Year 6 is such a special time. Our young people are over halfway through their formal schooling, having navigated seven of thirteen years. They have grown exponentially; physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. They have become adept at learning, engaging with others and working independently, their opinions are better informed armed with more knowledge and experience to support their thinking. They sit as leaders of the Primary School, confident, capable and connected. Your children are extraordinary.

Sometimes supporting your young person to move from Primary into Secondary can feel like releasing Nemo from his aquarium at home into the vast ocean. We know logically that our young people have already experienced seven years of schooling, we know they have transitioned from year level to year level and engaged with a variety of teachers and made lots of friends, yet we still worry about their transition past the Chinese Garden in Primary to the Secondary College Green within the same educational environment.

As a parent we never stop worrying about our young people. Most parents and carers would say that all they desire is a happy child, and while this is true, we also hold hopes and dreams for our children deeply within our hearts. We want them to feel success, we want them to achieve, we don’t want to see them face challenges and stumble or fall, particularly if we ourselves have faced trials in our schooling lives and so we must take care not to project our own fears about this transition on to our young people.

While there is no doubt that the move from Year 6 to Year 7 is an adjustment for children (and their family), be encouraged that one of the greatest determinant’s of success will be how parents and carers, in partnership with educators, support these students in their ‘dive’ from the smaller pond to the bigger pond.

• Be positive and realistic about the move - answer their questions or help them find answers.
• Assure them that having more teachers does mean more support.
• Encourage them that they already know how to learn, how to navigate new environments, and how to make friends.
• Let them know that fitting into a new way of doing things will take some time and that’s okay.
• Remind them that you will always be there for them and together with their teachers there isn’t anything they can’t navigate.
• They are ready for the next adventure.

All they need to do is “Just Keep Swimming.”

Blessings

Mrs Nicole Gregory | Principal

Our End of Year Awards Evenings will be held on Wednesday 29 November:

• Year 4 - 6 Awards Evening: 5:00pm - 6:15pm
• Year 7 - 11 Awards Evening: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

More information will be sent to families in our Friday Communication Day email but as our community prepares for the end of year awards, please find below details of how awards are determined. More information on our Awards criteria for Primary and Secondary can be found in the Parent Handbook.

Academic Awards (Year 7 – 12) recognise those students who have engaged deeply with their learning and achieved outstanding outcomes. Decisions about academic awards are made on a cumulative basis, using the following criteria, at the end of Semester 1 and at the end of the academic year. We are committed to acknowledging and honouring both the Dux and the top of subject in every year level.

Academic Award with Honours

• Year 7 - 9: Students obtaining a Grade Point Average of 13.01 and above based on a student's best 5 core subject results.
• Year 10 - 12: Achieves an overall percentage average of 90% based on a student's best 5 general/applied subjects.

Academic Award with Distinction

• Year 7 - 9: Students obtaining a Grade Point Average of 12.51 and above based on a student's best 5 core subject results.
• Year 10 - 12: Achieves an overall percentage average of 85% based on a student's best 5 general/applied subjects.

Academic Award

• Year 7 - 9: Students obtaining a Grade Point Average of 12.00 and above based on a student's best 5 core subject results.
• Year 10 - 12: Achieves an overall percentage average of 80% based on a student's best 5 general/applied subjects.

Learning Habits Award

Students are able to receive a Learning Habits Award when they demonstrate a commitment to exemplary learning behaviours in the classroom. The criteria are grounded in the TLC values of Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner. Our teachers consider the following learning habits when they make their decisions; safe and respectful behaviour, resilience, application, participation, concentration and organisation.

Students achieve this award when the weighted average of their learning habits score is 3.9 across all subjects. Any student is eligible to receive a Learning Habits Award.

The learning habits criteria are applied ‘on the whole’ or ’on balance’ to reflect the student’s learning habits throughout the year.

More information on the learning habits criteria can be found in the Parent Handbook.

Determination of Subject Prizes

Subject prizes are awarded to students in Years 7-11 who receive the highest subject result based on four terms of work. If more than one student receives the highest subject result, the decision is made by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the relevant Dean of Studies on whom should receive the prize.

Determination of QCE Subject Prizes

In Year 12, a subject prize will be awarded for each subject to the student who receives the highest overall subject result. This result is based on the overall subject result out of 100, which is calculated by the QCAA, by adding together the internal and external assessment marks. If more than one student receives the highest subject result, more than one subject prize will be awarded. To receive a subject prize, all assessments must be completed.

