Do you ever remember that teacher, you know the one who just got you. They seemed to be able to keep you engaged because they knew who you were, you mattered and were important. Perhaps they had a great sense of humour, they connected with you over something you liked or were good at, they were kind and understanding, could be firm and yet you still appreciated them. If you were lucky, you will have connected with at least one of these exceptional people in your lifetime and perhaps from time to time you will remember them and how they helped shape your life.

I truly believe that at TLC our students are blessed to engage with more than one exceptional teacher on their learning journey.

As a Drama and Dance teacher myself, you may be shocked to know that my favourite teacher will always be my Year 11 Biology teacher, Mrs Hunter. Her confidence, elegance and no-nonsense attitude was married with a deep knowledge of and passion for Science and brought out in me a desire to learn more. For me it wasn’t the content that I was learning that excited me or motivated me to want to learn, it was that I had a teacher who was truly interested in what she was sharing with her learners and that made me curious. Mrs Hunter’s passion for learning and engaging learners was what made me realise that being a learner was exciting. Who are the teachers in yours and your children’s lives who have and are making a difference?

Our TLCCA needs your help!

I cannot express how grateful we are at TLC for the support of our TLCCA. Their efforts to ensure the Second Hand Uniform Shop is available to support families, along with their presence at College events and support through sausage sizzles and community functions is a gift to the community.

A big shout out to all parents, carers and friends who have been available to support our TLCCA functions this year.

On behalf of the TLCCA can I ask you to consider how you might contribute to support their activities. Here are some ways:

• 11 August 2023: Wunya Café – parents and carers are needed to help distribute lunches in support of our Café staff who will be attending the 2023 Australian Education Awards as finalists in Best Co-Curricular Program (Culinary Club)
• TLCCA have funds available to spend and need more attendees at their meetings to help decide which College projects they should support
• Father's Day Stall present wrapping
• Turning sausages at upcoming events.

If you can assist in any way, please contact President Corrinne Britz ([email protected] ) or Renee Cairns-O’Neill ([email protected]). I know they will be grateful of your support no matter how big or small.

Every Blessing

Nicole Gregory | Principal

In an extraordinary display of determination, The Lakes College students, staff, and parents undertook a series of demanding challenges as part of the 2023 Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle. From the Sunshine Coast's 30km race to Brisbane's 48km endeavour and culminating in the gruelling Gold Coast 96km event, these dedicated individuals demonstrated unwavering strength, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

Brisbane 48km: Amidst warm conditions, 30 students, three staff members, and seven parents ventured into the hills of D'Aguilar National Park for the 5th annual 48km Brisbane Kokoda Challenge. The journey to this remarkable achievement began in October 2022, with after-school walks around North Lakes that progressed to weekend hikes on the Sunshine Coast. The preparation was rigorous, but they were resolute in their pursuit of conquering the challenges that lay ahead.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the teams reached the Support Crew check point (CP3) at the 23km mark. Here, a supportive team of parents and carers provided much-needed care. Warm face cloths, home-cooked spaghetti, and an abundance of love and hugs awaited the weary hikers, fortifying them for the journey ahead. From this point forward, they were on their own, carrying all the necessary provisions until they reached the finish line, a daunting 28km away, where they would reunite with the Support Crew.

Sunshine Coast 30km: The Sunshine Coast Challenge took participants through the rugged terrain and beautiful hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The Lakes College teams faced steep climbs, creek crossings, and demanding obstacles. Two of their students attempted to conquer the challenge in five hours (two hours less than they normally would) to ensure they made it to their Year 12 Formal that was being held in Brisbane that evening. They did make it, albeit an hour late and very hungry.

Gold Coast 96km: After six months of intense training and competition, a team of six TLC students, three adults, and a dedicated Support Crew of parents, carers and partners embarked on the ultimate challenge—the Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle. The arduous trek had already seen them conquer the mountains of the Sunshine Coast 30km and Brisbane 48km, and now they were ready to take on the rugged terrain of the Gold Coast Hinterland 96km, confident of their success.

