Lake News #3 2024
Spring has sprung and what an amazing term it has been. This newsletter is full of events, success and celebration.
UCSSC Lake Ginninderra’s Student-Centered School Improvement Strategic Plan 2025-2029
The College is formulating the school priority moving into the next 5-year phase of Student-Centered School Improvement. ACT public schools are continuously looking for ways to improve outcomes for children and young people and the Student-Centred Improvement Framework (SCIF) has been co-designed with both international experts and principals from across the ACT public school system.
The work on the new Strategic Plan has been ongoing throughout semester 2 and the new plan will take into consideration system and school-level data, and evidence, to evaluate impact and identify areas of need and support for students.
The new plan builds on the success of current teaching and learning strategies, teacher practice, evidence, educational research, professional links to experts in education including our critical friend and support Dr Shaym Barr and most importantly, findings from students.
A separate newsletter in term 4 will address and launch our new plan.
School news
Congratulations to all our Year 12 T students for a successful AST in week 7. Well done to the cohort of 2024 as you work towards your ATAR results. Thanks again to Chloe Diggins for her efforts and for committing to seeing the students through the AST before she departed for her new role at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
The College Sports Development Trip was a great success as students and staff experienced a range of activities, tours of the Sydney Swans training facilities, an AFL match, school visits and competitions. A report is included in the newsletter. Thankyou to the HOPE faculty for organisation.
Great to see many of our parents/carers at various events at the College.
The College organised the 2024 Belconnen Network Disability Expo. This was a great initiative for us, along with Hawker College and Melba Copland College. The event showcased the support services and providers ready to assist our young people in achieving their life and career goals and to build wellbeing and a sense of belonging. Thank you to Jenny Parsons and staff who made the night a wonderful success.
Parent/teacher night provides an opportunity for providing feedback on areas of strength and areas for improvement in our students and conversations with you as partners in learning, support, and strengthen, the impact on student learning. Thank you to those in attendance.
R U OK? Day
Supporting health and wellbeing is important. The school community took the chance to check in on friends and community as a lovely school BBQ and activities provided quality time for connection.
Student citizenship/success
UCSSC Lake Ginninderra’s Amelia Tattam, Year 12, was awarded the Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Bronze Medallion and Plaque Award. The ACT Branch of the Association presents annual student citizenship awards that recognise the wonderful contribution our school students make through their community service and other acts of good citizenship.
Amelia received the Award for “sustained and conspicuous leadership and community service throughout her high school and college years”, including as an active team member in addressing issues affecting young women and girls in advocating for free period products in all ACT schools, an initiative which has subsequently been passed into ACT law. A significant social commitment - congratulations Amelia.
Rachel Edwards, Year 11 Chemistry student, has won the RACI Crystal Growing Competition in the Year 11/12 category at the Australian National University. Her crystal, recognised for its clarity and perfection, stood out among tough competition. Rachel's dedication and hard work have made us incredibly proud- well done.
Congratulations to all students participating in the Australian Mathematics competition, and well done to 12 students who achieved Distinction Awards.
Thank you to our School Sustainability Group for arranging a wattle planting day, and their continued efforts to reduce waste in the college to improve our environmental footprint.
Outdoor Education has taken advantage of the last bits of snow doing cross country trips, whilst PE students have been doing track and field, bouldering, and lawn bowls!
Step Into the Limelight is the ACT creative and performing arts showcase event for public schools. This year, we had several students partaking in the Senior Concert Band, Senior Concert Choir, Backstage Technical Production, and a K-Pop Dance Performance. The theme was Our Time - congratulations to all students involved.
Our Drama/Dance/English teacher Lachlan Ruffy is featured in a Work in Canberra promotion, and we are thrilled to have him on board with us this year. https://canberra.com.au/work/why-work-in-canberra-2/lachlan-ruffy
Floriade and footy finals time (yes, I am from Melbourne) coincides with serious study and assessment for students and, as term 4 awaits, we look forward to all our students finishing the year strongly.
For the year 12s, the formal at the National Museum of Australia, and the graduation at the AIS on Monday 16 December, are both much awaited celebrations for our graduands.
To all, have a safe and wonderful break, and for students see you term 4 commencing Tuesday 15 October.
Melissa Planten
Principal
Welcome!
This term the college welcomed staff members Megs Taylor and Mitch Tummers! We are thrilled to continue building our team of professionals to support students.
Mitch Tummers
Mitch joins UCSSC Lake Ginninderra as the Deputy Principal for Student Engagement and Growth. Mitch has been a teacher for 17 years in the subject areas of Mathematics and Information Technology, was previously the Director of Mathematics at Gungahlin College from 2016 - 2019 and most recently the Director – Certification and Assessment at the Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) where he led: development of the ACS database, policy, the Quality Assessment Guidelines, and the AST; and calculation of system statistics, scaling and the ATAR. In his spare time, he loves to travel, watch Rugby Union and Rugby League, and play video games and tabletop role-playing games. He is most looking forward to working with the Lake Ginninderra staff and students, and ensuring students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve their post-schooling goals.
