MIDDLE SCHOOL 

IMPORTANT DATES 2022

Wednesday 2 February

Years 8 to 11 students START

Friday 11 February

School Photos (Day 1)

Tuesday 15 February

School Photos (Day 2)

Wednesday 16 February

Year 9 ADP Camp (16 to 18)

Monday 21 February

School Swimming Carnival

Friday 4 March

Year 10 Immunisations

Year 10 Formal

On Friday December 10, our wonderful Year 10 students were finally able to attend their Formal at the beautiful Tatra Receptions in Mount Dandenong. 

This was a well deserved chance to celebrate the end of a year of hard work and the students dazzled as they came dressed to the nines.

At the start of the evening the Year 10 Captains and Vice Captain gave a speech celebrating everything the cohort has achieved during the year and kicked the night into full swing.

A delicious three course meal was broken up by an evening of dancing and laughter as students and staff alike showed off their best dance moves. 

Formal Photos

Random Acts of Kindness

This year the Middle School team has acknowledged Year 9 and 10 students who have demonstrated positive relationships, kindness, empathy and compassion through their actions either in the class or around the school. 

We invited staff to forward the name of any student who demonstrated a 'Random Act of Kindness'. We then displayed the names of these students and the reason for their nomination on the Middle School Office windows.

The Middle School Coordinators would like to congratulate and thank the following students for their 'Acts of Kindness' in 2021.

YEAR 9

Mitchell Paynter

For assisting a teacher.

Brodie Scott

For assisting a teacher.

Albert Woo

For being kind and considerate to his teacher and checking on their wellbeing.  For staying back in class to help another student.

Chloe Hale

For helping a friend in need.

Oscar Geddes

For providing emotional support for a friend.

Noah Vincent

For being considerate and thoughtful to a friend.

Katelin Paladino

For expressing genuine concern for a teacher.

Alex Blundell 

For checking in on his teachers during Google Meets.

Abby Vine

For making a new student feel welcome at LHS. For being punctual, kind, positive and friendly in Google Meets.  Helpful to other students.

Sarah Guest 

For being punctual, kind, positive and friendly in Google Meets.

Sarah-Jane Kaden

Always demonstrating kindness and respect to her teacher and peers.

Sage Acuna

Always demonstrating kindness and respect to her teachers and peers. 

Olivia Bradshaw 

Expressing gratitude to the Middle School Coordinators.

Brock Blackney 

For helping a teacher.

Noah McLaren

For helping a teacher.

Ms Hovanjec’s Ceramics class

For being kind and sincere during remote learning.

YEAR 10

Tayla Reddecliffe

For helping a friend.

Keely Broadway 

For helping a classmate.

Riley Passingham 

For helping a classmate.

We would like to thank these students for their positive and valued contributions to our school.

Mrs McGrotty

Semester 2 Awards Ceremony

Thursday 9 December

Year 10 - Period 1

Wednesday 15 December

Year 9 - Period 1

Congratulations to Year 9 and 10 students who received awards and certificates for their achievements in Semester 2 this year.

Year 10 Awards:

• Year 10 Captains - Laura Bentley and Oscar Geddes
• Year 10 Vice-Captains - Beau Hourn and Caitlin Atwill
• 2021 Year 11 Captains - Grace Cole and Checca Muchmore
• VCE Subject Award (Outdoor Ed) - Georgia Schlittler
• VCE Subject Award (Business Management) - Zoe Centracchio
• VCE Subject Award (Biology) - Alissa Cranwell
• VCE Subject (Maths Methods) - Caitlin Atwill
• VCE Subject Award (Health & Human Development) - Caitlin Atwill
• Outstanding VET Award - Jay Sheridan (Certificate II Plumbing)
• Instrumental Music Award - Erin Allison
• Sports Awards
• Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program –  Liam Hourihan
• Long Tan Defence Force Award – Oscar Geddes
• Academic Excellence and Endeavour (4 to 6 subjects)
• Denise Young Citizenship Award – Erin Allison
• Principal's Award - Alissa Cranwell
• Female Student of the Year – Caitlin Atwill
• Male Student of the Year – Liam Hourihan

Year 10 Awards Ceremony Photos

Year 10 Captains' Speech 

Year 10 Awards Ceremony

As we reflect on the year that was 2021, it may seem that not a lot has happened but when you really think about it we have a lot to be proud of. 

