Principal's Report
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, and Students,
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Term One Principal's Report for Lake Munmorah High School, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and growth experienced within our vibrant school community.
As we embarked on this academic journey at the beginning of the year, we were met with enthusiasm and determination from both our students and staff. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by attendance and uniform, our commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and fostering a supportive learning environment remained unwavering. Great news on the uniform front is that the LMHS hoodies have now arrived, and I encourage all students to get one, as from all reports they are very comfortable and warm.
Our dedicated teaching staff have provided innovative and engaging learning experiences, adapting to various teaching modalities to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive. Two WHS White Card (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) courses were offered throughout the term and the school engaged with the University of Newcastle’s “UNI Steps” program via the Alumni Lunch held at school and the Criminology Excursion held at the UoN. From an academic viewpoint we are still concentrating on Vocabulary as a literacy strategy with departmental support, across the whole school to improve reading levels and student engagement with their learning.
Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to excel in a diverse range of co-curricular activities. From sporting competitions to artistic endeavours, our students have showcased their talents and passion in various fields. Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country carnivals as well as the annual Colour Fun Run were well supported by students and staff throughout the term. Multiple sporting teams have also been out representing the school in a variety of physical pursuits. Our Targeting Sports Program is rebuilding momentum and our Creative and Performing Arts Shine Program continues to extend our High Potential and Gifted students. A plethora of courses and programs have also been delivered by internal external providers involving our Aboriginal Students via the Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre and all students through our Wellbeing Hub.
At LMHS, we strongly believe in the value of community engagement and giving back to society. Throughout the term, our students have actively participated in various community service initiatives, demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. From fundraising events to volunteering opportunities, our students have made a positive impact on the lives of others, embodying the school's ethos of service and citizenship. One such project closer to home saw six new covered picnic benches and seats erected by Mr Westwood’s Year 12 Construction class, and Support Unit students have been busy collecting bottles and cans to take to return and earn to fund their participation in extra curricula activities.
As we look ahead to the coming terms, I am confident that LMHS will continue to thrive as a centre of excellence in education. With the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, the enthusiasm of our talented students, and the ongoing partnership of our supportive parents and guardians, I am certain that we will overcome any challenges that come our way and achieve even greater success in the future. The school continues a sharp focus on our three Strategic Directions from our School Improvement Plan: 1: Student growth and Attainment, 2: High Expectations and 3: Genuine community partnerships and has made strong headway as reported in our 2023 Annual Report available on our website.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of our learning community for their continued support, dedication, and hard work. Together, we will continue to inspire excellence, foster growth, and empower our students to reach their fullest potential.
Kind regards,
Tony Keevill - Principal, Lake Munmorah High School
English - Faculty Report
Students have transitioned smoothly into the new year and are actively participating in their English lessons, working on their analytical and creativity skills!
Year 7 students have demonstrated enthusiasm in their English studies this term. Their first assessment saw them submit engaging writing portfolios that represented their personal identity.
Year 8 students have embraced the world of poetry. They demonstrated their creativity skills through the composition of engaging poems for their assessment task.
In Year 9, the exploration of the horror genre has captivated students' interest, prompting deep discussions about fear, suspense, and the power of storytelling. Students have enjoyed analysing spine-chilling texts and designing their own spooky characters.
Year 10 students enjoyed a novel study this term. Through close reading and critical analysis, students have gained a deeper appreciation for the nuances of storytelling and character development.
Our year 11 and 12 English Studies students are busy preparing for life beyond high school. From crafting resumes to planning holiday adventures, they're applying their language skills in real-world contexts, setting themselves up for success in future endeavours.
In the senior years, both Year 11 Standard and Advanced classes flexed their creative muscles to produce an array of imaginative pieces that showcase their individual voices and perspectives.
Year 12 students are deep in the throes of literary analysis, with Standard English students engaging in a novel study while our Advanced students completed a comparative exploration of texts. It's been encouraging to see their dedication to their classwork and assessments.
We hope all students enjoy their holiday break and take the time to enjoy a good novel or two!
Below are some photos of our wonderful students as well as some engaging story starters from our Year 11 Advanced English students.
CAPA - Faculty Report
Music
Students have been working on compositions and rehearsals, gearing up for this year’s concerts. Keep an eye out for dates for LMHS Bowlo Gig and our annual Big Gig performance evenings. One of many highlights this term was Layla in Year 11 performing an awesome cover of Taylor Swift at the LMHS end of term celebration assembly.
Japanese
Year 8 have been exploring the language and culture of Japan throughout turn Term 1. Students have explored a range of artifacts, along with practicing their spoken and written language forms for Japanese.