Megs Taylor
Hi my name’s Megs. I have just joined Lake G College as the part time Teacher Librarian. I have been a teacher and a Librarian for most of my career, and have worked most recently across the ANU Libraries, as well as with Libraries ACT, and in both High School and Primary school libraries. Apart from being an avid reader and listener of audiobooks, my other favourite thing to do is craft. Think of a craft and I have probably tried it at one time or another ?
I’m looking forward to supporting both students and staff to be lifelong learners and to give things in life a try, even if they fail. I want to help them find the research they need for those peaky assignments; find a chill out space in the library to gather their thoughts; try a creative pursuit for wellness; promote a book that they will fall in love with and escape into; hang out with friends and play boardgames; and invite them to be who they are in this space. The joy of libraries is that they are for everyone, and I hope everyone can find something they need within these walls here.
Matching for Success in Academic Excellence
We often hear in education that young people must now be educated and assessed in new ways so they are prepared for a rapidly changing future. But what are some of these new ways?
The University of Melbourne’s Metrics has developed a number of assessment instruments and approaches that assess learners on a range of complex competencies they need to thrive in a modern world.
These competencies might also be referred to as ‘21st Century skills’; ‘soft skills’; ‘general capabilities’; or similar. Despite the differences in name, they all cover similar skills, attitudes and values that learners are expected to develop to thrive at school and in the future. We have been fortunate to be part of a pilot project – ‘Matching for Success’, with the University. As part of our Academic Excellence (AE) program students have nominated two of their teachers to assess their competency in communication, collaboration and agency in learning. Teachers will do so using the University’s assessment platform ‘Ruby’.
From the teacher assessments, our Academic Excellence students will receive a learner profile that highlights their level of competency across the differing capabilities. They will then work on strategies and goals to help them improve their level of achievement.
We hope that this pilot is the first step for us in adopting competencies and learner profiles into our Academic Excellence program.
Thank you to all the students and teachers that have agreed to be part of the pilot. It is a great opportunity as one of the only schools in the ACT to be part of this project. Overall, our aim is to give our students more ownership of their learning and new ways to better assess and match their skills and competencies with future pathways.
ACT Scaling Test (AST)
The whole school community would like to congratulate our year 12 students studying a tertiary package for completing the ACT Scaling Test (AST) on 3 and 4 September. The AST has three, 2-3 hour tests and has a significant impact on learner ATARs. Our learners participated in a year-long preparation program for the AST where they build skills for the type of questions and style of thinking required in the AST, and we look forward to learning of their results. Well done, year 12s!
Sustainability at Lake Ginninderra
This term, the Sustainability group has been working tirelessly to make our school a greener and more eco-friendly place. Led by a team of bright, passionate students, these initiatives are making a real difference in our community.
Recycling Efforts in Full Swing
One of the group's key projects is monitoring and maintaining the 10c container deposit recycling program throughout the school. By ensuring proper sorting and collection of eligible containers, these students are helping raise funds for the school while reducing waste. Their dedication and attention to detail have been instrumental in the success of this initiative.
Wattle it be?
On Wattle Day, the ACT government generously donated 16 young wattle trees to our school. The Sustainability group seized this opportunity to get their hands dirty and plant the trees around the school grounds. It was a fun and rewarding experience for the students, who took pride in adding more native flora to our campus. These wattle trees will not only beautify our surroundings but also provide food and shelter for local wildlife. The Sustainability group's tireless efforts this term have made a tangible impact on our school's environmental footprint. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to sustainability serve as an inspiration to the entire school community. We can't wait to see what other eco-friendly initiatives they have in store for the future! If students would like to join our hard-working crew they can come along to any of our meetings – or drop in to the Science staffroom and chat to Sarah for details.
On Monday, September 2, our school community showed their support of LGBTQIA+ young people by celebrating Wear It Purple Day. The atmosphere was filled with vibrant colours, delicious rainbow treats, and a sense of belonging.
Students proudly donned fabulous purple outfits, rainbow flags, and temporary tattoos, creating a fun and inclusive environment.
Beyond the fun, the day also provided an opportunity for students to learn about the importance of allyship and how to be a supportive friend. In their Support Group lesson, they discussed practical ways to create a more accepting community for all.
Thank you to everyone who participated in Wear It Purple Day. Your support and enthusiasm make a significant difference in the lives of our LGBTQIA+ students.
R U OK? Day
Our school celebrated R U OK? Day on Wednesday September 11, a national initiative dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The event was a resounding success, filled with positive energy and a commitment to supporting each other.
Students and staff embraced the yellow theme, donning yellow clothing and accessories as they enjoyed a delicious barbeque lunch. Positive affirmations and wellbeing messages appeared around the school in the form of posters and post-it-notes, giving us all a reason to smile!
In our Support Group lesson, students learned valuable skills for reaching out to friends and checking in on their wellbeing. We also discussed signs of stress, particularly during exam time, and provided strategies for managing these challenges.
We encourage all students to continue to monitor their mental health and check in with their friends. Student Services and all Lake Ginninderra teachers are always happy to lend an ear and help our students get the support they need.
Careers Xpo!
At the beginning of the term, the whole school went to the Careers Xpo at EPIC. Students were able to speak with universities, TAFEs, industry representatives and many employers to support them in considering various pathways and future opportunities. Lots of interesting conversations were had, big plans made and exciting activities to inspire students in finding futures and exploring possibilities!