Determination of ATAR Dux and College Dux

A continuing tradition, the College will confer two Dux awards. The ATAR Dux will be awarded to the student with the highest consented ATAR score. The College Dux will be awarded to the student with the highest combined subject score from their best five general subjects.

With end-of-year reports due for release at the end of the term, it is a timely reminder that your child's continuous reporting comments are always available on SEQTA. Instead of waiting until the end of semester for feedback on your child's progress, reporting information is made available after each formative assessment task. The feedback students receive is targeted to that particular assessment task and, where appropriate, offers advice and goals to feed-forward to the next task. We are confident that this gives you timely and continuous feedback about your child's progress in any given class rather than waiting till the end of semester report. The provision of this continually updated reporting data on SEQTA means that your child's end of semester report represents a transcript summary of their learning at this particular juncture in time.

Year 12 External Exams are in full swing with 50,000 students from across the state participating in the operation. Sitting behind this mammoth exercise are a unit of dedicated professionals who read and then mark every student response. We would like to highlight some of our teachers who are engaged in this important task: Ms Greaney (Digital Solutions), Mrs Dare (English and Literature), Mrs McNally (English), Ms Malone (English), Mr Stein (Economics) and Mrs Corbin (Chemistry). In addition to supporting the QCAA with this significant undertaking, these teachers are acquiring excellent professional development that in turn sharpens their practice and equips them with deep insights into their respective disciplines. Their professional expertise provides a tangible benefit to the teaching and learning that occurs within TLC classrooms.

Many of you will know the work of Dr Judith Locke, clinical psychologist and best-selling author of The Bonsai Child. Dr Locke has visited TLC before to speak with parents and carers, and she will return to our community once more in 2024.

Recently, Dr Locke has been contributing to the QCAA, releasing a series of short videos to help students overcome common issues relating to study and exams. In her series, she covers study balance, procrastination, limiting distractions, transforming information, perfectionism, exam stress, and, most important of all, sleep. The videos can be found here - https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/get-motivated/get-healthy-and-happy/health-and-wellbeing-with-dr-judith-locke

We highly recommend these videos to you. Our hope is that you might share them with your children and open a healthy and productive conversation about the importance of good health and wellbeing to navigate examinations and assignments.

Excitingly, we have also seen a number of our Year 12 students already complete their final exams. We congratulate our young people on their fine effort. Special mention must go to Matthew Joubert who is heading overseas to play professionally for an Italian futsal club. What a truly remarkable achievement. TLC looks forward to the wonderful new horizons that await our class of 2023!

Mr Dan Ridout | Dean of Studies (10-12)

In 2023, The Lakes College introduced the "Horizons Program" in the disciplines of English, Mathematics, and Music. The Horizons Program is an exclusive, invitation-only acceleration program offered to a select group of high-achieving students. This program is not a mere bolt-on initiative; it is seamlessly integrated into school life, becoming an integral part of our educational approach.

Underpinned by inquiry and visible thinking, the Horizons Program provides a unique opportunity for students to nurture and stretch their talents. It goes beyond traditional education, aiming to holistically increase growth in student outcomes, results, and learning habits. Moreover, the program actively promotes the development of an inquisitive and critical mind, which is a key aspect of our educational philosophy.

After the first year of the Horizons Program, it's evident that the students involved have connected with a group of like-minded peers, fostering an environment where they can explore a wide range of exciting discipline-specific learning. Through this immersive experience, student knowledge has significantly expanded, and their curiosity has been ignited.

In English, they have delved deep into literary classics, broadening their horizons to encompass diverse genres and authors. In Mathematics, they've grappled with challenging concepts, pushing the boundaries of their mathematical understanding. In Music, students have explored new genres and instruments, stretching their theoretical understanding and creative boundaries.

In 2024, The Lakes College is committed to expanding and growing the Horizons Program. We will continue to recognize the skills and talents of another group of self-regulated and driven Lakes Learners who possess a strong ability in and passion for English, Mathematics, or Music. The program isn't just an academic endeavour; it's an aspirational extension program that students can aim to be a part of. It honours not only academic achievement but also the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Following our successful information session on Tuesday, October 17, we are genuinely excited about the implementation of the Horizon program into Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. At The Lakes College, we are in constant pursuit of the horizon. While we may never quite reach it, we remain dedicated to the journey, always moving forward. It is through this pursuit that student character is forged as they learn and grow.

