The Lakes College Reflections 2024

PRINCIPAL REPORT

NICOLE GREGORY

Celebrating 20 Years Young

Throughout this 20th Year of The Lakes College, I have often wondered if our forebears could ever have imagined our College at 20 Years of age. As they turned the first sod of soil in 2004, did they see a vision of the future where their small school, commencing with 88 students, would be a place of learning for over 1146 students 20 years on? Could they have imagined 16 building projects that included not only adequate learning areas but a Multi-Purpose Hall, a full Aquatic Precinct, a Café, beautiful ovals, playgrounds, a Performing Arts space and Gym? While they perhaps didn’t see these things explicitly, I believe it has been the hope and prayers of each season of parents, carers, teachers, staff, leaders, Executive and Board who have been filled with a desire to ensure that TLC learners have every chance at success, that has enabled this good work and growth to take place.

Thank you to all who joined us for our 20th Anniversary Dinner in August, it was indeed a celebration of commitment and growth. Thank you also to our TLCCA for your generous donation of 20 Trees to celebrate this milestone.

The concept of trees and growth has been part of the College’s DNA since commencement, noting the Pine Tree as a symbolic wreath prominent on our logo, 88 Pine Trees were planted on the bottom Primary oval in 2005 to recognise the 88 Foundation students, our first learners and their families. In 2009, 14 Tulipwood trees were planted by our Year 8 cohort who would go on to be the first Year 12 graduates in 2013, these remain and are thriving on the College grounds in the Primary precinct. Now we have 20 more Tulipwood Trees gracing the path from the Café to the oval with

several providing much needed shade on the far side of the oval.

Thank you to every family, learner, Alumni, staff member, College Leader, Board and Uniting Church representative who have poured faith, love and resources into this special place. You have been part of the story of TLC and its continued Vision to be a Light in the Heart of Brisbane’s North

Our Learners and Teachers

Our College Theme for 2024 ‘GET CURIOUS ’ has been a call to Action for our Community of Learners and Teachers. As one of our Lakes Learner capabilities, Curiosity is a key attribute required by learners to take their learning beyond understanding to deep knowing. This year at The Lakes College we have been keen to understand what curiosity is, how we seek it and how we can ensure we embody it as learners every day. It has been a joy to see curiosity enlivened in our classrooms as students have both navigated special projects and invested in deeper thinking on a daily basis.

Growing Curious young people of Character, able to collaborate and ask questions that go wide and deep sets learners up for success offering a bright future to our ever increasingly complex world.

“Curiosity, especially intellectual inquisitiveness, is what separates the

In all aspects of learning our educators encouraged learners to consider both simple and complex questions. Starting their dive into the complex with the simple question of: ”I Wonder ……… Who, What, How, When, Where, Why?

A huge thank you to our Teachers and LIFT Assistants for further embedding this theme into your practice. I also wish to thank all of our student leaders for 2024, thank you for not only embracing this year’s theme, but for keeping it alive and well on each assembly and event you hosted. You made curiosity important and real.

To the graduating class of 2024, you have been a deeply connected, engaged and vibrant cohort. As you step into your adult lives, I pray that God will sustain you, giving direction and support. May you shine brightly and make a difference in this world.

Our Mission and Vision

“The Lakes College walks in partnership with our community to provide an exceptional education, developing young people of character who live out the Uniting Church story in the world.”

It is this Mission alongside our revised Vision statement “The Lakes College, A Light in the Heart of Brisbane’s North”, that not only steers the College as a whole towards the future, but implicitly drives mission and service in our community.

Our motto provides focus, “To your faith add knowledge.” Through spiritual formation and education with purpose, TLC Graduates are formed to take both their Academic learnings and the light of Christ out into the world.

We were privileged this year to see growth in student involvement in Mission and Service through Chapels (Leading, AV and Band), Breakfast Club and support for Harvest Cambodia, a cause the College will continue to support into the future through fundraising and connection with The Stepping Stones school in Kok Thnort. Each person contributing willingly, authentically and with a heart to grow culture.

Thank you to the students, staff, parents and carers together involved in the Kokoda Challenge as participants, Support Crew and Sustenance Crew. Kokoda is testimony to the Body of Christ, with each person contributing something different to make the whole challenge work.

I also wish to acknowledge Pendles, our absolutely adorable and beloved, Cobber Therapy Dog. Pendles creates a safe space for all people. He shows unconditional positive regard to anyone he encounters and his ability to listen gives people, young and older, the space to be heard. He has blessed our community this year.

Our Community

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our TLCCA for their ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of our community. Executive members for 2024, Kristina Petho (President), Reneé Cairns-O’Neill (VP), Mike Tratt (Treasurer), Amy Gibson (Secretary), it has been a pleasure working with you and the growing group of wonderful parents and carers who continuously offer their time and support to host community functions like our TLCCA Picnic in the Park, Mothers and Father’s Day Stalls and events, Multicultural Expo, World Teachers’ Day and all the sausage sizzles and drink stalls at College events. You continue to give generously to the community for the good of all students.

To Reneé and the team at the Second Hand Uniform Shop, thank you for your tireless volunteerism and service. We are also blessed to have a wonderful group of CPRs supported by Liz Corr and Donna Conroy in Primary and Kristina Petho in Secondary. Your generosity and genuine care do not go unnoticed.

Our Future

During our Community Consultation evening in August our families were able to engage in the reveal of the College Board’s 25 year Master Plan learning about the proposed pipeline of works across the next 10 years. These include finalising the MPH Infill (Performing Arts and Gym), three new Playgrounds for Primary, car park extension for Main Administration to support the Learn to Swim School, additional Science rooms, Primary amenities refurbishment and the commencement of Our Learning Future (P-12 Research, Technology and Student Life space). Thank you to all who attended and contributed to our conversations around Engagement and AI.

Parent Engagement is on the Strategic agenda for the next Strategic Horizon, with foundational work commencing this year. College Leadership alongside TLCCA President and Vice-President have been engaging throughout the year in a Parent Engagement Master Class program with Independent Schools Queensland. This program has realigned our thinking on the difference between parent involvement and engagement. Together we are building an engagement strategy to assist in equipping our parents, carers and educators to work together on learner success.

Underscored by the work of Dr Jonathon Haidt (The Anxious Generation 2024), we have commenced our journey into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The most important element of engagement with AI is safeguarding the privacy of users. The National Framework for AI’s use in schools has been a guiding platform for the development of the College’s guidelines and appetite for use. This is a work in progress and will form a central goal in the next Strategic Horizon.

The College Board has concurrently been developing the next Strategic Horizon alongside the College Master Plan. This year, driven by the revision of our College Vision and refinement of the College Mission, the Board, Executive and staff have worked with Louka Parry and Dr Anne Knock from The Learning Future to consider our strategic direction for the next 3 to 5 years. This Consultation along with the Consultation with our families in August will form the next Strategic Horizon. Due to be revealed Term 1 of 2025.

As we bid farewell to 2024, I reflect on the incredible depth of care and desire this community has to grow faith-filled, unique and curious young people of character who will willingly take their bright lights out into the world. Thank you for partnering with us in your young person’s learning.

May we all be encouraged by the words of Jesus “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, the lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone.” (Matthew 5:15)

Blessings to all.

BOARD REPORT

JESSICA LIPSETT - BOARD CHAIR

As the College celebrates its 20th anniversary, I am more excited than ever for the future of The Lakes College.

The College’s vision is bold – to be a Light in the Heart of Brisbane’s north. Our mission is to walk in partnership with our community to provide an exceptional education, developing young people of character who live out the Uniting Church story in the world.

What does it mean to live out the Uniting Church story? To me, the words of the Church’s Basis of Union ring true – “we are a pilgrim people on a journey to a better place” . A more inclusive place. A more just, and caring world. A place that affirms and celebrates that the grace, love and hope of God in Christ is offered to all people. A place of acceptance and belonging. These are the underpinnings of all that we do and strive towards at TLC.

The College’s Board members volunteer their time and skills to the TLC community, and count it as a privilege to do so. The Board is a diverse group, with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds that have brought us

to TLC. We are united by our deep belief in the mission and vision of the College, and a heart to serve the College community. We are guided by the College’s Strategic Horizon in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the College, and fulfilling our mandate to maintain, protect and develop the College’s property and resources.

State of the art education settings that stimulate curiosity and creativity have been a commitment of the Board’s Strategic Horizon. To that end, we have celebrated the publication of the TLC Master Plan in 2024, which outlines plans for the development of the campus over the next 25 years. It’s exciting to imagine the TLC of the future, and the opportunities for students and the broader community to gather together and learn which will come to fruition in the new spaces that the Master Plan imagines. We are already making progress towards the first projects that the Master Plan contemplates, like Stage 2 of the Aquatic Precinct (which will be open by the time you read this), and the Multi-Purpose Hall Undercroft, which will open in 2025 and provide a permanent home for our Performing Arts students and staff. No doubt the buildings will be beautiful and functional – but they will really fulfil their purpose when filled with precious young people, and aid in

facilitating rich learning experiences and opportunities for connection.

As ever, I’m thankful to the dedicated and talented group of staff who carry forward the mission and vision of the College every day. My interactions with TLC staff always leave me inspired and grateful, for both their dedication to the craft of teaching and their commitment to the wellbeing of their students. On behalf of the Board, thank you to Mrs Gregory, the College Executive, and each and every staff member who has served the College in 2024.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the students, who are the very foundation of our College. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and achievements inspire us every day and drive us to do what we do. When I attend College events, it is always a joy to witness their accomplishments firsthand. Celebrating in some of their milestones, whether big or small, fills me with immense pride and happiness. These moments not only highlight their hard work and talent but also remind us of the bright future they are building. It is truly an honour to be part of their journey and to support them in reaching their full potential.

Wishing you and your family every blessing for the Christmas season.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

PEOPLE & CULTURE

ANNA DORÉ

Celebrating Community and Growth at The Lakes College

As a staff member at The Lakes College, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the incredible sense of community and diversity that defines our school. This year has been particularly special, as we have focused on:

• Strengthening Connections: Enhancing the bonds between the Primary and Secondary sub-schools.

• Fostering House Culture: Building a robust House Culture that promotes unity and school spirit.

• Enhancing Teaching and Learning: Continuously improving the TLC Teaching and Learning Culture.

We have had numerous opportunities to connect with TLC families and embrace the rich diversity of our cultural groups. The Lakes College

is truly a flourishing, strong and supportive place of belonging, and we should all take immense pride in being part of such a wonderful community.

Restorative Practices: T 2024, we have further strengthened our Restorative Practices approach, promoting accountability and positive relationships. It’s wonderful to witness the positive experiences and strong connections being built within the school community.

New House Structure: With the new House Structure in the Secondary School, there has been a lot of focus across the College to further develop House Culture and encourage a rich and competitive House Spirit. 2024 has seen very successful and enjoyable House Heroics Days, House Showcase, Interhouse Games, and a myriad of House events that have further developed a rich House Culture. This year is the first year where wholeschool House photos have been taken, and the addition of new and improved House polos has caused excitement amongst the staff and students.

Partnering with Parents and Carers: Another focus area this year has been enhancing our partnership with parents and carers to better support our learners. TLC has a long history of involving parents and carers in the life of the College. We truly value their deep commitment. Our focus has been on finding ways to provide parents and carers with opportunities for deeper engagement in the learning lives of their young people.

enabling them to feel more connected to their children’s learning. Research shows that when schools, parents and carers share the same goals and understand what learning looks like, there are improved outcomes and resilience levels for young people. This journey will continue into 2025 and beyond.

A Supportive Environment: TLC has a truly enriching and supportive environment! Positive Education, the use of Restorative Practices, and the integration of rich parent engagement are crucial for fostering well-rounded development in students. The emphasis on belonging, believing and becoming aligns well with creating a nurturing community where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Thank you to our incredible community for your unwavering dedication and hard work in fostering the development and sustainability of the strong, vibrant community that The Lakes College is renowned for. Your commitment to keeping each and every student at the heart of all that we do is truly inspiring. Together, we continue to create an environment where every student can thrive, supported by a strong and collaborative link between the school, the students and their families.

Fostering House culture with our Heads of House

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

CURRICULUM, PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & TRANSFORMATION

MATHEW STEIN

Macro

Macrophotography involves extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects or living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life-size. In capturing the extreme close-up images of subjects, intricate details and subtle nuances can be revealed that are easily overlooked or unnoticed by the human eye. I have always loved macrophotography; it helps reveal the beauty in everyday objects, encouraging us to appreciate the small wonders all around and notice new perspectives and details.

In this spirit I seek to put a macro lens up to our Lakes College community in this, our 20th year. My goal was to notice and describe twenty small moments that highlight the extraordinary nature of our community.

The moments that follow may not make the assembly stage, appear in our monthly Tidings, or even grace the pages of the Reflections publication you are holding, but they represent small yet sublime details that make up the whole. I trust you will agree that magnifying these details – these atomic elements of TLC – helps reveal the extraordinary beauty of TLC in 2024.

1. One afternoon after school, a student’s ball rolled near a nesting plover. She hesitated as the plover squawked and complained at the intrusion. With no one close by to assist, she gathered her confidence and steely resolve and raced in to grab the ball despite the plover's protests. Before running off and returning to her game, she turned and smiled at the bird; this time a little braver.

2. A Year 12 student earned a distinction grade in the first subject of his Engineering

degree (Engineering Design and Professional Practice) with QUT. Undertaking tertiary study while still at school takes a special kind of focus, skill and determination.

3. The Year 6 students who demonstrate pride in their country and community by putting up our flags every morning and taking them down in the afternoon. One particularly wet Wednesday, they did this without fuss or hesitation in the pouring rain. This is what character at TLC looks like.

4. A student at our inaugural TechFest explained how they used a moisture detection piece of hardware in their plant pots and coded some associated software to generate automatic alerts when the soil got too dry. They were curious about the implications of technological change on the agricultural sector. In a time of resource uncertainty, this curiosity is something to nourish.

5. A large group of TLC students running around Lake Eden early one Friday morning as part of the sport training. Their dedication to their team and lifelong health and wellbeing was evident.

6. The authentic engagement and humour from the Secondary

School during an assembly with a visiting Japanese school. A cultural connection was made, but more importantly, a human one, too.

7. Our Prep families who supported TLCCC’s sensational Degustation Dinner hosted by Chef Ben Milbourne. With Mums attending one night of the dinner and Dads on the other night, our Prep families found a thoughtful way to connect with each other and also with our community.

8. The growing influence of TLC’s alumni who remain connected to the College through their coaching commitments, tutoring at Afternoons Against Procrastination, representing community politicians at College functions, and speaking at events like our ACE-ing ATAR panel. They share their light wherever they go in the world.

9. The Prep student who saw Mrs Tilley’s keys to the College on her fob and was curious enough to ask her if she lived in the school. We hope the questions and the wonder continue.

10. Each day, a group of Year 1 students come to the Primary reception at the start of morning tea to collect gloves so that they can go

and collect rubbish and make our grounds and our community more beautiful.

11. On one afternoon study session, a Year 7 student was given a bonus Freddo Frog (the source of all great academic accomplishments!). His sincere gratitude showed the depth of his character and values.

12. The Prep student who draws pictures for every office in the school because he said he just loves everyone so much and has so many pictures to draw. May that creative wellspring never dry.

13. The quiet and supportive words from one student to other students on Year 11 camp to help them overcome a demanding (and very muddy) obstacle – steady breathing, planning out the steps, leading with care and dignity right beside a peer.

14. The joy of the Year 2 Potato Olympics.

15. A group of Uniting Church leaders were undertaking a tour of the College, with no prompting or coaxing, class after class of Primary children waved their hands and smiled kindly at the passing group. I have no doubt that every person’s day was made better because of the joyful light of our community.

16. Two staff presented at State and National conferences this year where they enhanced the professional learning of educators inside and outside of our College community. They remind us that learning really is a life-long endeavour.

17. The volume of Secondary School students eager to run a stall at the Primary School’s Multicultural Expo. Their sense of service, willingness to connect with younger students and sense of cultural pride details what our community values.

18. Boston Dynamic’s agile and mobile robot “Spot” walked around the Careers Expo and sparked an interest in engineering for all who interacted with it.

19. The joy of our Year 12s interacting with our Prep students – though a gulf of time and learning separates them, play and laughter connects them in that moment.

20. Mrs Johns, a foundation staff member who has helped shape the heart and hope of this community

for twenty years, who sends an email to every staff member every week wishing them well. Service, calling and consistency exemplified.

The culture of teaching and learning at TLC is a crystallisation of the capabilities and dispositions our community values; where knowledge is carefully built – layer upon layer, where curiosity and inquisitiveness are cherished, where character is forged through leaning into challenge and discomfort and where authentic connections with peers, staff, families, local/regional/global communities and First Nations people are free to form and multiply. These

capabilities look different wherever one may be in our community, but they are in the DNA – the essential building blocks – of everything we do.

To the staff I am fortunate to work alongside each day, my sincere thanks for your hard work, professionalism, and unfailing dedication. To our families, thank you for your investment in our community to care for and educate your children in partnership. And finally, to our students, thank you for your humour, hard work, joy, enthusiasm and determination to be your best. I cannot wait to do it all again in 2025.

HEAD OF PRIMARY REPORT

KATERINA TILLEY

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

– W.B. Yeats

As we draw 2024 to a close at The Lakes College, Yeats’ words remind us that our goal as educators is to ignite the spark of curiosity, passion, and deep thinking in every student. This year has been a journey of lighting those fires—nurturing knowledge, character, curiosity, and connection in a dynamic and diverse learning environment. 2024 has been particularly meaningful for the Primary School, marking new leadership, the implementation of exciting educational advancements, and a deepening of the partnerships that make our College truly exceptional.