Order of Australia Award!
Congratulations to Amelia Tattam, year 12 student, for recently receiving the Order of Australia Association award for Outstanding Community Leadership and Citizenship! Her remarkable accomplishments at our college and beyond are making the world a better place!
This term we were thrilled to welcome a very special visitor - alumni Marianna Tolo!
Tolo is an Australian Basketball legend, a mainstay of the Opals and the Canberra Capitals, and she is a 3 time Olympian and Paris Olympics Bronze medallist!
She was one of our students in 2006/07, and she recently spent time with our current students, many of whom hope to follow in her footsteps. While here, she also signed her 'Hall of Fame' poster. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about her career, how to balance life as a professional athlete and how she has maintained elite levels of fitness and endurance. They were even fortunate enough to be able to hold the Bronze medal, an experience they will never forget. Thanks for visiting, Marianna!
English - Stage Play
On September 6, twelve English students attended an excursion to Canberra Theatre to see the English, a powerful and thought-provoking play written by Sanaz Toossi, which won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Performed by the Melbourne Theatre Company, English explores the complexities of language, identity and belonging through the lens of Iranian students preparing for their Test Of English As Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams.
The experience was particularly special as the lead actress, Salome Geransar, spoke to some of our students after the show about why English resonates so deeply, highlighting its relevance in today’s world where the tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing new identities is ever-present. The students left with not only a greater appreciation for the power of drama, but also a deeper understanding of the themes explored in their own English curriculum.
Belconnen Network Disability Expo
The first Belconnen Network Disability Expo was held on Wednesday the 25 September and was a fantastic success with a great turnout. This was a great initiative for us, along with Hawker College and Melba Copland, aimed at supporting students in years 10, 11 and 12 to explore future pathways. It showcased around 25 support services and providers ready to assist our young people in achieving their life and career goals, and building their wellbeing and sense of belonging and contribution to the community. The families, community groups and providers in attendance spoke glowingly of the event.
Thank you to all our families and students who took the time to attend the event, it was lovely to see you all.
The Student Services team are here to support all learners and as we approach the final term we encourage students and their families to get in touch if your require any assistance with attendance, assessment and package checks before the end of the year.
Please see the following information regarding school polisices and processes.
Extended Leave
As we are approaching the end of the school year, it is important to remind our community to avoid taking extended leave during term time that is not due to illness or misadventure.
Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) policy does not allow special consideration (extensions/estimates) for students on holidays, and therefore penalties apply to any missed assessments during the leave. This may include assessment not being counted as submitted and could impact the award of units and the certificate.
We recommend holidays be taken during the stand down periods to ensure that it does not impact on student assessment.
Any students taking leave for five or more consecutive school days will need to make an appointment with Student Services to collect an Extended Leave Form prior to taking leave.
Enrolment Updates
If your child will not be returning to UC SSC Lake Ginninderra for Year 12 in 2025, please email LGNC.StudentServices@ed.act.edu.au as soon as possible with the following information:
- Name of student
- Reason/s for leaving (e.g. apprenticeship, moving schools/house, other studies)
- Name of the new school if applicable
- Contact details of parent/carer (phone and email)
Thank you kindly for assisting with these processes.
College Carpark Exit - Emu Bank Drive
Please be reminded that the exit from our college car park onto Emu Bank Drive is 'Left Turn Only' between 8:00-9:00am and 3:00-4:00pm. To ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians, please adhere to the signage and avoid obstructing traffic when exiting the car park.
Term 4
Reminder to students and families that Monday 14 October is a pupil free day and students will return to school on Tuesday 15. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing standdown period.
Key Dates
More information about the end of year events and details will be communicated to parents and students at the beginning of Term 4.
Year 12 Farewell Assembly
Monday 11 November Week 15
AST Trial Year 11
Thursday - Friday 21-22 November Week 16
Formal
Tuesday 26 November at the NAtional Museum of Australia Week 17
Review Day
Wednesday 27 November Week 17
Year 12 Breakfast and Package Check
Friday 29 November Week 17
Graduation
Monday 16 December at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Week 20
Science - Biology and Human Biology
This term has been super fun in our Biology classes, with loads of hands-on activities that really bring science to life!
On a gorgeous day, the Year 12 Biology crew took a trip to Mulligans Flat as part of our biodiversity studies. We were lucky enough to see some amazing wildlife, including echidnas, bearded dragons, and shingleback lizards—not to mention the wallabies and colourful birds! It was fascinating to learn about the reintroduction programs happening there and the crucial role digging animals play in the ecosystem. This trip really helped us appreciate the importance of biodiversity!
Year 12 Biology Hits Mulligans Flat
Year 11 Biology Gets Creative with Genetics
In Year 11 Biology, we’ve been diving into heredity and how traits are passed down through generations. Over the term we have bred fruit flies (Drosophila) through several generations to watch the inheritance of the ‘white eye’ trait. This week the classes have been bustling with enthusiasm as the students undertook a bacterial transformation with E. coli. We introduced a plasmid (loop of DNA) with Green Fluorescent Protein from a jellyfish into the bacteria, and ended up with glowing bacterial colonies under UV light! It was such a cool way to see the Central Dogma of Biology – how DNA gets turned into proteins – come to life before us.
