Newsletter No3 May 2015 - Lyndale Secondary College

Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Editor S.Steegers
Middle School News
We hope that all students and families had a relaxing Term 1 holiday. Term 2
has started with many events already taking place. Year 7 students had their
immunisations and year 9 students had a half day trip to an expo in
Cranbourne to look at options for their future pathways. Selected year 9
students started the first of many sessions with High Resolves, a program
designed to assist in their leadership development. All students were part of
the school cross country and MOGHUL course on Friday 24th April where lots
of talent was discovered and loads of fun was had.
As we settle into the term we have a few messages we would like to
communicate with all families.
As the weather gets cold it is important that students still wear the correct
school uniform. Please ensure students have their school uniform ready for
the week and that they have a school jumper so that they can avoid wearing
non-school uniform items and being asked to remove them. Year 7 students
must be wearing the school blazer with the school jumper and we encourage parents and families to support us
in ensuring we follow the school uniform policy and check that is being worn in the correct way. Coordinators
will enforce consequences for students who breach the uniform policy.
All classrooms have sufficient heating and during recess and lunch time students may sit in the school resource
centre to do revision work or read if they would prefer a warmer space.
We have many students who have key padlocks or non-school locks on their lockers and many are having issues
with losing keys or breakage. We are encouraging all students to purchase a school combination lock which will
last them for the remainder of their school years at Lyndale Secondary College. School locks are available for $15
from the school bursar. Should a student forget their combination, the school also keeps a record to avoid a lock
ever having to be broken. Students who now have to have a lock cut will get access back to their locker once a
school lock is purchased. No student may have access to a locker without a lock on it.
We also ask that parents enforce at home the risks of bringing to school valuable items such as mobile phones. If
students wish to bring valuable items to school, they are encouraged to leave these in their lockers during the
school day. Students are solely responsible any damage or lost items and must ensure they do all they can to
keep these items safe. Students should not be taking these items to any class during the day and if they are seen
in class teachers may confiscate the item for the day.
We have many students displaying high levels of achievement at the school and we encourage all students to
work hard to ensure they achieve their desired results. Support is in place at school if you believe your child
needs additional help. Please feel free to contact any of your child’s teachers or coordinators and they will be
willing to put in place strategies to help.
Each term the Middle School hold an assembly to recognise the efforts of students in year 7- 9. We are
welcoming any parents that would like to attend these assemblies. The next Middle School assembly will be on
Tuesday 24th June during period 3 in the Hugh McCrae Hall from 11:45am.
Diana Kennedy - Director of Middle School
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
eLearning across the College
A big change that has taken place across the college this year has been the introduction of the Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) program for Year 8 to 12 students. It has been fantastic to see how many families have arranged a
device for their child. It is compulsory for students to bring their device to all of their classes and not leave it at
home or in their locker, so please urge your child to meet this requirement as well as encouraging them to ensure
their device is fully charged before bringing it to school.
What is Google Docs?
The eLearning team is responsible for investigating different tools teachers and
students can use to enhance teaching and learning across the college. One of the tools
that can be very useful is Google Docs.
These days Google provides much more than just a search engine and one of their
amazing features is the Google Docs program that can be used to create, edit and share
work. What this means is that students, teachers and parents, can all be working on the
one document at the same time. Can you imagine how this could enhance teaching and
learning? Teachers could use Google Docs to write comments on student work as the student is actually completing
the task. Small teams of students could be collating research together or collaborating on creating writing
assignments, presentations or spread sheets while they are all in different locations. The opportunity to share and
create one document while each student, teacher or parent is on their own device is very exciting, so stay tuned to
see how your child might be using Google Docs in the future.
Jessica Quinn - Learning Technologies Co-ordinator
Work Inspiration Program, 2015 – ARUP
The ARUP Work Inspiration Program is an opportunity for students to have
an insight as to what engineers, designers, planners and architects do in
their career. This particular program is run by The Smith Family and a firm
called ARUP that consists of these professional services. The program is
mainly directed to students who have an interest in science, technology,
engineering or mathematics and have aspirations to work in this field. In
this case, ten students from year ten to eleven had participated in this
event to experience the workforce.