The year was a fresh start for a lot of us. Even though we again went through multiple lockdowns and times of remote learning, we were all able to personally grow and adapt during these times. 

Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of many of us who have continued to work hard and try their best during these difficult periods.

This year, many of us chose to start our VCE studies by choosing 1 or 2 subjects early to get a head start. This opportunity gave us a glimpse into what our final years of high school might look like and taught us how to manage our time with a heavier workload. 

Our first SACs and exams brought some nerves but we handled them extremely well, especially those completed during remote learning.

Although it may not seem like it, we still got to enjoy many activities and events throughout the year.  One of the highlights was Year 10 camp. The Victorian Road Trip allowed us to see many landmarks and cool places across our state as we got to hang out with friends and teachers and celebrate the year that was. 

Last week we also finally got to see the talented cast of XANADU finally perform the show on stage. After two years of hard work, they got to showcase their talents and perform to an actual audience. It was an amazing show and we already can’t wait to find out what the new show will be next year.

Lockdown also brought some fun such as wellbeing day where we got to speak to Harry Garside, an Olympic boxer and bronze medalist, as well as former Lilydale High student. This gave us the opportunity to hear what being an Olympic athlete is like, taught us important life lessons all while having some fun. 

And of course we are all excited for Year 10 formal tomorrow night. A time to celebrate our achievements big or small and party with our friends as we come to the end of another school year. 

Although these next two years may be difficult as we move into VCE or VET, or for some of us move on from Lilydale High onto new things, just remember that we will all get through it together. 

Caitlin Atwill, Oscar Geddes,

Laura Bentley and Beau Hourn

Kwong Lee Dow Scholars Award

Each year the Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Scholars Program is made available to the Year 10 students who have achieved at a high level academically, and shown leadership potential in school activities and community work, as well as cultural, environmental or sporting activities. 

The program allows successful applicants the opportunity to participate in dedicated academic enrichment events with like-minded students from around the state. It also allows access to the libraries at Melbourne University that will no doubt assist them in their VCE studies. 

Entry into the program also offers a guaranteed place at Melbourne University in Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design or Science if the student achieves an ATAR score of 90 or above. 

Entry into this program is highly sought after and valued, and we congratulate all our nominees this year. 

We are very excited to announce Liam Hourihan as Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship recipient for 2021.

Congratulations Liam, we all look forward to seeing you get the most out of this opportunity.

Long Tan Youth

 Leadership Award 

The Battle of Long Tan occurred at the height of the Vietnam War in 1966.  It is considered one of the defining moments in Australian military history.  The Australian Government announced an award as a tribute to the Long Tan veterans who displayed leadership, determination, teamwork and mateship.

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award started in 2006 and recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the wider local community. 

At the same time, they also recognise those that display similar values to the veterans, such as doing one’s best and showing respect for others and mateship, characteristics which are integral to Australian society.   The Year 10 recipient of this award for 2021 has displayed these qualities throughout the year. 

It gives us great pleasure to present the Long Tan Defence Award for 2021 to Oscar Geddes.

Year 9 Awards:

• Year 9 Captains - Olivia Bradshaw and Serena Walker
• Year 9 Vice-Captains - Indii Peacock and Josh Clark 
• 2022 Year 10 Captains - Abbey Vine and Olivia Bradshaw
• 2022 Year 10 Vice-Captains - Albert Woo and Noah Vincent
• Music Award - Quinn Hardy
• Sports Awards
• Duke of Edinburgh Program Award
• Science Awards
• Academic Excellence and Endeavour (7 to 10 subjects)
• Male Student of the Year - Prezi Mitchell
• Female Student of the Year – Olivia Bradshaw
• Male Student of the Year – Madison Gow

Year 9 Awards Ceremony Photos

In a final Home Group Assembly after the Awards Ceremonies, Year 9 and 10 students also received certificates for Academic Excellence and Endeavour and the school Salamander.

Year 9 Captains' Speech 

Year 9 Awards Ceremony

2021 has been another unexpected year that took us on a path we never could have foreseen. The resilience, determination and support you have all shown in yourselves and to one another has been so inspiring to see. This year has been a year of growth, learning, new experiences and challenges. 

