We have had a brilliant start to 2024 in Prep.
The Preps have been exploring the numbers 0-10, how to recognise groups of objects without counting them through dot games like memory, and beginning to look at how numbers are made up of other smaller numbers, like how five can be made up of 3 and 2, or 1 and 4. The Preps are doing an amazing job with our literacy program, already beginning to read words like sat, pad, pin, fit and nap.

In Science, we have been exploring the different parts of plants and how we can group leaves, seeds, flowers and seedpods based on their features. In HASS, we are exploring celebrations and why they are important to us, and our family – what a family is, why we have one and how families can come in all shapes and sizes! The Preps have had a fantastic Term 1, and I look forward to sharing our learning as the year continues.

On Monday, we were incredibly lucky to have a visit from Scott Roth, coach of NBL Champions, the Jack Jumpers. Scott spoke to the students about the importance of finding your passion, supporting your teammates and being ‘humble and hungry’ in character. He told anecdotal stories about resilience and hard work from his childhood and answered many questions from the students about leadership, his career and what makes the Jack Jumpers so successful. Scott also acknowledged that the first Jack Jumpers recruit, Sejr Deans, is also the son of Lilydale teacher, Ms Deans. A huge thank you to Scott, for taking the time to visit Lilydale.

Student Leaders

On Tuesday we held our Leadership Induction Assembly where our Junior and Senior Leaders were congratulated for aspiring to influence those around them,  for strive to be the kind of leaders who uplift, empower, and inspire those around them. Lead with compassion, courage, and conviction, knowing that together, you can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As part of our monitoring student achievement in Reading at Lilydale we use Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and the Progressive Achievement Test Reading (PATR) testing. Our Year 1 students are currently completing the PATR testing.  This information will be analysed by teaching teams and used to inform teaching practices to ensure all students are achieving growth. One of our 2024 School Improvement Plan targets is to ensure ‘….schoolwide PATR medium to high growth will be at or above 85%...’ Knowing where our students are at in their learning journey and planning robust learning experiences is underpinned by regular monitoring and assessing of children’s learning.

Lisa Bailey
Acting Principal

We are pleased to report that 3/4B have had a fantastic Term 1. They have meshed very well as a team and this means that we can have amazing discussions on any range of topics we are learning about. Some of the images show their time working on class challenges, discussing the difference between rules and laws and enjoying art activities.

3-4B Design challenges and craft activities

Dear Families,

We just wanted to make you aware, that Mrs Janina Gilmartin will be taking long service leave for Term 2 and Mrs Julie Breadmore will be teaching the class on a Monday and Tuesday, until her return in Term 3.

Mrs Michelle Anthony and Mrs Janina Gilmartin will be meeting with Mrs Julie Breadmore to ensure a smooth transition for the beginning of Term 2.

Library staff have been busy purchasing new graphic novels! Here are some of the various titles which will be available in Term 2. Don't forget to come in and choose your favourite.

1-2A have been learning about why the Lilydale Cenotaph is special. Today we visited to find out about the black poles and to help clean the Cenotaph up ready for ANZAC Day. We raised the flag to half mast and put some poppies up to show our respect for the fallen soldiers. A huge thank you to Grant Murray from the RSL for teaching us about the Cenotaph and for providing us with tools and poppies. 

We had fun!

It is important to have breakfast and at Lilydale we are lucky enough to have toast on offer through our Breakfast Club every day in the kitchen and Milo Mornings (for Prep and Years 1&2 only) available at the online access centre on Monday and Thursday mornings. Thanks to the amazing staff and volunteers that make this happen for our students.

Breakfast Club & Milo Mornings

Breakfast Club & Milo Mornings 192.82 KB

In Term 2, our school will be offering Secondary students the opportunity to participate in the Seasons for Growth Program. This is an education program that uses the imagery of the seasons to describe and understand the experience of change, loss and grief. Small groups of 4-6 students meet once per week in a supportive environment facilitated by trained ‘companions’. Two staff members, Isabel Garrett (Student Support and Wellbeing) and Jess Wilson (Teacher Assistant), have recently undertaken training in the program and will be speaking to our Secondary students about the program. Students will be able to self-nominate and we also welcome parents to nominate their child. If you would like your child to take part in the program, please contact the school and ask to speak to Isabel Garrett.

The School Association's AGM is on Monday, 6 May at 7.00pm in the Kindergarten building. All parents and guardians of students at Lilydale District School are automatically members of the School Association and therefore, are welcome to apply to join the committee.

Nominations to join the committee are currently open, closing 3.00pm, 4 April 2024. Nomination forms are available from the school office. The committee meets approximately 2 times per school term on the first or second Monday of the month. All members of the School Association are welcome to attend meetings, it is a great way to find out what is happening in the school. 

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