Here we are mid-year, our Preps are well and truly school students entirely comfortable with their surrounds and the nature of the school day and at the other end of the learner journey our Year 12 students celebrated only 100 days (less now) left of their time at TLC. I am grateful each day for the dedicated staff, wonderful students, and caring and connected parents and carers who all form TLC.

With so much going on in the life of the College I wanted to give you an update on two major projects and highlight to you our upcoming Community Consultation Evening.

Master Plan Launch

The College 10 Year Master Plan will be officially launched at our 20 Year Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 3 August 2024. Tickets for this community event are still available (click here to purchase tickets). We hope you will join us as we celebrate with those who have been part of The Lakes College story across its 20 Year history.

Community Consultation Evening

Date: Wednesday 21 August

Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Light Refreshments will be provided

The evening will commence with a brief introduction to the College’s 10 Year Master Plan, with the remainder of the evening facilitated by the College Senior Executive as together we contemplate the Learning Future for our Lakes Learners. The two themes we will be focussing on are Artificial Intelligence and Parent Partnerships. These two important themes will be embedded in our next Strategic Horizon (2025). More information to come.

Artificial Intelligence – equipping young people for the world beyond school. What do our learners need, to engage intentionally and safely with AI.

With supportive and capable staff, we know who we are, and the kinds of learners we’re developing at TLC. The research being undertaken by our Educational Leadership Team seeks to identify what engagement can look like for learners across the College environment. To help us build the strategy we would like to understand what our community believes Lakes Learners need to learn in the age of AI.

Parent Partnerships – in our roles as parents, carers and educators how do we better partner to support the learner. Developing ideas and strategies to support parents engage in their children’s learning.

We hope you will consider joining us for a time of consultation as we work towards developing our next Strategic Horizon.

Reconciliation Week

Uncle Max joined our Secondary Chapel sharing with the community the most important aspect of reconciliation for him. As an Aboriginal Minister he believes we must first reconcile ourselves to God through the person of Jesus and then we can reconcile with one another. Uncle Max shared stories of encouragement and hope with our young people and garnered great joy from spending time in their presence.

We are grateful to First Nations families and students who shared in a time of yarning with College staff during Reconciliation week. It was a great time of connection, and fellowship as we shared our stories over morning tea. First Nations students, parents and carers shared what reconciliation means to them. The overwhelming message was that they felt reconciliation in our TLC community needed to be about all people and cultures living and working in harmony. Thank you to all who attended.

Kokoda

Thank you to all students, parents, carers and staff for supporting this year’s Brisbane Kokoda Challenge. There were a large number of teams engaging, with all of our students crossing the finish line before midnight. Congratulations to students and a huge thank you to Karen Ball, Geoff Elliott, David Peake and Janice Clement along with our amazing parents and carers who walked and were support crew for the teams. Good luck to those who are completing the trifecta with the Pinnacle Challenge later in the year.

I pray that your young people have a great break and come back in Term 3 refreshed and ready for more.

Blessings

Nicole Gregory | Principal

One of the things it’s easiest to forget about very young children is that they are aliens recently descended from another planet. In the way they look at everything around them, in the unblinking and curious stares they give to ways of living and being that have grown utterly familiar and therefore invisible to our eyes, they may as well have stepped off a galactic aircraft in an unobserved corner of a wheatfield. Coming from so far away, everything on our earth is, to them, new, interesting and worthy of examination. Nothing is to be taken for granted. There are so many questions to ask. The whole world is, via their as yet unmarked minds, born anew.

In a similar way, I recall an interview with David Bowie in 1999 on BBC’s Newsnight, in which the visionary musician and performer described, rather cannily, the potential of the internet as something “exhilarating and terrifying…an alien lifeform” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLf6KZmJyrA—the relevant bit starts at 9:18). Fast forward 25 years and I confess I have the same sense of exhilaration and terror as I consider the impact of generative AI on education – what it means for teaching and learning, for human and social wellbeing, for fairness and equity, and for privacy, safety and security. All of which are the broad themes echoed by the Australian Government in the release of their Framework for Generative AI in Schools, released at the end of 2023 (https://www.education.gov.au/schooling/resources/australian-framework-generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-schools).

I write this month's Tidings in this inquisitive, Bowie-like spirit. If you would be willing, I would appreciate your participation in a survey about generative AI at The Lakes College. This survey seeks to understand your thinking about the use of Generative AI across our College community and offers our parents and carers a chance to express any concerns, hopes, or opportunities as you see them.

The survey is anonymous and will remain open until midnight, Friday 21 June 2024.

• Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ZfBLbxFW03

If you have any queries or experience any difficulties in completing the survey, please contact Mathew Stein at mstein@thelakes.qld.edu.au.

Mathew Stein | Deputy Principal - Curriculum, Professional Practice and Transformation

As we navigate the complexities of parenting, it's easy to overlook the profound impact that consistent school attendance has on our children's educational journey. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's essential to remember that every day of school matters.

