From the Principal

We say good bye and they say hello - yes it is a line in a song. The joy of another busy and successful year brings music to my ears, so here we go.

As at the end of any year there are changes to staff for the following year. After less than a year we say goodbye to:

Patrick Kearney who is heading to Concord School - Patrick has done a great job and his efforts were highlighted in our recent Night Under the Stars.

Teresa Vescio who is off to Harvest Home Primary School. Teresa has been an absolute pocket-rocket. So much talent and a big future in schools.

Alex Braughton is heading to Sydney with his family. Thank you for your efforts Alex.

David Pincheira will be continuing his work at Heatherwood School. David has refurbished the technology space, sorting and rebuilding to a place that is safe and immaculate. Students' skills have soared and workmanship is second to none. Most appreciated.

Nat Grindal, after six years with us, has found her dream job in AFL woman's footy. Go live the dream Nat.

Alex Mangione has been eleven years at The Lakes and taught every year level. Alex is heading to Elevation Secondary College as a founding staff member. Thank you Alex, particularly for your work in STEM.

Andy Demetrius has been eight years at The Lakes. A promotion to Learning Specialist STEM at Dallas Brooks Community School sends Andy to face new challenges. Thanks for your development of digi-tech and providing the opportunity for our First Lego Challenge.

Lucia Poblete Katsouris left us to explore the North in student welfare and has secured Assistant Principal at Aitken Creek Primary School after five years at The Lakes.

Maria Parks has had ten years service as Leading Teacher, Acting Assistant Principal and Early Years specialist. Queen of Playgroup she has now been promoted to Assistant Principal at Kangaroo Ground Primary to relish the challenges and take time to reflect.

Temporary Departures:

Angie Rossiani - is taking Long Service Leave;

Amanda Allan - will be on Family Leave;

Steven George - has a Temporary Transfer to Mernda Park Primary.

Chris Beare - will be Acting Principal at Mill Park Heights Primary during Term 1 2020.

Thank you for your efforts. You will all be missed, but we wish you well in your new adventures.

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And they say Hello

Erin Mould

Hi, my name is Erin. I’m looking forward to starting at The Lakes next year, teaching English and Inquiry.

At university I studied English and Creative Writing, with a minor in Mathematics (my other teaching area), and also have some background in philosophy and coding. I’m passionate about applying maths across different learning areas – especially in English – and thinking about how multimodal literacy can support students’ creativity and engagement, and bolster the versatile thinking they’ll need for life in the 21st century.

In the warmer months I love to go camping and hiking (especially by the beach). I love cinema and see a lot of theatre and live music. And of course I read books! I'm in a book club with friends so I'm always reading something new. I love cooking new recipes. And I’m often dabbling in this or that new skill. Lately I've started growing veggies – with very limited success so far!

Look forward to meeting you all in 2020!

Nicole Manoukian

Hi there,

My name is Nicole Manoukian and I am very excited to be joining The Lakes in the new year. I have been currently teaching Grade 1’s at Brookside P-9 College. I will be a Grade 2 teacher in 2020. Our year level will work as a team to help support each other at all times.

I am very excited for the learning journey we will take together next year. I look forward to getting to know you all.

It will be a fantastic year filled with lots of great opportunities!

My favourite things to do are:

• Exercise

• Eat Chocolate

• Hang out with my family

• Travel around the world

Thank you, I am looking forward to the new year!

Loanna Finch

Hi, I'm Loanna Finch. I'm coming from Staughton College in Melton. I'll be teaching Years 7 to 9 Humanities next year. I enjoy creative writing, especially poetry, and short stories as well as gardening. I also draw manga and comics in my spare time. I am excited about coming to The Lakes and getting to know the students that I'll be working with. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Anita Sara

Hi everyone at The Lakes! My name is Anita and I am excited to meet you all, including my future group of students for next year. I will be a graduate teacher and look forward to spending my first year teaching with your school. I will be one of the Year 9 Home Group teachers, also taking on Year 7 STEM, Year 8 Micro-computing, Year 9 AIOK, Year 9 General Science and Year 10 Chemistry/Physics. I am excited to immerse my students in the interesting world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and spark their curiosity in all things mysterious and interesting! I can't wait to begin this learning journey with you guys and create really interactive, hands-on and fun lessons for us all to experience!