Assistant Principal's Report

Year 10, 11 & 12

At the time of writing, I’ve just come from the Ready Steady Cook Senior student competition where I was lucky enough to judge the final between Cowan (Blue house) and Dunlop (Red House)! It was a close competition with Cowan winning the grand final!

I’ve also been lucky enough to purchase one of the ‘Mothers Day’ succulents that were produced by our VCAL students. Students created a range of designs and then sold these at the college to staff and students. I saw some junior students buying some last minute Mothers Day gifts and I am sure that everyone who purchased a succulent pot was very happy with the end result.

Yesterday we had a Careers Expo for our year 10 students here at the college. A wide range of professions and tertiary institutions were represented and our students were able to ask a range of questions about possible pathways for the future. I thank all staff involved in the organisation of this event.

Next week is the start of our exam period at the college. Year 10 and 11 students are required at school only when they have an exam. Students should use time not at school to prepare fully for their exams. Please note important dates for year 11 and 12 students below.

As winter is now officially upon us, we are finding that students are wearing inappropriate items of clothing. We have a full range of uniform items to ensure that students are warm in winter at our uniform shop. Items of non-uniform such as hoodies, non-school scarves and the like will be confiscated from students. We pride ourselves on our high standards of student dress here at the college and appreciate your support to ensure that your child has the correct uniform. Uniform passes will not be issued for items such as non school scarves, hoodies or jackets.

Year 10 - Important Dates:

Year 11 - Important Dates:

Julie Ryan

Assistant Pricipal 

Year 7, 8 & 9

Dear Families,

Winter is nigh and this means cold and wet weather. Experience tells us that strict adherence to uniform guidelines, including correct footwear and use of spray jackets when outside only, is the right way to maximise comfort for learning during winter. If spray jackets are left on in class, this leads to discomfort and poor body temperature regulation. This is one reason why we do not permit spray jackets in class. Naturally jumpers are a must, and these can be supplemented by thermal undergarments to trap warmth.

The range of excursions beyond the classroom continues to add interest and pleasure to learning, while providing excellent experience in participating in the local community. Students learn about appropriate behaviours in public, use of public transport, and working as an orderly team. The field work trips to shopping precincts are complete for the term and reports suggest strong student engagement.

I want to remind families of the risks involved where students take it upon themselves to contact parents during the day using their mobile phones without knowledge of the college, and also visa-versa when parents contact students without the knowledge of the college. Mobiles can be very handy for family arrangements before and after school, but the contact described is as a minimum a distraction from learning, promotes breaking of school rules where students feel compelled to answer or reply to family messages and, still worse, undermines the authority and ability of the college to monitor and manage student wellbeing. This last concern is most important, and can potentially render students very vulnerable. Please encourage students to carefully observe school rules with regard to mobiles, and always use the college administration to contact students.

We are excited about the year 8 ‘Camp Out’ adventure coming up on July 19. A good deal of students have become involved in the planning for this initiative designed to raise consciousness about homelessness in Melbourne. A guest speaker for the Camp Out will be from Melbourne City Mission and this promises to be thought-provoking and engaging while also good fun for the students. More information will shortly become available to parents about the Camp Out (held at our college), and please encourage your children to become involved.

Arrangements and planning for transition from grade six to high school has commenced, and I am very fortunate to be taking many tours of the college for prospective families every week. Should you know of families interested in our college, please encourage them to consider a tour. I always feel very proud with what we have to offer at Lalor.

Timothy Cottrell