Year 11 Human Biology Explores Life's Journey
Over in Year 11 Human Biology, we’ve been learning all about the human body from conception to death. We experimented with how different factors affect sperm motility by changing the temperature and pH using pig sperm—definitely an eye-opening experience! And for some fun, we simulated childbirth using ping pong balls in balloons, which led to some hilarious “twin births.” It was both educational and entertaining!
Health, Medical and Applied Sciences (HMAS) R Unit
This term in the Health, Medical and Applied Sciences R Unit (HMAS) has been all about exploring exciting career pathways in the science field! We’ve had some fantastic experiences that opened our eyes to various opportunities we might not have known about before.
We kicked off with an inspiring talk from Steph Gardner, who shared her adventures mounting a marine microbiology expedition to Antarctica—talk about a dream job! She told us things we would never have thought about, including that samples need to be brought up from the sea floor by remote control vehicle, which she has had to learn to ‘drive’!
Next, we visited a pathology processing lab where we got a firsthand look at how blood and other specimens are processed. Watching pathologists make slides of tissue and hearing about the years of dedication and experience required to learn to recognise diseases was truly eye-opening.
We also took a trip to Australian Catholic University, where we learned about their nursing and paramedicine courses. The highlight was checking the heart and pulse of patient mannequins—definitely a hands-on experience!
In addition, we had a visit from the Robogals, where we got to create simple circuits, and then try to make our spinning motors kick a ball (well, a marble anyway). Lastly, Diana Marshall from University of Technology Sydney shared her fascinating Honours project in forensics, focusing on the necrobiome—the microbes that inhabit the body after death. It was much better than watching CSI!
These activities have not only been fun but have also given us valuable insights into potential careers in health and science. All students are welcome to join us!
Australian Mathematics Competition
First run in 1978, the Australian Mathematics Competition is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students. This competition is run for thousands of Mathematics students in each year level across Australia.
We are proud to announce that we had 86 students participating in the Australian Mathematics Competition this year. Of these students 9 received distinctions and 29 credits. To receive a Distinction or higher students must rank within the top 20% of their year and region. A big congratulations to our students who have achieved this.
Student Competitions – PECAN Cybersecurity Challenge – 2024
PECAN & CTF Challenge 2024 (Digital Technologies)
This challenge was organised by the Canberra Cyber Hub in collaboration with PECAN (Perth & Canberra) and CTF who are proudly led by Edith Cowan University School of Science. The challenge is a collaborative initiative that brings together Australian higher education and vocational institutions, cyber security industry, teachers and students, with the aim of raising cyber security awareness, skills and aspirations. Participating teams came from all over Australian states and territories across numerous private and public schools and from different year group levels.
The challenge involves a training in the first day followed by a competition on the second day. The event was held at the University of Canberra and the Australian National University on the weekend of August 3 and 4. Students from UCSSC, Lake Ginninderra participated across both days, giving their whole weekend in the process. Students got to learn a lot about cybersecurity from leading cyber experts before competing with friends in a state vs state capture the flag competition.
PECAN + CTF 2024 is made possible by National Sponsors: Australian Signals Directorate; Yira Yarkiny Group; Kasm Workspaces, Seamless Intelligence; Sekuro; Office of Digital Government Western Australia; Trustwave; and Hack The Box. PECAN+ is led in the ACT by the Canberra Cyber Hub, with support from local cyber companies Ionize (training partner), Proactive Labs (training partner), Cyconsol (lunch sponsor) & Teron Labs (lunch sponsor); as well as the Australian National University and University of Canberra. The careers panel is supported by AWSN, Solution Tech, CyberCX, Cyconsol, Teron Labs, ASD, CISCO.
Students got the opportunity to look at a career pathway in cybersecurity with presentations by diverse cyber professionals. The competition was very strong across beginners, intermediate, advanced, female & indigenous teams across Australia with a wide range of age groups / categories.
The following students represented UCSSC Lake Ginninderra:
Benjamin Pye (Year 11)
Seth Moses (Year 12)
Zach Deery(Year 12)
Dominic Nikulin (Year 12)
They performed very well and were placed in the top 10 across schools in Australia who participated in the Senior division category. All students were awarded certificates having completed cybersecurity training activities and having competed nationally to solve cybersecurity challenges that tested logic, problem-solving skills and tenacity.
The Faculty of Arts, Design, and Technology is excited to announce our annual End-of-Year Showcase, celebrating the creative achievements of our students throughout 2024. The event will take place in the college theatre and commons area on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:00-7:00pm, week 10.
Families and students are warmly invited to attend and enjoy a delightful selection of canapés, prepared and served by our Hospitality students. The showcase will feature a diverse range of student projects, including ceramics, photography, graphic design, media, textiles, music, dance, drama, visual art, product design, furniture construction, metalwork, Automotive elements and more! We are thrilled to highlight the excellent work of our students and look forward to seeing you there!
Arts and Design students have been hard at work this term, applying their practical skills to create unique, engaging, and innovative projects. Please enjoy the following selection of art, photography, and design work that showcases their creativity and dedication.