Photography & Digital Media
Year 9 students started their study of photography by exploring the anatomy of analogue and digital cameras. They have been learning about how to manipulate aperture and shutter speeds to manipulate light, a crash course of “in camera editing”. Year 9 have begun building their own portfolio of work and studying key practitioners.
Visual Arts
Our Year 7 students have been using graphic lettering and street art elements, they've transformed their space into a colourful canvas of creativity.
Years 10, 11, and 12 went to the Banksy Exhibition and Art Express in Sydney. They got to dive into Banksy's intriguing art and check out some amazing pieces by talented young artists. It was a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and loads of fun!
Our SHINE Art students at LMHS have been teaming up to create something truly special: a collaborative CAPA mural. This work in progress celebrates the incredible talent of our Creative and Performing Arts students.
HSIE - Faculty Report
2024 started off with a busy term! We are so proud of our senior students and how hard they have worked in Business Studies, Legal Studies, Ancient History, Modern History, Society & Culture and Work Studies. These students have been able to engage in some exciting experiences including Year 12 Business Studies excursion to Taronga Zoo. Students were able to learn about some of the Zoo’s business operations to apply their classroom knowledge to a real business.
Year 12 Society and Culture students were also able to attend a Ramadan Iftar where we learnt more about Islam and the importance of Ramadan to the Islamic faith and community. We mingled with staff and students from other schools, went into a mosque to observe a prayer and broke fast by eating very yummy food!
Year 11 Ancient History engaged in a mock tour of the Ancient Pharaoh’s, Tutankhamun’s tomb which was outlined onto the school oval following a guided tour by their classroom teacher, Miss Ainsworth. Students were shown photos of artefacts, and the tombs remains that were found 3300 years after the original burial as part of their Preliminary study of Ancient Egypt.
Junior HSIE students have finished the term well, with students from 7-10 studying History topics such as Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, Australians at War and Human Rights and Freedoms. Year 7 have developed their historical and archaeological skills including working with sources. Some classes were able to develop their own artefact using clay and work through an historical enquiry to establish what the artefact is. We will continue our History studies next term. We thank you all for your hard work in class and on assessments this term.
The HSIE faculty farewelled Mrs Selby this term as she goes on maternity leave. We wish her all the best and can’t wait for her return. Next term, we are excited to welcome our new Head Teacher HSIE Mrs Kirsty Spencer. We look forward to her being part of our team and using her experience to further support staff and student improvement!
HSIE Faculty
PDHPE - Faculty Report
As we come to the end of an eventful Term 1, it's time to reflect on the myriad of achievements and exciting events that have shaped our school community over the past few months. Here's the highlights from each year level and our unforgettable carnivals:
Year 7: Our Year 7 students have embarked on a journey of growth and development in theory lessons, while in practical classes, they've embraced challenges and initiatives with enthusiasm and teamwork, setting a positive tone for the rest of the year.
Year 8: Exploring the importance of nutrition, Year 8 students have completed their first assessment task, diving into the world of food labels with curiosity and diligence. In practical lessons, Fitness Games have fostered not only physical health but also a sense of camaraderie among classmates.
Year 9: The dynamics of power in relationships have been the focus of Year 9's theory lessons, encouraging thoughtful reflection and understanding. On the practical front, students have engaged in Court Games in their first assessment, showcasing their athleticism and teamwork in competitions.
Year 10: Road safety has been paramount in Year 10 theory lessons, equipping students with essential knowledge for responsible citizenship. Meanwhile, practical sessions centred around Summer Sports have provided opportunities for students to enjoy outdoor activities while staying active and healthy.
Year 11: Our Year 11 students have demonstrated impressive dedication and effort, completing their first assessment for the preliminary course. Their commitment to excellence sets a strong foundation for their future academic endeavours.
Year 12: Senior students in PDHPE, SLR, and CAFS have been diligently working through their second core units and have successfully completed their second assessment for the HSC course. Their hard work and determination are truly commendable as they approach the culmination of their high school journey.
Now, turning our attention to the highlight of Term 1 - our exhilarating carnivals:
Swimming Carnival (Week 2): We kicked off the term with a memorable day at Swansea Pool, with gorgeous weather and high attendance. The day was filled with fantastic athletic performances and spirited competitions, with teachers proudly holding onto the title in the student versus teacher relay.
Athletic Carnival (Week 4): For the first time, we headed to Mingara Athletic Centre, where the weather cooperated for another fantastic day of competitions and achievements. Students showcased their talents and sportsmanship, contributing to the vibrant spirit of our school community.
