Dear Parents and Carers,

Our School Improvement Plan at Lilydale District School

At Lilydale District School, we believe that growth is a journey — for our students, our staff, and our entire school community. One important tool that helps guide this growth is our School Improvement Plan (SIP).

A School Improvement Plan is like a roadmap. It identifies where we are now as a school, where we want to go, and the specific steps we will take to get there. Every school creates a SIP each year, based on data and feedback from students, staff, and families. The main goal of a SIP is to make sure we are always getting better at supporting student learning, well-being, and success.

Creating a SIP is a team effort. At Lilydale, we review school data such as student achievement, attendance, and engagement surveys. From there, we set clear goals based on what our students need most and plan specific actions to reach those goals, whether that means using new teaching strategies, supporting mental health, or building leadership skills. We also check in regularly to make sure our actions are having the right impact. Families have an important voice in this process too. Your feedback through surveys, School Council meetings, and day-to-day conversations helps shape our priorities.

When schools have a clear and focused plan, students succeed. The School Improvement Plan ensures that teaching is consistent and high-quality across classrooms, that students who need extra help or enrichment are supported, and that we continue to build a safe, welcoming school environment. It also strengthens the important partnership between school and home. When you know about our goals and plans, you can better support your child’s learning and feel confident that your child is part of a school committed to continuous improvement.

We warmly invite you to stay connected to the School Improvement Plan by attending School Council meetings, sharing your ideas through parent surveys, talking to your child’s teacher or school leaders, and volunteering when you can. Your involvement makes a real difference.

If you have any questions or ideas, or would like a copy of our School Improvement Plan, please reach out. We are excited to work together to make Lilydale the best it can be.

Celebrating the Special Women in Our Lives – Mother's Day at Lilydale

At Lilydale District School, we believe in celebrating the important people who support, guide, and inspire our students every day. That’s why we are excited to invite all mothers, grandmothers, and special women in our students’ lives to join us for our Mother’s Day Activity Day!

This special event is all about creating memories together. We know that life can be busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to simply slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Mother’s Day Activity Day is a chance for our students to share what they love about their mums and carers through laughter, creativity, and connection.

In the morning and afternoon, there will be a range of activities for you and your child to enjoy side-by-side. From craft projects to games, stories, and craft every activity is designed to bring smiles, celebrate relationships, and show appreciation for all the incredible things that mothers and caregivers do. It’s not about being fancy or formal — it’s about being together and making meaningful memories.

We know that every family is unique, and we welcome all special women who play a loving role in our students’ lives. Whether you're a mum, step-mum, grandma, aunt, sister, or family friend, you are warmly invited. Your presence will mean the world to your child.

At Lilydale, our school motto reminds us that “We Are Our Best when we are Safe, Respectful, and Learning.” Events like Mother’s Day Activity Day strengthen our school community and remind our students how much they are supported at home and at school.

We can't wait to see you there! Please keep an eye out for more information coming home soon, including activity times. Let's come together to celebrate the wonderful women who help make our Lilydale community so special.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Honouring Our Heroes – Lilydale Students at the ANZAC Day Service

We are so proud to share that students from Lilydale District School represented our school community at the recent ANZAC Day service in Lilydale. It was a moving and respectful occasion where we came together to honour the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of Australian and New Zealand service members, past and present.

A group of our students had the special honour of speaking at the service. They shared reflections on the meaning of ANZAC Day and what it means to them and their families.  Their speeches showed deep respect, maturity, and a strong sense of gratitude for those who have served our country. Many community members commented on how confident and heartfelt our students were, and we could not be prouder of the way they represented Lilydale District School.

Participating in the ANZAC Day service is an important tradition we would like to build. It helps our students understand the significance of remembering history, honouring bravery, and valuing the freedoms we enjoy today. It also strengthens our connection with the wider Lilydale community.

We would like to thank our students, their families, and Mrs Denehy for supporting this important event. A special thank you goes to the students who spoke so beautifully, and to the students who attended to pay their respects.

At Lilydale District School, we are committed to helping our students grow as thoughtful, respectful citizens. Moments like the ANZAC Day service remind us that our young people are ready to carry the spirit of respect, remembrance, and gratitude into the future.

Lest We Forget.

Warm Regards,

Karen Hay
Principal

On Thursday May 8th, we will be acknowledging Do it for Dolly Day by encouraging students to wear blue casual clothes and donating a gold coin to the cause. Your support raises awareness and vital funds for Dolly’s Dream, helping to prevent other families from experiencing the devastation that bullying causes – and support them if it does. 

At the beginning of 2018, the country was devastated by the untimely death of 14-year- old Dolly Everett who took her own life after an extended period of bullying and cyber-bullying. Inspired by her spirit and fuelled by hope, Dolly's parents set out on a mission to create a kinder, safer world for every child.

As well as raising money through the blue clothes day, the Student Leaders will be holding a stall selling blue items for $2.

The Lilydale School Association is an elected group of people including the school's Principal, teachers, parent/carers, and community members.

The committee is required to hold a minimum of four meetings a year (one meeting per school term) and we meet on the 1st/2nd Monday of the nominated month.

The School Association Committee has the important role of supporting the school in a variety of ways including policy development, financial arrangements, evaluation of school performance and encourages positive community engagement.

Being an elected member or an interested meeting observer, is a great way to stay informed!

Our next scheduled meeting is the Annual General Meeting.

When:  Monday, 5th May, 2025
Where: Kindergarten
Time:   7:00pm

If you are interested in becoming a member of the LDSSA, please obtain, complete and return a nomination form available from the school office.

The AGM will be followed by the May General Meeting and new office bearers declared.

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

Thankyou.

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 10 - Term 1.

Week 10