The first day focused on an activity called ‘All About Me.’ There was a
detailed discussion about the firm, an introduction to engineering and
meeting two engineers who had talked about their experiences. Later in the day, students took a tour to various
sites that ARUP had worked on such as, The Bio Garden and Building in Fitzroy Gardens and the MCG. We were
informed about how to stay environmentally friendly and learnt the aspects of engineering that is required to build
a building. After that, the students went through a “personality quiz” to help them discover their talents, passions,
interests and personality.
The second day allowed the students to see what is ‘behind the scenes’ of ARUP. Various engineers (including
electrical, mechanical, structural, building physics, façade, planner and acoustics) from the firm came in to talk
about their career, experience and advice. Next, students were taken to an architecture firm who cooperates with
ARUP to have an understanding of the involvements in architecture.
On the final day, students were able to participate in a one-to-one interactive session with a staff member. This
conversation allowed the students to know more about their mentor’s profession, background and perspectives.
With this conversation, all the students created a visual representation of their mentor’s career journey and to
discuss their findings with the rest of ARUP’s staff. A club called ‘Engineers Without Borders’ from Melbourne
University had also came in to inform the students about water in developing countries. We were able to create a
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
water filter to filter unclean water using various materials. As it reached the end, there was a reflection of the
activities that we did during this program and the knowledge that we have gained.
Overall, I have gained significant knowledge, advice and insight as to what this field was like. The instructors and
mentors created a friendly and approachable atmosphere that allowed us to easily bond with them. Additionally
these professionals have provided us with great advice, tips and information about having a career.
By: Micah Carganilla 10I
HUMANITIES NEWS
The Future Leaders Writing Prize is designed to recognise and reward talented young
writers.
It aims to encourage expressive and creative writing.
Year 11 and 12 students in Australian secondary schools are invited to submit a
piece
of writing (800 to 1,000 words).
The writing can be fiction or non-fiction and on any topic.
PRIZE
In 2015, the award winner will receive $1,000. Where there is more than one winner
the
prize money will be shared.
The winners of the Future Leaders Writing Prize will have their work published.
SUBMISSIONS
“
The Prize played a large role in the producer of the play entrusting
me with the script-writing duties when I had never written a play
before. So for me the Prize has gone a lot further than I could ever
have imagined. (previous winner of a Future Leaders Writing Prize).
“
Please send all submissions electronically in a word document by 1 July 2015
to helen@futureleaders.com.au
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Lyndale
MEGA DAY – HOUSE EVENTS
Students were spoiled for choice on Friday 24th April. With the rain holding off and the temperature remaining mild,
all that was left, was to compete! Students had the opportunity to raise money for school endeavours in the weeks
leading up to the Adidas Fun Run. Also on the day was the Cross Country and MOGHAL obstacle course. Compete in
one, or compete in all of them.
The day started fittingly with the ‘Last Post’, paying homage to the ANZACS and the lives that were either lost or
changed forever.
The Cross Country was very well represented in the middle
school years and proved crucial in the final tally.
CROSS COUNTRY
1st Gladstone (1451 points)
2nd Halton (1162 points)
3rd Munro (1105 points)
4th Oakwood (932)
The MOGHAL obstacle course caused a few problems for some groups. The ‘Jungle Maze’ proved disastrous for
some groups as they realised they had left one (or a few) of their team back in the maze! The ‘Grass skis’ also put
teams to the test as they quickly had to establish a chain of command and work in perfect unison. Some groups
accomplished this with ease, some struggled. The hay tunnel was plummeted into complete darkness as it needed
to be covered from the rain. Throw in a few corners that you couldn’t see and only those with cool nerves were
capable of quick navigation. The water tunnel was received with various levels of enthusiasm and the finale is always
entertaining as students try to avoid the resistance of the staff armed with foam implements, physio balls and a
determined attitude. Funnily enough, when given the opportunity, most students refused to repeat the last
station??! Some were nimble and agile enough to get through relatively unscathed, others were unfortunate
enough to be completely up ended, whilst others couldn’t find a way out of the ‘bump zone’ and collapsed from
exhaustion. The fact that everyone completed it out of breath and sporting a huge smile is an indication of a great
day indeed!