Cross Country and Colour Run (Week 9): The term culminated in the much-anticipated festival of running, beginning with the school cross country in the morning and concluding with the vibrant Colour Run in the afternoon. It was an epic day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a true sense of community spirit.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Unie for his tireless efforts in organising these incredible carnivals, which have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our school community.
As we reflect on the successes of Term 1, let us carry forward the spirit of teamwork and dedication, as we embark on the journey ahead.
Warm regards,
Erin Boake
Head Teacher PDHPE Department
Science - Faculty Report
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Term One has been an exciting one in Science, filled with excursion, assessment tasks and engaging learning activities. Here are some of the key highlights:
Year 7: Students in Year 7 have been engaged in practical lessons aimed at developing fundamental scientific skills. These include instruction on the proper use of a Bunsen Burner and proficiency in utilizing various measurement instruments. Pictures here show students in 7N completing a practical activity called ‘Rainbow Fizz’ where they had to mix chemicals and make qualitative observations.
Year 8, 9, and 10: In alignment with our curriculum objectives, students in Years 8 through 10 have been focused on understanding and applying the scientific method. This includes formulating hypotheses, identifying variables, designing experiments, and reporting on their findings.
Year 11: A group of Year 11 students had the opportunity to visit Newcastle University during week 11. The purpose of this excursion was to explore topics in criminology and psychology. The students conducted themselves with commendable behaviour and expressed appreciation for the educational experience. Year 11 Biology students also completed their mandatory field study at Norah Head Rock Platform, which the students found very enjoyable – who doesn’t love a day at the beach!
Year 10: Year 10 students enjoyed a field trip to Luna Park, where they encountered principles of motion through various rides. This excursion provided a practical application of physics concepts in a recreational setting. Selected Year 9 and 10 students participated in the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge on the last day of Term 4. I am waiting on results of this as I write, however I am confident our students will do LMHS proud.
Looking ahead, students across all year levels are preparing for their upcoming half-yearly exams, scheduled for early to mid-term 2. These assessments will evaluate their understanding and application of scientific principles covered during the term. Please take the time over the break to see if you need to purchase a new book or stationary so you are ready for learning in Term 2!.
We commend our students for their dedication to academic growth and engagement in scientific inquiry. Should you have any inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Mrs Shae Martin
Head Teacher, Science Faculty
Lake Munmorah High School
Sports Coordinator Report
Greetings Lake Munmorah High School Community!
As we wrap up an exhilarating Term 1, it’s time to highlight the fantastic sporting events that have taken our school spirit to new heights. This term, our students participated in an array of athletic activities, showcasing their talents and school pride in impressive fashion.
Swimming Carnival: The term kicked off with a splash at our annual Swimming Carnival. Students across all grades made waves, demonstrating incredible skill and sportsmanship. The event was not only a display of competitive spirit but also of camaraderie, setting a positive tone for the term.
Athletics Carnival: Our Athletics Carnival was a display of speed, strength, and agility, with students competing in various track and field events. The enthusiasm and energy were palpable, as every participant pushed their limits to contribute points to their teams.
Cross Country: The Cross-Country event tested endurance and perseverance, and our students rose to the challenge. The challenging course was met with determination, and the support from spectators was louder than ever.
Colour Run: Adding a burst of colour and fun, the Colour Run was a vibrant and joyful event. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces as students and staff alike ran through clouds of colour, celebrating their collective achievements.
Zone Swimming Success: A special mention must go to our swimmers who represented Lake Munmorah at the Zone Swimming Competition. Their outstanding performances have made us all proud, with two of our top athletes, Piper W and Blaire P advancing to the State Titles!
This term, attendance at all our events was the best we've seen in ages, reflecting the strong community spirit and support that makes Lake Munmorah High School truly special. Thank you to all the students, staff, and family members who came out to support our teams and contribute to the success of each event.
Go Lake Munmorah!
Mr Unie
Aboriginal Education - Faculty Report
LMHS Yarn Up
Thursday Week 7 LMHS held our first Yarn Up of the year, it was a fantastic opportunity for staff, students and the local community to catch up and plan for 2024.
Ngura Surf Camp
LMHS students attended surf camp for a program called Ngura, which means “Place” in Darkinjung language has been initiated by Matt Sonter in partnership with Wyong Council and Mingara. The aim of the program is to educate children about the benefits of participating in physical activity.