Ceramics National Gallery of Australia (NGA) Excursion
In semester two the ceramics classes are focusing on a movement known as ‘Funk’. In our journey to understand the development and influences of this movement we took the opportunity to visit the National Gallery of Australia to view works related to Dada, Surrealism and Abstract Impressionism. After viewing a series of key works, we took the opportunity to soak in the magnificent sculpture garden on what was a particularly bright winter day. Many thanks to Melissa (Principal) for her support in driving the bus and acting as our official photographer.
Kiss Me, Kate - A Too Darn Hot Success!
Congratulations to the talented cast, crew, backstage team, lighting and sound technicians, designers, and staff for the remarkable performance of Kiss Me, Kate. Under the direction of Lachlan Ruffy, the production dazzled audiences with its lively dancing, clever comedy, and standout musical numbers like "Too Darn Hot." With sold-out performances each night, this production was a huge hit, and an unforgettable experience for all involved. Special recognition goes to Lachlan for his incredible work in his inaugural production as director, and to Design and Graphics student, Orlando Davies, for their creative design of the musical poster.
A big thank you to staff and everyone who supported the show behind the scenes, as well as our broader school community who attended the show and cheered on the cast and crew. The commitment and effort of all involved have made Kiss Me, Kate a memorable success, and a shining example of the talent and passion within our college community.
Step into the Limelight - Our Time
Step Into The Limelight (SITL) is the ACT creative and performing arts showcase event for public schools. The Gala Showcase was held on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 September at Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music 7 – 9:30pm.
This year, we had several students partaking in the Senior Concert Band, Senior Concert Choir, Backstage Technical Production and a K-Pop Dance Performance. The students performed wonderfully and we congratulate them for their excellence in the performing arts!
Congratulations again to the following students participating in Step Into The Limelight for 2024.
Senior Concert Band
Hannah Robertson Year 12
Joshua Linmore Year 12
Elizabeth Wilding Year 11
Senior Concert Choir
Isabelle Gaul Year 11
Parker Jakab-van Dooren Year 11
Dakota Thorne Year 12
Zach Zhao Year 11
K-Pop Dance Performance (Wednesday Night Only)
Jasper Granger Year 11
Arden Pekkarinen Year 11
Kendra Robertson
Selima Mcadam
Amyra Nguyen
Technical Production
Rachel Edwards
Term 3 Sports Report
As another term comes to an end, we have many wonderful achievements to celebrate!
Intercollege Sport
Intercollege Boys and Girls Volleyball
After weeks of games across the north and south of Canberra, Lake G Year 12 boys were up against the Lake G Year 11’s boys in a very tight grand final. The Year 12 boys coming out on top and winning 2 sets to 0. In the round games the result was reversed making it a very exciting finish.
Our Girls team ended up verssing Dickson in their grand final, outperforming in a 3-set win.
Congratulations to our Year 12’s and our Girls for finishing strong, and our Year 11’s for being runners up.
Intercollege Girls Netball
The squad of netballers started out the season strong winning their first double header against Gungahlin and Canberra. Continuing their winning run against Hawker but losing their game against Erindale, which results in a third-place finish for competition. With a year 11 strong squad, it excites us to see what they will bring to intercollege netball in 2025.
One Day Carnivals
John Stelzer (Boys) & Kate Tominac (Girls) cup
On Tuesday, July 30, the annual Kate Tominac & John Stelzer Cups took place at BBACT. We had 4 teams competing this year with Lake G Blue (boys) going undefeated and bringing back the John Stelzer Cup. This qualifies them to Australian Schools Championships (ASC) on the Gold Coast in term 4. Goodluck boys keep training hard in the lead up to nationals.
On Wednesday, July 31, we entered 4 teams into the College Futsal Schools Cup. Our Girls team combined with Gungahlin College and finished runners up against Erindale, a wonderful display in skills, teamwork and effort for a group that had never played together. Lake G Blue Boys won their competition after a tense penalty shootout also against Erindale, securing themselves a spot in the NSW State Titles in September.
2024 Southern Country Cup – Wagga Wagga
Our boys travelled to Wagga Wagga for the Southern Country Cup that they qualified for by winning the NRL College Rugby League Schoolboys John Allen Cup in Canberra. After an early start to the day, leaving a few boys behind (who missed the bus), the boys played against the best schools throughout Southern NSW District and finished 5th overall. Congratulations to all involved!
Volleyball Schools Cup
On Friday, August 23, we had a total of 6 teams participate in ACT Volleyball Schools Cup and all teams were able to grab a win. Our winning Girls team was dominant all day, and Year 12 Boys came out on top of the 11s in the grand final, making it not only a great watch, but a competitive final. Lake G Girls won their 10th straight title while the Boys continued an even longer winning streak.
Boys Football (soccer)
On Tuesday, August 27, two teams represented us at the ACT Colleges Football Gala Day. Lake G Blue showed strong determination and skill throughout the pool stages with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, while Lake G Black also had a solid performance with a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Despite their best efforts, both teams narrowly missed out on advancing to the finals.
From 27-28 July, our boys team travelled to Sydney for the Oztag Champions of Champions Tournament. The boys played through heavy winds and unseasonal heat, which contributed to some already tough games, continually forcing the best teams from around Sydney into late winners. There were cracking tries scored across both days, but unfortunately the boys still fell short. Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great group, and the boys are already preparing for next year.