Strengthening Leadership and Academic Care

This year marked the formation of a dynamic new Primary Leadership Team and the formal introduction of our Academic Care Coordinators (ACCs). These dedicated leaders have been instrumental in driving academic excellence and promoting student wellbeing, offering a holistic approach to education that supports each child’s unique journey. Midway through the year, we farewelled Mr Mark Pearce, whose significant contributions to our College community have left a lasting legacy. In his place, we were delighted to welcome Miss Taryn Hirst as Deputy Head of Primary, Curriculum Transformation. Taryn has seamlessly stepped into this leadership role, bringing a fresh perspective and a clear commitment to shaping the future of our curriculum, working alongside our Deputy Head of Primary, Students and Wellbeing, Miss Rachel Johns.

A Culture of Teaching and Learning

At the core of our mission is the belief, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s reflections on education, that the true purpose of learning is to foster deep, discerning thinking. Our Teaching and Learning Culture, anchored in the Lakes Learner capabilities equips students not only with academic knowledge but also with the resilience and values needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

In our pursuit of delivering an innovative and relevant education, we have been diligently implementing Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. This update guides our teachers with the tools to create contemporary,

engaging learning experiences, ensuring that our students are wellprepared for both the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Our curriculum is designed to nurture well-rounded young people of both knowledge and character. From core classroom subjects to specialist areas like Visual Art, Music, Chinese, Health and Physical Education, Library Lessons, and Religious Education, students are stretched in ways that encourage curiosity, connection, and active engagement with the world around them. This breadth of learning deepens their understanding while fostering the values, attitudes, and dispositions essential for lifelong learning.

A Community of Dedicated Staff

The role of the Primary School teacher is to awaken joy in learning and leave a lasting, positive impression on their students—a gift that endures throughout their lives. Teachers play an immeasurable role in shaping not only the minds but also the hearts of young people. At The Lakes College, the success of our students is a direct reflection of the dedication, expertise, and care of our exceptional staff. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and to nurturing every child's potential is what truly makes our school a special place to learn and grow. Each day, our teachers ignite curiosity, inspire confidence, and foster a love of learning, ensuring that the impact they leave extends far beyond the classroom.

What sets The Lakes College apart is that shaping the hearts and minds of our young people is a shared responsibility among all staff, not just our teachers. From our dedicated LIFT Assistants, Nurse Ally, and Library Staff to our Administrative Support,

Facilities, and IT Team, every member of this community plays a vital role in modelling kindness and leaving a lasting impression on our students. Mrs. Kerri Nelson in the Primary Office for example, stands out for her unwavering support of children and their families each and every day.

Engaging Our Community

They say we cannot live only for ourselves, and that the true greatness of a community is best measured by the compassion of its members. One of the most remarkable things about community is its ability to welcome and support others in ways that we simply couldn’t achieve alone. From the moment I joined The Lakes College, I have been embraced by the warmth and generosity of this very special place. The Lakes College is not just a school; it’s a vibrant community where students, staff, and families come together to celebrate, support, and learn from one another.

Our partnership with families is a cornerstone of our success, and this year we have continued to strengthen those bonds through meaningful events such as Mother’s Day, our Father’s Day Breakfast where we were entertained by Levi and his dad, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, the Multicultural Expo, the Christmas Concert and Under 8’s Day. These moments of celebration foster the deep sense of belonging and connection that defines life at The Lakes College, making it a place

where every individual is valued and welcomed as part of something bigger than themselves.

A Place of Belonging, Believing, and Becoming

As I reflect on the year, it is clear that The Lakes College remains a place where every student belongs, believes in their potential, and is encouraged to become the best version of themselves. With our strong leadership, quality staff, and supportive community, we continue to create an

environment that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and meaningful connections.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your ongoing commitment to making The Lakes College a place of thriving, belonging, and endless possibilities. I look forward to the continued journey of learning and growth as we head into another exciting year, that will include three new playgrounds for our Primary Outdoor Play areas.

HEAD OF SECONDARY REPORT

MADONNA POTTER

The Value of Cultivating Curiosity: A Lifelong Journey of Belonging, Believing and Becoming

Curiosity is a powerful catalyst for learning, growth and personal transformation and has been The Lakes College theme for 2024. Throughout life, the spark of curiosity impels students to explore, question and understand the world around them. At every age, nurturing this curiosity leads to more profound self-awareness and a love for lifelong learning. For Secondary students, cultivating curiosity alongside character, creativity and critical thinking lays the foundation for a future of exploration and discovery. When combined with the right values, attitudes and skills, curiosity becomes an engine for academic success and personal fulfillment.

The journey of curiosity and learning can be framed through three stages: belonging, believing and becoming. Each stage represents key moments in a student’s intellectual and emotional development, driven by their desire to learn and grow. As students move through these stages, curiosity grows from a fleeting interest into an intrinsic part of their identity.

Belonging: The Foundation of Curiosity

The first stage, belonging, focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe to

explore their curiosity. Adolescence is a time when students are developing their sense of identity and place in the world. Feeling a sense of belonging- either through their House, Home Group, or Year Level, to a classroom or broader community- generates the confidence needed for students to engage their natural curiosity. When students feel accepted and valued, they are more likely to lean into vulnerability and have the courage to ask questions, take intellectual risks, and express their creativity.

In this stage, educators, families and communities must cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment. Here at TLC classrooms are environments where curiosity is encouraged to assist students in developing the confidence to explore their ideas without fear of judgment. Collaborative learning, open discussions and inquiry-based approaches are vital tools to create a sense of intellectual belonging. Our TLC educators model curiosity by asking their own questions and showing that their learning journey is an ongoing process.

Belonging is not just about social acceptance but our educators, students and the broader community fostering an intellectual sanctuary within the TLC environment. This provides a safe environment for our students to be vulnerable while developing their intellectual capabilities. Encouraging curiosity involves validating students' questions, providing them with opportunities to pursue their interests and helping them develop the character required for perseverance and resilience. At this stage, students learn that their curiosity is valuable and their questions are worth exploring.

During 2024, introducing a new pastoral care structure through establishing the Heads of House roles has strengthened our ability to create strong connections and a sense of belonging. In addition, the new role, Head of FaVE and Formation, has also allowed our community to focus on the formation of adolescents through

the highly valued Outdoor Education Program and Spiritual Retreats for Year 7-12, where soft skills are developed, connection and belonging, are fostered to create a strong foundation for our students believing in themselves.

Believing: Building Confidence in Curiosity

At TLC, the second stage, believing, focuses on students developing faith in their abilities and confidence in their capacity to learn. Once students feel they belong, they are more likely to trust in the power of their curiosity and their potential to make sense of the world around them. Curiosity flourishes when students have the self-belief that they can learn, grow and share their strengths through effective collaboration within their Houses, Home Groups, classrooms and teams.

At this stage, curiosity deepens as students begin to see the value of knowledge, skills and transformative competencies. Knowledge or expertise and awareness allow them to make sense of the world, while critical thinking and creativity enable them to apply that knowledge in innovative and meaningful ways. Transformative competenciessuch as problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability and self-regulation- become tools for navigating complex challenges. These skills allow students to go beyond rote learning and develop a deeper engagement with ideas, problems and solutions and these skills and competencies build confidence, maturity and resilience.

In this stage, values play an essential role. Faith in their capacity encourages students to take on challenges. Hope inspires them to see the possibilities for

growth and impact that learning can bring. Courage motivates them to persist when their curiosity leads to difficult or complex questions. Students who believe in their learning capacity are more likely to embrace intellectual risks and engage deeply within their subjects and intellectual conversations with their teachers, peers and families.

In addition to these values, the right attitudes and dispositions- such as openness, perseverance and optimism - encourage students to seek knowledge actively. When they believe in the transformative power of learning, curiosity evolves from a simple desire to know, into a driving force for personal growth and societal contribution. The learning environment has provided many opportunities for students to develop a confidence and belief in themselves; however, curious students with a love for connecting and collaborating with their peers have also had the opportunity to be involved in learning in other contexts - TLC Mooting and QDU Debating, Interschool Academic Competitions, Culinary Club, Strike Theatre, the Performing Arts opportunities, TechFest, Science Fair, TLC Kokoda Challenge to name a few.

Becoming: Transforming Through Curiosity

The final stage, becoming, is where TLC students have a transformative experience as they integrate their curiosity into their sense of self as they ‘become’. In this stage, curiosity becomes a lifelong trait that drives both personal development and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the world. Here, curiosity is no longer seen as a transient interest but as an intrinsic part of who students are- learners, thinkers and creators.

At this point, TLC students are not just acquiring knowledge for its own sake but are also developing the character and skills to use that knowledge to make a difference, beyond the gates of the College and into a connected and global community. They move beyond simply knowing and toward becoming - adults who have been nurtured by the values of TLC and who can use their curiosity, creativity and critical thinking to shape a better future. The TLC value of justice becomes a guiding principle, urging students to question inequalities, challenge assumptions and contribute to a more equitable world. The values of love and community foster empathy, motivating our students to learn not just for personal advancement but

for the betterment of society. Within our community, the Faith and Values Education in Years 7-10, fortnightly Chapel, and the opportunity to serve others at the Redcliffe Breakfast Club challenge students to look beyond themselves and to use their strengths to serve others.

TLC students are encouraged to understand that curiosity in the becoming stage also involves a recognition that learning is not a destination but a continuous process. Students who internalise the values of hope and faith, view life as a journey of growth and transformation, and this supports their lifelong wellbeing. TLC students immersed in our values recognise that their curiosity will continue to lead them to new questions, challenges and learning opportunities.

The attitudes and dispositions cultivated in this stage are essential for lifelong learning. Our students are encouraged to nurture intellectual humility, which recognises the limits of their knowledge and fosters their continued desire to explore new ideas. At TLC, students are encouraged to develop their intellectual resilience, which assists them in staying engaged with their curiosity even when they face setbacks and challenges with their writing, numeracy, leadership and development of their character.

Curiosity as a Lifelong Companion

The journey from belonging to believing to becoming is one that every student at TLC can undertake when their curiosity is nurtured. For Secondary students, transitioning from passenger and supported learners to active, engaged inquirers is foundational for their future success but, more importantly, purpose, joy and deep meaning in their lives. Along the way, curiosity is supported by the TLC values- faith, hope, courage, love, justice and community- that foster not only a love of learning but also a desire to use that learning for the betterment of the communities that they will embody and the world they inherit.

In the end, curiosity is more than just a tool for academic success. It is a lifelong companion, shaping who we become and how we engage with the world. By cultivating curiosity at every stage of life, we enrich our lives and contribute to a world that values exploration, creativity and a shared commitment to learning and growth beyond the heart of The Lakes College.

2024 Foundation Day Awardees: Ilay K & Olivia V

COLLEGE CAP TAIN REPORTS

KATELYN B & ISAAC C

As our TLC journey comes to an end, it is our privilege to reflect on the year of the 2024.

Being TLC’s largest graduating cohort and first students to lead under a new House structure, this year has been filled with lots of ‘lasts’ as Seniors, but also many ‘firsts’ as a community.

Under our new Heads of House, our Year 12 cohort has been given the unique chance to build genuine connections as we move together through a new House system.

Our pastoral program has been transformed to welcome and foster the incorporation of cross year level events within the Secondary School. Homegroup parties and hangouts have encouraged deeper friendships and created a sense of belonging within the Houses.

The allocation of lockers to intermingle Junior and Secondary students within individual House locker areas, brought a sense of community and an opportunity to form new friendships across year levels. Although initially awkward and strange, as the year progressed, small interactions turned into moments of mentorship, bringing the College together, strengthening rapport and building House spirit. This seemingly small change within our community demonstrates the type of community the Year 12 cohort was able to help foster this year.

Our first initiative as a cohort, and the Year 12 fundraiser, the Valentine’s Day Stall raised funds to support domestic violence victims and survivors. With the help of our hardworking Seniors, we ran a Valentine’s Day gift stall across two weeks, selling Valentine’s Day accessories and hand packaged lolly bags to both Primary and Secondary students. Led by the Valentine’s Day committee, we raised $272 and organised a Valentine’s Day ‘Picnic on the Green’ where the Seniors ran oval games and face painting.

In August, TLC celebrated its 20th birthday. As Seniors, this was an

the legacy of a place that has shaped us throughout our schooling. Being involved in the planning of Showcase and leading some of the special festivities allowed us as Seniors to reflect on our own journey and celebrate the growth of TLC alongside peers and staff who have made our experiences memorable.

On the College’s 20th birthday, it was only fitting that the House Showcase theme was, “It's been 20 years let’s have a blast for the past”. This year’s performance was the most competitive and closest showcase ever, with each House highlighting different strengths, giving individuals the chance to shine and House spirit a chance to flourish. Without the Senior cohort, working tirelessly in the background, it's safe to say that this year’s Showcase wouldn’t have shone nearly as bright. Their vibrant energy not only fuelled the Showcase but also set the tone for our cohort, reflecting the passion and unity that define us.

The energy we bring to everything we do is unmistakable. Whether it's a fundraiser, a camp, or any school event, we infuse it with enthusiasm and drive. Ask any teacher and they'll tell you how our cohort stands out for the passion we bring to every occasion. Moreso, we have used this energy to help foster a sense of community throughout our Home Groups and locker areas, building a sense of belonging and becoming. With the hopes of instilling our

As the graduating Seniors, we have been given countless opportunities and made the most of them all. No matter the size or scale of these events, our cohort has always brought positivity and the best out of everything we do together. As a cohort we have loved being a part of the celebrations and milestones that have defined 2024 and our legacy at The Lakes College.

As College Captains, we are incredibly grateful to have been part of everything TLC has had to offer us this year. It has been a privilege to lead and represent the student body at out-ofschool events. And collaborating with senior staff to write speeches and run wholeschool assemblies has made this year the most memorable of our Secondary schooling. This role has not only helped us develop our leadership skills individually but has also allowed us to grow as a team. This year has given us the chance to give back to the College that has offered us so much, and we will continue to carry the lessons we have learnt and the memories we have made well beyond this year.

We would like to thank the senior pastoral team including Mr Ridout and Ms Aleckson, and the Heads of House for their endless support this year. To our fellow graduating Seniors, we wish you the best of luck no matter what your plans are post school next year. And finally thankyou to TLC for allowing us to be your 2024 College Captains, we will miss you.

My leadership journey in Year 6 has been incredible and filled with many great experiences. One of the best parts has been connecting with students and feeling excited when they say hi. It’s wonderful to

know that I’m seen as a friendly face and a role model.

Working with a great group of people, including Miss Johns, Seb, Shri and Hugo, has been a highlight. Public speaking has been

SEB - PRIMARY SCHOOL CAPTAIN

This year, I have held the job of Primary School Captain, which has been an amazing experience that I will always cherish. It’s been incredible to see how much I’ve grown and learned throughout this year. One of the highlights has been the

honour of speaking at assemblies, where I’ve had the chance to share my ideas and encourage my peers and younger students. Working with Miss Johns and the other student leaders has been a wonderful part of my journey. I’ve enjoyed helping with

another significant part of my journey. Standing in front of the school to share ideas and celebrate achievements has helped me become more confident. I’ve learned a lot about resilience and selfgrowth. I try hard every day to be the

the organisation and set up of events, which has taught me a lot about teamwork and responsibility.

Being a familiar face for younger students has been particularly special. I love seeing their smiles and knowing that they

SHRI - PRIMARY STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

I’ve had such an amazing journey being President of the Student Council this year! I’ve made so many new friends, especially with the younger students. They look up to me, and it's great to see them excited about school. I have a lot of friends in Year 6 who are really supportive

and help me with ideas for our school.

It's so rewarding to be a role model. When I see students working hard and receiving awards, I feel really proud. It makes me want to do my best and help others do their best too. Running the Student

Council sessions has been a big responsibility. I get to guide the Class Captains, Environmental Monitors and Technology Monitors. We talk about how to do their jobs well and how to make our school a better place. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it when I see everyone doing their best.

HUGO - PRIMARY STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Being President of the Student Council this year has been an incredible experience! One of the coolest things has been working with all the teachers. Each teacher has their own way of doing things, and I've learned so much by working with them.

I’ve had the chance to be involved in important tasks, like giving student-led

tours on Open Days. It’s been exciting to show students and their families around our school and tell them about the great things we do here.

Another big change for me is how much more confident I’ve become speaking in front of people. I remember whens I did my first speech during the leadership process last year - I was so nervous I was shaking! But this role has really helped me grow. I used to struggle to speak in front of large groups, but now I’m much more comfortable and even enjoy it!

This year has helped me become more confident and

responsible. I’ve learned so much about leading and

best version of myself, which has helped me to persevere and grow into the leader I want to be. Overall, this year has helped me grow in many ways, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a leader in our amazing Primary School.

look up to me as a role model. I always try to be friendly and helpful, so they feel comfortable and supported at school. This year has been filled with unforgettable moments and valuable lessons with opportunities to make a positive impact in our school community.

I’ve learned so much this year, being President of Student Council. It has taught me a lot about leadership and teamwork. I’m grateful for all the friendships I’ve made and the chance to help our school become even better. helping others, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.