The initial checkpoints passed seamlessly, and by mid-morning, they had already covered an impressive 30 kilometres, meeting their Support Crew at CP4 (Polly’s). After a brief stop to refuel and gather essential supplies, they set off again, bracing themselves for one of the steepest mountains on the track.

One moment on the trek came when they reached the top of the biggest hill, where the lights of the entire Gold Coast skyline sparkled on the horizon. Briefly savouring the view, they pushed on, knowing that the next support crew checkpoint was close at hand. At 2:30am, they arrived at CP8 (Army Land – 58km) in freezing temperatures, where they were greeted with warm food, band-aids, and heartfelt hugs from their dedicated support crew.

The treacherous Hellfire Pass awaited them, and after navigating a gruelling descent, they arrived at CP11 (Little Clagiraba Reserve – 78km). Their support crew welcomed them with a feast fit for champions, fuelling their determination to complete the final leg of the journey.

Despite the physical and mental strain, they marched on through Nerang National Park, where the endless small hills tested their endurance. With each step, they drew nearer to the finish line. Finally, at 1:00pm on Sunday, they could see the end in sight - only 5.5km away.

With one final burst of energy, they crossed the finish line, champions of the Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle. Cheers erupted from their support crew and the waiting crowd. Their hard-earned dog-tag medals were placed around their necks by veteran servicemen and women, commemorating their incredible achievement. The completion of their journey was marked by a poignant moment when they climbed two stairs to the podium for finish line photographs.

The Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle had tested them in every way imaginable, embodying the four core pillars of the original Kokoda Military Campaign—Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice. These principles will forever be etched in the hearts of the TLCKT team.

While the thought of doing it all again may seem daunting, the experience has left an indelible mark on their lives. The Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle was not just a physical journey; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and the human spirit to conquer mountains—both literal and metaphorical.

Year 7 - 12:

• Learning Habits Award
  
  • Year 7: Finley A, Scarlett B, Sashwinth K, Roma M, Ella M, Lacey O, Chloe S
  • Year 8: Summer A, Tyson C, Ehkem D, Grace E, Sienna F, My Tam G, Kaashavi G, Sienna H, Angus K, Ngan N, Alastair R, Swetha R, Benjamin T, Helene T
  • Year 9: Chloe B, Saamya B, William B, Caitlin B, Claire B, Abbey D, Amber H, Krishi K, Isabella K, Emma L, Newman M, Eleni M, Charlotte O
    
  • Year 10: Emily B, Behta B, Rozelle D, Tasha D, Sandra J, Mariah K, Baylee K, Naga Sai K, Akshita K, Maia P, Anuki P, Sarah P, Charlette S, Tejashwini S, Jade S, Olivia V, Cassandra W, Chloe W
    
  • Year 11: Katelyn B, Marcus C, Julia C, Trent F, Tam G, Frankie H, Addison J, Isabel M, Priya S, Ava W
    
  • Year 12: Mia A, Aydin C, Regan C, Nokutendaishe C, Elizabeth C, Thomas D, Grace G, Oliver H, Carys L, Kate L, Tamika M, Parinaz M, Chelsea O, Sienna R, Sarah S, Akshita S, Molly T, Amelia W, Sophy Y
    

• Academic Award
  • Year 7: Isla A, Lauren B, Scarlett B, Harleen B, Mieka B, Taleira C, Alex C, Anisha G, Laiba J, Chelsea M, Lacey O, Olivia R, Manvir S, Diya V
    
  • Year 8: Xavier C, Sienna F, Ethan H, Zoelle H, Mitchell K, Oliver K, Nate M, Mohamed M, Nujan M, Zachary M, Marcus O, Chloe P, Neeti P, Vaishak R, Qashfil R, Jessica S, Anna W, Frederica W, Zoe W
    
  • Year 9: Aiko B, Liam H, Emma L, Eleni M, Sophie P, Ria R, Ethan W
    
  • Year 10: Yi-en A, Rozelle D, Gauss H, Baylee K, Peter K, Catrin L, Purnima P, Jessica R, Ishaan S, Stevie T
    
  • Year 11: Phineas A, Adam B, Julia C, Tam G, Aiden K, Isobel N, Angadbir S, Ishpreet S
    
