FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Student Leadership Team with Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. James Merlino.

TERM 4

Centenary Celebrations

Our centenary celebrations drew to a close on December 6, with the launch of the book ‘Look to the Light – The Life of Lilydale Higher Elementary/High School’ and the induction of our first inductees into the Gallery of Achievement.

The Minister for Education/Deputy Premier attended the official proceedings as did a large number of staff and students from across the years.

Thank you to everyone who attended and my sincere thanks to Kristy Mays and Lisa Polkinghorne for their brilliant organisation of the event.

A more detailed report can be found later in this newsletter.

VCE Results

We were extremely pleased and very proud of the VCE results for 2019. Many of our students scored an ATAR of over 80 with our DUX, Tahlia Eastwood, scoring 98.35.

Students will now look at their options for the future. Over 120 have already received tertiary offers from a range of universities including Melbourne, Monash, Deakin, Swinburne and Australian Catholic University - more offers will be provided in January.

Other students have opted to take on apprenticeships and employment, with some deciding on a GAP year.

Special congratulations to our first senior VCAL class who did a superb job in completing the course and will now be also undertaking more study and apprenticeships.

Good luck to everyone, take care and enjoy a well deserved break over Christmas.

Orientation Day

Our 2020 Year 7 students enjoyed a day getting to know their new surrounds, teachers and classmates on Tuesday December 10. We are looking forward to them being a great group of hardworking students next year and I also welcome our new families to the school.

Thanks to everyone involved in the day particularly our transition coordinators, Tracey Hope and Sharon Wall and the Junior School team and teachers. Special mention to Melissa McMillan who filled in during my absence on the day.

Valedictory Evening

There was mild panic as we were told that we wouldn’t have a venue for this year’s Valedictory Dinner due to the structural issues at The Peninsula. Fortunately calm heads prevailed and we were able to secure Crown Palladium for the annual event.

My thanks to Head of Senior School, Katie Wilson and the Senior Team for their organisation of the night and to Caitlin Wiles who was responsible for many tasks including the seating of 950 people and ensuring dietary requirements were met.

It was a wonderful way to cap off 13 years of schooling for our graduates. The student leaders spoke beautifully and the Valedictorians, Jet Harris and Rory Davies, made a heart felt farewell speech on behalf of the year level.

Our first Senior VCAL class were also presented with their completion certificates – a great result for everyone.

Thanks to parents and families for your patience whilst the venue was being sourced, we appreciate your understanding.

Our Centenary Year Reflection

Well, that’s it – 100 years celebration of a school that thousands of students have passed through, is over.

My thanks to everyone who has been involved in; school assemblies, the Open Day, the Commencement Dinner, School Tour and Morning tea, competitions, the wonderful book, the Gallery of Achievement and, in the past few days, the time capsule contributions. It really has been a year to remember and a year to meet old friends, make new friends and reflect on an institution that has been part of this area for 100 years.

To the staff, and in particular Kristy Mays, thank you for ensuring that the year has been one to remember. We now look forward to the next 100 years with great enthusiasm and optimism.