Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

“Empowering students for learning and life”

High Expectations

School Review

As outlined in the February newsletter our College has undergone a four year review this term.  On Wednesday 6th of March, we had the Final Day of this review, with the panel developing a set of goals, actions and targets for the next Strategic Plan (2019 -2022).    I will be meeting with Anne Martin (who is our School Improvement Education Leader from the department) this week as she couldn’t make it to the Final day to review the goals.  The development of the Strategic Plan is part of the review process and we will be seeking feedback from our staff before finalising.  The final report for the review will be provided to the College early next term and will be available on our website.

I would like to thank and acknowledge the work done by the panel – the team was open, honest and contributed greatly to the success of our review.  Our challenge partners were impressed with our College (both had been at Lyndhurst years ago – Rob Duncan in 2004 and Nick Hamer-Smith left in 2011) and were extremely congratulatory of the work, accomplishments and changes at the College. They were extremely helpful in providing suggestions and ideas in areas we can improve on.   Barry (the reviewer) was also very impressed and repeatedly talked about areas to celebrate.   He was very respectful in identifying the areas that need to be addressed and the next stage of improvement needed. 

I would like to thank Kelly Bendon (AP), Daniel Rogers (AP), Rachel Curran (BM), Rachelle Rochecouste (School Council President), Anthony Brannan (Sub School Leader), Jodi Cooke (Teaching and Learning Leader) and Lauren Shaw (Student Voice Leader) for their time, contributions and support throughout the whole process.

I would like to also thank the staff for their participation in the review, either through being part of the staff focus groups, being observed or covering classes for staff involved in the review.  Thank you to our students who were active participants in the review, being observed both in the classroom and in the school yard; participating in focus groups and answering all questions honestly and providing valuable feedback to Barry (the reviewer). 

And finally I would like to thank the parents who attended the focus groups and provided valuable insight to Barry and ultimately to our leadership team of what is working well and areas we need to address.  Your time was extremely valuable and greatly appreciated – thank you.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 students attended camp at Phillip Island earlier this term and they all had a wonderful time, bonding, getting to know each other, forming new friendships and solidifying old ones.  The students participated in a range of activities, from surfing, fishing, hiking to mention just a few.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff who attended the camp, led by Mr Adam Verrell.  Mr Verrell and his team, (Mr Atkin, Ms Shaw, Ms Carrie, Mrs Sampson, Mrs Gardner, Ms Kite, Mr Ryan, Mr Gaitan, Ms Golten, Ms Mcculloch, Ms Hamilton,  and Ms Young) worked tirelessly creating a safe and nurturing environment for all of our students.     A great Camp experience had by all.

Improvements as a result of Student Feedback

Last year we ran several student focus groups and worked with our student leadership team to identify areas that we can improve in the school.  Three things came up very strongly:

1.  Toilets
2. Uniform
3. Wearing PE uniform on the days they have PE or Sport

As a result of student feedback, we have upgraded the toilets over the Christmas Holidays and the students have been very forthcoming with their approval and acknowledgement that we listened to them.  We ask our whole student body to respect their environment and to date they have lived up to our values of respect.

Our new uniform, designed by our students, has been a resounding success with our Year 7 students wearing the navy polo and shorts; many of our other students across 9 – 12 have also adopted the new uniform.  They look great and students feel more comfortable wearing them.  We also now have the Tracksuit pants for PE and the warmer Jacket as requested by the students.

Students requested early last year if they could wear their PE uniform on the day they have PE, stating some felt uncomfortable changing at school and others felt that time was wasted from the PE lesson changing.  We implemented this change Semester 2 last year and the feedback from students clearly indicates they are extremely happy with this change.

We will continue to run focus groups with our students, involve our student leadership in key decisions and listen to what our students have to say to continue to build a school culture of inclusiveness where all feel valued and listened to.

Open Night

Our annual Open night is scheduled for Wednesday 1st of May, and we look forward to welcoming prospective parents to our school and showcasing what we have to offer.  The evening will begin at 7pm, with general welcome and speeches highlighting key programs and will be attended by most of our staff and a significant number of our students, including our student leaders.  Following the initial welcome, attendees will engage in guided tours showcasing the many opportunities available to young people at Lyndhurst Secondary College.

STUDENTS TO LIVE AND LEARN IN INDIA

Lyndhurst Secondary College is one of seven schools across Victoria selected to travel to India for an immersion experience that will prepare its students to live and work as future leaders on a global scale, thanks to the Victorian Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino said the inaugural Victorian Young Leaders to India Program was an expansion of the award-winning Victorian Young Leaders to China Program, and would give students and teachers the opportunity to travel to India for three weeks in 2019.

Our selected students will experience daily life in an Indian school, explore India's cutting-edge STEM industries, visit historically significant sites and discover the nation's thriving culture, from the traditional to the modern.

The program will also develop students’ intercultural understanding and leadership skills and provide opportunities to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Victoria and India as part of Victoria’s India Strategy: Our Shared Future, launched last year.

This is an exciting opportunity for our students and expressions of interest are currently being sought.  Mr Rogers is leading this program and more information can be sought by contacting him at the College on 03 5996 0144.

College Council Election

The College Council election process has just concluded, and the following have been duly elected:

Melissa McGrath  - Parent Representative

Rachel Gartner  - Parent Representative

Lyn Mcculloch  - DET Representative

Sarvesh Kumar 7A  - Student Representative

Our first meeting of our new School Council will held on Tuesday 19th of March.    At that meeting we will elect office bearers and discuss co-opting community members. 

We welcome our new members to our Council and look forward to working together to best support our College and students. 

School Holidays

The last day of the school term is Friday 5th of April.  The school day will finish at 2:30pm and the office will be closed at 3:30 pm on that day.   As this is the last newsletter for Term 1, we wish everyone, in advance, a safe and restful holiday.  We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday 23rd of April, for the start of ter