  • Year 12: Jessica C, Grace G, Steven H, Faye P, Timothy S, Nicholas T, Marat V
    

• Academic Award with Distinction
  • Year 7: Isabella A, Jasmine B, Molly F, Victor H, Lachlan J, Isabelle L, Anika S, Gursaanjh S, Heejae S
  • Year 8: Om C, Oliver C, Tyson C, Isabella D, Samuel F, Rion H, Aiden J, Mahshid K, Arjun M, Benjamin T, Forest W
  • Year 9: Jake B, Claire B, Tristan E, Amber H, Isabella K, Newman M, Cooper M, Jatin S
  • Year 10: Benjamin B, Amelie G, Mariah K, Maia P, Sarah P, Myungjae S, Olivia V, Cassandra W
  • Year 11: Katelyn B, Alyssa C, Kirsten D, Trent F, Jason H, Isabel M, James P, Smiriti S, Ava W
  • Year 12: Elizabeth C, Oliver H, Anna J, Carys L, Kate L, Ruhika N, Chelsea O, Brayden S

• Academic Award with Honours
  • Year 7: Devika A, Finley A, Pristine B, Aeryn B, Andrew D, Tamanna K, Sashwinth K, Pratistha L, Roma M, Eeshan M, Sarvesh P, Ethan T, Olivia W, Yasin Y, Emily Z, Zoe Z
    
  • Year 8: Thomas A, Summer A, Ehkem D, Grace E, My Tam G, Kaashavi G, Sienna H, Angus K, Ngan N, Audrey P, Alastair R, Swetha R, Helene T, Jaime T
    
  • Year 9: William B, Caitlin B, Abbey D, Arthur H, Krishi K, Jasmin K, Cynthia S
  • Year 10: Emily B, Behta B, Elliot C, Tasha D, Sandra J, Naga Sai K, Akshita K, Anuki P, Aviraj S, Tejashwini S, Jade S, Chloe W, Vincy Y
  • Year 11: Aoife B, Frankie H, Ilay K, Hayden M, Priya S, Stephanie T, Joshua W, Sarah W
  • Year 12: Mia A, Samantha B, Aydin C, Regan C, Nokutendaishe C, Thomas D, Abby M, Tamika M, Parinaz M, Caitlin O, Sienna R, Ohanna S, Sarah S, Akshita S, Faiza T, Molly T, Bella W, Sophy Y
    

Our Year 5 & 6 students recently had the privilege of participating in an engaging and enlightening session called Talk Money. This educational awareness campaign is dedicated to enhancing children's financial literacy, imparting essential skills from a young age.

Here's what some of our students had to say about their experience:

Gaatri V: Talk Money is an educational awareness campaign dedicated to improving children’s financial literacy. It is an engaging workshop that teaches children about money from a young age. Talk Money educates with a variety of inclusive activities, discussions and stories from many different perspectives. It helps for learning essential financial strategies that will benefit in not only the future, but in day to day life for children today. Talk Money is extremely welcoming of everyone’s unique money story, helping teach children to do the same. It has a plethora of appealing activities that involve relatable situations and solutions to assist children in their circumstances. The presenters are encouraging and knowledgeable, accepting every child’s question.

Elle S: This term, Year 5 and 6 enjoyed two Talk Money presentations. Between the two educational workshops, we learnt a lot about financial savings and decisions. Makaylah and Ella made this a fun and engaging experience, whilst teaching important lessons at the same time. The two educators were absolutely realistic, realising that it’s hard for some kids to conserve money, especially when that $5 chocolate bar is luring you. So, it was because of this that they let us choose our own financial path and decisions, Makaylah stating: “You can choose your own path.” They used their own experience to teach needed lessons through energetic and knowledgeable stories. I personally state these workshops beneficial and completely worth my very precious time!

Find out more about Talk Money: Talk Money - Teaching children about money

Earlier this term, we acknowledged and celebrated our Semester 2 Captains at the Year 3 - 6 Class Leadership Assembly. These individuals have consistently gone above and beyond to inspire their peers and contribute positively to our school community. We are confident that they will continue to excel in their roles and lead with empathy, inclusivity, and enthusiasm.