ACT Schools Mountain Bike Champs
On Friday, September 6, students Amelie Burrell, Jamie Austin and Aaron Kent competed in the ACT School Mountain Bike Championship. The three of them finished with silver in the mixed category. This is the first time in a few years we have entered this event, and it’s great to be back!
Secondary and College Softball
On Friday, September 20, we took 15 students to the Softball Gala day in Hawker. A mix of experienced and inexperienced players combined to produce great results. A draw against St Edmunds first up before 2 massive wins against Belconnen High & Copland College. Qualifying 1st in our pool. Before losing in a nail biter 7-6 to the eventual winners in the semi final. Everyone played really well, lead by Jake Slater & Peter Crossman.
School Sport ACT Athletes and Results
Throughout the term many students have travelled all over the country to compete in the School Sport Australia Championships. Congratulations to the following students on their results.
Jake Slater
2024 18&U Softball Boys – ACT finished 5th.
Erin Boardman
2024 18&U Softball Girls. Erin was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony and the ACT finished 6th.
Nathan White
2024 18&U Golf Girls & Boys – Nathan finished in the top 10 stroke play and won 3 matches in the match play. Nathan was also selected in the All-Australian Team.
Olivia Brankovic
2024 16&U Basketball Girls – ACT finished 6th
Ryan Gooch
2024 16&U Basketball Boys – ACT finished 6th
Reece Harrigan
2024 16&U Basketball Boys – ACT finished 6th
Angus Whitby
2024 19&U Swimming - Boys 15-16 200 LC Metre Freestyle Relay 4 x 50 finished 13th place, Boys 15-16 200 LC Metre Medley Relay finished 11th , Boys 16 Breaststroke 17th place and Mixed 13-19 500 LC Metre Freestyle Relay 5 Girls 5 Boys finished 8th.
Dakota Thorne
2024 19&U Swimming - Girls 17-19 200 LC Metre Freestyle Relay 4 x 50 finished 5th, Girls 17-19 50 LC Metre Freestyle finished 15th, Girls 17-19 200 LC Metre Medley Relay finished 6th, Girls 17-19 50 LC Metre Breaststroke finished 15th and Mixed 13-19 500 LC Metre Freestyle Relay 5 Girls 5 Boys finished 8th.
2024 16&U Boys Football (Soccer) –ACT finishing in 4th place, with Zac receiving the Team Player Awards nominated by his peers in the ACT team.
Sivamsh Deevi
2024 16&U Boys Football (Soccer) – ACT 4th place finish.
Tia Burridge
2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) – ACT won the bronze medal.
Alina Roberts
2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) – ACT won the bronze medal; Alina also received the Team Player Awards nominated by her peers in the ACT team and selected in the All-Australian Team for the championships.
Reilly Yuen
2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) – ACT won the bronze medal.
Jaya Bowman
2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) – Bronze medal and Jaya was selected in the All-Australian Team for the championships.
Thomas Menzies-Stegbauer
2024 19&U Cross Country – finished 18th in the Boys 18–19 year boys.
Satyendra Kam Yogeswaran
2024 19&U Cross Country – Satya finished 31st in the 16 and 17 year old boys, and was a part of the 16/17 Year Boys won a bronze medal in the Team and Relay.
COE Update
Congratulations Ajak Nyuon, Jacob Furphy, Che’ Brogan who were apart of the team who travelled to Jordan and are now the U18s Asian Champions! This means they have qualified for U19 World Championships in 2025. All the best for the World Champs!
Basketball Without Boarders involves representative from 19 countries all coming together to grow and develop as players with professional coaches to provide feedback and guidance along the way. We hope the following students made the most of this wonderful opportunity - Ajak Nyuon, Sa Pilimai, Ales Dickenson and Marcus Vaughns.
Hoops Fest is Australasia’s biggest basketball, culture and lifestyle festival that occurred in Perth during week 9. With WNBL team the UC Capitals taking COE students Sienna Harvey, Sienna Lehmann, Monique Bobongie, Monique Williams, Emilija Dakic, Sitaya Fagan, Zara Russell and Jade Crook. Congratulations girls!
Individual Student Success
Cameron Myers (year 12) took second place at the World U20 Championships in Peru! This is a huge achievement, and we look forward to watching Cameron well into the future with his athletics pursuits.
Georgia Ritchie (year 11) resigned with Canberra United for the 2024/2025 A League season. This is her second year at the club, and we look forward to supporting her through her studies and sport again this season.
Congratulations to the follow year 12 Centre of Excellence (COE) students who have secured themselves contracts for the upcoming season.
- Monique Bobongie has signed with the UC Capitals.
- Bonnie Deas has signed with the Sydney Flames.
- Opal Bird has signed with Bendigo Spirit.
Bior Duoot (year 12) has committed to Florida Coastal Prep Sports Academy on full scholarship to pursue his dreams within the Basketball world. Goodluck Bior!
Monique Williams (year 12) has signed with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee! All the best Monique for the next chapter of your Basketball journey in the states.
Sarah Portlock (year 12) has signed with Texas Christian University! Congratulations Sarah all the best with your transition to the US.
Locally, Romeo Parsa (year 12) won the U23’s Capital Futsal League’s top goal scorer this season.