Should you wish any further information about the Horizons Program, please contact Mr Daniel Ridout dridout@thelakes.qld.edu.au or Mrs Katerina Tilley ktilley@thelakes.qld.edu.au

Our annual 'Imagination' Art Exhibition, spanning from Prep to Year 12, was a vibrant showcase of student creativity and learning in the Visual Arts. Featuring a rich collection of both 2D and 3D artworks, our leadership team faced the delightful challenge of selecting their personal favourites. Let's give a special shoutout to the following students who received one of the coveted choice awards during the event:

Principal's Choice:

• Emily B - Yr 10
• Emily W - Yr 2
• Stella K - Yr 6
• Nujan M - Yr 8
• Ka Man Wu - Yr 5
• Year 1 Collaboration

Deputy Principal's Choice - Mr Stein:

• Daham W - Yr 5
• Sarah W - Yr 11
• Julia C - Yr 11
• Scarlett B - Yr 7
• Braxton R - Yr 6
• Louis F - Yr P

Deputy Principal's Choice - Mrs Doré:

• Stepan D - Yr 2
• Emily B - Yr 10
• Lachlan C - Yr 6
• Jasmine K - Yr 2
• Helene T - Yr 8
• Julia C - Yr 11

Head of Primary's Choice:

• Winston H - Yr P
• Alethea W - Yr 2
• Khivi B - Yr 1
• Kyle J - Yr 3
• Sierra H - Yr 4
• Rakhshitha K - Yr 5
• Jackson R - Yr 6

Head of Secondary's Choice:

• Sarah W - Yr 11
• Sarah S - Yr 12
• Izzy - Yr 7
• Ellie S - Yr 10
• Artie H - Yr 9
• Finch P - Yr 9
• Emily B - Yr 10

Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Australian Taekwondo National Championships held in Perth recently:

Daham W (Yr 5)

• Bronze medal in Sparring, Black Belt Male 10 to 11 years 31.1 Kg to 34 Kg.
• Participated in Championship Individual Poomsae, Black Belt 1^st Dan Male 10 to 11 years.

Amal W (Yr 4)

• Bronze medal in Sparring, Black Belt Male 8 to 9 years 22.1kg to 25kg.
• Gold medal in Championship Individual Poomsae, Black Belt 1^st Dan Male 8 to 9 years. Australian National Champion 2023.
• Participated in Championship Pair Poomsae, Black belt 8 to 11 years.

Evan L (Yr 3)

• Participated in Sparring, Red Belt Male 8 to 9 years 25.1 Kg to 28 Kg.

Juwon H (Yr 3)

• Bronze medal in Sparring, Red Belt Male 8 to 9 years 34.1 Kg to 38 Kg.
• Participated in Championship Individual Poomsae, Red Belt Male 8 to 9 years.

The last few weeks have been quite busy for TLCCA, with the Second Hand Uniform Shop holding a Pop Up Shop, serving lunch for World Teachers’ Day and electing a new Executive Committee.

The Pop Up Shop was a chance to bring our range of swimwear to the Primary area of the school, in preparation for Term 4 swimming lessons. Over 35 rashies were sold and many conversations were had, making it a huge success – thank you to all the parents and carers that supported the SHUS.

If you visit the SHUS, you may notice a brand new counter that was recently installed, allowing a more flexible workspace for our volunteers but also more room for our families to shop. Do pop in and check it out as it has made a huge difference to the space and feel of the shop.

On Friday 27 October, we celebrated our TLC staff with a special lunch for World Teachers’ Day. 16 families were involved in contributing or donating food, decorations and money and we are so thankful for their assistance. A special thanks to Kristina Petho for organising the day and ensuring there was a wonderful variety of dishes and a well stocked lolly bar!

Our AGM was held last Wednesday evening and a new committee was elected. Thank you to the outgoing committee for all the support over the past two years and congratulations to the 2024 Executive Committee:

• President – Kristina Petho
• Vice-President: Renée Cairns-O'Neill
• Treasurer: Mike Tratt
• Secretary: Amy Gibson

We still have many events that need volunteers over the next few weeks so please reach out if you can spare any time at all – every hour donated makes a huge difference!

Corrinne Britz
TLCCA President
TLCCAPresident@thelakes.qld.edu.au

To apply - students just need to go to the careers page of our website and fill in the online application. Applications will be open until Sunday 5 November! Laserzone recruit people who are aged 14-16 years old for roles that include running activities & customer service.

A timely reminder from our IT Department: With the upcoming Christmas sales, Black Friday and Cyber Monday it is important to be careful of scams. The link below is for a Mimecast Mini Module on holiday shopping.