Junior School

The fundamental aim of Lilydale High School is to foster and balance the intellectual, physical, cultural and social development of its students. The Junior School is unique in that we receive our students from a large variety of feeder schools and consider the transition of students of key importance. In catering for the successful transition of students into and through the Junior School, we are also committed to meeting the needs of students in terms of their social and emotional welfare as well as their academic performance and achievement.  Many initiatives are undertaken to support their progress as part of Lilydale High School’s aims and strategic plan.       

Absence line
Parents/Guardians are asked to ring the Junior School Absence Line between 8.30am and 9.30am when a student is absent from school and advise the student name, form group and reason for absence (illness, holiday, family reasons etc).

The school should also be advised if a student is expected to be absent for more than two days.

TERM 4

Uniform
Students and parents are reminded that students need to be in full and correct school uniform until the end of the year. 

The Uniform Shop, located in Room 53 is open Tuesdays 12.30pm to 5.00pm and Saturday mornings 9.00am to 11.30am if new items need to be purchased. 

Girls summer dresses are not to be worn with black tights or pulled in at the back with hair ties, rubber bands etc. The only acceptable shoes are plain black, polishable hard leather lace up school shoes for boys/girls or leather T-bar school shoes for girls.

IMPORTANT DATES

Bookvember                            16th November (see information below)
End of Year Program             7th to 17th December
Awards Assembly                  17th December

End of Semester 2
As the year quickly draws to a close there are some things we would like the students to keep in mind.

Full school uniform is required for all school days unless otherwise specified.  There are a number of activities which students may engage in during lunchtime such as: safe play in the yard, lunchtime activities program every Tuesday and Thursday as well as Reptile House activities with the zoo keepers.  Students are also reminded to wear hats and bring sunscreen for protective use at lunchtime during these summer months.  The completion and submission of work is very important at this time of year, as is their continued, consistent attendance at school.

Assessment and Reporting
Many teachers are finalising assessments with their classes and it is very important that students continue to use their planners wisely in order to stay organised with regard to submitting work on time.  Due dates of assessments and up-coming test dates should be visible in their planners and parents are encouraged to support their children by keeping a calendar in a prominent place at home where these dates can be displayed.  We run ‘Catch-up’ classes every Lunchtime in Room 37 for those who need a little extra assistance.  At the end of the year all students will receive a report which can be placed in their report folder.  There will also be an assembly for the presentation of awards.

Absences – Phone calls
We appreciate the support that parents and guardians have given us when phoning home to establish the cause of your child’s absence. We are interested to know that your child is happy here at school.  We also like to know if your child is going to be away for an extended period of time so that we can let their classroom teachers know and gather work to send home if appropriate.

A reminder, a note is required to cover the absence upon return to school.  Although we endeavour to call as many homes as we can, it is not always possible due to our own teaching commitments and other matters which may arise and need our urgent attention.

Regular attendance at school is crucial for continuity of programs and friendships, and of course, we like seeing your smiling faces everyday!

Student Achievements
We also love to hear accounts of the activities of Junior School students outside the school environment and would like to encourage all parents and guardians to keep us informed when special events take place.  Please feel free to call us at any time if you have questions, concerns or simply information of interest.

End of Year Program
Notices regarding this program were distributed to all students earlier this week.  Formal classes continue for all students until Friday 4th December and students are expected to attend school every day during the End of Year Program (EOYP).  The EOYP is a modified curriculum that covers all key learning areas where students have the opportunity to engage in interesting and creative activities which are linked to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.  This is mixed up with some excursions and fun activities such as: Movies, Laser Force, “Rack-‘em-up” Lawn Bowls, bike rides, Humanities walk, Trivia and Games.  Some of these activities have a minimal cost whilst others are free.  If you have any questions regarding the EOYP, please contact the Junior School Coordinators Office on 9735 5644.

Bookvember
On Monday 16th November, Bookvember commenced.  This week was dedicated to a ‘book fair’ to encourage reading for pleasure.  Junior School students have received a notice detailing a book that they are to purchase from the school.  These books were distributed during Bookvember week and students will be expected to read them over the summer holidays.  The aim of this initiative is to highlight the importance of reading with the expectation that reading for pleasure will improve their writing, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.  

Congratulations - Lucas Taylor 7.37
At the recent Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships at Olympic Park, Lucas won a bronze medal in the 3000m race walk. Impressively, Lucas went up an age group from Under 14s to Under 15s to attempt a qualifying time for the National All Schools in December which he successfully achieved.

Lucas is off to Hobart for the National All Schools from December 4th to December 7th to complete in two events, the Under 14s 1500m and the Under 15s 3000m race walk.

Good luck Lucas.  We are very impressed!

A Quote to Ponder
“No great achievement is possible without persistent work”

Bertrand Russell 1872 -1970

Finally, please don’t hesitate to call us or your child’s form teacher, with any questions or queries in relation to our program this term. 

Junior School Coordinators