Oliver New (year 11) was selected based on performance merit for the South Pacific Team participating in the Kyokushin World Team Championships for karate. He is one of four and only U18 male on the team. Congratulations Oli!
Oliver Henderson (year 11) – Oli was selected for the Australian Outback’s (National Gridiron team), and he was also named MVP for Gridiron Queensland’s Brisbane Rhinos in a recent tournament.
Volleyballers Jack Renner (year 12), Dan Moisescu (year 11), Hayden Baker (year 11) & Ben Larson (year 11) all represented AUS at the youth (u18 Bahrain) & junior (u20 Indonesia) Asian championships.
Alumni Success
Emma Ilijoski (2020 alumni) has signed a 2 year deal with Hearts Women FC in Edinburgh. We are excited to see her pursue has sporting dreams internationally.
How could we forget the 22 LakeG Alumni who represented Australia in Paris and won 7 Olympic Bronze Medals. Marianna Tolo was one of these medalists who came back to school to speak to our sporting cohort and be inducted into the Hall of Fame! The 2007 alumni returned to sign her poster in the Steve Walding Gymnasium and share her journey within elite sport with our 2024 Lakers Sports Academy students. Bringing her Paris 2024 Olympic Bronze medal with her.
There was also a WIN News item highlighting our Olympic contribution. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=1141326056935275
Sports Development Sydney Olympic Tour
Olympic Park - Swans HQ - NRL Match - Westfields Sports High - AFL Match
On Thursday August 8 the sports faculty departed with 76 Sports Development students to embark on an Olympic Elite sports tour of Sydney for the last days of the Olympics.
Our accommodation at Sydney Olympic park acted as a perfect base for our students to soak up the Olympic atmosphere and elite sporting facilities. We travelled to the Sydney Swans HQ to learn about their program as well as be toured by Lake Ginninderra alumni and Sydney Swans AFLW star Cynthia Hamilton. In the evening we attended the Storm Rabbitohs NRL match at Accor stadium.
The following day we headed to Olympic Pathway school, Westfields Sports High to compete in a series of friendlies and exchange knowledge of our respective programs. After dinner we travelled by train to experience an amazing AFL match at the SCG between Sydney & Collingwood.
Our students were outstanding ambassadors over the 3 days and gained invaluable experiences from the wide range of the planned activities. A big thank you to the staff who organised the trip and helped make it run so smoothly. We look forward to our proposed 2025 Melbourne tour.
Outdoor Recreation
This term, Year 11’s learnt how to ski on the Perisher Nordic Trails. Students learnt all the foundational skills required of a great skier. While at Perisher, students learnt how to read and predict weather and how to prepare for different weather events.
Year 12’s went to Namadgi National Park, a beautiful area full of sub-alpine mountainous bushland right on our doorstep, completing multiple day hikes through the wilderness. They learnt how to set up and take care of their campsite and observed their impact on the environment while bushwalking.
Outdoor and Environmental Education
Year 11 and 12 students are learning about Innovation and Change in Outdoor Education. They have been discovering what it means to be a good leader along with how influential the use of technology is for the Outdoor Education program. To strengthen their knowledge, they have participated in leadership games and challenges to have a hands-on approach.
Tertiary students also had the opportunity to spend a day on the Perisher Nordic Trails cross-country skiing to see firsthand the alpine environment in winter.
Coming Up!
Both Year 11 and 12 Outdoor and Environmental Education students are looking forward to heading back up to Kosciuszko National Park for their semester 2 hike, strengthening their connection with place, and deepening their knowledge of the unique environment.
Some year 11 Outdoor Recreation students are preparing and looking forward to day hikes in Namadgi to make up for the missed cross-country ski trip due to the shortened snow season.
With preparations almost complete, our annual Reef Trip group are raring to go to Lady Musgrave Island leaving on October 16.
Spotlight on Vocational Education
Currently UCSSC Lake Ginninderra has over 280 students completing vocational education courses at the college. We also have a good number of students working towards vocational certificates outside of class via school-based apprenticeships. Vocational education offers several benefits for secondary school students, including:
- Practical Skill Development: Vocational education provides hands-on training and real-world skills that students can immediately apply in the workforce. This includes technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry-specific knowledge that are highly valued by employers.
- Career Readiness: Students who pursue vocational education are often better prepared for the job market. They gain experience in a specific trade or profession, making them more competitive candidates for employment right after graduation.
- Engagement and Motivation: For many students, vocational programs offer a more engaging and relevant educational experience. The focus on practical skills and direct application to real-world scenarios can increase motivation and improve academic outcomes.
- Pathways to Further Education: Vocational education can serve as a stepping stone to further education, such as apprenticeships, certifications, or even higher education in related fields. It provides a clear pathway for students who wish to advance their careers.
- Economic Opportunities: By equipping students with job-ready skills, vocational education can lead to better economic outcomes. Students can enter the workforce with the potential to earn a good income, reducing the financial burden of further education and supporting economic growth.
Congratulations to all our hardworking vocational education students who are already reaping the rewards of engaging in vocational education.
Vocational Learning Programs (VLP)
Vocational Learning Programs (VLP) provide short career education and vocational learning programs for students in Years 9 to 12, helping students to develop basic industry knowledge and skills to increase their career readiness.