• Class Captain:
  • Yr 3: Adam O, Jaasvi G, Kyra P, Mehar K, Franki M, Mathew R
  • Yr 4: Pranav T, Arya C, Riley B, Mila V, Penelope A, Jake J
  • Yr 5: Ife O, Leo B, Lakshan K, Libby P, Ava D, Patrick E
  • Yr 6: Shahana M, Deva M, Mitchell C, Braxton R, Joanna R, Jack W

• Environmental Monitor:
  • Yr 3: Miane W, Averie F, Thiveyn S, Parker R, Anvi V, Annabelle T, Evan L, Chester M, Mayukha M, Olivia W, Arya T, Viaan M
  • Yr 4: Seungjae S, Harry M, Freddy W, Tom B, Audrey H, Aathira A, Shreedutt J, Bhavjit U, Sierra H, Joshua P, Isla J, Aarav G
  • Yr 5: Emellia H, Charlie A, Tawana M, Kaden B, Ava A, Lauren F
  • Yr 6: Felicity E, Lukas G, Cooper F, Kenshin B, Katelyn B, Charlotte A

• Technology Monitor:
  • Yr 3: Thiveyn S, Parker R, Evan L, Chester M, Arya T, Viaan M
  • Yr 4: Freddy W, Tom B, Shreedutt J, Bhavjit U, Isla J, Aarav G
  • Yr 5: Hugo P, James E, Zayd B, Efraim A, Cian G, Rishaan K
  • Yr 6: William B, Elijah B, Gaatri V, George W, Jordan B, Tim K

Rachel Johns | Deputy Head of Primary – Students & Wellbeing

81 TLC students competed at the District Athletics Carnival over three days of competition. This was an increase of six students from 2022. Once again TLC students represented TLC and themselves very well with many students securing PB’s, qualifiers and age champion placings.

Many thanks to Kristy Cacciola and Mitch Cooper for preparing and managing the team and Rebekah Robinson, Amy Brackenbury, Aaron Clohesy and Mathew Stein for assisting as well as a huge thank you to Suzi Baker for all of the work that she does behind the scenes.

Age Champion:

• Aaliyah B 12Y Girls

Age Champion Runner Up:

• Joshua P 10Y Boys

Top 3 / Podium Performances: 34 top 3 finishes (29 in 2022) – 17 athletes (16 in 2022)

• Thomas A: Discus (3), JAV (1)
• Lucy A: 100m (2), 400m (1)
• Summer A: 800m (1), 1500m (2)
• Taylor B: Shot Put (3)
• Aaliyah B: 100m (2), 200m (1), Long Jump (1), High Jump (1)
• Helena D: 1500m (3)
• Rozelle D: 200m (3), 400m (2), 800m (1)
• Bronson M: High Jump (2), Long Jump (3), Triple Jump (2)
• Riley M: High Jump (1), Long Jump (3), Triple Jump (2)
• William M: 1500m (1), 3000m (1)
• Ella P: Long Jump (3), Triple Jump (3)
• Jessica S: High Jump (1)
• Cynthia S: Javelin (3)
• Jada M: Javelin (3)
• Samantha B: 400m (1), 800m (2), 1500m (2)
• Emily C: 800m (3)
• Ethan W: Discus (3)

Qualifiers: Congratulations to the following students who will now represent the District at the Regional (Met North) trial:

• Thomas A (Yr 8)
• Lucy A (Yr 11)
• Summer A (Yr 8)
• Charlie B (Yr 6)
• Taylor B (Yr 8)
• Samantha B (Yr 12)
• Aaliyah B (Yr 7)
• Claire B (Yr 9)
• Helena D (Yr 7)
• Rozelle D (Yr 10)
• Catrin L (Yr 10)
• Bronson M (Yr 11)
• Riley M (Yr 12)
• Michell M (Yr 8)
• William M (Yr 10)
• Ella P (Yr 8)
• Joshua P (Yr 4)
• Cynthia S (Yr 9)
• Jessica S (Yr 8)
• Amelia W (Yr 7)
• Ethan W (Yr 9)
• Heath W (Yr 7)

Mr Allan Legge | Director of Sport & Activities

Term 3 is always an exciting term for the Library with our Book Week celebrations in Week 7. Just a reminder that our Book Character Parade is on Tuesday 22 August. There are separate parades for Primary and Secondary.