RACHEL JOHNSDEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY - STUDENTS & WELLBEING

As we approach the end of the academic year, it's an ideal time to reflect on our journey together in the Primary School. This year has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and significant growth— both for our students and as a community. One of the key pillars of our success has been our partnership with The Resilience Project, which has profoundly influenced our approach to

student wellbeing and character development.

Throughout the year, we have focused on fostering resilience, gratitude, mindfulness, kindness and empathy in our students. These core values have not only equipped our students to navigate their personal challenges but also strengthen our school community.

As we celebrate the achievements of this year, I invite you to

read the articles written by our student leaders. In these reflections, they share their experiences, insights, and leadership journey.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing a resilient, compassionate, and thriving community. Here’s to celebrating our achievements and looking forward to another year of growth together!

PREP

Our Class is a Family.

When you think of family, you might picture one in a house. Mums, dads, kids, plus their dogs and maybe a pet mouse. But this year we learned that family doesn’t always mean the people you are related to. It can be another special group who love and care for you … it can be YOUR CLASS!

Our Prep Classrooms are much like a home, such special places to grow and learn. One where we meet new characters and build connections. Our littlest learners are always curious and keen to seek knowledge at every turn. In 2024 each class strived to build a connected team … ‘Our Class became a family’.

In Term 1 we not only met our class of new friends, but we were also introduced to an interesting new character named ‘Howard B

Wigglebottom’. Howard taught us all about listening and how important it is to be a safe, respectful learner. He taught us the importance of caring for our classmates as we joined him on his search for his good friend ‘Green Sheep’. This took us on an epic adventure all over the school.

In Term 2 we met the Rhyming Dust Bunnies, Oi Frog and a very hungry crocodile named Yirrikipayi. These characters taught us all about rhyme and we wrote our very first sentences using all the new letters and sounds we had learned.

Term 3 saw us embark on our first excursion to White Ridge Farm. Larry the Llama arrived at our classroom with his very own book all about the special friends we were soon to meet. We fed chickens and ducks, cuddled baby goats

and lambs, fed Gypsy the camel and went on a tractor ride. We were able to take all this newfound knowledge back to the classroom and share our scientific findings and knowledge of special places with our friends.

Term 4 is always bittersweet. The Prep teachers look back fondly on our class of curious little characters who arrived in Term 1, eager to learn and make new friends. Now, such confident, selfmanaged Lakes Learners that are full of knowledge and ready to create new connections … a new classroom family for 2025.

Chandelle Clarke, Felicia Marhofer, Hayley McFee - Prep Teachers

Vicki Aujla, Tracy Cronje, Tersia Joubert - Prep LiFT Assistants

YEAR 1

As we look back over the year, it is amazing to see the growth and progress everyone has made. From those nervous, wide-eyed students walking into Year 1 for the first time, to the confident and curious students we now see, who are ready to enter another year of learning.

Talking with the students, we can reminisce over the activities and events they have enjoyed over the year. From larger events such as Multicultural Expo and our Bunyaville excursion, where students proudly discussed their cultures and backgrounds and built trusting friendships through the Bunyaville sensory walk, to schoolbased events such as the Fire Safety visit, Science Fair, Under 8’s Day, Sports Carnivals and special visit days. Many students agreed that being able to spray the big fire hose during our Fire Safety visit was one of the highlights of the year, with the added excitement of an unexpected downpour as we made our way back to the classrooms.

Students have loved the opportunity to spend time with their parents, carers and grandparents at school, learn new skills such as Aboriginal weaving and

science experiments and get physical during Sports Carnivals and The Lakes Lap.

Many of the students’ favourite parts of the year didn’t involve big events or special occasions. They involved those everyday occurrences and activities such as making friends at lunch, spending time with their buddies and completing Investigations through research on the laptops, building emotional resilience in the calm space, completing personal pursuits through

the art, construction, maths and English spaces.

These reflections are so important as we are able to see that it is not just the exciting, large-scale events students look forward to, but also those dayto-day tasks such as Daily Reviews or Heggarty. We have had an amazing time together and wish you all a happy and safe 2025.

Kayla Fabila, Lauren Germanotta, Suzanne Walker – Year 1 Teachers

YEAR 2

As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to take some time to reflect on all the growth and accomplishments that have taken place over the past year. For our Year 2 students, this year has been full of new experiences, challenges and successes.

One of the biggest achievements for many Year 2 students this year was learning to read fluently and independently. From decoding challenging words to understanding complex stories, students have made great strides in their literacy skills. We have also tackled new concepts and learnt many new strategies in maths. We have worked hard to understand mathematical concepts and apply them to real-world problems. Our Math Trek Investigations have been so much fun while allowing us to demonstrate our knowledge.

Beyond academics, we have also developed socially and emotionally. We have learnt how to work collaboratively with our peers, resolve conflicts peacefully and express our thoughts and opinions in a healthy way. These skills are essential for building strong relationships and navigating the complexities of the world around us.

As we look back on the year, it is clear that our Year 2’s have grown in so many ways. They have overcome challenges, embraced new opportunities and made lasting memories. As they prepare to move onto Year 3, they can be proud of all they have accomplished and be excited for what lies ahead.

There are many highlights of our year including excursions to Bunyaville and Ipswich Railway Museum, competing in the Potato Olympics, Book Week Character dress ups, Under 8’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day and of course our Multicultural Expo.

Here are some favourite Year 2 memories from 2024:

Harrison – My favourite thing to do at school is mindfulness because I like to draw.

Aarman – My favourite excursion in Year 2 was to Bunyaville because I learnt how to make Johnny Cakes.

Rose – One of my favourite memories from Year 2 is when some of the Cambodian teachers came over to The Lakes College all the way from Cambodia.

Arianna – This year I loved when we got to meet Pendles, our new dog at TLC.

Aaradhya – I enjoyed participating in the Year 2 Potato Olympics.

Preshy – My favourite excursion was to the Ipswich Railway Museum because my group found the money bear and because I got to learn about the olden day trains.

Gabby – My favourite special day this year was Mother’s Day because the mothers came into the classroom.

Hannah – Under 8’s Day was my favourite because I got to get coloured fake hair and my face painted.

Gina – My favourite excursion was Bunyaville because I loved the forest walk when we saw a kookaburra. We also made Johnny Cakes and they were delicious!

Charlotte W – A favourite memory from Year 2 is when I made a really cool piece of artwork.

Isabella P – I loved Father’s Day because I loved it when dad came into the classroom. He could see my work and we had fun doing activities.

Hannah Z – The first day of school was my favourite memory.

Zarif B – Bunyaville was the best excursion because we got to make tents.

Amaira S – I liked Under 8’s Day because there was a hair salon, popcorn and my mum came.

Queena Z – Book Week was fun because me and my friend both dressed up as the Queen of Hearts. It was magnificent.

Vihaan N – Maths is my favourite subject because you learn lots of knowledge.

Yuna L – Writing is my favourite because it is so joyful and calming. It just makes me smile.

Chloe G – I like Science because I liked the day we did an experiment of mixing ingredients, it was fun!

Tilly V – Reading groups are the best because you get to read.

Bodhi – I remember when Year 2 did the Potato Olympics it was so funny.

Myra – My favourite memory of Year 2 was when I first met Adelaide in the Chinese Garden and we played together.

Yavyn – My favourite excursion was to Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre because it teaches us how beautiful the Earth is.

Nelli – My favourite excursion was to the Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre because you learnt how to be a bush guardian also you got to make Johnny Cakes and eat them.

Aliana – I loved ANZAC Day and learning about ANZAC Ted’s story.

Ivy – My favourite subject is Reading because it makes me feel calm.

Richard – My favourite subject is Maths because it helps you with your life e.g. if there was a lot of things, instead of counting you could multiply.

Nimrit – It is important in Year 2 to be kind to others even if they are not your closest friend.

William – I think that throughout Year 2 I learned so much I think I might have more IQ than my Dad.

Alex – I love Investigations because you get to be creative and I love drawing.

Senuka – It is important in Year 2 that we follow the 3 B’s like a rocket, don’t cheat, trust yourself and writing is good for Year 2s.

Anne Marie Fitzsimons, Gill HarrisJones, Brooke Vucetic - Year 2 Teachers

YEAR 3

We asked our Year 3 students to tell us some things about what they liked best about:

OUR TEACHERS...

Mrs Foster is the best teacher on earth. She is kind, caring, respectful and fun. Orlando, Bhavik, Ted, Dev, Aarav

Mrs Foster is fun, kind, optimistic and soft hearted, she is too sweet you'll turn into sweets. Every students dream teacher. Real love is her secret to teaching. Evelyn, Emily, Nicolas

Mrs Masson is kind and always uses a soft voice. She always solves the problem. Yasmin, Lucia

Mrs Mason helps us with things and sorts out things when we get sad or angry. She gives us Friday Freedom! David, Ade, Thevin, Oliver

Mrs Masson is enthusiastic, kindhearted, beautiful, fun and unique. She isn’t strict. Harper, Ivy, Sophia

Miss Waters is a kind and caring teacher. She always has a clear open mind which is helpful to solving problems. Also, if a video doesn’t make sense she will explain it perfectly. She is the best teacher! Victoria, Leith, Summer R, Oscar

OUR SUBJECTS...

Our favourite subjects are Art, Digi Tech and STEM, we love these subjects because they always dive us into creativity. Kavnoor, Olivia

Maths, because you get new possibilities of how high numbers can go. Conrad, Tilly

HaSS because I love Geography. Henry S

Spelling because it stretches my memory. Michelle

Maths never ends and it is always a challenge. Marcus, Xavier

Our favourite subject is Maths. We like Maths because we love learning to add, minus, times and now divide big numbers. Maths makes us think hard, and problem solve. Summer Z, Stepan, Theo, Zoe

CAMP...

Our favourite activities were the rockclimbing wall and the team games because we worked together which made it more fun. James, Avitaj, Samuel

Our favourite part of camp was making damper, spending time with our friends in cabins and rock climbing. Ariella, Isaac, Nate

Rock climbing because you were challenged to get all the way to the top and use all your strength. Samuel, Nils, Chloe

Dinner time, because it was delicious. Alethea

Making damper and a fire. Making food with each other and taking a risk. Prahaan

Our favourite part of camp was rock climbing because we got to climb very high above the ground. We also got to make a fire and cook some yummy damper with our friends. Daniel, Rimal, Mahreen, Marshall

YEAR 3...

Our favourite part of Year 3 was getting instruments, going on camp, and learning with Mrs Foster. Charvi, Leo, Yina

The Maths homework. Irene

Doing the actual work, because you have to use your brain and creativity. Anushri, Ajit, Alexis, Jasmine

Opening a shop and starting a business. Alethea

The best thing about Year 3 is that we have a kind and caring class including Miss Waters. We also got to go on our first camp that we all really enjoyed. Viraaj, Jacob, Kitty-Mai, Anvi

SPECIALIST LESSONS...

Music with Mrs Snow by far because she helps us to sing and learn and fills Brisbane with joyful snow. Maddison, Ellie, Gurshaan

Art because you can create using your imagination and going to the library you get to read. Liliana, Beau, Maryum

PE and Sports, because we learnt Rounders, T-ball, Shark Attack and PacMan. Toby, Liam

Instruments and Chinese. It is fun to learn something new and challenge yourself. Lucia, Yasmin

Our favourite subject is Art because we get to make famous pottery, like back in the olden days. We also love learning about the people who created the art supplies. Senesh, Gurnoor, Luna, Jabari

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS...

Learning new notes, learning songs on our instrument and hearing the instruments play in harmony. Isabel, Sidak, Yumi

You use your brain in a musical way. Alexis, Jasmine, Ajit, Anushri

You learn new notes and how to use a bow. Lucia, Yasmin

That we could learn the wonders of music and that we would learn to one day maybe be in a real orchestra. Ishan, Dashiell, Uday

CLASS LEADERS...

We loved being class leaders and getting our badges. We got to do special jobs and help people. James, Maddison, Ellie, Orlando, Sidak, Yumi, Ted, Samuel, Nate, Beau, Leo, Gurshaan

To be a Class Captain is to help people, to show your personality and stand in front of the line. Yasmin, Alexis, Sophia, Conrad

We helped the world by picking up litter, and standing at the back of the line is hard work. Alethea, Yasmin, Toby

I loved being an Environmental Monitor and presenting my speech on the ecosystem of my fish. Prahaan

It was nice to help people to learn new things and solve problems on their laptops. It can get frustrating, but it’s nice to help people. Henry B, Oliver, Samuel, Lucia

As a Class Captain we were always helping our classmates when they needed help and checking their uniforms. Eva, Aayat, Dashiell, Theo

As a Technology Monitor, we helped people with any technical problems and made sure they were charging. We were always around to get the laptops working in a jiffy. Harper and Senesh, Rimal, Viraaj

As Environmental Monitors we got to water the sunflowers and keep nature safe by picking up rubbish around our school. Maddie, Bruce, Leith, Jabari

Nicole Foster, Kim Masson, Tiarna Waters – Year 3 Teachers

YEAR 4

By Alina R, Scarlett E and Evan L.

Year 4 has been a busy year with many assessments, but many privileges unlocked. It was fun but tiring. The highlights of the year are listed below.

Camp

In Term 1, Year 4 embarked on a busy and enjoyable journey to Camp Kindilan at Redland Bay. It was indeed a thrilling experience and the food was great. Some activities we did were: Ziplining over the lake, building a raft and testing it, outdoor chapel by the lake, practicing our survival skills and teamwork in group activities. We were there for two nights and on the first night we had an energetic dance party, and on the second night we watched Paddington 2. It was a memorable experience, and we would love to visit again.

Athletics Carnival

During Term 3, we participated in the Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival. Some competed in the competitive events,

and some did it for fun. The activities varied from long jump to high jump, shot put to running races and many fun activities. It was an honourable experience.

Multicultural Expo

The Multicultural Expo was held to celebrate people in our community from many parts of our world. One of the highlights were the many different cultures which came to perform and share their ways of life. There were many stalls to visit from all different parts of the world.

NISSA Gala Day

Throughout the year we have participated in NISSA Gala Days. In Semester 1 we had three choices which included basketball, t-ball and touch football and for Semester 2 we had the choices of netball, AFL and football. Though some games might’ve been tough or hard, we all had a strong

bond of sportsmanship which drove us to a high level of friendship amongst our teammates. This was our first experience of playing sport against other schools and we had a lot of fun with our friends and meeting students from the other schools.

Book Week

Book Week was a chance to express our taste in stories. It gave students a chance to show their true creativity and enjoy a day free from classroom work, all costumes were truly unique, (especially the grugs) and some lucky students had the chance to win a prize in our grade, Connor E, Scarlett E and Adam O had the chance to be gifted a book in the effort they made to dress up.

Now that you have read about some of our favourite highlights from Year 4, what highlight would you like to participate in the most?

Courtney Casella, Storm Randall, Zozia Sen - Year 4 Teachers

YEAR 5

2024 has been an exciting and eventful journey for us, marked by thrilling sporting carnivals, Gala Days and engaging celebrations like Science Week, Book Week and Multicultural Expo. One of the highlights was our unforgettable camp adventure to Luther Heights. Here, some of our Year 5 students share their reflections on these experiences:

First Aid Incursion

On Monday, we dove into the medical world and began exploring what is safe and unsafe. We were empowered by knowledge as St Johns explained what to do in a crisis. Then we learnt the DRSABCD chart which stands for Danger, Response, Send Help, Airways, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation. Afterwards, we went over the basics, we got a chance to preform simple CPR with partners! We learned the recovery position for an unconscious body and learnt to stay calm and confident in this type of scenario. If you want to learn something new, I recommend St Johns because you can learn essential skills to respond to ongoing emergencies and what to do in some situations that involve CPR, 000. Vivaan S & Anaya D

NISSA Sport Experience

NISSA Gala Day is one of my most favourite days during the year. You get to play your favourite sport while spending fun time with your friends. I have never had this opportunity to go play sport against other schools, the fact that you are representing your school for fun is awesome. It’s a good

way to make friends, going out and meeting different people from other schools in the area. The options of sports you get to choose from is spread over a wide variety using different skills and different strategies. NISSA Gala Day is a fun get away from class with friends. Lachlan C

Luther Heights Camp

Camp. A word that gets many students either excited or worried. Be excited for Year 5 Camp because it’s spectacular! You leave for Luther Heights on an early Wednesday morning and set off on a journey that may go either right or wrong. The cabins are large and roomy, having enough room to fit all the girls and boys in the grade and more. There are various activities that pursue you to go out of your comfort zone and push your limits - an exciting koala climb in which you climb a tree using climbing holds stuck on. There's raft building -an activity which is accomplished by teamwork. A nature walk where you hunt for beautiful flora and fauna - even a large zipline that you can ride on with your friend - it's tall and long, 4 metres high and 200 metres long! The large, wandering hills and landscape

are beautiful - natural wildlife like kangaroos and beautiful birds. The food is great, tending to your allergies and always making delicacies with even dessert at dinner - the camp was amazing, so don’t be worried. Annie X

Book Week

I have only been at TLC for 3 years, and this is by far the very best Book Week I have ever seen, everyone was so creative. It was very fun, there were so many amazing and very interesting costumes such as Grug, Jedi, Bad Guys and all sorts of other kids’ characters. So many kids spent a lot of time on their costumes. Clearly, everyone loves to read books and then dress up as their favourite characters from the books. I would also like to say thank you to the librarians for all the hard work they put in to make this happen. If reading is magic all the teachers illustrated that with each grade having a different costume theme. (The Grade 5 Peter Pan costumes were the best by far in my opinion even if Mr Waite’s mask was very gnarly) READING IS MAGIC! Freddy W

Bree Ingram, Sunell Jones, Brendon Waite - Year 5 Teachers

YEAR 6

It is a bittersweet moment as Year 6 come to the end of their Primary School years. There is an excitement about what is next and a sense of nervous anticipation as they leave the familiarity of their foundation years. This year marks a significant milestone in their lives, one filled with laughter, lessons and lasting memories. From the friendships forged on the playground to the challenges of mastering new skills, they take with them the experiences that have shaped who they are today. Each student has taken a moment to reflect on their journey and share a quote that encapsulates their experiences. Here’s to new chapters waiting to be written, and the bright futures that lay ahead.