MOGHAL
1st Gladstone (86 points)
2nd Oakwood (83 points)
3rd Munro (78 points)
4th Halton (75 points)
Adidas Fun Run (fundraising)
1st Munro ($478)
2nd Oakwood ($287)
3rd Gladstone ($272)
4th Halton ($143)
Incentive prizes are on their way and will be distributed shortly. Well
done to all those who took the opportunity to participate.
HOUSE POINTS TOTAL
1st Gladstone (350 points)
2nd Munro (275 points)
3rd Oakwood (200 points)
4th Halton (175 points)
Daniel Noonan - House Co-ordinator
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Senior VCAL – Mock Interview Program
Our 43 Senior VCAL students undertook a ‘Mock Interview’ process, which involved each student creating a
resume and application letter for a chosen job. Students found a job that they wished to apply for either as a parttime job or full-time job via the internet. Students also spent several periods preparing their responses to a
number of interview questions. Initially students researched the ‘types’ of interview questions they are likely to
encounter during an interview. Out of these, five interview questions were chosen. After much thorough
preparation, the students were prepared for the day. Four volunteers from Rotary interviewed the students on
the day. We sincerely thank Ken McDonald, John Grennan, Vicki Collier and Graeme from Rotary. Cr Wayne Smith
also participated in the day, as did past assistant principal Keith Buckley.
The time and effort provided by these six volunteers is very much appreciated. The feedback from both
interviewers and interviewees was extremely positive. Our students ‘raved’ about their experience and we also
received verbal and written feedback from the people interviewing saying that they were impressed with the VCAL
students. One of the main aims of VCAL is to prepare students for employment. Through this activity the Senior
VCAL students have developed a set of skills that will empower them in the future.
Antonietta Sanfilippo – VCAL teacher
Yr 7 - 10 Extra Help In Mathematics
Any student wanting extra help in Maths can attend a session every second Thursday
When Week 1 Thursday lunchtimes
Where C12
Please bring your books, calculators, questions and lunch!
Ms Reimers - Maths Teacher
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsle er ● Edi on No.3 ● May 2015
Camp Gallipoli - Centenary of ANZAC
On Friday the 24th of April, a select group of Student Leaders and SRC
representa ves le Lyndale a er being selected for a once‐in‐a‐
life me opportunity. Our des na on was Camp Gallipoli at the Royal
Melbourne Showgrounds.
This camp was to honour and respect not only the ANZAC soldiers,
but the families they le behind a hundred years ago. Their legacy is a big part of making Australia what it is
today.
The night was filled with songs and a feast, as well as a screening of the movie: “The Water Diviner” A er that, it
was lights out.
We were awoken by a bugle at 5.30 the following morning a er spending the night in our sleeping bags on the
concrete in the showgrounds. This gave us an idea of what it may have been like for our soldiers ‘roughing it’ a er
recruitment before they departed for Gallipoli.
We a ended a dawn service that commenced at 6am, commemora ng the sacrifice our soldiers made. This day
would not be forgo en.
It was an unforge able
experience, especially sleeping
outside like our brave soldiers
did throughout the war.
Lest We Forget
Karam Abilmona 9H Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Acceleration Excursion to Sovereign Hill
On Thursday 16 April, Levels 1 and 2 of the Accelerated
Learning Program (7C and 8C) headed off to Sovereign
Hill for a Gold Rush experience. The program for the
day included a mine tour a wonderful session with an
education officer and a student trail “A Diggings
Dawdle.” There was also time to provide an
opportunity for students on this cross age activity to
meet informally with each other and their teachers.
Student Report
On Thursday 16th of April the accelerated students,
7C and 8C went to the most gold-shining place in
Victoria. Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. Even though it was a
three hour drive into the city and on to Ballarat, we had fun on the bus listening to music,
playing games and talking with friends. When we first arrived there, we were taken
classes about the gold rush times. It was pretty funny when some people had to dress up
in the old-fashioned clothes. Everyone was still laughing when as we exited the classroom.
Later we had a break and my friends and I went to the finger-licking lolly shop. I bought
raspberry drops and I still have the taste in my tongue. After eating a lot of candy and
getting hyperactive, we went underground on a mine tour with Mr Angos. It was pretty
cool because we got to see a hologram about the finding of the biggest gold nugget. We
came out from the mine and got to do some gold panning. My friend and I went to ask
the guide on how to pan for gold. He taught us with great patience and we were lucky
enough to find a speck of gold. It was then time to go and we were all exhausted by the
time we arrived back at school. Overall, it was a great day with lots of fun and happiness
and I’m sure that 7C and 8C would like to thank Ms Martin for giving us a wonderful
opportunity.