A big congratulations to our Readers Cup teams on their efforts in this year’s Brisbane North Regional finals. Teams in Year 5, 6 and 7 competed in the interschool competitions. These competitions were held in Term 2 and students commenced reading in Term 1. Students in Year 6 can participate in our school readers cup competition commencing later this term.

We are also pleased to share some of the reading success our students have had last term. Many students in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 have achieved certificate level from our Scholastic Literacy Pro program. Literacy Pro aligns with the Australian Curriculum in that Literacy enables students to access, understand, analyse and evaluate information, make meaning, express thoughts and emotions, present ideas and opinions, interact with others and participate in activities at school and in their lives beyond school.

Please congratulate the fabulous readers listed below:

Scholastic Literacy Pro

• Year 3: Mayu Red, Juwon Red
• Year 4: Nayeli K Silver, Binh Tam G Silver, Veer S Red, Alia A Red, Jack M Red, Julius C Red, Aarav G Red, Ryan L Red, Finn Sloan Red, Vivaan S Red, Arya C Blue, Daniel T Blue, Ethan O Blue, Justin H Blue, Louie Z Blue, Sienna B Blue, Tom Bai Blue, Alfie P Blue, Amal W Blue, Charlie K Blue Hanna M Blue, Jake J Blue, Patrick Y Blue, Kevin W Blue Shreedutt J Blue
• Year 5: Amanda E Gold, Sebastian H Silver, Lakshan K Bronze, Ena D Red, Shri M Red, Patrick E Red, Abby N Blue, Rishaan K Blue
• Year 6: Anshika K Gold, Monique K Gold, Joanna R Gold, Liam W Gold, Olivia R Gold, Ava K Silver, Reet D Bronze, Amelia M Bronze, Abel Y Red, Deva M Red, Zara K Red, Abigail L Red, Jordan B Red, Katelyn B Red, Anika P Red, Elle S Red, Kenshin B Red, Rivani G Red, Sarvin C Red, Hamish C Blue, Max C Blue, Aaron M Blue, Gaatri V Blue

Thank you for your continued support of the Library through Book Club, Book Fair and our recent Grandparents' and Special Friends book promotion. Students that had books donated on their behalf should have received these loans in recent lessons.

Therese Stafford | Head of Library & Research

Some of our taekwondo warriors recently competed at the Australian Taekwondo Queensland (ATQ) State Selection Tournament and achieved some fantastic results that have qualified them to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships in Perth in October:

• Daham W (Yr 5):
  
  • Gold medal in Sparring, Black Belt Male 10 to 11 years 31.1 Kg to 34 Kg. Queensland State Champion. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
  • Gold medal in individual traditional Poomsae, Black Belt 1st Dan Male 10 to 11 years. Queensland State Champion. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
• Amal W (Yr 4):
  • Gold medal in Sparring (uncontested), Black Belt Male 8 to 9 years 22.1 Kg to 25 Kg. Queensland State Champion. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
  • Gold medal in individual traditional Poomsae, Black Belt 1st Dan Male 8 to 9 years. Queensland State Champion. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
  • Silver medal in Pair Poomsae, black belt 8 to 11 years. Qualified for the Nationals to be held in October 2023 in Perth, Western Australia

• Evan L (Yr 3):
  • Silver medal in Sparring, Blue Belt Male 8 to 9 years 25.1 Kg to 28 Kg. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
• Juwon H (Yr 3):
  • Gold medal in Sparring, Red Belt Male 8 to 9 years 34.1 Kg to 38 Kg. Queensland State Champion. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.
  • Silver medal in individual traditional Poomsae, Red Belt Male 8 to 9 years. Qualified to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships to be held in Perth, WA in October 2023.