Zara: Life is short, so grow tall.

Zayd: Life is something you can play with, not control.

Olivia M: Failure is not the opposite of success, it's the journey to success.

Indigo: Don't follow someone else's dreams, follow your dreams!

Shrithanya: We knew we were having fun but at the same time we were making memories.

Abby N: Don't miss out on something that could be great just because it could be difficult.

Rakhshitha: Train your mind to find good in everything.

Sahir: Respect your parents, they passed school without Google.

Nishad: It was a smooth ride because I was in TLC.

James E: If you are going to get through Primary School, you need to have friends.

Ifeoluwa: You didn't stop playing tag because you got old, you got old because you stopped playing tag.

Emellia: Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

Alexis D: Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

Anaya: Life is too short for sorrows. Enjoy it.

Rishaan: Whatever happens in life, just stay positive.

Arjaan: Stay the same as you were in the past years, never change.

Eva H: A friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find but lucky to have.

Pippa: Life is like a book so fill yours up until you run out of pages.

Ena D: A true friendship is like the universe, it goes on forever.

Lauren F: Always chase your dreams because your dreams won't chase you back.

Jasmeet: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a meaningful stride toward your dreams.

Elise K: Each year in school is like a long road trip, it maybe be tiring, but the memories you make along the way are worth everything.

Mason F: If the world is kind to you, be kind to it.

Connor P: These past years have been fun. Thanks for everything TLC.

Abby C: Don't give up on your first try, you'll never find out how confident you can be.

Amanda E: You only have one life, so make the most of it.

Miranda A: Year 6 is where I grew to find out the people who believe in their dreams and work for it get what they earn.

Avelyn: There is no lift to success, you have to go by the stairs.

Ava A: Whoever is happy will make others happy.

Mia Y: Failure doesn't exist unless you stop trying.

Charlie B: Treat others how you want to be treated.

Dylan P: Cherish every moment as you will never go back to it again.

Lakshan: If you want to succeed, then you must be better than who you are.

Aria: Don't pick sides, pick people.

Hunter: Education is the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.

Clementine: Kindness shines a spotlight on others, without diminishing our own brightness.

Lucas: Through all the rough, mean and

tough keep going through, because you never know what can happen next.

Paxton: Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

Ka Man: Because I was drenched in the rain, I'm going to be the one to open the umbrella for others.

Libby P: Do things because they are right, not because they are easy.

Ava D: The only way to have a friend is to be one.

Leo: Education can change the world you just have to put your mind to it.

Misha: You may not be good at everything, but you can always try.

Harlow: If you give happiness to other people, you will get more in return.

Jack W: Why pretend to be someone else, when you were born to stand out?

Diyenka: Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Lilli M: When you have a dream, you have to grab it and never let go.

Kaden B: Thank you for this year and for helping me learn more. All the skills you've given me, now I know so much more.

Cian: If you keep yourself in boundaries, you will not see the great successes that you can accomplish.

Catherine T: Life is great, but everything is better with you in it.

Abban: You should always respect and get inspiration from your parents.

Holly C: I love being a leader because of the people who I've led.

Bryce: If you fail, never think of yourself as a failure. Think of it as a learning opportunity, never give up.

Patrick E: School is like a video game, it

has levels, power ups and sometimes a boss fight called "assessments".

Armaan S: Life's like a book, you never know what's going to happen next.

Mia H: Everything happens for a reason, nothing’s a mistake.

William: Primary School is like climbing steps, you keep getting higher.

Aliya J: Love your life because you're living it.

Caleb G: Kindness: the simplest gift that brightens the darkest day.

Merida C: Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy, and some are exciting, but if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter has in store for you.

Charlie A: What makes a child gifted and talented may not always get good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning.

Taani: No matter how many mistakes you make, you are still ahead of people who aren't trying.

Efraim: No matter how many goals you score, each one of them will take you to a good life.

Matisse: Always sing. Always dance. Be kind and always let your light shine.

Kartik: No matter how hard the task is, you can do it if you believe in yourself.

Evie H: A king is nothing without his subjects.

Tawana: Your best self is enough.

Seb H: It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.

Luella: Your thoughts create your reality.

Amelia J: If you change the way you look at things, then you can change your life.

Sarah M: Everyone makes mistakes. That’s why pencils have rubbers.

Bella L: Your life is like a book, if you never flip the page, you'll never know what's next.

Austin: Life is how you make it.

Jamison: Mistakes are stepping stones in life.

Kaustubh: Intelligence is not decided at birth. It is the teachers who help you achieve the intelligence you have now.

Greta: Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Daham: If you can't do great things, do small things in a great way.

Grace: When you've got a dream, grab it and never let go.

Edison: May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

Damian C: If a person has friends, then they already have the best present of all.

Hugo: If you can be kind to someone it will come back to you.

Molly A: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.

Sienna M: Life is like a book. If you never turn the next page, you won't ever know what will come next. So many magical things can happen when you turn the page.

Kian: Don't just appreciate big things, also appreciate the little things.

Zoe B: Always give 100%, unless you're donating blood.

Selena Freshwater, Joanne Lovell, Mel Smith - Year 6 Teachers

YEAR 7

The Year 7 cohort has had a tremendous start to their Secondary School journey. With boundless enthusiasm and energy, this group have quickly established themselves as a grade who is willing to take on the challenges as they arise and get on with the job at hand.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 7 student Liam L to summarise his highlights.

This year has been a year of great excitement and feeling more grown-up. I have loved the sense of independence that Junior Secondary has meantbeing able to move between classes, talk to my various teachers about my own learning and make new friends.

I have had two highlight events since coming into Secondary School. The first has been Year 7 Camp at Luther Heights where we got to try lots of fun and challenging activities together. This

allowed us to get to know our teachers and other students better, which helped us as the year progressed. The second highlight for me has been my involvement with the Culinary Club at TLC, but specifically a Degustation Dinner that I helped prepare in Term 3. I learnt so many new skills, got to work with a different group of people and even got to taste test a few times!

Our whole grade has had a fabulous year, and I am looking forward to all that Year 8 brings!

YEAR 8

The Year 8 cohort has had a wonderful year of growth and challenge as they have become fully immersed in Junior Secondary.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 8 student Anisha G to summarise her highlights.

This school year has been unforgettable, with the highlight being our school camp to the Gold Coast appropriately called “The Rollercoaster of Life.” For part of this camp, we got to spend the day at the Movie World theme park. The thrill of the rides was only surpassed by the joy of spending time with friends and teachers outside of the classroom, learning more about ourselves and working with others.

A standout moment was attending a car stunt show together as a cohort, which was both exhilarating and unifying. Connecting with my classmates and teachers in such a fun

setting strengthened our bonds and made the experience truly special. We came to realise that we were a team who would need to work together if we were all going to realise success. This camp not only offered thrilling adventures which pushed us out of our comfort zone, it also underscored the importance of community and friendship in our school journey.

While there have some challenging times this year for us as individuals, and as a cohort, these have all allowed us to mature, learn and grow. I can’t wait to see what Year 9 is like.

YEAR 9

The Year 9 cohort has had an incredible year of curiosity and maturation - which is fitting for a cohort on the brink of entering our Senior School.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 9 student Ngan N to summarise her highlights.

It would be impossible to adequately summarise the highlights of this year in a handful of sentences, but I will try. Our Year 9 Mt Tamborine Camp pushed us all out of our comfort zones and challenged us to work together and lean on one another when things got tough. We all made new friends and strengthened our connections with existing ones. Gaga ball was my favourite activity on the camp because everywhere you looked, people were having fun together.

On a personal note, being involved with debating was an incredible experience, as well as World Scholar’s Cup. It was unbelievably challenging to compete against other schools in areas of general knowledge, but we represented TLC proudly and made lots of new friends in the process.

I can’t wait to see what awaits us in Senior School - I know our whole cohort is ready!

YEAR 10

A year of exploration and opportunity, in Year 10 students not only dip their toes in senior but become gently submerged. They start to broaden their exposure to specialised subjects more suited to their interests and strengths, all the while building a strong foundation for senior studies. It's a time of personal growth, where students develop independence, set goals, and embrace the excitement of future possibilities.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 10 student William B to summarise his highlights.

From being stuck in hoop pines at Mt Binga to finishing that last English essay exam of Term 4, Year 10 has certainly been one to remember. We came into Year 10, fearing the worst for assessment but never did we lose our excitement for the other opportunities that would come our way. The most notable of these was, of course, the Mt Binga camp. Over two weeks, everyone

completed a 4-day hike, climbed up and down a hoop pine, rode horses, spent 8 hours solo, and ripped each other’s socks off while suspended in the air. What’s not to love?

Year 10 has been challenging. But it’s been fun – and that’s what I think matters. I think I can speak on behalf of all of us: Year 10, 2024 has been a year we will never forget.

YEAR 11

Year 11 at TLC is an exciting time of growth and discovery. Students embark on their senior school journey, exploring new subjects and honing their intellectual expertise. It’s a year of increased responsibility, where leadership opportunities widen, friendships deepen, minds sharpen, and future pathways take shape.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 11 student Ellie S to summarise her highlights.

As a cohort, we have all grown incredibly throughout the year. Being able to experience many leadership opportunities such as helping with the Primary School sports carnivals, helping to plan the annual House Showcase and prepping House competitions, has allowed us to have an insight on what it takes to be leaders.

Navigating through a whole new side of academic challenges including working hard to get all our assignments completed in three terms, being productive with our schoolwork

outside of class, as well as managing our responsibilities as the future Senior students.

The amazing Year 11 Emu Gully Camp recognised how we can work together, encourage and be able to step out of our comfort zones to create a cohort who are ready for anything. As we’re entering our last year as students of TLC, we’re so proud to be the up-andcoming Seniors of 2025 and are ready to take on the Senior year with each other.

YEAR 12

With the winds of change drifting swiftly beneath their wings, the Year 12 have found themselves in a whirl of activities. As the leaders of the new house system, their flight has twisted, glided, and traversed through assessments, exams, formals, carnivals, sports, lectures, and lessons to their find their end. It is with this we wish our students all the best in their journeys beyond TLC.

To reflect on the year that has been we asked Year 12 student Priya S to summarise her highlights.

As a 2024 Senior, I, along with my peers, have also been counting ourselves lucky for every last moment together. From our Night Under the Stars Formal, Senior jersey obsession, 100 Day Celebration, last school camp, wholesome moments with our House and the many opportunities to connect

not only with our peers within our cohort and House, but also the TLC and wider community – it has been a year to remember. From the beginning to the end, our highs and our lows have all part of our Senior experience, which I am so grateful to have shared.

TLC SPIRITHOUSE REPORTS

Kittabilla

Sarah Ha | Head of House

The year 2024 will be remembered as the year for growth and building connections in Kittabilla House. Our fierce lion was proudly named Scar, after the scar he wears, representing the challenges that we overcome in order to make us stronger. Our House worked together to create our House motto, “We are the MANE event”; a motto inspiring us to be influential to others by encouraging them through our actions to face any challenges they have with courage and determination.

There were many events throughout the year where the pride of Kittabilla demonstrated courage and determination. We started the year strong by rising to victory in the Cross Country Carnival. The House fought hard in the House Sport competitions of Basketball (3rd place), Football (3rd place) and finished off as the winners of Touch. It was great to see so many of our House getting involved in the Athletics and Swimming Carnivals. We were no longer going to be the reigning House Cup Champions, but House Spirit was strong and continues to grow. The House Arts Competition saw the House get together to perform a comical rendition of the Macarena dance. After many attempts, the House finally got a perfect performance to submit. Congratulations to the students who submitted individual art works to the competition and received recognition for their work. Our

House debaters also did us proud in the House competition, coming away with yet another third place. Finally, Kittabilla contributed to the House Heroics Days by selling drinks and Zooper Doopers in Round 1, followed by a more successful sale of Krispy Kremes in Round 2.

While we won’t take home the House Cup this year, the House has built the foundation to be bigger and better next year. Thank you to all of the House staff, especially the Home Group teachers and the House Captains; Toluwani O and Cameron K who have supported the students in their endeavours throughout the year and to our Primary House Captains; Jack W and Ife O in Year 6 for their support also.

Kumbarchu

Emily Malone | Head of House

Kumbarchu has had an exciting year in 2024 building connection and character Immediately, we were ready to embrace the College’s new House system. This gave the students ample opportunity to shape our House identity. While we had already playfully named our mascot Kumba, we worked as a House to create and vote on a motto that would best represent us. From there, it was decided Kumbarchu’s motto would be, grit and tear, beware the bear! This motto captures the fighting spirit of Kumbarchu. It signifies our willingness to give everything a go with grit and determination, as seen in the fierce eyes of our mascot. This message is also

shared in our House prayer. However, we can also be playful and fun, like our Kumba plushie. Kumba visited many Home Groups this year and accompanied many students to House assemblies and events.

With this fresh boost of House Spirit, there were many events we engaged in together this year. We began the year strong with the Swimming Carnival win under our belt at the end of 2023, marking two years of Swimming Carnival success in Kumbarchu. House Sport also commenced with a bang, with Kumbarchu coming second in House Basketball! In true Kumbarchu spirit, we also engaged in service-learning opportunities, working hard to sell pizza and sushi at House Heroics, raising funds for Harvest Cambodia. On World Environment Day in June, we sold chip buddies and engaged in a clean-up to raise awareness.

While we didn’t secure the House Cup win this year, we worked incredibly hard to strengthen our community and connection through Housemate Hangouts and activities. It has been an enjoyable year, with so many opportunities to embrace fun! Under the stewardship of our House Captains Joel S and Lucy A as well as our Primary House Captains; Paxton C and Charlie B, we were able to strengthen our inclusive House environment. I thank them for their leadership, and I am excited to see our community continue to thrive in 2025.

Nyani

Harry Ahrens | Head of House

By Kate T and Yousha A (2024 Nyani House Captains)

The new House system has been greatly beneficial in Secondary life. It has fostered new connections with peers across all different year levels and created a true sense of belonging within Nyani. As House Captains, we have seen firsthand how it has helped younger grades engage more and not be afraid to ask questions of the older students.

This year Houses were able to leave their legacy on the College by deciding mascot names and mottos. Nyani decided to name our mascot owl Vulcan with the motto “In the heart of fire.” The House came to this decision believing it reflected our consistent resilience and passion for united competition.

During our time in Secondary School, we’ve watched Nyani transform from frequently finishing fourth in House events to becoming a reliable competitor in every challenge. At the start of the year, Mr Ahrens challenged Nyani to aim for second spot in all House events. Whilst this was a difficult ask, Nyani rose to the challenge placing second in a number of events such as Swimming Carnival, Art Competition, Talent Competition, Showcase, House Touch Football and House Football. Not only this, but Nyani also walked away with first place results in both the Athletics Carnival and House Debating.

A special thank you to Mr Ahrens, Nyani Head of House, for supporting us in all aspects of being House Captains. We have apprecated his motivation for all things Nyani as he continued to promote that the “success is the sum of small efforts,

repeated” We would also like to thank the Primary House Captains Olivia M and Rishaan K for their enthusiastic support in the events that crossed over both subschools as well as all Nyani Home Group teachers for their care and support thoughout the year

We are both honoured to have been involved in leading Nyani in 2024 and walk away knowing that a strong foundation has been set for our great House for many years to come. Hoot Hoot!

Tabbil

Kristy

McNally

| Head of House

Tabbil Showcases the Three P’s to Achieve Success!

This year saw the sun rise over a new House system at The Lakes College and since the beginning there have only been BLUE skies in sight for Tabbil. A clear house vision was immediately established creating a strong Tabbilian community that values participation, patience and perseverance.

In 2024 the House named and welcomed Morty the Manta Ray - our Mascot whose home is the majestic waters of the Moreton Bay region. Morty epitomises Tabbil members that are as Swift as the Tide, Strong as the Sea

Our participation this year has been strong, especially in House Sport. It was a goal of the House Captains to take the win in every individual House Sport… and we came mighty close to fulfilling this goal! With first places in Dodgeball, Basketball and Soccer. Which we then followed up with strong performances in Debating (second place) and Touch Football (third place).

Tabbil are a team that also knows how to display patience as we know that hard work always pays off. In the 2024 Sport Carnival’s and special events Tabbil have also excelled. We didn’t let a fourth place in the Swimming Carnival slow us down! Instead, we showed grit and determination to gain second places in both the Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals. It was then amazing to be able to finish off on a high note with a first place in House Showcase.

However, we didn’t stop there, Tabbil’s perseverance continued to shine through in our House Heroics efforts with a first place in round one and a third place in round two. And who could forget our first places in both the Art and Talent show competitions - who knew that Morty could ‘paint the town blue’ and ‘whip and nae, nae’!