Community Hair Project
10 students provided with haircuts, morning tea and pamper packs from the Community Hair Project, which is dedicated to bringing professional hairdressing services to communities across NSW, fostering a sense of belonging and support within our local communities.
School Programs in Term 1
The Aboriginal Learning & Education Centre (ALEC) are running a range of programs for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students this year. A new program overview will be released at the start of Term 2, the Aboriginal Education team will send out a Facebook post soon to keep the community updated.
Upcoming events – save the date:
Term 2 Muru Bulbi AECG Meetings:
Monday Week 3 (13/05) Blue Haven Public 4pm
Monday Week 8 (17/06) Budgewoi Public 4pm
Term 2 LMHS Aboriginal Education team community consultation meeting Tuesday Week 8 (18/06) 2.30pm in the Resource Centre
Support Unit - Faculty Report
STEM Focus
Throughout the term, the Support Unit delved into engaging STEM activities focusing on Mathematics. Students eagerly participated in challenges and experiments, including constructing balloon towers, designing marble mazes, and crafting mini-golf courses. These hands-on projects not only reinforced mathematical concepts such as geometry, measurement, angles, and trajectories but also fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity among the students. As they collaborated and problem-solved together, they gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical principles, preparing them for future academic and real-world challenges.
Term 1 Sport
This term, the Support Unit engaged in various sports activities, including ten-pin bowling and school sports like modified cricket, modified frisbee golf, and obstacle courses. These activities allowed students to develop skills such as coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship while fostering physical fitness and social interaction within the unit. In Term 2, students will have the opportunity to explore different sports, providing a well-rounded experience across various athletic pursuits.
Community Access
During Term 1, Community Access for the support unit has been diverse and engaging. Several classes have taken leisurely walks along different parts of Lake Macquarie, tracking their routes on maps to enhance navigation skills while enjoying the serene surroundings. Other classes have embarked on community scavenger hunts, fostering teamwork and observation as they search for various items within the local area. Additionally, some classes have been refining practical life skills by practicing shopping tasks, such as pricing items for upcoming class cooking lessons. These activities not only promote independence and social interaction but also empower students with valuable real-world skills essential for everyday living.
Wellbeing - Faculty Report
We hit the ground running in Wellbeing and Learning Support Faculty this year! Here are some highlights so far from Term 1:
Links Youth Support Team have delivered the Year 7 groups and also offer individual Case Management to students. Case Management includes working with young people to identify goals and establishing a self-directed plan to maintain key areas of function for young people such as living arrangements, health and medical, education and vocational, emotional and behavioural functioning, family relationships, social skills and peer relationships, cultural identity and living skills and self-care.
The programs “Actually I can” and “Reality Check” are completed by all yr7 students in small groups over four weeks. Actually, I can teaches students coping skills, self-care and how to manage their emotions. This supports students to build their confidence and develop strong and positive relationships. It also enables students to manage stress, anxiety and other problems they may face. Reality Check prevents young people from disengaging from school early. The program addresses behaviour; what is expected by the student and what is expected by the school environment. Students are taught skills and strategies to address conflict and problems they face.
Coaching young people for success is a leading coaching program built by Life Business Consultancy for youth professionals and teachers to guide their work with young people. An evidence based program to assist young people reach their full potential and achieve greater life outcomes and performance in all areas.
Headspace and Catholic Care have been attending school weekly running groups to help students with understanding ways to practise healthy body and mind and also navigate healthy relationships as a teen.
Young people can refer to headspace themselves if they are 14 years and over; or can be referred by a parent, carer, GP, School Counsellor or other relevant person. If you are referring a young person to headspace, they must provide permission for the referral to be made.
headspace Lake Haven is located next to Lake Haven Shopping Centre at The Gravity Youth Centre. Headspace Lake Haven is located next to the Metro cinemas. Wheelchair access is available through the front door, which has ramp access.
It is a friendly free service for young people aged 12-25 years. No referral required. Monday and Thursday late hours (5pm – 8pm) by appointment only.
Man Anchor is a course to encourage people to kick start conversations about Health and Mental Health. Students in Year 7 participated in the Man Anchor Program which provided a better understanding of what a mental health issue is and how to seek assistance.
The #letstalk workshops are run in a relaxed and inclusive environment where we help break down the perceived stigmas and barriers that have historically held people back from reaching out for help or reaching out to help someone in their life.
YOUTH COMMAND - NSW POLICE
Cyber Safety Presentation to Students
Our School Liaison Police have delivered several presentations this term to continue to reinforce topics around Cyber Safety and Healthy Relationships online.
We look forward to more visits from our local Youth Command.