Regular school attendance is the cornerstone of academic achievement. Each day presents opportunities for your child to engage with new ideas, interact with peers, and develop essential skills. However, extended periods of absence disrupt this continuity, causing your child to miss out on valuable learning experiences.

Consider this: every hour missed in the classroom is an hour of instruction lost. Over time, these missed hours add up, leading to significant gaps in your child's understanding of key concepts. As the curriculum progresses, catching up becomes increasingly challenging, hindering your child's academic progress and eroding their confidence in their abilities. At our College, we are fortunate to have a faculty of passionate, dedicated, and exceptional teachers who strive to create learning environments that support, inspire, and challenge our learners. Learners who will miss out on these experiences if they are not in school.

Not only can school absence affect academic outcomes, but can also limit the achievement of students’ social, emotional and economic potential. School offers a safe environment to learn and develop ‘soft skills’ – personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. These skills are carried through life and can aid in the ability to communicate, collaborate and problem-solve.

We understand that illness, medical appointments, bereavement, and religious or cultural activities can impact time in school. Life is busy, and some things are unavoidable. We know our vibrant, multicultural community has family near and far. However, with only 182 school days on average in each calendar year, a family holiday of two weeks during term time represents 5.5% of your child's learning, and three weeks represent 8.3%. It adds up, and this matters.

As parents, it's crucial to prioritise school attendance and minimise unnecessary absences. While occasional illness or family emergencies are unavoidable, try to schedule vacations and appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Recognise the importance of attending school during scheduled term time and the value of breaks for rest and rejuvenation.

If your child is struggling with attendance, reach out to their teachers and school staff for support. Together, we can identify any underlying issues and develop strategies to address them effectively.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's education. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to excel and where we celebrate that every day matters!

Rachel Johns & Mark Pearce | Deputy Head of Primary

Reference List:

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). (2019). "Attendance Matters." Retrieved from [aitsl.edu.au](attendance-matters.pdf).

Carroll, H. (2013). "The social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties of primary school children with poor attendance records." Educational Studies, 39(2), 223–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055 698.2012.717508 Hancock, K. J., Shepherd, C. C. J., Lawrence, D., & Zubrick, S. R. (2013). "Student attendance and educational outcomes: Every day counts." Report for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra. https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.4...

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of 800+ meta-analyses on achievement. London: Routledge.

A small group of Year 10-12 students, alongside Mrs Dare and Miss Aleckson have been challenged to re-examine tragedy, perspective, and revenge after watching QLD Theatre's reimagining of Medea and during the talk with the artists afterwards. The production told the Ancient Greek story entirely from the perspective of Medea's young sons and had the audience in tears as they watched the brothers fight, laugh, and play, unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. What an incredible experience for our young people to see exceptional theatre that makes an older text relevant and real.

Clara Aleckson | Strike Coordinator

This year’s annual Under 8s Day was a spectacular celebration dedicated to our youngest Lakes Learners. With the theme "Connecting to Culture through Play," this event emphasised the significance of play in early childhood development and community engagement. It provided a morning filled with fun, excitement and cultural enrichment, fostering a sense of community while enjoyed by students and their families from Prep to Year 2.

The Lakes College recognises the pivotal role of play in connecting children to diverse cultural heritages. Under 8s Day featured a range of activities designed to immerse children in various games and activities that celebrated the joy of childhood. From traditional games and dance to storytelling and crafts, these activities allowed children to explore and appreciate the rich cultural diversity within our community.

This year Under 8s Day was not just about the children; it provided a community-wide celebration that brought together families, educators, and local organisations including our emergency services, First Nations’ and Sandgate Men’s Shed. Alongside many other groups who joined us for the morning.

The event provided our Secondary students and Year 6 leaders with the opportunity to further their connections with our Primary students and develop their capacity as role models with the College. Parents and carers were encouraged to participate alongside their children, making it a day of shared experiences and fun.

At the heart of Under 8s Day is the belief that play matters. Play is crucial for the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. The event's activities were carefully curated to promote creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Through interactive play, children learn to navigate social interactions, solve problems and express themselves. The emphasis on play highlights its value as a fundamental part of education and personal growth.

With the weather cooperating, Under 8s Day provided a morning of fun, excitement and meaningful community engagement. By connecting children to culture through play we continue to celebrate the diversity of our community and enrich the lives of each of our young people. Thanks goes to everyone involved in supporting the success of this event and for joining us on the day.

Mark Pearce | Deputy Head of Primary

Our Year 7 students recently participated in a meaningful Spiritual Retreat Day. This special event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to join together with their year level, reflecting on their shared experiences and celebrating their time at TLC.

The retreat was designed to help our students continue building and fostering a sense of purpose, community, belonging and friendship. Through various activities and discussions, they were encouraged to strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories.

The focus on reflection and celebration not only allowed the students to appreciate their journey so far but also to look forward to the future with a sense of unity and shared purpose. We believe this experience is essential for their personal and spiritual growth, helping them to feel more connected and supported within our school community.

