by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Learning Focus

Classes have settled and staff have continued their focus on Literacy and Numeracy. The first round of Progress Reporting has been completed and plans are underway for the upcoming Parent Student Teacher Conferences. These are scheduled for April 7 and 8. Staff have completed professional learning relating to Numeracy and Literacy and have undertaken peer observations. Staff are about to present their Action Learning Task for Term 1. Here they share with colleagues the specific strategies they have used in the classroom to cater for different learning needs.

Curriculum Day Report

On February 28, staff from the College and the Lilydale District continued their work will Misty Adoniou. Misty is an educator with experience and expertise working with teachers to improve their teaching of Language and Literacy. She has received numerous teaching awards, including an OLT National Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning and the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence. Misty provided a keynote presentation to both primary and secondary schools in the network. Specifically, we have chosen to continue our work on “Writing Across the Curriculum.” This entails modelling for students how to write text types specific to a given learning area and ensures students are consistently applying these text types across like classes. The development of these consistent assessment methods will also support moderation, wherein teachers work together to ensure assessment outcomes and gradings are consistent across classes.

College Council

College Council is an important body of community members who work to assist in the efficient governance of the school.

They ensure that decisions affecting students of the school are made having regard, as a primary consideration, to the best interestS of the students and that they enhance the educational opportunities of students at the school. In addition, the College Council ensures the school and the Council complies with any requirements of the Education and Training Reform Act, the Education and Training Reform Regulations, a Ministerial Order or a direction, guideline or policy issued under the Education and Training Reform Act.

Congratulations and welcome to the elected representatives of the College Council for 2022:

• President: Ms Cathy Skinner
• Vice President: Mr Tim DeGraauw
• Treasurer: Mr Doug Shannon-Palfreyman
• Secretary: Ms Tracey Green
• Parent Members: Ms Andrea Hindle, Mr Paul Koenig, Ms Katherine Emary, Ms Lynda Nel
• Staff Members: Ms Rosina Fotia, Ms Isabella Phillips, Ms Emily Gerson, Mr Tim Wright
• Student Members: Maddison Foley, Laura Dangaard

Parent Teacher Student Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews form an integral part of the Continuous Reporting Process at Lilydale Heights College. They provide a unique opportunity for the school, families and students to come together and discuss student success, growth and areas for improvement. Term 1 interviews will be held on Thursday April 7 from 4pm - 8pm and Friday April 8 from 10am-1pm. Bookings can be made via the Compass Portal and will close on Tuesday April 5.

Harmony Day

Harmony Week is “a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community.” It is about celebrating and recognising diversity in our society. On April 4, students will celebrate Harmony Day with a free dress day and a range of lunchtime activities aimed at raising awareness of and celebrating our multicultural society. Congratulations to the SIRC for its vision and commitment to this day.

Campfire Conversation

Lilydale Heights College was selected as one of 100 schools across the state to host a Campfire Conversation in Term 1 2022, as part of the Victorian Government’s Self-Determination in Education Reform Initiative. The Campfire Conversation was attended by a variety of members from our community who were provided with an opportunity to share their thoughts on how government schools can support First Nations students on their education journey. Thank you to Tanna Draper Nagas for facilitating this unique but important event.

Congratulations Amelie!

On Thursday 10th through to Sunday 13thMarch, I competed in the Victorian Age State Championship for swimming at MSAC. I competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke as well as 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke. I placed 1st in the 50m Breaststroke and made it to my first finals for the 100m Breaststroke, where I placed 2nd. My greatest achievement was in the 200m Breaststroke which was a straight final on Sunday evening. I placed 1st with a 10 second PB and I also achieved a 13 year old National qualifying time. This was my first states experience and I am excited for my next one.

Attendance…it’s not ok to be away!

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day. Attending and participating in school will help your child develop:

• important skills and knowledge to help them learn
• social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience and team work

Children who attend school every day and complete Year 12 have:

• better health
• better job opportunities
• higher income across their lives

There is no safe number of days for missing school. Each day a student misses puts them behind. If you need support in getting your child to school, please do not hesitate to contact us on 9735 1133.

Year 7 Camp

Year 7 transition camp to Phillip Island is now complete. The Peer Support students also joined the camp as an additional activity designed to build further connections for senior students. The camp was supported by teaching and ES staff. Thanks must be extended to the organising committee and staff who attended.

Vaping (e Cigarettes)

You would have heard in the media recently that there are significant concerns surrounding the use of e cigarettes or vapes. e cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that users inhale. These inhaled aerosols are toxic chemicals that lodge in the lung and can cause cancer. Vapes are banned in all schools and should not be sold to any person under the age of 18. For further information regarding e cigarettes please see the flyers in this newsletter edition.