Newsletter:
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
A warm (and somewhat drier) welcome back to Term 2. The students have settled back into the school routine and have enjoyed seeing some sunshine again.
I recently read with interest an article on the ‘100 Jobs of the Future Project’ (100 Jobs of the Future). What was interesting was the clear links between what the future may hold for our students and the focus we have at Lakes on ‘building better futures’. The ‘100 Jobs of the Future Project’ gives an insight into what the ‘jobs’ of the future might be and what skills and capabilities our students will require.
The project notes that there is a need for students to be able to adapt, to have the capacity to lead and think strategically and to be aware of their strengths and passions. The research also showed that students need to be able to work across various disciplines and work in teams. The research detailed how important it was for our students to be able to communicate effectively, be flexible and ‘original thinkers’. It sounds like a challenge – right?
But here at Lakes I believe we are well ahead of the game. Our focus on the learning powered approach to our teaching aims to preparing young people for 21st century life, not just for examinations or assessment tasks or a grade on a report. Our staff are focused not only on academic excellence but on how we can use our teaching and learning to equip our students to flourish in the real world beyond school – in other words, to ‘build better futures’.
Our focus on academic care, resilience and having a growth mindset are also an integral part of the ‘curriculum’ we deliver.
I would encourage you to look at some of the jobs that were likely to be in your child’s future. They include (and I challenge you to be able to detail what they entail!) – cyborg psychologist, robot ethicist, a nostalgist, cricket farmers, fusionists, displaced person integrators, 100 year counsellor and aesthetician to name a few. There is a short quiz “What could your future job be? (100jobsofthefuture.com)” that might give you some insights.
Perspectives – Your school in focus
Our school is using the Perspectives: Your school in focus suite of surveys developed by AISNSW to support our school improvement endeavours. The information gathered will assist in furthering the growth and development of our school community. We will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
These surveys have been specifically designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of five important areas: school environment, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, leadership and community. All staff, students, parents/guardians, leaders and board members will be invited to participate.
The surveys will be available from 11 to 20 May and are conducted online, taking approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
Your input and contribution are important to the success of our continuous school improvement process as we aspire to improve the learning experience for everyone at our school.
For any enquiries about the surveys please contact the school for more details.
Mrs Deborah Clancy
Principal
KEY DATES FOR THE DIARY
- Sunday 8 May – Happy Mother's Day!
- Monday 9 May – National Child Protection Week
- Monday 9 May – Dress like a Disney character mufti day
- Tuesday 10 May – NAPLAN commences for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
- Tuesday 10 May – P&F Meeting at 7pm via ZOOM
- Friday 13 May – HRIS volleyball
- Wednesday 17 May – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia
- Friday 20 May – Senior school athletics carnival
- Monday 23 May – Year 12 PDHPE Big Day Out
- Tuesday 24 May – Kids Lit Quiz Excursion
- Wednesday 25 – Fri 27 May – Years 7-10 Camps
- Thursday 26 May – National Sorry Day
CHAPLAIN'S CHAT
Welcome back to Term 2 everyone. There has been so much on already and a whole lot more to look forward to. This term we will see our Cru groups running again after a long break because of COVID-19 restrictions. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to engage with faith issues at a deeper level one lunchtime a week with their peers. In the senior school we recently experienced our annual ANZAC service and the whole school is looking forward to dressing up Disney style on Monday to support the school musical.
Speaking of dress-ups, I went for a walk before typing this to get my brain juices working and came across some of our Year 11s studying in the library. I said, “I have a mental blank about what to write about for the newsletter and can you help?” This sometimes happens to me when there is so much happening that my brain just locks up. One of the students, Charlotte, thought for a moment and then suggested I talk about the Met Gala which at first I found confusing. Zoe and Milly chimed in though by endorsing the creativity of the event and I was sold. But what might this have to do with our students and families of Lakes Grammar?
Well, believe it or not the Met Gala has evolved over the years to what it is now. It first appeared on the calendar in the late 1940s as a fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute and it wasn’t until the 1970s that it moved permanently to being held at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. It is a tightly controlled invitation only event that has ticket prices in excess of $30,000 a person. In the last 20 years it has, in a sense, returned to honouring its roots. It used to be just a fundraiser, then morphed to glamorous people on show, but recently there has been a rise of more and more theatrical costumes. It seems creativity knows no bounds and this year’s theme of “gilded glamour” certainly saw this go next level.
As our 2023 Kindy students arrive at school this week for their first taste of school, they will bring with them unparalleled creativity. Our job at school is to help them harness and focus that creativity as they grow and learn more about the world we all live in and their place in it. Some of those costumes at the Met Gala could easily be imagined by our youngest students and we hope and pray that they could be brought into reality by our older students. A Christian understanding of this says that we are made in God’s image and he is the creator of the universe which we inhabit. Our creativity can in turn be a way that we reflect his love in this creation he has blessed us with. I for one am praying that our students may all be even more creative than the Met Gala costumes of 2022.