We are proud of our Year 7 students for their enthusiastic participation and the positive energy they brought to the retreat. This day of togetherness and reflection has undoubtedly contributed to a stronger, more connected year group.

Tim McMenamin | Director of Mission

In May, a group of TLC students participated in the Inter School Chess Competition held at Nundah State School. Congratulations to our chess players for putting on a fantastic display of talent, they were tough games and two of our Year 4 students were able to make a win:

• Agam M with 5/7
• Henry Z with 4.5/7 and a merit position

At the beginning of May, our dedicated volunteers, Renee C and Corrinne B, hosted another successful Second Hand Pop-Up Shop at the Primary gate. This time, they anticipated the cooler weather and focused on selling formal jumpers, sports jackets and jumpers.

Exciting news from the shop: they will begin accepting uniform donations again starting at the beginning of Term 3. Huge thanks to our amazing shop volunteers who have been diligently processing the massive backlog of uniform donations from the start of the year.

We are excited to announce that we now stock TLC Scarves and these will be sold in the Second Hand Uniform Shop for $27.50 each from Friday. They are made from a long lasting polyester weave and are soft and warm to wear - just in time for the cooler months. There is limited stock available at this stage. These scarves can be worn with the College's formal uniform from Prep - Year 12.

Mother’s Day Events

May was all about celebrating our amazing mums and special friends!

On Wednesday 8 May, the Learning Lounge in the Primary School was transformed into a beautiful little shop where our Primary students could purchase Mother's Day gifts for their mums, aunts, grandmothers, or any special friends in their lives. A big thank you to Narelle W and her wonderful team of volunteers, including both mums and dads, who made this possible. We're excited to announce that this year’s Mother’s Day stall was our largest yet, and we look forward to sharing the final fundraising total at our next TLCCA meeting.

Our Secondary Mums were also treated to a special evening on Thursday 9 May. The Main Admin Staffroom was decorated in yellow for the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea… held in the evening! The Culinary Club, under the guidance of Ben Milbourne, catered their first event of the year. Attendees enjoyed a quick course in designing their own polymer clay earrings, expertly led by Joel from Bestrew.

We’re thrilled to announce that $1,500 was donated to the Cancer Council, thanks to the generous contributions from our TLC business owners who provided incredible raffle prizes.

Under 8’s Day

On the morning of Friday 17 May, TLCCA was excited to participate in Under 8’s Day. This year, TLCCA enlisted the help of the Redcliffe Men’s Shed to lovingly build two picnic tables for the Primary School. During Under 8’s Day, students were invited to leave a handprint in their House colour on the tables. The end result is fantastic, and the tables have been warmly welcomed by students as an additional seating option during break times.

Additionally, TLCCA provided an activity for the Under 8’s to colour their own popcorn holders, which were then filled with delicious, golden popcorn.

A massive thanks goes out to Rob L, Bec N, Kristy C and Lina H for their hard work and collaboration in making this Under 8’s Day activity a success.

Upcoming Athletics Carnivals – Volunteer Opportunity

It's that time of year again when the TLCCA has the chance to support our strong, fast and hungry student athletes!

If you are available to assist for an hour or two at the TLCCA Refreshment Stands during any of the upcoming Athletics Carnivals, please click on the Volunteer Link below:

• Friday 7 June: 11am – 3pm – Prep to Year 2
• Tuesday 11 June: All Day – Year 7 to Year 12
• Wednesday 12 June: All Day – Year 3 to Year 6

Click here to register to volunteer

Thank You from the TLCCA Executive Committee

The TLCCA Executive Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you in our community for your continued support and encouragement. We wish you all a wonderful and safe school holiday with your families and friends.

Kristina Petho | TLCCA President

Are you an early riser? So are we! We’re excited to share that our Wunya Café is now open earlier to accommodate all our early birds. Whether you're dropping off the kids or simply needing a morning pick-me-up, we’ve got you covered. We’d be delighted if you could stop by, meet Sienna, the addition to our new team, and start your day with a coffee. It's not just about the caffeine, it's about being part of our warm and welcoming community.

We can't wait to see you there!

Pictured L-R: Sienna (Barista) - Marjorie (Café Manager) - Jacqui (Café Assistant).

Mark your calendars for a great night out as The Lakes College commemorates two decades of community spirit on Saturday 3 August. Join us in the revelry of our 20 Year Anniversary Dinner, a momentous occasion set to unfold at Norths Leagues Club in Kallangur. As we reflect on the journey of the past two decades, we invite past and current parents, carers and staff plus our Alumni and friends to come together for a night of nostalgia, laughter and celebration.

Tickets are $95 each or buy a table of eight for $720
This includes a two course dinner, two drink vouchers, a limited edition 20 Year Anniversary wine glass, plus live entertainment by 7 Day Weekends. Formal Dress | 18+ only. Let's make this milestone a truly unforgettable experience as we honour the rich history and bright future of The Lakes College.