A message from our Principal...

Nicole Gregory | Principal

Many of you will know the work of Dr Judith Locke, clinical psychologist and best-selling author of The Bonsai Child. Dr Locke worked with our staff this year, and we enjoyed her frank insights.

Dr Locke has been contributing to the QCAA, too, 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.

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

• Read the full article here

The Lakes College is committed to ensuring that the new generation of teachers graduating from university are well-equipped to thrive in educational settings. Schools have an important role to play in supporting initial teacher education and contributing to the learning experiences of pre-service teachers through the provision of professional experience placements. This includes opportunities for pre-service teachers to develop, practise, demonstrate and understand the impact of their teaching skills in a range of settings with a range of learners. The role of the supervising teacher is to support pre-service teachers in meeting the requirements of professional experience, including meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the graduate career stage.

The TLC teacher community have actively worked together with Universities across Brisbane to supervise 35 pre-service teacher placements throughout 2024 across both the Primary and Secondary sub-schools. The dedication and hard work of these teachers has been recognised widely by the Universities, forming strong engagement and connection with these tertiary educators.

By investing in the support and development of pre-service teachers, we ensure a stronger, more effective teaching workforce that can meet the diverse needs of students and contribute to the overall improvement of the education system. Supporting pre-service teachers during their training is crucial for several reasons:

1. Quality of Education: Well-supported pre-service teachers are more likely to develop effective teaching practices, which directly impacts the quality of education students receive.
2. Teacher Retention: Adequate support helps pre-service teachers feel more competent and confident, reducing burnout and increasing retention rates in the profession.
3. Practical Experience: Providing hands-on, practical experiences through well-structured teaching placements allows pre-service teachers to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings, making them better prepared for their future roles.
4. Professional Development: Continuous feedback and professional development opportunities help pre-service teachers refine their skills and stay updated with the latest educational practices.
5. Classroom Management: Training in classroom management strategies equips pre-service teachers with the tools to create positive learning environments and manage diverse classroom dynamics effectively.
6. Reflective Practice: Encouraging reflective practice helps pre-service teachers critically evaluate their teaching methods and make necessary adjustments, fostering continuous improvement.

The Lakes College’s commitment to nurturing pre-service teachers not only benefits the teachers themselves but also enhances the overall quality of education. By fostering a supportive and enriching environment for these future educators, we are investing in the future of our students and the broader educational community. We would like to personally thank each of the TLC teachers who have assisted in this space throughout 2024.

Anna Doré | Deputy Principal - People & Culture

Congratulations to William M on his recent school sport that he has competed in:

• All Schools Triathlon - bronze medal in the Senior boys age group (17/18 years)
  • Will will now compete in the 2025 State Schools Triathlon Championships in February 2025
• State Schools Track and Field Championships
  • 3000m- 7th in the state
  • 1500m- 12th in state

Jack M (Year 5) participated in the Matt Fiddes martial arts international championships against competitors from across Australia and the UK. Jack achieved a bronze medal for his 10 kick combo (10 year old category) and a silver medal for sparring. He was so proud with his first ever martial arts competitive medals. Well done Jack!

Not only have there been the official duties that come with the voting in of a new Committee after an AGM, but there have been numerous official TLC events to support as well including:

• Serving drinks and nibbles at the annual TLC Celebration of Sport Evening this Friday
• Supporting the Second Hand Uniform Shop and introducing our TLCCA to the new 2025 Prep Families at the upcoming Orientation mornings
• Preparing to host a Sausage Sizzle dinner and sweet treats to our TLC families at the Prep to Year 3 Christmas Celebration
• Continuing to open the Second Hand Uniform Shop five mornings a week (plus a few pre-arranged out of hours openings) to assist existing and new families to TLC with their uniform requirements.

Would you like to Volunteer?

To EVERY volunteer that has helped or will be helping with all these amazing events, from the bottom of our hearts THANK YOU! Many, many hands make for light work and the mix of familiar and new faces volunteering for an hour or two warms the heart. The shared laughter, camaraderie and love for our TLC students and staff during these events are truly heartening. If you would like to meet some new people please put your hand up to volunteer - just send us an email or click on the following link to express interest - click here.