Upon reflection, the inaugural year of the House system has been a blast for the Blue House! Thanks to our House Captains Evan A and Harrison L for your dedication and hard work as well as our Primary House Captains Leo B and Ava A for their support to our whole school House events. Additionally, thanks to the wonderful Tabbil Home Group teachers and Secondary Tabbil staff for your assistance towards the success of this magnificent House. Finally, I think it is almost safe to say that 2024 is the year of the Mighty Manta Ray!

2024 House Cup Winners

Tabbil

Belonging

Here at The Lakes College we are a place of Belonging – knowing that all people need to feel connected to and safe in community. As partners in a child’s educational journey, here at TLC, relationships matter every day!

Community is about celebrating the authenticity of self and others, a place of true belonging, where uniqueness and diversity are accepted and embraced.

TLC COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

As we reflect on the year 2024, we feel immense gratitude and pride for what TLCCA and our vibrant community have achieved together. It’s heartwarming to witness the levels of parent and carer involvement and engagement we’ve reached this year. The focus on our students and teachers remains central to every discussion and decision in our TLCCA meetings, reinforcing our shared commitment to nurturing a thriving educational environment.

This year, we welcomed many new faces to our monthly meetings and events, each contributing their unique perspectives and energies. Our collective efforts have resulted in notable achievements, including securing $2,000 in discretionary funding from the City of Moreton Bay to support our beloved Picnic in the Park event. This annual gathering celebrates the start of the new school year, and with the generous grant from

Moreton Bay Council, we enhanced the experience for our families with fun activities, delicious food and opportunities to connect. We extend our deepest gratitude to Councillor Jodie Shipway for her steadfast support, consistently attending our meetings and encouraging our initiatives.

A special shoutout goes to Reneé Cairns-O’Neill and the dedicated team behind our Second Hand Uniform Shop (SHUS). This year, SHUS flourished, moving 2,301 uniform items and generating $54,650 in sales, with $25,606 being returned to TLC families. These sales have saved our families thousands compared to purchasing new uniforms. Additionally, thanks to Mike Tratt’s efforts, we secured a grant from the City of Moreton Bay for much-needed signage in the SHUS, enhancing its visibility and accessibility for all families. The hard work and commitment of our SHUS volunteers throughout the year, including during school holidays and pop-up shops, has exemplified our community spirit, as

they warmly greeted new families and offered invaluable assistance. Their dedication truly reflects the heart of The Lakes College community.

The year continued to shine with initiatives like the funding for the EALD Department for 50 Chatter Bags. These resources support the oral language skills of our EALD students, demonstrating our commitment to every child’s success in accessing the Australian Curriculum.

We experienced vibrant events that brought us closer together, including our Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, participation in Under 8’s Day, and the Cross Country and Athletic Carnivals, all showcasing the true essence of our community—people coming together to uplift one another.

May was all about celebrating our amazing mums and special friends!

On May 8, the Learning Lounge in the Primary School transformed into a beautiful shop where Primary students could purchase Mother's Day gifts for their mums, aunts, grandmothers,

20 Trees for 20 YearsTLCCA funded project

or special friends. A big thank you to Narelle Wright and her wonderful team of volunteers who made this possible. We’re excited to announce that this year’s Mother’s Day stall was our largest yet!

Our Secondary Mums were also treated to a special evening on May 9. The Main Admin Staffroom was decorated in yellow for the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea, held in the evening! The Culinary Club, under the guidance of Ben Milbourne, catered their first event of the year. Attendees enjoyed a course in designing their own polymer clay earrings, expertly led by Joel from Bestrew. We’re thrilled to announce that $1,500 was donated to the Cancer Council, thanks to the generous contributions from our TLC business owners who provided incredible raffle prizes.

On May 17, TLCCA participated in Under 8’s Day. This year, TLCCA enlisted the help of the Redcliffe Men’s Shed to build two picnic tables for the Primary School. During Under 8’s Day, students left a handprint in their House colour on the tables, which have been warmly welcomed as an additional seating option during break times. A massive thanks goes out to Rob L, Bec N, Kristy C and Lina H for their hard work and collaboration in making this Under 8’s Day activity a success.

We also celebrated Father’s Day with a heartfelt gift wrapping and stall. A huge thank you to Kellie Bjork and her team of volunteers, who spent an entire day wrapping approximately 500 gifts for the stall. Their hard work ensured that every student had the opportunity to choose a special gift for their fathers and father figures, creating lasting memories for our TLC families.

Once again, TLCCA organised refreshment stands during the Cross Country and Athletic Carnivals, ensuring that students, staff and spectators stayed hydrated and wellfed. A huge thank you to Rob L, Erin R, and Renee C-O for coordinating these stands. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated!

One of the highlights of this year was celebrating TLC’s 20th anniversary. Reflecting on the school’s journey filled our hearts with nostalgia and pride. It was a wonderful evening of stories and memories, showcasing how far we’ve come as a community. Our fundraising efforts over the past two decades have generated an astounding total of $564,991, with more than half benefiting our families through SHUS.

At our TLCCA July meeting, we were excited to approve a funding request for 20 mature Australian Tulipwood trees to line the pathway from Café down past the MPH and the new Aquatic Precinct to the oval. These tress will provide much-needed shade for our Secondary students, with the potential for future tables and seating under these trees.

As we look forward to 2025, we are particularly excited about the new playgrounds coming to our Primary School. Although TLCCA isn’t directly financing this project, our persistent advocacy has highlighted the need for enhanced play spaces, showing that our voices as parents and carers can drive change.

The work of our TLCCA Executive Committee has been vital in these endeavours. Behind the scenes, we’ve listened to the needs of our students, parents, carers and teachers,

demonstrating that together, we can achieve incredible things. The success of our initiatives and the support for our events are testaments to the strength of our community spirit.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer and our amazing TLCCA Executive Team:

President: Kristina Petho

Vice President: Renee Cairns-O’Neill

Treasurer: Michael Tratt

Secretary: Amy Gibson

Social Media Coordinator: Julie-Anne Rowland

Your unwavering support, creativity and enthusiasm have made a significant difference in our community. As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the warmth, camaraderie and sense of belonging that define TLC. Together, we can look forward to another year filled with joy, connection, and shared accomplishments. Here’s to a wonderful 2025!

TLCCA House Spirit Awardees: Olivia, Alyssa, Tayla, Ellie

Believing

2024 has been a year of deepening connection and refreshing mission and service at TLC. Over the last two years it has been inspiring for me to see our students rise to the call of leadership and service. I am continually surprised by their faith, curiosity and capacity to take responsibility for the life of the school.

This year we introduced our Year 6 cohort to the Retreat Day process as part of the formation of our students. This empowering experience allows our students to step back from the busyness of school life to immerse in our core values, listen to each other and themselves.

What really impressed me was the ability to disagree in open debate and yet respect and stay connected to the person or people you disagree with. The Year 11’s also modelled to me what a civil society could look like in diversity and humanity. We believe our year level Retreat Day’s play a key role in developing young people of character who will be future ready.

This year one of our TLC Alumni was inspired to start an Alpha lunch time gathering to share the Christian world view with interested students. This conversation is incredibly open, informed by history, exploring ancient texts and the reality of God in the human experience. This was an open invitation to all Senior level students, so far, we have enjoyed the company of up to 20 young adults who are keen to explore life and its meaning.

2024 was important for the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for TLC. After much consultation, conversation, pause and engagement we were able to share a draft for feedback with our community. This draft, once finalised, will inform our plan to participate in community with Aboriginal and Torres Strait families and young people. Our Senior students have committed to yarn together every month which is a rich connection for us all. Our First Nations families across the College are also welcomed to a yarn once a quarter with the Executive, teaching staff and students. I would like to thank Nikki Burns from Uniting Care Queensland for her insights

and connection to this work as well as Uncle Max Conlon for his friendship and participation in the reconciliation chapel service this year.

Our Mission and Service team grew this year to thirteen students in the Senior School. This team provides leadership to the chapel space, gets involved in serving on Shrove Tuesday, takes the lead in enriching the spiritual life of the College on important days, gatherings and assemblies and embodies the values of TLC daily. Our Primary School Chapel leaders led by Ms Lamb and previously Miss Hirst also share in these responsibilities. The ability of our students to speak in public, organise an event and engage in the important forums of College life provides a context for maturity, leadership and spirituality which enhances character development which will set them up for adult life. We are immensely proud of our mission and service team here at TLC.

Over the course of this year, we welcomed “Pendles” into the mission and service team at TLC. Pendles is the College therapy dog. Pendles is building on the legacy of George and Mandy who served at TLC for over 11 years. Pendles is an Australian Cobberdog who was bred by a local breeder who just happens to be a grandparent of one of our Year 6 students. Pendles loves to be on playground duty, spending time in the classroom, welcoming the community at the start of the school day and saying goodbye at days end. He loves people, he is an extraverted little bloke and never misses an opportunity to

say hi. Pendle’s is in training to assist him to calm down a bit and remain calm in all situations. Here at TLC, he loves nothing more than a good pat and a little treat. The miracle of this little cobberdog is he makes people feel welcome and brings a sense of peace, wellbeing and fun to the day. Pendles has been able to uplift the sad and burdened, play a role in the redirection of emotional students, assist with the overcoming of fear (fear of dogs and animals in particular) and bring joy to a classroom. Pendles lives with my family full time. His favourite thing to do is play with his mate Wolf at home all day and steal his bones in the back yard. We are pleased to continue George’s work and make life fun for students.

Service opportunities are a big part of TLC. Mr Stanley’s commitment to the Breakfast Club in Redcliffe has enabled students to serve the homeless, take part in an annual appeal and bring a sense of community to those who live well under the poverty line in our community. Students are encouraged every other week to serve in this space. We are blessed to have so many Senior students take a part in this important partnership.

Our connection to Harvest Cambodia and the Stepping Stones school in Cambodia continues to grow and take shape. This year we had an in person visit from two teachers from Stepping Stones. Sovann and Kang had the opportunity to come to Queensland and put a welcome face to the work we are partnering with. We hope to have students take part in the work of Stepping Stones in the future by visiting to assist the education of young people in an emerging nation as well as build housing for families in need.

TLC has a core commitment to mission and service, our community is shaped by what it means to serve Christ in the world and be a redeeming light in Brisbane’s North.

Tim McMenamin – Director of

Mission

Becoming

The Lakes College is a place for Becoming – offering dynamic and rich programs from Prep to Year 12, that enliven curiosity, build resilience and empower our learners, as they engage in a global world now and into the future. At TLC we are committed to the journey, growing young adults who graduate with qualifications, global understanding and the interpersonal skills that establish them as FUTURE ready.

PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS

Primary School is an exciting period of exploration, fuelled by curiosity and a love of learning. Since assuming the role of Deputy Head of Primary –Learning Transformation in Semester 2, it has been a great honour and privilege to celebrate and nurture the skills and attitudes of our youngest Prep students through to our Year 6 students as they prepare for their Secondary School journey. Alongside our dedicated staff, who lead with compassion and integrity, I have witnessed exceptional opportunities for our students to develop essential problem-solving and social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Our Teaching and Learning Culture (TLC) Framework remained central to our decision-making processes, underpinning our commitment to academic rigor while emphasising knowledge, character, and curiosity. This year, the Primary Leadership Team worked to enhance student voice by establishing Class Technology and Environmental Captains, promoting agency in our initiatives. We were deeply impressed with the innovative ideas generated by our students, demonstrating their commitment to contributing meaningfully to their learning environment.

This year also provided invaluable insights for future-focused curriculum development as we continued to implement Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum. Student agency was at the forefront of this rollout, as we reformed our decision-making processes, focusing on collecting robust evidence of student learning and using this data to tailor our

teaching approaches and track progress effectively. This evidence-driven practice is crucial for redefining our academic landscape and will enhance our educational outcomes for years to come.

To facilitate this transition to Version 9.0, students engaged in numerous enriching incursions and excursions. For example, our youngest learners in Prep explored the wonders of White Ridge Farm, while our Year 6 cohort enjoyed a train trip in partnership with Queensland Rail, culminating in a visit to Parliament House. We also celebrated Science Week, featuring a Street Science extravaganza with liquid nitrogen and a blowtorch, the Multicultural Expo, and Under 8s Day. The creative energy in these events truly highlighted what makes us The Lakes College. These experiences fostered both personal and academic growth in our students. I extend heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who generously offered their time to assist during excursions and through other avenues of parent involvement, such as reading with students and covering books. These gestures of support significantly contribute to our successful learning environment.

Successful learning hinges on a learner’s readiness and curiosity about the world. Our Academic Care Coordinators excelled in leading their year-level teams to foster critical and creative thinkers in an era of abundant information. I commend our Primary School staff and LIFT Assistants for their leadership, expertise, and tireless efforts, ensuring our students thrive daily in their learning journey. I also acknowledge the extensive early intervention and support within our LIFT space, led by Ms. Ella Martin, focusing on Oral Language Development and supporting our English as an Additional Language or Dialect students. As a community, we all contribute to the significant agency our students experience as learners. Witnessing their growth and achievements is a true gift of education. This year has reinforced that resilience and strength of character are not just additions to our curriculum; they are fundamental to its core.

In addition to outstanding learning inside and outside the classroom, our students participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities that showcased their dedication to striving for excellence. Selected

Tournament of Minds

students competed in the Regional Tournament of Minds (TOM) Competition, which expanded to include Year 4 students for the first time. Our Year 4 Team achieved the Spirit of TOM award, acknowledging their remarkable teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. Later in the year, our College had the honour of hosting the tenth annual Lions Junior Public Speaking Competition, generously sponsored by the North Lakes Lions Club. All competitors represented our College with pride. Congratulations to Holly C, who won the Year 6 Competition. Year 6 students also proudly represented us at the Moreton Bay Battle of the Brains Trivia Competition.

The International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) was again hosted at our College, yielding many commendable results. Notably, we commend Rose A (Year 2) for achieving a High Distinction in both English and Mathematics, and Jack M (Year 5) for earning a High Distinction in English. Our students excelled in the Australian Mathematics Competition as well, with Victoria L (Year 3), Stepan D (Year 3), and Ruicheng Z (Year 5) achieving High Distinctions, awarded to those in the top 3% of their year level. Ruicheng further distinguished himself by receiving the ‘Best in School’ award, a truly honourable accomplishment.

Reflecting on this year, the richness of our daily interactions stands out. The strides made in curriculum delivery, along with additional program and initiatives, continued to foster deep learning, empathy, and connection, core values of being a Lakes Learner This included student-led fundraising initiatives like Containers for Change, spearheaded by Leith M (Year 3) and Matisse K (Year 6).

As we journeyed with our young people, we’ve seen them grow in character, creativity, and intellect. I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in this journey and eagerly anticipate the opportunities that 2025 will bring.

Taryn Hirst – Deputy Head of Primary – Learning Transformation

YEAR 7-9

LEARNERS

“I have a dream that every child learns not by chance, but by design” (John Hattie, 2023).

And so it is, that by design and not accident, Junior Secondary students learn the skills and gain the foundations to become independent and life-long learners who know what it is to be a global citizen. Much of this has to do with the many incursions, excursions, competitions and experiences that our students can be involved in, which truly takes learning beyond the walls of the classroom and gives it real world meaning for our learners.

Year 7

Year 7 remains a year of ‘taste-testing’ the many subject offerings to broaden student awareness and facilitate the productive struggle, and eventual growth, that occurs when students work through challenges that they wouldn’t necessarily choose for themselves. Unlocking hidden passions and talents to grow as a learner and a human being. Year 7 is about transitioning into high school, finding the groove and connecting to the people and place that is TLC. To engage and excite our Year 7 learners in 2024, incursions from the Abbey Museum, involvement in TLC TechFest, as well as the UQ/QMAT Problem Solving Competition have all been a hit!

Year 8

For our Year 8’s there are more electives to choose and passions to pursue! Taking calculated risks in electives is encouraged as a path to growth. Increased academic rigor within Year 8 classes encourages students to continue developing selfregulation and self-direction. Preparing

and presenting at the Science Fair is always a highlight, with lots of students this year having the opportunity to exhibit their science knowledge and skills for the whole community to see and experience. Additionally, a medieval Museum incursion rounded out the year, making an ancient society part of the TLC learning landscape.

Year 9

Year 9 allows our Junior Secondary students to follow their passions and delve deeply into learning as they think about life in Senior School at TLC. With a growing appetite for independence and self-efficacy, our Year 9 Lakes Learners fine-tune skills that they build on as they grow and mature in their learning. In 2024, Year 9 students were lucky enough to participate in the Noosa Academy Incursion where they developed original videos under the guidance of a professional cinematographer. Additionally, our geographers also extended their knowledge and curiosity with an excursion to Southbank.

Through a holistic approach that emphasises belonging, believing and becoming, our curriculum and experiences in Junior Secondary help our students to thrive today, while also being better prepared for tomorrow.

Skye Wallden – Deputy Head of Secondary (7-9)

YEAR 10-12 LEARNERS

From Year 10 to Year 12, students at TLC eagerly embrace the challenges ahead with determination, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of purpose. Our school is uniquely positioned at the intersection of a vibrant cultural hub and a commitment to academic excellence, making us a light in the

heart of North Brisbane. We take pride in being an educational leader in our community, characterised by a rich culture, a spirit of inclusivity, and a resilient attitude that are particularly evident among our Senior students.

The new House system has been another marked strategy to enhance school culture and develop leadership among Senior students. By encouraging active participation in organising and leading House events, students are given valuable opportunities to build leadership skills and strengthen their sense of community. This system promotes a positive and inclusive environment, where students collaborate on projects and engage in peer support, contributing to a cohesive school culture. As a result, the House system plays a crucial role in shaping students' personal growth and leadership abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel both socially and academically.

