Assistant Principals' Report

UNIFORM

We are pleased with the exceptional feedback about how well presented our students are. I thank parents and guardians who have supported us in ensuring our high expectations are met. Blazers are now available for student leaders or any other student wishing to purchase on from the office. 

HOMEWORK

At this point in the year, it is important that parents/carers check that their children are getting into the correct habits with homework. The school diary has recommended homework hours stated for each year level. These suggested times should not just be used to finish set tasks from class but also to review topics covered in class and complete wider reading.

Students are encouraged to write all deadlines in their diary and parents/carers are encouraged to check diary entries, so that students can meet all deadlines punctually.

As all students in Years 10 to 12 have exams in June and/or November, effective revision skills are essential. If no homework has been set for a given evening, students should revise work already completed so that revision is not left to the last minute.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Parents/carers are reminded that the Department of Education & Training does NOT provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents/carers are responsible for the cost of any ambulance expenses and medical expenses. Reasonably low-cost accident insurance is available if parents/carers wish to cover any expenses not covered by Medicare and/or private health insurance. You may choose your own insurance company or contact EBM Insurance Brokers online at www.studentcover.com.au to apply for cover.

SCHOOL GATES

Our College’s gates on Halton and Gladstone Roads remain open during the school day. Families are reminded that the entrance for visitors is via the Halton Road entrance. Please always report to the General Office when visiting the school. 

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities, for students in Years 7 to 12. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (e.g. Health Care Card) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. Application forms are available from the Finance Office. For more information about the CSEF click here. 

In 2022, every Year 7 government school student who is a recipient of CSEF automatically qualifies to receive a uniform package, provided through State Schools' Relief. Information can be found on their website. Parents/carers who may need assistance in providing their child’s uniform may want to make an appointment with our Student Wellbeing Coordinator Ana Finlay to discuss their situation.

SCHOOL POLICY REMINDERS

Distribution and Storage of Medication - if students are required to take medication during the school day, parents/carers must complete and return this Medical Authority Form to the Sick Bay, together with the medication (which needs to be clearly labelled with the student’s name, the dosage required, and the time the medication needs to be administered). It is crucial that families and the College work together to ensure this process is always implemented safely.

Privacy Policy - Lyndale Secondary College needs to collect and use personal data associated with students and parents/carers for standard school functions. We comply with all aspects of the Department of Education and Training’s Privacy Policy. Information about that policy can be found here.  

Students in College photos/videos - as part of the enrolment process, parents/carers provide permission for their child to be involved in photos/videos taken by the College. These media are used for standard school functions (e.g. documenting school events such as sporting carnival and assemblies). If parents/carers want to withdraw this authorisation, it is their responsibility to inform Lyndale Secondary College on 9795 2366.

SAFE ONLINE BEHAVIOUR & ACCEPTABLE USE OF ICT RESOURCES

Please impress upon your children the need to use social media in a safe and responsible way. The College runs targeted sessions explaining this to students, but it is also important for parents/carers to discuss this issue with their children.  

With students regularly using their notebooks to complete school work, it is important to reinforce the importance of using technology in an acceptable manner. We expect our core values of respect and integrity to be reflected in every aspect of our students’ lives, including their use of ICT. 

As notebooks rely on the internet, restrictions to specific websites are determined by the internet connection that is being used. While at school, Lyndale’s internet connection is filtered to limit students’ ability to access inappropriate content. When connecting at home, the notebook’s internet access will be in line with the family’s home internet connection. There are many options available for routers with parental controls, while it may also be worth contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) - most of these may already offer parental controls for your service.