found this sudden and abrupt change to schooling conducive to their preferred ways of learning. What we can be assured of, is that resilience and a growth mindset approach towards the way teachers have supported students in their learning, has been paramount and supported through our inclusion of Berry Street Practices throughout. A heartfelt thank you to all of our teaching and education support staff, who have gone above and beyond to plan, deliver and support students through a responsive and dedicated sense of professionalism and care for their students.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Kate Norman for her leadership in Curriculum Coordination and Mary Anne Lilikakis Pedagogy Leader in supporting our key Learning Leaders and their teacher teams to confidentiality prepare and deliver the teaching programs across the College. Our continued curriculum development into 2021 ensures we can resume in the provision of excellent educational programs across all areas and that our programs meet the rigorous expectations of the Victorian Curriculum and in VCE and VCAL. I would sincerely like to thank the members of the Teaching and Learning team, comprising Kate Norman, Mary Anne Lilikakis, Mary Snowball, Mel Foster, Clare Delaney, Lilly Popovska, Maria Stiptovic and Chris Koronowicz for their commitment in ensuring the recommendations from our Strategic School Plan are implemented. As a result, some exciting developments in the curriculum programs will be rolled out over the coming years to ensure that we, at Lalor Secondary College continue to provide high quality, challenging, engaging and inclusive curriculum for all students. The new pilot year 7 Lap top program will enhance and enrich learning opportunities and engagement for students. With new facilities now also on the horizon, our school will be able to extend our progressive approach educating students for the 21 st century, with purposeful learning experiences for every student. We are excited about the new prospects which will allow the provision of learning programs which are personalised, evidence based and technologically rich.

My sincere thanks to all students in year 9 and 10. I have been so proud to see you develop and grow into cooperative and caring young adults and successful community members of Lalor Secondary College. Special thanks also to the remarkable team of student managers, Mr Wilkinson, Mr McDonald, Ms Kotsopoulos Mr Murcott and Mr Danher as Sub School Manager, who have worked tirelessly in this year of Covid 19 to make this year as engaging and productive for our students considering all the setbacks we have had. I appreciate all the many hours they have contributed to ensuring that our students were feeling okay, engaging and connected during the period of remote learning, reaching out to those who may have needed additional support. Many thanks also to the members of the LSC Well-Being Team, Mr Zaekis, Ms Dipasquantonio, Ms Jovcevski and Ms. Bussell for their exemplary support and assistance throughout the year.

I would like to end by wishing all students their parents and staff a wonderful and safe holiday break and look forward to seeing you again next year.

Laura Forster.

Assistant Principal