On Friday, May 24, a spirited group of students from Lilydale District School took part in the thrilling annual Inter-High Cross Country, hosted this year by Kings Meadows High School. Our students displayed exemplary behaviour, pushed their physical limits, and showed unwavering support and pride for their peers throughout the event.

A hearty congratulations to our outstanding top 10 finishers:

• Callum (Year 7): Achieved an impressive 2nd place overall and clinched 1st place in Division 2.
• Thea (Year 8): Secured a commendable 3rd place in Division 2.

Well done to all participants for their dedication and sportsmanship!

1-2B Open Afternoon Lantern-Making for the Lilydale Lantern Walk

On Wednesday, 5 June, 1-2B participated in the Open Afternoon, where we made lanterns for the Lilydale Lantern Walk Community event this Friday, 21 June. Celebrating the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth's tilt is at its maximum angle away from the Sun, causing the Sun to appear at its lowest point in the sky at noon.

Many adults joined us to help create beautiful and unique lanterns. We used recycled milk bottles, glass jars, plastic jars, cellophane, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, wire, and battery-operated candles to make our lanterns. They all look incredible!

We would like to extend a massive thank you to the adults who attended. We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to another Open Afternoon in the future. We can’t wait to see everyone at the Lantern Walk this Friday with their incredible lanterns!

It is my privilege to write a principal’s report for Lilydale District School. 

During my short time at Lilydale, I have been able to visit most classrooms where I have seen both quality teaching and learning happening. I have been a principal for over 15 years across both the primary school and high school sectors and it was great to see teachers work together in collaborative teams on Moderation Day, to ensure consistency of assessment and practice and to also explore ways of supporting all students, those who are struggling as well as extending other students who have capably finished their work. 

This is a busy time at LDS. Year 10’s are being supported to consider what the next stage of their schooling might be and transition plans and College visits are being planned. There is also planning underway for a Parent Information Session on Tuesday, 2 July. Teachers are busy writing reports and finalising assessments. Our year 3’s 4’s and 5’s are involved in the Learn to Swim program.  I also enjoyed presenting certificates to the senior school Lilydale Legends at their assembly on Friday and I congratulate all these students on their achievements.

Phone use in schools

One thing I have noticed is the number of students on mobile phones. Back in 2020, the Tasmanian Government passed a law banning mobile phones in all schools, state and private, in Tasmania. It is important to remember that our focus is on teaching and learning. While we understand that mobile phones are an important part of life in today’s world, we need to make sure that their use enhances not distracts students from learning.

In the last week we have had incidents of students ringing home when they encountered a problem at school. Encouraging students to talk to teachers should they encounter any problems at school helps build students strategies and increases your child’s resilience. Resilience is the ability to solve their own problems and ‘bounce back’ after a problem. It is hard to watch our children struggle with a problem and we want to protect them, however when parents fight their child’s battles for them it takes away an important learning opportunity. When this happens our young people do not experience the success and self confidence that comes from working through a problem themselves, such as a falling out with friends. Research shows clearly that students who learn how to solve their own problems will grow into happier and more confident young people. It is helpful for parents to contact school and alert us to concerns and we strongly encourage this communication between home and school so we are aware and can support all our students when struggles occur.

When parents and teachers work together, we are much more likely to be successful, so I thank each of you for your support.

Louise Fisher
Acting Principal

Do you have a Year 8 child that already has a career they are interested in? Do you have a Year 9 child that wants a career in construction? Do you have a Year 10 child that isn’t sure what they want to do next year? Or are you simply a bit confused about what happens with schooling after year 10?

On Tuesday July 2 we are holding a Future Ready Parent Information session at 4:30 in the 9/10 classrooms. Information and resources will be provided on the options students have after Year 10.

We will have guest presenters from Newstead College, Launceston College, TasTafe, Australian School-based Apprenticeships, Tasmania Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme, University of Tasmania and local job agencies. During the evening each organisation will be able to give a short presentation then there will be a panel to answer any questions with time at the end to ask any questions individually while having light refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you there to find out more about your child’s future.

High School – Student of the Week

Every week all staff, Student Leaders and the wider community have the opportunity to nominate a high school student as a ‘Lilydale Legend’. These nominations acknowledge when another person has noticed the student demonstrating our school values of being safe, respectful and learning. If a student is nominated by multiple people their name will appear twice. Lilydale Legends for the week will get recognised in our high school assembly and receive a certificate. Congratulations to the Lilydale Legends for week 6 and 7.

Week 6 

Week 7

Please note, from the start of this year (2024) we have had to change the phone number used to advising of student absences.

Stop Press notices were sent out with every child in the school, but it would appear some families may not have received them.

Our new number to send through your SMS to the school office for absences only is: 0426 309 593.

Our School Association usually meets on the second Monday of each month in the Kinder space. Our next meeting will be on Monday, 5 August at 7:00pm. We would love to see more people at the meetings and invite you to attend.

If you need to get in contact with members of the School Association, please contact the school office on 6395 0100. Thank you.