Bless ya!
Reverend Matt
Chaplain
WHOLE SCHOOL NEWS
COMMEMORATING ANZAC DAY
On Tuesday 3 May,Year 7-12 commemorated ANZAC Day with a service in the school hall. The service was led by senior history students along with our junior and senior school leaders. It was a reverent occasion dedicated to honouring all service men and women, past and present, for the sacrifice they have made for the freedom of our nation.
We extend our thanks to the representatives from Toukley RSL who joined us for the service and to the students for their exemplary behaviour and conduct.
Mrs Fiona Crawford
History Co-ordinator
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. All NSW schools will sit NAPLAN online in 2022.
Our school will be participating in NAPLAN between 10-20 May 2022.
Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN.
Mrs Anne Hobden
Director of Academic Challenge (K-10)
CANTEEN HELPERS NEEDED
Our junior and senior canteens always need helpers. Any parents, caregivers or grandparents are more than welcome if you can spare a day once a fortnight or once a month.
If you can spare time to help, please email di.hattam@lakes.nsw.edu.au
Make All Your Wishes Come True
DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR. IS COMING TO LAKES GRAMMAR
Ring bells! Bang the drums! You are gonna love this exciting stage adaptation of the legendary tale of the lovable thief with the heart of gold! Join Aladdin, Jasmine, and the fast-talking, wisecracking Genie as they discover mystical caves, take magic carpet rides, and outwit the evil sorcerer, Jafar. Adapted especially for young performers, this musical includes favourite Alan Menken songs such as Friend Like Me, A Whole New World and Prince Ali, as well as wonderful new songs added for the Broadway production. With new, colourful characters and nonstop adventure, Aladdin JR. is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
This spectacular 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the 1992 Disney film and the 2014 Broadway adaptation. The cast includes students from Years 7-11, led by Mrs Katrina Braun, Mrs Emma Briggs and Mr Nathan Fepuleai.
Performance times are:
Tuesday 7 June 2022 at 6:30pm
Wednesday 8 June 2022 at 6.30pm
DRESS LIKE A DISNEY CHARACTER MUFTI DAY
K-12 students will enjoy a Disney themed mufti day on Monday 9 May. This day will not only celebrate our upcoming production of Aladdin JR. but will assist us in raising funds for this production.
If your child wishes to participate, please send them in with a gold coin donation.
All money collected will go to our upcoming production of Aladdin JR.
YOUTH IN PERFORMING ARTS
Congratulations to Kani (Year 11), Eve (Year 9) and Maggie (Year 9) who have been selected to perform in the Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) 31st anniversary showcase at Laycock Street Community Theatre.
Youth in Performing Arts is part of Laycock Street Community Theatre's annual program and provides an opportunity for Central Coast youth with outstanding talent to perform in a professional venue, promoting and fostering their development in performing arts.
On Thursday 19 May, Eve and Maggie will be singing the duet ‘For Good’ from the musical Wicked.
Friday 20 May, Eve will once again take to the stage in her solo performance of the classic Fleetwood Mac song Landslide.
Finally, Kani will perform his monologue titled ‘The Bus’ to conclude the YIPA 2022 program.
Tickets are available from the theatre box office, online at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres, or by phone on 4323 3233
Mrs Katrina Braun
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator
CURIOUS CREATORS SELECTION
Congratulations to Zahlia (Year 2) whose beautiful artwork was selected as part of the Curious Creators Toukley Creative Space art exhibition (27 April to 7 May).
Mrs Katrina Braun
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Healthy Media Habits
During Term 2 I would like us to think about what healthy media use looks like. Digital media – in its many forms – can be awesome! Our media feeds keep us up to date on all the latest news and current affairs. Streaming services provide us with a fabulous range of movies and TV shows to entertain us; social media keeps us connected to our families, friends and communities; computer/internet-based games can be highly entertaining; and, what better way to distract our minds at the end of the day than YouTube or TikTok? (Actually, I can think of a stack of other great ways to do this!).
Screens and technology use needn’t be all bad. In fact, as parents we are key players in helping our kids develop technology habits that help rather than hinder. The earlier we do this, the better. However, it does require us to be very intentional with how we do it.
A few years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided some really helpful online tools to help families proactively plan how they want to use technology. The Family Media Plan helps parents and children to plan where you can have screen-free zones; how to implement screen free times during the course of the day; establishing device curfews; balancing screen vs non-screen time; and ensuring good ‘manners’ around media use. The plan also allows families to think through what good ‘digital citizenship’ looks like; how to be safe online; and how to ensure that sleep and physical exercises and not casualties of screen-use. I strongly encourage all Lakes parents to take time to go through the Family Media Plan, either alone, or even better, with your kids. You can access the Family Media Plan here.