Aishwarya Gayathri 7C
Debra Martin – Acceleration/Enrichment Program Coordinator
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Don’t Dis My Appearance
This whole month of May is Don’t Dis My Appearance Month and it is all about promoting Positive Body Image
messages. For this month of May you are also encouraged to paint your middle fingernail as a way of taking stand
against the disrespectful practice of body shaming but rather to encourage and embrace positive body image.
Painting your middle finger is a cheeky and symbolic way of saying,
I am more than my appearance, and no-one has a right to judge me
based on how I look.” (Christine Morgan CEO Butterfly Foundation)

Click link to watch celebrities supporting ‘Paint Your Middle
Finger Nail for May’
https://youtu.be/1S_zSoiiwaM
In promoting this we encourage everyone to be a Body Image Buddy
and spread the word around promoting messages in helping your
friends feel good about who they are and to be accepted regardless
of their appearance, including yourself.
Tips of how you can be a Body Image Buddy:
- Let your friends know how much you appreciate them for their qualities other than their appearance
- Support diversity in appearance
- Support, praise and reinforce the behaviours of others for standing against appearance pressures or in
helping their friends feel good about themselves
- Don’t encourage appearance related teasing – this is neither okay nor tolerated!
- Bystanders can show they do not support teasing by not joining in or laughing providing support to the
person being teased
- show that you accept everyone regardless of their appearance
- do not make comments about appearance of others
- do remember that ‘jokes’ or ‘comments’ about appearances can be hurtful
- do not encourage or engage in ‘fat talk’ conversation
Examples of Fat Talks – ‘Oh I so need to lose weight’; ‘I don’t like my….’’Nah there’s nothing wrong with
your. , but mine is huge; ‘It sucks being short, can’t wait till I’m taller’
What you can do instead
-talking with friends about things other than appearance
- diverting or changing the conversation ‘don’t allow it to continue’
- ignoring fat talk
- move attention away from appearance
(Ref: ‘HBM’ S.Paxton & S.McLean 2011)
Negative body image can be a serious, high risk contributing factor to developing an eating disorder, and that negative body image is often perpetuated by the experience of being judged or shamed about our looks by others as
well as ourselves
By supporting the Don’t DIS My Appearance campaign, you are taking a stand against appearance-based judgement and shaming, and helping to effect positive change for those living with an eating disorder.
Check out thebutterflyfoundation.org.au for further information and resources
Cyndee Bautista - Adolescent Health Nurse - (Monday & Friday)
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015
Tutoring and Homework Support Program
The Tutoring and Homework Support
Program at Lyndale Secondary College
is going well with a large number of
enrolments to date this year; In
particular, the Year 7 cohort has been
quite enthusiastic! The program is
designed to provide assistance to
students in Years 7-12 in specific
subject areas relevant to their learning
needs and also to promote a broader
positive and active attitude towards
learning. Please note that the main aim
is to promote active thinking and
research skills NOT to specifically
answer student's homework and/or
test and exam preparation questions.
The program operates every Tuesday
and Wednesday in the Library from
3.10pm-4pm. There are NO early
dismissals from the program unless
otherwise determined by parents.
The program is staffed by four
proficient teachers who rotate through
the program on a fortnightly basis.
They generally have an English and/or
Mathematics expertise.
Parents and students are welcome to
contact Merrin Girolami at the College
to discuss the program and/or obtain
an enrolment form. Staff are
encouraged to communicate with
parent/caregiver(s) via student school
diaries or phone if they recommend that a student be referred to the tutoring program as this will promote parent
interest and involvement in their child’s study and the College community, as well as increased likelihood of
student attendance in the program.
Parent/caregivers may either obtain an application form on behalf of their child or direct them to one of the
following locations:

Library

Merrin Girolami’s office in Student Wellbeing - during recess and lunchtimes, and after school.

General office, Middle School office and Senior School office – before and after school, and during recess
and lunchtime
Merrin Girolami - Student Wellbeing
Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | lyndale.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au