New Vice President

We are so excited to be welcoming Erin Rosolen to our TLCCA Executive Committee. Erin is a familiar face of TLC, having been a parent at TLC for 14 years! Erin is our new Vice President and comes with a wealth of TLC knowledge and enthusiasm. Welcome to the team Erin!

Thank you Mike!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our TLCCA Treasurer, Mike Tratt. Mike has been actively applying for grants on behalf of TLCCA and has secured several more grants that will go towards Harmony Day and our TLCCA Picnic in the Park events next year. Mike, thank you for all your work you are doing in this space, we are very lucky to have your support.

New Jibbitz!

Reneé has been working hard to source some TLC Jibbitz and they are now available for sale in the Second Hand Uniform Shop and also the Cafe. Thank you Reneé for getting these ready to sell.

To keep up with 2025 Second Hand Uniform Shop openings over the holiday season be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

• https://www.facebook.com/TheLakesCollegeCommunityAssociation
• https://www.facebook.com/TLCCASHUS
• https://instagram.com/tlccashus

Looking to 2025

We look forward to seeing you all in 2025 and just a friendly reminder that our first 2025 TLCCA Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 29 January. You can find previous minutes from TLCCA meetings here.

From the TLCCA Executive Team, Kristina, Erin, Amy, Mike and Reneé we wish you all a wonderful school holiday break, a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Kristina Petho | TLCCA President
TLCCAPresident@thelakes.qld.edu.au

The Lakes College extends sincere thanks to our 2024 TLC Sponsors, whose steadfast support plays a vital role in fostering the overall development and wellbeing of our students. We acknowledge and value the dedication of the businesses listed below, whose investments directly enrich the educational journey of our students. Their contributions provide invaluable resources and open doors to opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise. We are truly grateful for their commitment to enhancing the educational experiences at The Lakes College.

• Click here to find out more about becoming a TLC Sponsor

Gold Sponsor: Luxury Lifestyle Homes

Luxury Lifestyle Homes exemplifies unparalleled excellence in the design and construction of dream homes in Brisbane. With meticulous attention to detail, they are dedicated to transforming visions into reality. What sets Luxury Lifestyle Homes apart is their fusion of precise workmanship and proven processes, ensuring clients receive a home that is not only tailored to their exact specifications but is also completed on time, within budget and without stress. The team at Luxury Lifestyle Homes takes pride in bringing dream homes to life, creating a delightful and stress-free experience for their clients throughout the entire process. https://luxlifehomes.com.au/

Community Sponsor: North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical

Since 2004, North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical have been the local electrician serving the North Lakes community. As a family-owned and locally operated electrical contracting business, they have successfully contributed to the growth and development of the Moreton Bay Region. When you choose their services, you are not just hiring an electrician; you are investing in a relationship built on trust and expertise. North Lakes Electrician | North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical (northlakeselectrical.com)

Community Sponsor: The Vinyl Loft

The Vinyl Loft stands as a prominent player in the Australian vinyl crafting sector, consistently advancing and establishing a renowned position for delivering high-quality branded vinyl with a commitment to exceptional customer service. As an authorised Australian supplier, The Vinyl Loft offers a comprehensive range of quality branded vinyl, DTF Transfers, blanks, tools, and accessories, catering to diverse crafting and business requirements. https://www.thevinylloft.com.a...

Community Sponsor: The Yiros Shop North Lakes

Since 2015, The Yiros Shop has believed in serving only the best to our community across Brisbane and now wider Queensland. Their meals are authentic and fresh, adding a modern twist to traditional Greek favourites by focusing on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The Yiros Shop are proud to be a family owned and operated business carrying recipes down through generations and creating the best Greek food choice around. https://theyirosshop.com.au/

Community Sponsor: Easy As Driver Training

Jacqui & Warren from EasyAs Driver Training as proud TLC Parents and big supporters of our TLC Swim Club, coming on board this year as our inaugural TLC Swim Club Community Sponsor. If you're here to learn to drive then EasyAs Driver Training is the right place for you. We are long established and recognised for excellence. https://easyasdta.com.au/