Senior Constable Troy LUCCA attended Lake Munmorah High School and spoke with the Yr 7 Cohort on Cyber Safety. He presented the Think U Know Presentation. Troy is the local School Liaison Officer.
Legal Aid attended Lake Munmorah High and presented the Putting the X in Sexy Text Workshop with the Year 7 Cohort. This workshop is an interactive 'choose-your-own-adventure' style animation exploring the criminal law outcomes of Sexting and Cyber bullying in a way that young people can understand and relate to.
YEAR SEVEN PEER SUPPORT
All the Year 7 cohort participated in the Burn Bright Emerging Priorities program.
SMASHED Alcohol Education Program
Year 8 and 9 Students participated in the SMASHED Alcohol Education Workshop. An interactive Theatre performance about the consequences of Underage Drinking. Smashed workshop enables learning through observation and exploration to reflect on vital underage drinking themes including: The social and emotional causes, The impact on young lives, Social impact and decision making and where and how to help yourself and others.
Project ROCKIT attended Lake Munmorah High to present to all Year 8 students on the impact of Bullying and Cyber Bullying in school and the community. The organisation flew from Melbourne to present to students from our school. The Project ROCKIT approach is built on the simple premise that young people can create positive change in the world around them.
The CONNECT program was delivered by the Project Rockit presenters to explore how to
Navigate being online in a more positive and life changing way.
HARMONY DAY
Held every year on 21 March to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the message of Harmony Day is everyone belongs. It's a day to celebrate Australia's diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who call Australia home.
At lake Munmorah High we celebrated Harmony Day with mindfulness, arts crafts and shared Harmony Day stories.
DIGI VAN
It has been a delight to have the Digi Van attend Lake Munmorah High this term and work with students who have an interest in music production. The students will be helping out at the Sound Soul Event in the April School Holidays. Sound Soul is a FREE event for all community to come along and enjoy some live music and free Youth Week Events.
Year Advisor Reports
Year 7 - Mr Alistair Unie
We are delighted to share the fantastic start that our Year 7 students have made at Lake Munmorah High School. As they embarked on their high school journey this term, their enthusiasm, adaptability, and spirit have truly shone through, making it a term to remember.
A highlight of this term was Year 7’s participation in the Raw Challenge. This demanding and fun obstacle course was a test of their teamwork, resilience, and courage. Our students tackled each challenge with great zeal, supporting one another and demonstrating impressive determination. This event not only provided a great physical challenge but also helped our students bond and build essential teamwork skills early in their high school careers.
Year 7 has shown an outstanding level of participation in sports, joining various teams and activities with great enthusiasm. Their involvement has brought new energy to our sports events, contributing significantly to the school's vibrant sporting culture. We commend them for their willingness to get involved and for showcasing such great sportsmanship, whether on the field, in the gym, or at the pool.
We are also proud to report excellent attendance rates among our Year 7 students. They have adapted well to the routines of high school, showing maturity and responsibility. Additionally, their adherence to the school uniform policy and overall behaviour has been exemplary. This commitment has set a positive tone for their time with us at Lake Munmorah High School.
As we reflect on this successful start, we are excited to see how our Year 7 students will continue to grow and excel in their upcoming years. Their initial achievements are just the beginning, and we look forward to supporting them through every step of their high school journey.
Lake Munmorah High School is committed to providing a supportive and dynamic learning environment where all students can achieve their best. Congratulations to Year 7 on a tremendous start, and here’s to many more achievements!
Year 11 - Miss Emily Davis
What an exciting time it is to be part of our high school community! It has been so cool seeing everyone in their white shirts and I am so excited to see what the future holds during your journey into senior school!
Firstly, it has been awesome to see all of the Year 11's wearing their new jersey's! They look fantastic and special mention needs to go to all the students who helped and assisted in the design process! Hopefully with the cooler weather approaching we will see more of you in them!!
Let's not forget the pillars of success in these senior years: attendance and regular revision. As we dive deeper into our studies and extracurricular pursuits, it's crucial to remember that consistent attendance and diligent revision lay the foundation for achievement. Every class missed is an opportunity lost, and every hour spent revising is an investment in our future selves. Let's prioritize our time wisely, attend classes regularly, and dedicate ourselves to revising consistently.
Let's continue to embrace every moment, support one another, and make this year an unforgettable chapter in our high school journey.
With excitement and anticipation for the adventures to come,
Miss Davis
Important Dates for Term 2, 2024
Due to the uncertain nature of future events - please refer to the Sentral Parent Portal for important dates, as these are currently subject to frequent changes.