The AAP also offer a Media Time Calculator which helps families work out how our kids spend their time and help find balance across all different activities. You can check it out here.
Ultimately, ‘rules’ around screen usage will work best within a broader understanding of the family rules in your household. My favourite parenting website – raisingchildren.net.au – has a fantastic page devoted to why, what and how of setting up family rules. Check it out here.
Mr John Burns
School Psychologist
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
ACTING HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Greetings and welcome back to Term 2.
The junior school is in full swing with the magic of learning. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a number of classes and witnessing the wonderful work done by our students and staff. I had a wonderful conversation with students from 5C who provided me with wonderful examples of our key words from last term “kindness” and “consideration”. What impressed me was not just the outstanding examples of where and when you can be kind and considerate but the understanding that these come at a “cost”. It was explained to me that cost could be but didn’t have to be financial. Examples of cost were things like giving up some of your time to help someone or giving someone some of your gaming tokens if they are new to a video game. Our conversation steered itself toward Christmas and everyone in 5C agreed that the best thing about Christmas was not the receiving of gifts but the joy, anticipation, and facial expressions of those about to receive a gift. I think this speaks volumes to how here at Lakes Grammar, we strive to shape students as a whole, and highlights our Vital Framework area of compassion.
We have made some small changes to the daily structure to help settle all our K-6 students as we continue to adjust to school life post COVID-19.
While it is common practice in schools to have a 20-minute recess followed by a 40-minute lunch, we believe that hour is best divided into two 30-minute breaks. This stops students from rushing their eating of recess and provides time to eat and play. The consistency of having 30 minutes for lunch and recess is assisting students who are looking for more structure and helping them settle back into learning following each of their designated break times.
I am excited to see what the junior Cognito program brings to our break times, and you will be receiving more information regarding those activities very soon.
As the acting head of junior school, I am really enjoying our short morning assemblies. It is a great opportunity to settle and focus the students at the very beginning of the day and remind them of activities and expectations for the day of learning ahead.
We have an exciting start to next week! As part of our celebration of the school’s production of Aladdin JR., we will be having a dress up day for all K-12 students. On Monday 9 May we are asking students to come dressed in mufti, and Disney will be the theme. A gold coin donation will be collected on the day with the proceeds going toward the production costs.
Finally, there are important changes being made for students who walk to the senior school to be picked up. The safety of your children is our main priority and currently, there are too many students choosing to do this. We cannot adequately sustain the supervision needed for this to take place. As of Monday 9 May, students in Years 4-6 only are permitted to walk to the senior school. Once at the senior school, they need to sit outside of the senior school administration and wait for their older sibling to collect them before making their way to parent pick up. Students from K-3 are not permitted to walk to the senior school. Thank you for your cooperation and patience with afternoon pickup.
Mr Greg Sewell
Acting head of junior school
LIBRARY
Premier's Reading Challenge 2022
Congratulations to the nine students who have completed the Premiers Reading Challenge 2022 already! Also, thank you for all those parents and students who have started or indicated they will be participating in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge 2022.
A reminder that if you have acknowledged your child will be participating in the event on the school app, please make sure you also complete the registration form.
Over 260 parents have indicated or given permission for their child to participate in the Premiers Reading Challenge 2022, however, not many of these have completed registration form as well.
How do I register my child for the challenge?
To register your child please complete the online permission slip via the school App as well as completing this registration form.
Your child’s reading log can be printed from this link (personal reading log). Completed logs are to be placed in the PRC box located in the JS library, no later than Friday 19 August 2022.
Students who struggle with their reading might consider the new 3-9 challenge category.
Any questions please contact Mrs Lou Tennant in the junior school library – lou.tennant@lakes.nsw.edu.au
WW1 – Living History Incursion
Once again Years 5 and 6 were treated to a visit from Shane Blackman on Wednesday 26 April in the junior school library. Shane shared his knowledge and had some great stories showcasing real artefacts from World War 1. Students were very curious and asked lots of great questions. A timely reminder just after ANZAC Day of the sacrifice our ANZACS.
Library Helpers – Term 2
Congratulations to the following Year 6 students who have volunteered to give up one lunch time to spend the junior school library this term: Willow S, Clover H, April M, Maryam A, Amber W, Zara V, Onadi W and Keanu L.
It is great to have helpers back in the library!
Coming up in Term 2
Wednesday 25 May 2022 – National Simultaneous Storytime (K-1 only)
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHESS CLUB
Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Lakes Grammar is held on Tuesdays from 8am to 8.40am.
Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem-solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment.
Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.
Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.
If your child is interested in taking part, you can collect an enrolment form from the school office, or email enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au for a copy. For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170.
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
ENGLISH
It is a pleasure to welcome students back to learning in Term 2. Students in Years 7-10 have received a copy of their next English assessment task and these are due to be uploaded on Teams no later than Thursday of Week 4. Parents are encouraged to check in with their children to ensure they are on track.
Students are also beginning their text study in English classes. Please ensure your child has read the novel or Shakespearean play and is bringing this to school each day.
Week 3 sees students in Years 7 and 9 sitting NAPLAN. We know that our students have worked hard in Term 1 to prepare for this and we wish them the best of luck.
On the public speaking and debating front, I’d like to commend Anugraha B and Tahlia M for their participation in the Plain English Speaking Award competition. We have also celebrated a number of recent wins in our middle and senior HICES debating competitions.
Mrs Serena Hart
English Coordinator
SPORTS NEWS
WEEKLY TERM SPORT
Senior school weekly term sport has started well this term. Secondary students are involved in the following sports: Years 7-8 – soccer, gymnastics and tennis and Years 9-10 students - group fitness, yoga and basketball/netball.
Primary students in Years 3-6 completed sports choices and are participating in one of the following: Charmhaven indoor sports, gymnastics, tennis, group fitness, soccer, netball and multisports.
HRIS Open Boys Football Gala Day – Secondary
Our Open boys team played very well together against some impressive opposition. They finished 4th overall.
Central Coast AFL Gala Day – Secondary
Our U15s and Open’s teams competed in this well organised and fun competition. Our teams were competitive in all matches and developed their knowledge and skills in AFL.
Central Coast Futsal Gala Day – Secondary
Our U16 girls team competed in this competition enjoying a fun day and competitive day of futsal before being eliminated in the semi-finals.
HRIS Cross Country Championships
Primary and secondary students competed in these championships. All students represented our school with pride and tried their best in their races. There were some fantastic performances by our students in tough, hot and muddy running conditions with many finishing in the top 10. Final results are yet to be published and students who have made it to the next level will be notified soon.
Representative sport
Jemma Y – AICES touch football team competing at NSWCIS Touch Football Championships
Addison K – HRIS netball team – competing in the AICES Netball Championships
NSWCIS Diving
Kyah C competed in these championships performing outstandingly. She finished 5th in the platform and took home the gold medal in the springboard.
SCHOOL TEAM SPORTING TRIALS
School sports team trials have begun but have been impacted by wet weather. Information about these will be announced at assemblies and put on school notice boards.
Primary
Basketball – Years 3-4 – completed – training Tuesday morning on the junior school courts 8am.
Oztag – Years 3-4 – boys and girls – Tuesday 3 May, 3.20pm – 4:20pm TBC
Oztag – Years 5-6 boys and girls – Tuesday 3 May, 3.20pm – 4.20pm TBC
Futsal – Years 3-4 and 5-6 - TBC
AFL – Years 5-6 students – TBC
Secondary
Netball – completed
Oztag – Years 7-8 – Monday 2 May – senior school oval at lunch.
Oztag – Years 9-12 – completed
Futsal – completed
Opens basketball – Completed and training weekly, Tuesday mornings 8am – senior school hall
AFL – Years 7-9 – completed
AFL – Years 10-12 – completed
Volleyball – Wednesday 4 May – senior school hall at lunch time
KEY SPORTING DATES FOR TERM 2
- Monday 9 May – 14 boys Central Coast Futsal Gala Day
- Friday 13 May – HRIS Secondary Volleyball Gala Day
- Tuesday 17 May – Open Girls Secondary HRIS Football Gala Day
- Wednesday 18 May – School Primary Athletics Carnival
- Friday 20 May – School Secondary Athletics Carnival
- Tuesday 24 May – Secondary HRIS Netball Gala Day
- Wednesday 25 May – School Primary Athletics Carnival
- Wednesday 1 June – HRIS Primary year 3-4 basketball Gala Day
- Wednesday 1 June – Secondary AICES Cross Country
- Tuesday 7June – HRIS Secondary Opens Basketball Gala Day
- Thursday 9 May – NSWCIS Cross Country
- Tuesday 14 June – Primary Central Coast AFL Gala Day
- Thursday 16 June – HRIS Secondary Boys 15’s Football Gala Day
- Monday 20 June – Primary Central Coast Futsal Gala Day
- Wednesday 22 June – HRIS Secondary Girls 15’s Football Gala Day
- Thursday 23 June – Open Boys and Girls Central Coast Futsal Gala Day
Mr Darren Beecroft
K-12 Sports Coordinator