VLPs are tailored to student and industry needs. In Semester 2, 2024 Vocational Learning Programs have been offered in Electrotechnology, Early Childhood Education, Filmmaking, Health, Beauty Therapy, Business Services, Brick and Block and Health.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA)
An ASbA offers students the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification by combining paid work and training as part of their education program.
An ASbA fits within a student's study program whilst at school and can count toward their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. Training is provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This may be the school, CIT or a private RTO. Students can start an ASbA in high school, and both Accredited Package and Tertiary Package students can continue their ASbA in college.
Examples of ASbA qualifications that Yer 11 and Year 12 students are going in 2024 are:
Allied Health, Hospitality, Commercial Cookery, Care and Pastry, Patisserie, Carpentry, Construction Pathways, Retail, Early Childhood Education and Care, Animal Care Services. Hairdressing, Plumbing, Automotive, Individual Support, Education Support and Agriculture.
ASbA provides a pathway to Nursing
Makayla has participated in an ASbA in Certificate III Allied Health. In 2025 Makayla will commence a Bachelor or Nursing at the University of Wollongong. Congratulations to Makayla!
Interested in pathway opportunities, contact Fiona Chester, Career Practitioner | email: Fiona.chester@ed.act.edu.au
Careers
Discover Exciting Career Opportunities for Your Child!
Introducing: Lake Ginninderra Careers
We understand the importance of guiding your child towards a successful and fulfilling career path. That's why we're thrilled to introduce you to Lake Ginninderra Careers - an invaluable resource designed to support your child's journey towards their dream career.
What is Lake Ginninderra Careers?
Lake Ginninderra Careers is an online platform dedicated to providing students with comprehensive information and resources to explore various career pathways. From career assessments to job listings, this platform serves as a one-stop destination for all things related to career planning.
Benefits for Your Child:
- Career Exploration: Encourage your child to explore diverse career options through detailed information on different industries, job roles, and required qualifications.
- Educational Resources: Access a wide range of educational resources, including articles, videos, and guides, to help your child make informed decisions about their future.
- Skills Development: Help your child enhance their skills and employability through access to training programs, workshops, and internships.
- Job Opportunities: Stay updated on the latest job openings and internship opportunities tailored to your child's interests and qualifications.
Important Links:
Many Important Career Websites: Explore a curated list of important career websites that provide valuable information and resources to assist your child in their career journey.
Online Work Experience: Access online work experience opportunities to gain practical insights into various industries and professions, enhancing your child's understanding of potential career paths.
University Application: Prepare your child for university applications and admissions with guidance and resources provided by the University Admissions Centre (UAC).
How Parents Can Support:
Encourage Exploration: Encourage your child to explore different career paths and discover their passions and interests.
Provide Guidance: Offer guidance and support as your child navigates through the various stages of career planning and decision-making.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about the resources available on Lake Ginninderra Careers and encourage your child to utilize them effectively.
Open Communication: Keep communication channels open with your child to understand their aspirations and concerns regarding their future career.
Get Started Today!
Student Success
Adonai Offered Job After Work Experience as Learning Support Assistant
We are excited to share that Adonai, one of our dedicated students, has successfully completed a week-long work experience placement as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at a local school. During his time there, Adonai made a strong impression with his compassionate approach to supporting students, his reliability, and his enthusiasm for helping others.
His exceptional performance during the placement has led the school to offer him a position as an LSA. Adonai’s natural ability to connect with students has opened the door to a rewarding career in this field.
We are incredibly proud of Adonai for this achievement and wish him all the best in his new role. His experience highlights the importance of work placements in gaining valuable skills and forging professional connections. Congratulations, Adonai!
Student Spotlight
Louis Secures Apprenticeship After Work Experience
Louis Biancini, one of our hardworking students, successfully completed a week-long work experience program at Southern Automotive Series in Tuggeranong. During his time there, Louis demonstrated exceptional dedication, a keen interest in automotive mechanics, and a strong willingness to learn.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. Impressed by his commitment and potential, Southern Automotive Series has extended a full-time apprenticeship offer to Louis! This opportunity marks the beginning of a promising career in the automotive industry, and we are incredibly proud of his achievement.
We wish Louis continued success as he embarks on this exciting new journey. His story is a testament to the power of work experience in opening doors to future career opportunities. Congratulations, Louis!
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is now available as a mobile app!
You can now access Parent Portal with the Sentral for Parents app. Download Sentral for Parents for free through the App Store or Google Play Store.
Parent Portal is a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers.
If you’ve already registered, you can download the Sentral for Parents app to receive notifications when new information is available.
If you haven’t registered for Parent Portal yet, use this Parent Portal access link to log into or create your ACT Digital Account. To access Parent Portal, you will need your access key, you should have received this by email when we launched.
If you can’t find the email with the access key, please contact the front office team for help.
Some reminders about what you can do with Parent Portal:
- notify us if your child is sick or explain an absence
- book parent-teacher interviews
- receive academic reports
- receive our school newsletter
- receive messages from your child’s teachers
- make payments
- access the school calendar and your child’s student timetable.
Head to our website for all the details: www.lakeonline.act.edu.au