Zara K (Yr 6) recently travelled to Townsville to compete in the 2023 Junior State Age Netball Tournament (representing BNA - Brisbane Netball Association). As a part of the representative netball team, she showcased her skills and dedication for four intense days. Amongst 70 formidable Under 12s teams, Zara's team shone bright, securing a remarkable 3rd place finish. After the event, Zara enjoyed a well-deserved rest and relaxation at the beautiful Magnetic Island.

Our TLC Mooting Team (pictured L-R: Molly T, Katelyn B, Octavia C) won their quarter-final in the Uni SQ High School Mooting Competition against the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences. The team displayed their depth of character in making their submissions to the bench, with the Judge commenting that their legal advocacy showed “great conviction, strong use of precedent cases and a clear strategy”.

Their submissions addressed a wide range of legal issues related to the tort of negligence – obvious risk, dangerous recreational activity, and the standard of care. The team meaningfully incorporated relevant case law from important precedent cases such as State of Queensland v Kelly [2014] QCA 27 and Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW v Dederer [2007] HCA 42. The win means The Lakes College Mooting Team has made it to the semi-final to be held in Toowoomba on 7 August. This win was the product of authentic collaboration from staff, alumni students now studying law, and other members of the Mooting Club. Well done, and we wish you well for the next round. Fortuna Eruditis Favet (Fortune favours the prepared mind).”

Jake S (Yr 11) along with his parents Tom and Laura competed in the Gold Coast half marathon on 1 July. They started in cool conditions at 6:15am and their finishing times were:

• Jake - 1h:45m
• Tom - 2h:12m
• Laura - 2h:28m

Tom and Jake are also members of the Kokoda Pinnacle teams and Laura is a member of the Pinnacle Support Crew.

Margaret Heffernan once said, “For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.” What better place to get that than the QDU debating finals? A huge congratulations to our three Secondary debating teams – 8.1, 8.2 & 10.1 – who competed in Round 1 of the QDU Finals! All teams presented intelligent, passionate, and persuasive arguments.

We are 2/3 of the way through winter which means the end of the year will soon be approaching and with that comes the changing of the guards at the TLCCA. At our AGM in October, all Executives will be vacating their positions, with some members not able to nominate for new roles next year. The TLCCA can not function without an Executive and we will be looking for a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. If you are interested in what the position entails, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Over the July holidays, the Second Hand Uniform Shop had a new fit-out to allow for more space for uniforms to be displayed and families to shop. A huge thank you to Reneé Cairns-O'Neill and Kristina Petho for organising and preparing the shop fit. We had another successful term in the shop, and we thank our volunteers for giving their time and thank the community for supporting the shop which supports both our families and the school.

Did you know that the Second Hand Uniform Shop is now on Instagram? Follow us here: TLCCA Second Hand Uniform Shop (@tlccashus) • Instagram photos and videos

We regularly receive funding requests from the College for various initiatives to provide resources to the children, from the Art department, to the Hall, to the Sports department and the Library. Approval for the use of the funds must come from the community and that occurs at our monthly TLCCA meetings. However, over the past couple of months, we have not been able to approve funding (even though we have the funds) because of lack of attendance from the community. It is of vital importance that we have representatives of the community attend these meetings, to understand where we are spending the money, to have a say in the allocation of funds and hear where the school needs funds allocated. Please consider attending (this can be done virtually, from your lounge room) - we promise you won’t be allocated a job to do, we just need your vote! The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, 30 August from 7pm – 8pm.

MEAL DEAL

Don’t forget to order your child’s Meal Deal for Friday 11 August! TLCCA are raising funds for the College by offering a #MySchoolLunch Meal Deal at second break for all students and staff due to the Café being closed for lunch that day. There will be three Meal Deals available: Subway! Sushi! Pizza! Orders will close next Wednesday - use this link to order your child's Meal Deal: https://myschoollunch.com.au/the-lakes-college-traffic-selector

This term we are holding our Father's Day Stall, supporting Multicultural Day on 15 September and will be present at the Open Morning on 16 August. If you’d like to be involved in any of those initiatives, please let me know!

Corrinne Britz | TLCCA President
[email protected]