A key component of their academic journey is the support provided by ACE, which, along with the Mock Exam Block, has added an extra layer of academic readiness for our Year 11 and 12 students. These thoughtfully designed study sessions placed in tandem with internalised exam processes have familiarised students with the formalities associated with senior assessment. The centralised nature of ACE and the exams run in this time, offers students the opportunity to focus on core learning and skill development while also building resilience and honing time management skills. Complementing this, the ACE-ING ATAR seminars, led by our Principal and experienced QCAA External Markers and enriched by Alumni student insights, have equipped our students with the tools they need to excel in External Examinations.

The Horizon Program in Maths, English and Music has been another cornerstone of student development, offering an environment where critical and creative thinking flourish. In Maths, students tackle complex problems, deepening their analytical skills and understanding of advanced concepts. The English program sparks a passion for literature and language, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and articulate their ideas with creativity and precision. In Music, students are empowered to experiment with composition and performance, allowing their artistic expression to soar. This program fosters not only academic achievement but also a culture of thoughtful inquiry, preparing students to excel in all areas of life. In tandem with such proactive programs seen in Maths, English, and Music, the school also showcased its inaugural TLC TechFest which shone a light on all things technical. With speeches from industry specialists, and stall after stall of studentled interactive and future-focused displays, the community was inspired to Get Curious. When we reflect on how technology is transforming the lives of our young people, this technology festival was a celebration of all things new innovation and forward thinking.

Our commitment to holistic education is further demonstrated by Harvest Cambodia, an initiative launched in 2023 with a teacher tour aimed at establishing connections with the Cambodian school, Stepping Stones. Embracing the theme “Get Curious,” a team of TLC staff members ventured to teach English and immerse themselves in the local culture. This experience deepened our appreciation of the Khmer people and sparked a heartfelt connection that has been supported by fundraising efforts like House Heroics

Day. As we look forward to our first student trip next year, the program continues to embed Service Learning into our College, encouraging everyone to explore and engage with the world around them.

In these Senior years, there are many new things for students. Not only are their bodies growing, emotions swinging, personalities developing and minds exploring, their vocabularies are being cajoled into new expanses as well. Year 10 to Year 12 in Queensland Education is a period marked by a dizzying array of acronyms that students, parents, carers and educators quickly must become familiar with: QCE, ICT, ATAR, QCAA, SET, QTAC, ISQ, SATE, AARA, STEM, EA, ISMG. And this is just a start - how many do you know? But this acronym soup – though not particularly delicious – is a symbol of the complexity of the Senior year that must become an acquired taste for our young people.

It is abundantly clear students have stepped through so much in these years…

• SET Planning

• Formal

• Showcase

• Mt Binga

• Book Week

• Leadership

• ACE-ing ATAR

• Year 10 Dance

• Assignments and projects

• And stepped back again…

• Work Experience

• Emu Gully

• Subject Surveys

• A world of acronyms

• Alexandra Headlands

• Cambodia fundraising

• QCE and ATAR eligibility

• Examinations

• Graduation

This year, our students' dedication and hard work have led to remarkable achievements across a wide range of areas. Alongside their academic success, they have grown in character and forged stronger connections with teachers, peers and the broader community. It has been a year of significant development in both knowledge and personal growth, ensuring that while their results are impressive, our focus remains on nurturing our Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students at the heart.

Daniel Ridout – Deputy Head of Secondary (10-12)

PATHWAYS

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill

Throughout 2024 students have embraced and engaged in a myriad of activities, experiences, programs and qualifications to ensure they grow as learners and global citizens before leaving TLC. This year students started apprenticeships, completed qualifications, attended experience days, were empowered by the Future Ready Expo, met with professionals and immersed themselves in work experience.

The Pathways program at the College has continued to grow and develop over the course of 2024, with new and exciting opportunities emerging both on and off campus. Throughout the year students have continued to surpass our expectations and have gained a total of 49 certificate qualifications, studying both internally and through external organisations. Throughout 2024 students received the following certificates:

• Certificate IV in Justice Studies

• Certificate IV in Business

• Certificate IV in Dance

• Certificate III in Fitness

• Certificate III in Make-Up

• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

• Certificate III in Beauty Services

• Certificate II in Electrotechnology

• Certificate II in Sport & Recreation

• Certificate II in Hospitality

• Certificate II in Animal Care

• Certificate II in Health Support Services

• Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation

In addition to students gaining qualifications, some additional highlights of the year include:

• 71 students engaged in work experience across a variety of fields including, but not limited to, sports management, business, aviation, engineering, defence force, law and education.

• 80 students experienced a day in the life of a university student at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

• 3 cohorts were educated by Red Frogs on important aspects of future planning and staying safe.

• The Future Ready Expo showcased 15 stalls to help Year 7-12 students understand their external pathways’ options.

• 7 students engaged in short courses and trade tasters at TAFE QLD to further their knowledge and skillset.

All students have been respectful ambassadors for TLC. Thank you to the course coordinators, RTO establishments, TAFE, Red Frogs, Universities and organisations that helped our programs and students thrive this year. We look forward to working in partnership with these and more organisations in 2025 as the program continues to develop and grow.

Clara Aleckson – Head of Pathways

LIBRARY

Our Library is committed to evolving with the times. At the heart of the Library are its collection of books and inviting spaces for quiet reading, along with areas designed for collaboration and working with peers.

Qld School Library Week

As TLC is a member of the Queensland School Library Association we had students compete in a Writing Competition with the 2024 theme being “Our Heart, Our Stories”. Queensland school libraries positively influence the learning outcomes of students through teaching multiple literacies and encouraging a lifelong love of learning and reading. The library staff of TLC encourage all students to engage with reading and stories so that they will flourish through all their studies as they progress through from Primary to Secondary and onto life beyond school.

Students in Upper Primary and Secondary also participated in a “Blind Date with a Book”. Students selected a book wrapped in brown paper, read a short synopsis of what it was about, then they borrowed the book. Only after borrowing were students able to reveal what book was borrowed. This was very popular and students generally enjoyed reading something that they might otherwise not read.

Book Fair

In May we held our annual Scholastic Book Fair, where students came to browse the shelves and buy books for their home book collections. The excitement of students bringing families in to view the books was evident every day. It’s a great way for us to see the genres that students are interested in reading. This helps inform us on our collection development.

Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day –Where the Wild Things Are

Each year the Library takes the opportunity to share books with grandparents and special friends of our students. This year we had a

change to how this works and as our collection has been developed so well, we have moved to a new practice where students get to purchase books for their home library. This was well received and will continue for future Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Days.

Library Displays

Creating displays in libraries is similar to creating displays in shops. Our aim to entice readers to borrow books. Our library staff are very creative in creating physical and digital displays to promote different themes throughout the year.

Book Week – Reading is Magic and CBCA – Short listed books

The 2024 theme for Book Week was “Reading is Magic” and the shortlisted books were indeed magic. They transported the reader within the pages and captured the imagination of all who read them. Our Primary students shared the books in their library lessons, and they discerned which book should win each category. It was great to hear the comments of our students, including our Preppies, when they explained which book should win and why.

To celebrate, our Primary and Secondary students and staff were invited to dress up for our Book Week Character Parades. It was wonderful to see everyone getting into the spirit of stories and books and dressing up.

Author Presentations – RA Spratt

To encourage our students and engage with reading we place author visits into our calendar. This year we hosted RA Spratt, author of Nanny Piggins, Peski Kids, Friday Barnes Girl Detective and her short story collection – Good Stories. Year 3 to Year 6 plus our Year 8 students enjoyed this experience. Some children laughed so much, and they couldn’t believe that an author could be so funny. These books have been borrowed quite a lot since the author visit.

As well as all these events, the Library operates library lessons with all Primary classes on a weekly basis and Year 7 classes fortnightly. Research lessons with Secondary classes with Humanities, Sciences, Legal Studies, Business and Food and Nutrition have been undertaken as needed during the year. Guiding students to locate reliable, credible information for their research is another part of what we offer in our Library program at TLC.

Therese Stafford –Head of Library & Research

RA Spratt visit

Beyond

SPORT

2024 has been a transformative year for TLC Sport, marked by dynamic changes and innovative ideas. With a change in leadership, contributing fresh perspectives, the department is now under the leadership of Alex Butt. Alex is steering TLC Sport towards a future filled with exciting new programs, particularly in the rapidly growing field of eSports.

Chloe R, our dedicated Sport Captain, excelled in organising Interhouse activities, including Soccer, Dodge Ball, and Touch Football, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition. Meanwhile, our Prep to Year 6 students have been thriving in HPE, acquiring new skills and playing games that are easily transferable to various sports.

A highlight of the year was witnessing our youngest athletes dive into their Term 4 Swim Program in the brandnew Learn to Swim pool, a first on our campus. Additionally, the three major House Carnivals focused on participation and enjoyment, bringing the community together in celebration of sport.

Our Year 3 students have been actively participating in weekly sports afternoons, designed to prepare them for NISSA sport as they transition into Year 4. This initiative ensures they are well-equipped with the skills and confidence needed for future sporting endeavours.

As we reflect on this year, it’s clear that TLC Sport is not just about competition but also about fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and innovation in the years to come.

INTERHOUSE

The 2024 results from our Swimming Carnival are taken from the Swimming Carnival held in November 2023. This ensures our Seniors are able to participate and also allows the event

to be used as a selection process for students who will represent TLC at the Pine Rivers Districts trials in February the following year. We can't wait to celebrate the achievements in next year’s edition of Reflections as this will be the first time the new Grandstand and Learn to Swim pool will be used!

F Samuel B 17yrs Maia P

Fraser K

Records broken are published in the following years Carnival Program.

This year, the Run Club continued to be a cornerstone of our athletic preparation, setting the stage for the Cross Country Carnivals. As we look forward to 2025, the program will expand with a new after school Track and Field initiative aimed at gearing up our athletes for the Cross Country

and Athletics Carnivals. In the Year 3 - 6 Cross Country, Nyani House clinched a narrow victory by just 3 points, highlighting the critical role of participation in achieving success. The Year 7 - 12 Cross Country saw Kittabilla House triumph, with students showcasing remarkable enthusiasm and determination despite challenging weather conditions. Ultimately, Tabbil emerged as the overall winner across both carnivals, leading in both Primary and Secondary Cross Country House points. A special mention goes to William M, who represented the region at the State level for Cross Country.

12yrs & ODaham W Olivia M

12yrs & UKaden P

Bella H

13yrs Braxton R Chloe P

14yrs Mitchell M

15yrs Liam B

16yrs

William M

17yrs & OZachari O

Helena D

Summer A

Cynthia S

Rozelle D

Records broken are published in the following years Carnival Program.

Alex Butt – Director of Sport & Activities

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Kumburchu House claimed the Primary Athletics House Shield, while Nyani House triumphed in the Secondary division, ultimately securing the overall House Athletics Shield. Following these successful Athletics Carnivals, 114

athletes represented TLC at the Pine Rivers District Carnival and achieved an impressive second place overall at the District Carnival, potentially marking our highest finish ever at this level. A special shoutout to Aaliyah B for smashing a 38-year-old record in the 200m at the District Athletics trials!

15yrs

Records broken are published in the following years Carnival Program

Yr 3-6

Yr 3-6

Athletics Carnival

NISSA - Secondary Place Getters

Prep–Yr

The girls took out bronze at the Senior Schools Volleyball Cup

NISSA PRIMARY

Throughout 2024, our Year 4 to 6 students have been involved in NISSA Gala Days representing the sport of the season; TBall, Touch Football, Basketball, Soccer, AFL and Netball. The competition fosters community, good sportsmanship and skill in a round robin style competition. In July this year we saw the addition of Living Faith to our competing schools. Along with Gala Days, we have the opportunity to compete in the “Big Three” NISSA Carnivals of Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics. Next year we will be welcoming another school into our competition.

A highlight of our NISSA Primary was winning the NISSA Percentage Athletics trophy! This was a significant achievement for TLC and a testament to the exceptional quality of our young athletes. The percentage is calculated based on the number of competitors each school enters and their overall performance.

NISSA SECONDARY

In the spirit of fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship, NISSA Secondary organised a Gala Day for our Year 11 students from member schools. Following the successful formation of NISSA Secondary in 2023, where our Year 7-10 students engaged in thrilling fixture-based competitions, it was only fair that our Year 11s got to take part in the action again too! The Gala Day featured a lineup of Pickleball, Tennis, Touch Football and Beach Volleyball,

allowing our students to choose their preferred game.

The feedback from both staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive, especially noting the incredible sense of camaraderie. It's inspiring to see our young athletes embracing the benefits of friendly competition and enjoying every moment.

Special mentions go to:

• Yr 9 and 10 Boys Touch Rugby Team – Won the gold medal and remained undefeated for the entire competition!

• Yr 9 and 10 Girls Touch Rugby Team – Won bronze in a drop off/golden point (extra time)

• Yr 9 and 10 Volleyball Teams – Both Boys and Girls won silver

• Yr 9 and 10 Girls Netball – Won bronze

• Yr 7 and 8 Boys Touch – Won bronze

• Yr 7 and 8 Girls Netball – Won silver

• Yr 7 and 8 Boys and Girls – Won bronze.

CO-CURRICULAR SPORT

The co-curricular sports program is for students who would like to represent their school in competitions that run outside of the normal school hours. This is often in the Brisbane Outer Schools League more commonly known as BOSL.

BOSL: Futsal and Touch

Futsal Highlights - While our Secondary Futsal players competed in the Term 1 BOSL Futsal competition, our

Primary Futsal U12 Boys & Girls Teams competed in the Brisbane Metro School Futsal Titles at NISSAN Arena in February. Both Teams worked hard in the rounds with the U12 Boys Team progressing to Finals Day in March.

Touch Football Results

• Junior Boys: 3rd Place

• Intermediate Girls: 7th Place

• Intermediate Boys: 3rd Place

• Highlights & Key Moments: Junior Boys and Intermediate Boys highlight is winning the final game of the season to win a 3rd place plaque and Intermediate Girls beating a team with 8 reserves while they had no subs.

BOSL: Netball and Volleyball

Netball Results

•Juniors 1: 5th

•Juniors 2: 4th

•Inters: 7th

•Highlights & Key Moments: Amelia W (Yr 8) from Juniors 1 took out a spot in the team of the season.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR SPORT

At TLC, we are fortunate to offer an extensive extra-curricular program, featuring over 20 diverse activities each term. With around 200 students participating, our program includes exciting options such as Tennis, Basketball, Junior Yoga, Martial Arts, Football, Futsal, Netball, Cricket, AFL, Rugby Union, Code Camp, Tech Club, Chess, Lego, Robotics and the Culinary Club, which is led by celebrity chef Ben Milbourne. We are continually

Yr 7&8 Netball Team

seeking new and innovative activities to enhance our offerings and provide our students with enriching experiences.

INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVING IN SPORT

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding individual performance in School Sport during 2024. These students were selected to represent the Pine Rivers District, Met North Region and

Queensland Representative School Sport (QRSS) for their individual sport to progress and compete at a National School Sport Championship competition:

• Josh M (Swimming)

• Zoe W (Swimming)

• Jaxson R (Swimming)

• William M (Triathlon)

• Evan A (Football)

MANY THANKS

Sports Coaches 2024 – we were blessed with our 2024 sports coaches and assistants.

A special thank you is reserved for our Sport Administrator, Suzi Baker, whose steadfast support and contributions have been exceptional throughout the year.

Beyond

TLC PERFORMING ARTS Katrina Wellins – Director of Performing Arts

TLC Performing Arts has become a vibrant hub for artistic expression, offering a multitude of opportunities for students to explore Dance, Drama and Music.

MUSIC

2024 has been an incredible year for TLC Music Studio! Our students have shown remarkable dedication and talent, with soloists proudly representing TLC at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod. Throughout the year, 13 ensembles have rehearsed diligently, showcasing their hard work and passion for music in our May Showcase Concerts.

Our achievements at the Queensland Youth Music Awards (QYMA) have been particularly noteworthy. The Symphonic Winds received a prestigious Gold Award, the Primary Concert Band earned a Silver Award, the Primary Choir was honoured with a Gold Award, and the Secondary Vocal Ensemble achieved a Silver Award.

These accolades reflect the exceptional skill and commitment of our students and tutors.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to announce that we will be moving into our new Performing Arts Spaces underneath the Multi-Purpose Hall. This state-of-the-art facility will provide an inspiring environment for our students to continue their musical journey and reach new heights.

We are excited to have purchased a new set of Band instruments for our Year 4 Immersion students including our coloured “Brass” instruments in bright school colour which will provide an accessible and fun introduction to Band Brass instruments.

We are looking forward to adding Music Camp to our list of events in 2025 and a new Showcase Concert will be held in October at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, it will feature all of our Ensembles and Finalists of the TLC Music Showcase Heats that will run during Arts Festival 2025. It will be wonderful to have our students perform in this stunning theatre and we look forward to welcoming our families and TLC Community to celebrate with us.

2025 looks set to be busy, challenging and rewarding – we can’t wait to see what our talented student musicians can achieve!

DANCE

Reflecting on the past year at TLC Dance, it’s clear that dedication and passion have driven our success.

Our Primary Dance program has seen remarkable growth and development this year. The Junior Primary Kiah and Primary Kiah groups have expanded significantly, welcoming many enthusiastic young dancers. Their dedication and hard work have been evident in their increasing skill levels and confidence on stage.

