Principal's Message

Term 2 is always a very important term as our students are busy completing assessment tasks and sitting their Half Yearly exams and, of course, it is extremely important that every student takes responsibility for their learning and gives these tasks their absolute best. This term also provides our students with many extra-curricular activities that are excellent learning opportunities, and I am very proud of how our students have taken advantage of the opportunities that Lake Illawarra High offers.

Not only have our students given their best in the many sporting opportunities that they have participated in, but a number of students have also excelled in other areas. Claudia Calci and Brittany Skeen did an outstanding job in the Quota Club Youth of the Year Public Speaking competition which was recently held. Our students performed admirably in a number of Debating competitions that have been held between Illawarra and South Coast schools. Recently three of our wonderful SRC students travelled to Murrumbateman to participate in a Southern Region Leadership forum.

I strongly encourage all of our students to become involved in extra-curricular areas that interest them, whether it be in the Environmental Club, the SRC,Sports Committee, Debating, Art, Sport ... the list goes on. That is what makes school so interesting and enjoyable!

Tony Hicks

Principal

Deputies' Report

Term 2 continues to be busy for our students and staff. Students have attend Debating challenges, Team sporting events, including netball and AFL, individual sporting activities and, on top of this, we have held our school's Athletics carnival.

I would like to thank all our staff who have given up much of their time in organising these opportunities for our kids. Some of their reports will be in this edition or the next, but thank you to Miss Scott (Debating) Mr McAndrew (AFL), Mrs Clarke and Mrs Decresci (Netball), and Mrs Hartas (Athletics).

Speaking of athletics, I would like to thank all the staff who assisted Ms Hartas in organising our Athletics carnival this year. For many years, Lake Illawarra High School has held its Athletics carnival at King Memorial Oval, as this was the venue for our local Athletics club. Unfortunately, the club moved to a new venue a number of years ago and it was up to the staff at Lake, each year, to mow, paint and prepare the fields for our carnival. This was becoming a very big task and so, last year, it was decided to move the carnival to Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour. This has turned out to be a great success as we were able to provide free transport to and from the venue for all our students and enjoy the great facilities at Shellharbour. Thank you, again, to all the staff who helped make this a success.

Our King of the pool, Jared Dyer, has had an amazing few months. Jared has broken three Australian Under 17 (MC), 200m Backstroke records as a 16 year old competitor. Jared broke the Australian record at an event in Ulladulla and in the next two consecutive swim meets, broke his own record twice. This is an amazing achievement.

Jared also tasted success at the recent CHS State Swimming Championships where he won Silver in the 50m Butterfly. This means that Jared will be off to the national titles which will be held in Hobart in July. Good Luck, Jared.

Your child might have mentioned that we have changed the procedures for signing in late to school. As of this week (Week 7) students in Years 8 and 10 will be seeing myself, Mr Wilson, to sign in and students in Years 7 and 9 will be seeing Mr Meizer. In this way, we hope that we can support those students who regularly sign in late, as well as closely monitor some of the uniform issues that have popped up of late.

Finally, I would like to say that students have been much better in the wearing of full school uniform and I would like to congratulate the majority of students who have complied. Just a reminder that black shorts, tights or football shorts are not part of our uniform, as is wearing non-school jumpers underneath our school shirts. Parents will be called if these are worn and students will be given a detention for non-compliance if a note from home is not written with a satisfactory reason.

Why does the DoE support a mandatory school uniform in NSW schools?

• It defines an identity for the school within its community

• It develops students’ sense of belonging to the school community

• It provides an opportunity to build school spirit

• It enhances the health and safety of students when involved in school activities

• It promotes a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity

• It reinforces the perception of the school as an ordered and safe environment

• It increases the personal safety of students and staff by allowing easier recognition of visitors and potential intruders in the school

• It promotes positive community perceptions of public education

• It makes school clothing more affordable for families by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to wear transiently fashionable and expensive clothes

If your family is having financial difficulties, we have an application form which is found at the school office to request to the Principal for support in getting your school uniform. There is funding in the school to help, where needed. All applications and assistance are treated confidentially and sensitively. We will be continuing to focus on improving and maintaining high uniform standards, so keep up the great efforts and wear your Lake Illawarra High School uniform with pride.

Keep up the great work, Lake.

Chris Meizer & Tim Wilson

Deputy Principals

Community Notices