The last two weeks have certainly been busy ones here at Lakes Grammar. From the return of our annual Mothers’ Day breakfast to our Disney themed mufti day fundraiser for Aladdin JR through to the completion of the 2023 Kindergarten getting to know you sessions, it has been a whirlwind of activity. Not forgetting the diligence and hard work that went into NAPLAN for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Across the school last Tuesday, we celebrated the international day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in an age-appropriate way across the school. The junior school enjoyed acknowledging that we are all different, whether it be age, race, ethnicity, or family structure and how we are asked in John 13 verse 34, ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’. The senior school heard about recent research on how young people who identify as LGBQTI+ can feel unsafe at schools and the impact that this can have on their mental health, their relationships with others, and their academic outcomes.

This week we have completed our interviews for the leadership roles in the junior school. I am excited to announce that our new deputy head of junior school is Ms Cynthia Jobe-Parker. Ms Jobe-Parker is an outstanding teacher and leader and I congratulate her on this appointment.

We are in the final stages of employing the next head of junior school which should be announced shortly.

Next week (week 5), Years 7-10 attend camp. We pray for health and safe travels and fine weather. I thank the staff (both teaching and non-teaching) who have put so much work into planning these valuable events for our students.

I would like to remind parents about some of our uniform protocols.

1. We no longer have a summer and winter uniform. Students can choose the appropriate uniform for the weather – but must wear it smartly. Students are not to “mix and match” between uniforms. For example, students are not to wear tights with the junior school dress, or sports jackets instead of jumpers or blazers.
2. Junior school students (K-6) may wear coloured runners.
   
3. Junior school students may also wear Velcro shoes if they wish from K-6.
   
4. Senior school students are only to wear their sports uniform to and from school on their allocated sports day. Students must change for PE and PASS lessons on other days.
   
5. Junior school students may now wear the new knee-high socks with the tunic. We are waiting on a delivery date and will advise when these are available.
6. The ‘fleece’ jumper is part of the sports uniform – not the school uniform. In the colder weather, students should wear a jumper/cardigan/blazer.
   

A reminder also that students are not to use mobile phones during school hours. Years 11 and 12 students have permission to use them at recess and lunch only. Students who are seen with phones will have them confiscated and they will generally be returned at the end of the day.

Our students are justifiably proud of being Lakes students and the way they represent the school in uniform is one element of this. Can I please ask that parents and caregivers support us in maintaining high standards of presentation.

Mrs Deborah Clancy
Principal