Our Aspire Troupes have also grown, both in size and talent and in our Secondary Dance, our students have demonstrated grit, determination and resilience. Their commitment to refining their techniques and exploring new styles has been truly inspiring.

Welcoming 20 new Prep students to our dance family in Semester 2 is a testament to the growing interest and enthusiasm for dance at TLC. It’s always

exciting to see fresh faces and new talent joining us. These young dancers bring a lot of energy and potential, and it’s a joy to watch them begin their dance journey. Their presence adds a new dynamic to our classes and performances, and we look forward to seeing them grow and shine in the years to come.

The Eisteddfod season was equally impressive, with our dancers competing at the Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod, BPAC and Quota Beenleigh. These competitions highlighted our commitment to excellence and the incredible talent within our community.

Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod

Kiah Junior Jazz 2nd

Kiah Junior Lyrical 3rd

Kiah Primary Contemporary HC

Kiah Primary Lyrical HC

Kiah Primary Musical Theatre VHC

Kiah Primary Hip Hop VHC

Kiah Primary Jazz 5th

BPAC

Kiah Junior Jazz 3rd

Kiah Junior Lyrical HC

Kiah Junior Hip Hop HC

Kiah Primary Musical Theatre 1st

Kiah Primary Hip Hop 2nd

Kiah Primary Lyrical HC

Kiah Primary Jazz HC

Kiah PrimaryContemp HC

Quota

Kiah Junior Jazz 2nd

Kiah Junior Lyrical HC

Kiah Junior Hip Hop HC

Kiah Primary Jazz 3rd

Kiah Primary Musical Theatre 3rd

Kiah Primary Hip Hop 2nd

Our annual Dance Concert, “Reach for the Stars,” was a testament to the hard work of our students and tutors, showcasing 116 talented dancers who lit up the stage with their performances. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Dance Tutors- Miss Sonya Wyer, Miss Ashlee Smallfield and Miss Rebecca Willis- for their unwavering support and guidance. Special thanks to Miss Lee, whose curation of our year has been invaluable.

Here’s to celebrating our achievements and looking forward to even greater heights in the future!

STRIKE TLC THEATRE

4 Productions, 8 Festivals, 21 students and 36 Awards!

Strike TLC Theatre thrived in 2024, competing on the South East QLD Drama Festival circuit at 8 festivals, with 4 productions; Limits (C. Aleckson & O. Francis), Entitled (C. Aleckson, O. Francis, and T. McCoy), Unknown (C. Aleckson and O. Francis), and Pinky Promise (C. Aleckson, TashaD, and O. Francis).

Throughout 2024 the Strike team empowered, engaged and educated audiences with diverse production styles and techniques. Every student should be extremely proud of their performances on stage and dedication off stage. It has been an incredible year in Strike at The Lakes College.

• Best Youth Play (Limits) –Murrumba Festival

• Best Youth Play (Limits) – KSP Festival

• Best Short Play (Unknown) – Dalby Festival

• Best of Anything (Unknown) –Shorts on Stage

• Second Best Play (Pinky Promise) –Dalby Festival

• Second Best Youth Play (Pinky Promise) – Murrumba Festival

• Second Best Short Play (Unknown) –Nanango Festival

• Best Original Script (Limits)Murrumba Festival

• Premiers Cup (Aleckson & Francis)Murrumba Festival

• Best Director (Aleckson) – Dalby Festival

• Best Director (Aleckson) –Murrumba Festival

• Best 10 Minute Director (Aleckson, Francis & McCoy) – Ipswich Festival

• Best Director (Aleckson) – KSP Festival

• Most Promising Youth Actor (Tasha D)– Beenleigh Festival

• Best Youth Female Actor (Tasha D) –Murrumba Festival

• Best Male Actor (Zaid S) – Dalby Festival

• Best Female Actor (Tasha D) – Dalby Festival

• Best Youth Female Actor (Tasha D) –KSP Festival

• Best 10 Minute Male Actor (Zaid S) –Murrumba Festival

• Ralph Ashby Encouragement Award (Tasha D) – Murrumba Festival

• Best Supporting Male Actor (Zaid S) –Murrumba Festival

• Best Supporting Female Actor (Alyssa C) – KSP Festival

• Best Supporting Male Actor (Zaid S) –Nanango Festival

• Best Supporting Youth Male (Zaid S)– KSP Festival

• Best Supporting Female Actor (Cassie W) – Beenleigh Festival

• Best Supporting Male Actor (Zaid S) –Beenleigh Festival

• Best Supporting 10 Minute Actor (Tasha D) – Ipswich Festival

• Best Female Actor in a Minor Role (Alyssa C) – Ipswich Festival

• Ensemble Award (Pinky Promise) –Sunshine Coast Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Limits) –Beenleigh Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Pinky Promise) –Ipswich Festival

• Adjudicators Choice (Tasha D) –Murrumba Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Unknown) –Ipswich Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Entitled) –Ipswich Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Saamya B) –Sunshine Coast Festival

• Adjudicators Award (Kate T)Sunshine Coast Festival

Clara Aleckson – Strike Coordinator

VISUAL ARTS

The Primary School Art room has been vibrant this year, filled with creativity as students transformed ideas into art. Each lesson offered new exploration opportunities, culminating in the Imagination Art Exhibition - a celebration of their hard work and growth. Students immersed themselves in diverse art disciplines, inspired by First Nations and contemporary artists. They explored traditional arts, design, illustration, and animation, learning art’s role in connecting communities and expressing cultural values. Experimenting with sculptural, painting, drawing, printing, collage, and fibre techniques, students began to discover their own artistic voices, understanding that art is not just about technique, but also about expressing personal ideas.

Rebecca Ayache – Primary Art Teacher

In Secondary Visual Art, our students exhibited exceptional creativity and curiosity as they explored diverse forms of communication and expression, challenging their perspectives. Engaging in wide variety of learning experiences through incursions and excursions to assist in unlocking their full potential, students from Years 7, 9, 10, and 11 expanded their artistic knowledge while reflecting on their own and others’ works. Venturing

beyond their boundaries of their comfort zones, students crafted thought-provoking artworks on various concepts including environment, personal identity, and unlocking codes in art. The annual Art Exhibition was a stellar success, displaying the dedication and hard work put in by all visual arts students, and providing the perfect platform for these budding artists to connect with their audience.

Evan Kók – Secondary Art Teacher

TLC KOKODA CHALLENGE

2024, the 7th year that the Kokoda Challenge has been contested by students, staff, parents and carers of The Lakes College. And once again we had records tumble and firsts achieved.

2024 was:

• The first year that every student who started a Challenge, completed their Challenge

• The quickest ever finishing time with every team completing the Brisbane Challenge in under 14 hours

• The first year a team was entered in the Brisbane 30km Challenge

• The first year that students volunteered to be part of the Brisbane Support Crew

• The first TLCKT Open team consisting of a staff member and a parent, to enter a Challenge

• The first all-female student team to complete the Pinnacle Challenge

• The quickest finishing time for the Gold Coast 96km Challenge, cutting a massive 2 hours and 20 minutes off last years’ time.

BRISBANE CHALLENGE

On the first weekend in June, 22 students, 4 staff and 6 parents arrived in Brookfield ready to tackle either 30km or 48km. Our goal as always, was to finish as quickly as we could with as many people as possible. We sped through the course, whizzing in and out of the support crew check points, all the while navigating the changes to the course which sent teams into uncharted territory while getting soaked in the rain.

To our total surprise we achieved our very first year where every student crossed the finish line and in record time too!

The TLCKT Support Crew consisted of parents and past Kokoda students, each with a specific role to fulfill. And they were put to the test this year. Just as one team exited the checkpoint, the next one arrived. The support crew fed, watered, re-geared, photographed and cheered the 6 teams in and out of the check point in under 3 hours. At the same time they were showcasing their skills to other support crews and becoming Kokoda Challenge social media stars in their own right. Thank you SC!

PINNACLE CHALLENGE

What do you do when 48km starts to become easy? You decide to step it up!

The Sunshine Coast 30km and Brisbane 48km Challenges were just the warm up to the main event…..the Gold Coast 96km Challenge

Months of training, kilometres of trails hiked, multiple mountains climbed, and the team was as ready as we could be.

Saturday July 13th dawned clear and cool, perfect hiking conditions. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as we stood on the start line listening to The Last Post before we were released into the Hinterlands.

Five of the largest mountains in the Gold Coast and many smaller ones stood between us and the finish line, but we didn’t let that daunt us. Instead, we took it as the challenge it was designed to be, and powered up and over each one.

Check point after check point was reached as the hours wore on. We were supported by a crew of parents and partners who anticipated each and every request we could have when we saw them at four different check points.

Glorious sunrises, spectacular sunsets, bright twinkly stars, views for miles across the Gold Coast skyline, we saw

it all. But we couldn’t spend too long looking at them as we had a goal of crossing the finish line in 30 hours. Closer and closer we got and we started to get excited, really excited….. we were going to finish in under 30 hours!

And before we knew it the hours of walking came to an end with the TLC Warriors crossing the finish line in 28h 58m 59s!

5 Warriors lined up at the start line, 4 Warriors completed the journey. We walked a layer of skin off our feet but we didn’t let the tiredness, pain, discomfort or desire for sleep stop us……WE DID IT!

COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP, SACRIFICE, the 4 key pillars of the original Kokoda Military Campaign and now deeply ingrained in our live!

As always we couldn’t achieve greatness without the support of the wider TLC community. Thank you to our business sponsors for their constant support.

• AQUA PROPERTIES

• KALLANGUR CHIROPRACTIC

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Karen Ball – Kokoda Challenge Coordinator

TLC CULINARY CLUB

It was an exciting year of change and growth for our TLC Culinary Club with renowned MasterChef and restaurateur, Ben Milbourne, leading our students in their culinary journey throughout 2024. Under the guidance of Chef Ben, our students were able to take the control of their culinary interests, learning to create and cook dishes from cuisines and with ingredients that interested them each Thursday afternoon.

In Term 1, our Culinary Club kicked off the year serving the new and returning families at our Principal’s Welcome Event with great professionalism. Their first food service challenge was held in Term 2, as they woke up early and worked hard to bake over 400 fresh and perfectly presented scones with homemade strawberry jam and Chantilly cream for our grateful grandparents at the Prep – Year 6 Grandparents & Special Friends

Event. Our Culinary Club continued to finesse their skills in Term 3 and homed in on their biggest challenge of the year – the Degustation Dinner. The dinner this year focussed on the students working with fresh, local ingredients to present a menu of five courses that was reflective of a modern Australian farm to fork restaurant. Across two incredibly busy evenings, the Culinary Club served over 70 guests upwards of 350 meals, which was led and cooked by the students. From learning to create the perfect puree to compressing their own pork belly and filleting kingfish, our Culinary Club turned TLC into the fanciest degustation restaurant in North Lakes.

As our Culinary Club program continues to grow in numbers and in skills, they are excited for the future and next year, as they plan to take on even move service challenges, cooking competitions, and catering.

EVENTS

TOP LEFT: 2024 YEAR 6 LEADERS & YEAR 12

COMMISSIONING SERVICE – In a beautiful Commissioning Service led by Mrs Gregory and Rev Tim, we introduced our TLC community to our 2024 Primary School Captains, Primary Student Council Presidents, House Captains, Chapel Leaders, Music Leaders, Library Leaders and two new Year 6 Leadership positions introduced this year; Engagement Leaders and Dance Captains.

TOP RIGHT: SCHOLARS ASSEMBLY & 2023 PRIZE WINNERS – There was a buzz of excitement around the College as we were joined by the 2023 graduates who returned to TLC for the Scholars and Prize Winners Assembly. Academically, there was much to celebrate with 2% of our eligible 2023 graduates achieving an ATAR of 99 and above, an outstanding accomplishment placing them in the top 1% of the state. A whopping 19% achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, placing them in the top 5% of the state, and 54% of our students scored an ATAR of 90 and above, placing them in the top 10% of the state. In addition to the announcement of Academic Awards, Subject Prize Awards, and twelve Magna Cum Laude awards, we announced the 2023 VET Student of the Year, awarded to Byron Compton, the 2023 ATAR Dux, awarded to Ohanna Sequeira, and the 2023 College Dux, awarded to Regan Chern. Some of our high achieving 2023 TLC Alumni also shared valuable insights and advice for our Secondary School students across a panel hosted by Mr Stein, offering guidance on what to expect in Year 12. We were also quite fortunate to have, for the second year in a row, a TLC Alumni give the opening address. Before the awards, 2019 Alumni Opal Francis shared her story of discovering her passions and career path. Despite differing interests, she emphasised finding balance between what you enjoy, what you are good at, and how you can serve your community.

TOP LEFT: PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME EVENT

With Term 1 underway, it was fantastic to host a great number of new and returning parents and carers at our Principal’s Welcome Evening. Catching up over a glass of wine and canapes that were served by our TLC Culinary Club was an excellent way to kick off the year, allowing for new connections and friendships to build the foundation of our community that supports our students. The fairy lights sparkled as several of our budding musicians entertained us with guitar, orchestral and vocal performances all evening. Principal Nicole Gregory spoke of our theme ‘get curious’ and how we can all take the opportunity this year to challenge ourselves and learn something new, as we look forward and toasted to the year ahead. Of course, the night would not have been possible without the support of our TLC Community Association Executive Members who were the hard working team behind the bar all evening.

TOP RIGHT: OPEN MORNINGS

On the first Saturday of March, the College was visited by nearly 400 guests who were interested in belonging to our community. Across the morning, guests were able to get curious and discover the special points of difference TLC has to offer. Our student led tours around our Primary and Secondary campuses were filled with great insight and knowledge from those who know the school best. Our Head of Primary and Head of Secondary addressed and offered our families further information and guidance on what to expect in each stage of their child’s educational journey at TLC. Our staff opened their classrooms to our visitors engrossing them in what it means to belong, believe, and become part of The Lakes College through classroom activities, displayed resources and student work, dramatic and musical performances, interactive science experiments and technology projects, dance lessons, $20 Boss Business Stalls, and an array of art on display. Our freshly appointed Heads of House and House Captains also engaged our visitors with our new House focussed pastoral care system, running games and handing out lollies to our younger visitors. Chef Marjorie and her team also provided each guest with a personalised TLC ‘Smart Cookie’ that were the perfect treat to end an already sweet day. Thanks to the immense knowledge of our TLC students, and thoughtful time and words from our staff, our Open Morning was able to exhibit all the strengths and reasons we are proud to be TLC.

Our TLCCA

Park immediately followed the excitement of our Open Morning, bringing together our current and potential TLC families on the Lower Oval. The sun shone brightly on an afternoon filled with fun as the kids enjoyed slip ‘n’ slides and obstacles courses and parents and carers got involved in sport and games. Of course, no one went home hungry thanks to all the sweet slushies which were a cool relief on such a warm day, and the sausage sizzle manned by TLCCA who worked hard to host what was once again, another successful event.

ABOVE: TLCCA PICNIC IN THE PARK

Picnic In The

EVENTS

TOP LEFT: PREP FAMILY PICNIC

We had a tremendous turn out to the Prep Family Picnic this year, with so many of our new families connecting with each other and kickstarting friendships that have continued to grow throughout the year. Our Prep students and their siblings were thrilled to finally be out and about on the Primary Green enjoying the coveted flying fox, sandpit, and of course jumping castle. Our Prep parents and carers were able to kick back and enjoy a drink, as our Year 12 students volunteered to host games, activities and face painting for our Preppies, allowing time for meaningful connections for both students, staff and our current and new families. Of course, a big thank you to our Primary Leadership Team and Prep Staff for cooking the sausage sizzle dinner and serving up refreshments all night long.

TOP RIGHT: ANZAC REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

As the College Community gathered to remember and honour the sacrifice the Indigenous and non-indigenous Australian men and women made during times of war, we were reminded of how privileged we are here in Australia, and our community. As a first for the College, our Commemorative Address was given by a TLC graduate, 2019 Alumni Private Kayleigh Williams. It was an honour to have Private Williams join us and be able to connect the importance of the story of the ANZAC’s to something our students can relate to on a more personal level. Cadet and Year 12 student, Adddison J, proudly commanded the Flag Party for the second year in a row. With respect and reflection, Primary Classes and House Captains laid wreaths, our Primary Choir and Secondary Vocal Ensemble performed a moving rendition of ‘Always Remember’, and Isabelle L bravely and successfully sounded The Last Post Bugle Call. The event was most definitely filled with respect and honour for the memory of all the Australian, New Zealander, and allied soldiers who laid down their lives to defend our country.

TOP LEFT: TLCCA MOTHERS’ DAY STALL

Our TLCCA volunteers once again worked tirelessly organising, wrapping, decorating and hosting their annual Mother’s Day Stall for our Primary students to attend and purchase gifts for their loved ones. The students entered the stall with great curiosity, taking their time to make some very important decisions that hopefully made a lot of TLC mums and mother figures feel very special on Mother’s Day. Thank you again to all our hardworking volunteers for giving our students these memorable moments outside of the classroom and to Chef Marjorie who provided support with the ordering process through Spriggy.

TOP RIGHT: TLCCA SECONDARY MOTHERS’ DAY

EVENING

TLCCA invited our Secondary mothers’ and carers of TLC to wear a touch of yellow and join them for an evening of pampering to celebrate Mothers’ Day. The Secondary Mothers’ Day Evening, which doubled again as a World’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser, saw our guests inundated with homemade canapes from the TLC Culinary Club, free flowing wine, and the opportunity to make their own pair of resin earring to take home. There was also a huge array of generous Raffle Prizes that were organised by TLCCA President Kristina Petho and donated by many members of the TLC and wider community. Special thanks goes out to Ben Milbourne for organising the grand prize of a Kitchenaid for the event. We are so fortunate that our TLCCA continue to organise such thoughtful and memorable events for our College community.