Today we are here to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the work of everyone who has gone above and beyond in 2021. 

This year has given everyone more freedom with their learning with there being more electives. We had few opportunities to do any excursions or incursions this year, but luckily there was still time for a few. 

One of the things that fortunately got to go ahead, was for some of us to visit Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Campus. This incredible opportunity gave all of us involved the chance to learn more about all different types of modern technology. After getting a taste of what electives can be like, I am sure that most of us are very excited to get even more choice when it comes to our electives and our future years of education. 

Through 2021, many students were involved in a number of extra-curricular activities ranging from sports to the arts. This year presented the energetic 80’s performance of Xanadu. Many students including myself, were involved in this show, which took over 2 years to complete, however the countless rehearsals and many hours put into it, from staff and students alike created a colourful, musical, artistic experience. 

Our EIS students took part in regional competitions for their sports, facing other schools in the area and putting the skills they’ve learned throughout the year to the test. 

Our school’s shooting team participated in the Yarra Valley School Shooting competition at the Melbourne Gun Club, in which they competed against a number of other schools in the area with skill and spirit. 

The school’s many bands performed their Mid-Year concert during lockdown, livestreaming the event for the audience to watch. We wanted to congratulate and thank all the students who participated in these events this year and commend them for their hard work and dedication. 

Early in the year, we had the opportunity to compete in the school swimming carnival, this was a super fun day of colours, races, music and sun where everyone came together to win points. Then lockdown hit and we had to go back to remote learning, which thankfully wasn’t as long as last year.  Then once lockdown ended, a few camps went ahead such as the ADP Challenge Camp where the Year 9 ADP students and staff rode to Warburton from school along the Warburton Rail Trail and set up camp for 2 nights, hiked up to Mt Donna Buang then rode back to school along the Warburton Rail Trail. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Adventure Journey also went ahead where they went to South Gippsland. The students embraced the experience which included a surf lesson near Walkerville with Offshore Surf School, and a guided hike from Bear Gully Campground to Walkerville North. These trips enabled the students to develop a sense of adventure and have the necessary skills to participate in other activities in the future. 

As we’ve outlined, this year has included an array of new opportunities for us to enjoy and explore. We would like to give our thanks to the wonderful Year 9 Coordinators; Ms Asta, Mrs McGrotty and Miss Iggy. The work that you have done for us all this year and the immense effort you’ve displayed is admirable and inspiring. We would also like to thank all of the teachers that aided us in our education this year, especially throughout remote learning. 

And finally, we would like to congratulate you all for every achievement you’ve had this year. We wish you all good luck as we continue into Year 10 and hope you have a happy and safe summer holidays. 

Olivia Bradshaw, Indii Peacock, Josh Clark and Serena Walker

2022 Year 10 Central Australia Camp

As part of the Year 10 program for 2022, we are offering students the opportunity to go on a 9 Day Camp to Central Australia.

Camp 1 

Monday 2 May to Tuesday 10 May, 2022

Camp 2 

Wednesday 4 May to Thursday 12 May, 2022

COST: $1,620.00*

The cost INCLUDES transport (coach and airfare), camping and entrance fees and most meals.  The cost does not include optional sightseeing, spending money or school camp jumper.

ACCOMMODATION

Camping in tents provided by the tour company.

TRANSPORT

Five star coach and return flight from Alice Springs to Melbourne.

VISITING

Coober Pedy, Marla, Uluru, Uluru-Kat Tjuta, Uluru-Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs

DEPOSIT PAYMENT

To secure a place on the camp for your son/daughter (up to 160 students), the deposit payment $600, is required to be paid on Compass OR at the School Office by Friday 4 February.

Please note, the deposit is non-refundable, it secures a place on the camp and is a first paid situation due to limited places available.

Details of the camp are also on Compass for students and parents/carers.

Happy Holidays

The Middle School Coordination Team would like to wish all students and families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. 

Riana Asta, Michael Bourne,  Narelle McGrotty,  Maddy Ignatiadis, Koriena Lee, Zoe Younger and Lauren Kelso

Middle School Coordination Team