TOP LEFT: PREP – YEAR 6 MOTHERS’ DAY BREAKFAST

There was nearly as many pastries as there were polaroids and smiles at our Prep- Year 6 Mothers’ Day Breakfast. It was truly beautiful to have so many mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, mother figures and carers join us on the Primary Green with their picnic blankets and students to enjoy a morning of indulging in sweet breakfast treats, live music provided by our Primary and Secondary students and AV Tech Team, photos and happy memories with the flower wall, and of course classroom visits and activities that were the highlight of the morning to all who visited. Thank you to all the families who purchased a breakfast on Mothers’ Day, through your support of this event we were able to donate $227 to the educational charity Harvest Cambodia.

TOP RIGHT: UNDER 8’S DAY

The sound of laughter and inquisitive questions filled the air as our Littlest Lakes Learners, including our incoming Prep 2025 students and their siblings got curious at our Under 8’s Day. Our students connected to culture through play as they explored stalls, activities and booths manned and supported by our Prep- Year 2 teachers, Library staff, Language teachers, Secondary students, TLCCA, parents and carers, and local community groups. We were lucky to have Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Police Service, and Ambulance Service join us, allowing our students to learn about how these people keep our community safe. The Men’s Shed of Sandgate had our students getting ‘hands on’ with wood projects that were a huge hit. Matt Fiddes Martial Arts, Don’t Stop The Party Jumping Castles, Brisbane Bullets and DJ Aleks all ensured that our students kept moving all morning long and Urban Reptiles were inundated with questions about their slithery and scaly friends. The most exciting part of the day was decorating the donated picnic tables thanks to TLCCA and the Men’s Shed of Redcliffe, with brightly coloured handprints that meant everyone, even Mrs Gregory, got messy on this fun filled morning. TLC are very blessed to be surrounded by such a generous community who continue to support our students and our events.

TOP LEFT: PREP – YEAR 6 GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY

Visitors from all around Brisbane, Australia, and the world came flooding through the Primary Gates to visit some very lucky students on the last day of Term 2. Our Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day had our special visitors back in the classroom with our students who proudly shared and showcased their learning space and favourite activities with their loved ones. They gave them a tour of what a normal morning at TLC looks like, with some fantastic activities thanks to our Primary Classroom teachers. As always, we finished off what was already an A+ morning with a homemade morning tea treat for our special visitors thanks to our Culinary Club who baked their own scones and even made their own jam from scratch! What a way to finish up the semester in Primary.

TOP RIGHT: SEMESTER 1 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Our Semester 1 Academic Awards Assemblies were all about acknowledging our Lakes Learners commitment to education and their hard work throughout the first semester. Our College Captains, Katelyn and Isaac, addressed our Year 4-6 Assembly, speaking to our Primary students about their favourite story book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. At our Year 7-12 Assembly, our Deputy Head of Secondary, Mrs Skye Wallden, spoke of the importance of study, but also the importance of supporting each other and having ‘someone in your corner’. Students in each House were honoured and presented their Academic Awards based on their high achievements throughout the assembly and both Ilay K in Year 12 and Helene T in Year 9 reflected and shared their learning journeys with the Secondary School. Both of our Academic Awards Ceremonies were a true reminder of the knowledge, curiosity, connection and character of the young people we are forming here at TLC.

TOP LEFT: HOUSE HEROICS DAY

Our four Houses battled it out to raise funds for the charity Harvest Cambodia twice this year, each selling food and snacks at lunch time to our Secondary and Primary students. Both of these events were well supported, and we are very thankful to Deputy Principal Mrs Doré, our four Heads of House, and our House Captains for all the work they put into this event.

TOP RIGHT: FOUNDATION DAY

This year was a big birthday celebration for TLC as we celebrated turning 20 on our Foundation Day! At the start of the day, our entire community of 1,146 students, staff and families gathered together to reflect on how far we have come in 20 years. Mrs Gregory addressed our Foundation Day Assembly discussing growth, contemplating on what the hopes and challenges her predecessors and the Uniting Church would have had to consider when growing TLC. This was aptly followed by the acknowledgement of current staff members Mr Clohesy, Dr Godbold, Mrs Scotland and Ms Lamb who have worked for and served this community for over 10 years, as well as Mrs Williamson and Mrs Cacciola who have worked for and served this community for over 15 years. Mrs Williamson then reflected on her time at TLC and all that she has seen and experienced from her many roles and positions here at the College. The combined choir serenaded us with their performance of ‘Viva La Vida’ which was followed by the announcement of the most prestigious awards at TLC, our Foundation Awards. The four recipients of the Foundation Award, Ava A and Arjaan K in Year 6, and Olivia V in Year 11, and Ilay K in Year 12, were voted on by the staff of TLC as students who exemplified the values and ethos of TLC, and their names will hang on the wall of TLC for perpetuity. We also announced our inaugural Alumni of the Year Award, which was presented to 2013 graduate Emma Howitt. At the conclusion of the Foundation Day Assembly, our awardees and guests enjoyed morning tea with the Senior Executive and our Secondary School did a quick change to prepare for the House Showcase. It was another stunning year of dancing, singing, acting, and flips as our four Houses battled it out for the coveted House Showcase Cup. The energy and enthusiasm of both our performers and audience was palpable, with our judges having to make the difficult decision to award Tabbil House with first place for the second year in a row. Finally, some of our Prep to Year 12 students then took to the Lakes Lap relay race, as the entire College cheered them on, with Kittabilla coming first place in a very tight race. As is tradition, we finished off the day with the most fitting thing you can have on a birthday – cupcakes!

ABOVE: ALUMNI V STAFF FOOTBALL GAME & ALUMNI REUNION

Eighteen of our TLC Staff members rose to the occasion in the battle against our Alumni as they competed in our annual Alumni vs Staff Football Game on Foundation Day. Following our yearly tradition, Alumni from across the years returned to TLC and took to the field with our staff for a friendly, yet fierce game. It was a thrilling match from start to finish, with full time resulting in a two all draw that led us to an intense penalty shootout. Despite the valiant efforts of both teams, the Alumni team once again came out victorious after over 14 penalty shots. We continued the festivities and celebrated all our TLC Alumni at The Fugitive Ferret Bar & Bistro where we caught up with old classmates over good food, good drinks and in good company. Thank you to the Aitken family for their ongoing support of our Alumni events, helping foster an ongoing relationship between TLC and its Alumni, and for continuing to be a part of our TLC community.

EVENTS

TOP LEFT: 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Our 20 Year Anniversary Dinner wasn’t just a celebration, it was a milestone of memories, achievements, community spirit and some unforgettable dance moves that were backed by tunes from 7 Day Weekends. A big thank you to all who joined us at Norths Leagues & Services Club for the event. Your enthusiasm turned a great night into an unforgettable one as we reminisced on 20 exciting and eventful years of TLC and the people who built and have contributed to making it what you see today. With the theme of growth, the room and atmosphere were purposely adorned with stunning fig trees, their majestic canopy symbolising how much we have thrived as a community over the past 20 years.

TOP RIGHT: TLCCA FATHER’S DAY STALL

It was another busy day in Primary as our Prep to Year 6 students stormed the Learning Lounge eager to pick out the perfect gift for their dad, grandfather, carer or special friend. Once again, our TLCCA assembled a fabulous stall stocked with the best gifts for dad that they had spent a great amount of time purchasing, organising, wrapping and setting up. Thank you once again to all the dedicated parents and carers who continue to support events, Chef Marjorie in the Café who organised the online ordering and our TLCCA for running these experiences for our students.

TOP LEFT: PREP - YEAR 6 FATHERS’ DAY BREAKFAST

The Lower Oval was a flurry of sport and activities as the dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, father figures and special friends joined us for an early morning breakfast to celebrate Fathers’ Day. It was the perfect sunny morning that was soundtracked by TLC’s favourite father and son musical duo, Year 11 student Levi and his father Ian Kikkert, filled with lots of fun moments, special memories, and lots to eat! Once our families finished breakfast, they got to work playing and competing in the numerous activities including inflatable football, cricket, martial arts, basketball, tug-o-war, AFL, and more thanks to Brisbane Active Football, AFL Queensland, Matt Fides Martial Arts and our Year 11 student volunteers. Our special visitors then headed off to the Primary classrooms where they were put to work reading, colouring, orienteering and answering quiz questions in the space their children spend their time every day. Thanks to the support of all the families who purchased a breakfast for this event, we were able to raise $215 for charity Harvest Cambodia.

TOP RIGHT:

FUTURE READY EXPO

Our entire Secondary School and their parents and carers were invited to join us at the Future Ready Expo to give them the opportunity to look further into the subjects and tertiary education opportunities that lie ahead for them. There were information sessions, a variety of stalls from local universities, TAFEs, and other institutions that offered insight into the many career options our Lakes Learners can choose from after they graduate. Of course our knowledgeable staff were also on hand to guide and inform our students on the necessary skills and subject needed so they can feel empowered to make informed and important decisions as they move through their schooling journey. The evening was a tremendous success thanks to many of our Secondary staff members whose hard work allowed our Lakes Learners to finish Term 3 feeling confident with the opportunities that await them once they graduate. A big shout out to Miss Aleckson, Mr Ridout and Mrs Woodward for organising the Expo.

TOP LEFT: TLCCC DEGUSTATION DINNER

Under the guidance of TLC’s very own Masterchef, Ben Milbourne, our TLC Culinary Club dazzled and delighted over 80 guests across two evenings with a five-course meal of perfectly executed farm to plate meals. Though it was many of our students first experience with cooking and serving food for such a large number of guests, the Culinary Club worked together efficiently and effectively to give all their diners a meal and night they will never forget. Thank you to Mrs Clement and Mrs Paolo for your support of this event and of course our Culinary Club.

TOP RIGHT: MULTICULTURAL

EXPO

Singing, dancing, traditional games, face paint, Henna, cultural treats and unique experiences was an exceptional way for our Primary School to finish what was an incredibly busy Term 3. Our Multicultural Expo saw our diverse community come together to showcase and teach our students about the different cultures that make up TLC. As our students donned their traditional outfits, clothing and colours that represented the culture they are from, many parents, carers, families, staff and Secondary students hosted interactive stalls that had our Primary students getting curious and taking a trip around the world, right on the Primary Green. We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of this event from our hardworking volunteers who without, we would not be able to host such a tremendous event.

TOP LEFT: 2025LEADERS’ COMMISSIONING SERVICE

Term 4 not only started the final learning journey of our students for 2024, but began the leadership journey of our 2025 College Leaders. Our Commissioning Service saw our newly elected College Captains, Vice Captains, Captains of Portfolio and House Captains commissioned into their new roles by Principal Gregory, blessed by Rev Tim and their loved ones, and affirmed by the entire College Community that they will be supported in the coming year in these roles. As our 2024 College Captains stepped down from their roles, our new leaders took the reigns excited for the term and year that is to follow.

TOP RIGHT: HOUSE CUP ASSEMBLY

Despite only being sworn into their roles that morning, our newly elected 2025 College Leaders stepped up to the challenge of hosting the anticipated House Cup Assembly. Our new House Captains took the time to thank and acknowledge the hard work of our 2024 House Captains, Captain of Sport, and Heads of House. We announced the four students who received the House Spirit Award that were voted on by each Secondary House as exemplifying spirit, leadership and support consistently throughout the year. Congratulations to our House Spirit Awardees Tayla A, Alyssa C, Ellie S, and Olivia V and thank you to our TLCCA who sponsored and presented this special award. Sport Captain Chloe R opened the ceremony with a recap on all the highlights and important events throughout the year that were included in the total House Points Tally, that resulted in the House Cup Winner being… Tabbil!

ABOVE & BELOW: IMAGINATION ART EXHIBITION

Art of every style, medium, and era was on display at our Imagination Art Exhibition that put our Prep to Year 12 visual art students’ work on display for the community, the general public, and all our visitors at our Twilight Open. The event was incredibly inspiring and challenged all our visitors to get curious, learn something new, and appreciate the many efforts of our Lakes Learner Picassos.

Kathleen Agustin-Cooper Harry Ahrens Clara Aleckson Vicki Aujla

Rebecca Ayache Suzi Baker

Karen Ball

Felicia Bendixen Steve Bennett Renay Betts Amanda Boucaut Ally Brown Courtney Brown Kerry Browne

Alex Butt Kristy Cacciola Courtney Casella Chandelle Clarke Janice C Aaron Clohesy Lyn Coates

Suzanne Coffey Nick Collins Mitch Cooper Pat Corbin

Hellen Crane Tracy Cronje

Lachlan Crooke

Liam Curtis Teagan Dare Anna Doré Greg Doyle Matt Dyble Geoff Elliott Kayla Fabila

Tayla Farley-Cook Taylor Ferguson Marnie Fiedler Luke Fitzgerald

Anne Marie Fitzsimons Rob Flynn Laura Fong

Nicole Foster Selena Freshwater Sophie Gedda Tanya Georgaros Lauren Germanotta Nattalia Godbold Eimear Greaney

Nicole Gregory David Guerrini Sarah Ha Kate Hands Gill Harris-Jones William Hickson Taryn Hirst

Sienna Hoggard Katrina Holmes Susan Hope Justine Horton Tracy Huang Tracy Inglis Bree Ingram

Rachel Johns Kristel Johns Wendy Johnston Sunell Jones

Tersia Joubert Julie Kleinschmidt

Lorrainne Kleinschmidt

Evan Kok Jan Lamb

Kristy Lane Virginie Levier

Joanne Lovell

Susannah Lowe Lani Malherbie

Lee Maller Emily Malone Felicia Marhofer Ella Martin David Maskell Kim Masson Sue Mayo

Hayley McFee Tim McMenamin Kristy McNally Rachael Miller Richard Mollee Jaylene Moore Josiah Navarro

Kerri Nelson Teagan O'Gorman

Vicki Paolo Bill Park

Louise Parker Simon Patmore Range Pickering

Melanie Piek Madonna Potter Storm Randall Daniel Ridout

Rebekah Robinson Edward Ryan Corlea Saayman

Karen Scotland Zozia Sen David Sgualdino Jack Shortus

Rachel Siegfried Mel Smith Stacey Smith

Shannon Snow Mackenzie Speechley Therese Stafford Luke Stanley Mathew Stein Philip Tallents Katerina Tilley

Marjorie Tocknell Tessa Trudgen Elise Victor Jacqueline Villafrade Brooke Vucetic Brendon Waite Adam Walker

Suzanne Walker Skye Wallden Anna Warakaulle Tiarna Waters Katrina Wellins Sharron Whittaker Garry Williams

Tracey Williamson Lisa Woodward Tyrone Zgrajewski

LEADERS

COLLEGE CAPTAINS & VICE CAPTAINS

PRIMARY SCHOOL CAPTAINS & STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENTS

HOUSE CAPTAINS (PRIMARY & SECONDARY)

MISSION & SERVICE LEADERS

PRIMARY CHAPEL LEADERS

PRIMARY DANCE CAPTAINS

PRIMARY ENGAGEMENT LEADERS

PRIMARY LIBRARY LEADERS

PRIMARY MUSIC LEADERS

ATHLETICS SQUAD – PRIMARY & SECONDARY

BASKETBALL SQUAD – PRIMARY SCHOOL

BASKETBALL SQUAD – SECONDARY SCHOOL

CROSS COUNTRY SQUAD – PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

e SPORTS TEAM 1 & 2

FOOTBALL SQUAD – SECONDARY

FUTSAL SQUAD – PRIMARY & SECONDARY

NETBALL SQUAD - SECONDARY SCHOOL

NISSA ATHLETICS SQUAD - PRIMARY SCHOOL

NISSA CROSS COUNTRY SQUAD - PRIMARY & SECONDARY

REP | DISTRICTS REPRESENTATIVES

REP | REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

REP | STATE & NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES (NON SCHOOL SPORT)

REP | STATE & NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORT

SWIMMING SQUAD – PRIMARY & SECONDARY

TOUCH FOOTBALL SQUAD – PRIMARY & SECONDARY

VOLLEYBALL SQUAD – OPEN BOYS

VOLLEYBALL SQUAD – OPEN GIRLS

CONCERT BAND

GUITAR ORCHESTRA

INTERMEDIATE STRINGS ENSEMBLE

JUNIOR SINGERS

PRIMARY CHOIR

SECONDARY ROCK BAND 1

SECONDARY ROCK BAND 2

SECONDARY VOCAL

SINGING CLUB

SYMPHONIC WINDS

IGNITE DRAMA TEAM

STRIKE THEATRE

ASPIRE DANCE TROUPE

BOYS HIP HOP CREW

ROBOTICS TEAM 1 & 2

KOKODA

TLC CHESS REPRESENTATIVES

TLC CULINARY CLUB

TLC MOOTING TEAM

TOURNAMENT OF MINDS

TLC SPONSORSHIP

We pride ourselves on the longstanding, mutually beneficial partnerships we have developed with our broader community through this program. The generous support of sponsors help our young people to achieve their dreams, fulfill their passions, reach their potential and in some cases, make an impact to the lives of others. In return, sponsors gain exposure to the broader community of The Lakes College. Scan the QR Code to find out more.

AUTOGRAPHS & MESSAGES