It barely feels like a year has passed since we celebrated two decades of TLC at the Kallangur Norths Leagues & Service Club, under the fairy light filled trees, but on Friday 1 August the College celebrated another huge milestone - our 21st birthday! Our entire Prep to Year 12 College came together in the MPH to celebrate our journey from humble beginnings with just 88 students and two classroom blocks, to the thriving learning community of 1,169 students that we are today.
Principal Gregory opened the event, reflecting on our rich history and bright future, sharing:
“We remember today the people who bravely stood on this property 21 years ago and had a vision for a school called The Lakes College. We celebrate all the staff, students, parents, and carers who have and are part of our becoming. We are indebted to those who dreamed the dream - those who chose to labour, nurture, and support TLC across 21 years. Because of this collective effort, the College has reached its milestone of 21 years. TLC finally has the keys to adulthood, and with the Board and Executive optimistic about the future, exciting doors are now opening.”
Mrs Gregory mused on the key birthday milestones in life; a 1st, 5th, 10th, and of course 20th birthday, and the new opportunities, and challenges, that turning 21 and entering ‘adulthood’ brings.
She concluded her Opening Address with the following:
“As we sit here right now enjoying the fruits of their dreams and hard work, let us think to the future, how can we contribute to The Lakes College’s adult story ensuring that this radiant place remains a ‘Light in the Heart of Brisbane’s North’.”
Fittingly following Principal Gregory’s reflection on years and milestones, we acknowledged and celebrated 12 staff members for their many years of service to our community. We thanked Miss Clara Aleckson, Mrs Karen Ball, Ms Hellen Crane, Mrs Lanie Malherbe, Ms Kerri Nelson, Ms Ella Martin, Mrs Rachel Siegfried, and Mr Luke Stanley on contributing 10 years of dedication and care to The Lakes College. We also formally acknowledged three more staff members for contributing 15 years to The Lakes College and are very grateful for Mrs Gill Harris-Jones, Mrs Julie Kleinschmidt, and Mrs Virginie Levier, who have helped our community grow. Finally, we acknowledged Ms Kristel Johns' 20 years of service. As a Foundation employee, Ms Johns has reflected the heart and soul of TLC, demonstrating care, compassion and conviction to all that she does. Ms Kristel Johns also addressed the Assembly as TLC’s longest serving staff member, sharing the key memories and markers that she has witnessed with the growth of our school.
Before our next awards were announced, we were delighted to have our Secondary Vocal Ensemble perform an acapella piece called Nowhere Train, with Ms Katrina Wellins conducting and guiding them through another excellent performance.
Of course, as is tradition, we announced the recipients of the Foundation Day Awards to two Primary and two Secondary students. These prestigious awards are nominated and voted on by staff for students who exemplify the ideals, ethos and heart of The Lakes College. A big congratulations to:
- Odette J (Yr 6)
- Nicolas (Nico) V (Yr 6)
- Charlotte O (Yr 11)
- Newman M (Yr 11)
Their names will be forever inscribed on the Foundation Day Honour Board in our Administration Building for all future students to see.
We were also delighted to announce and present our second Alumni of the Year Award to 2019 graduate, Opal Francis. As a past TLC Vice College Captain, Opal’s journey to becoming an Occupational Therapist wasn’t without challenges. But even as Opal pursued her profession, she never stepped away from our TLC community. For five years, she’s remained a core part of our Strike Theatre team, where she wrote award-winning scripts, directed performances, mentored students, and helped them find confidence and purpose on and off the stage. Congratulations Opal and thank you for being a wonderful ambassador of The Lakes College.
Continuing the birthday vibes, our Paganini String Ensemble, conducted by past student and Music Tutor Rebekah Hall, had us ‘Dancing the Night Away’ with their performance of the hit Dua Lipa song.
We then acknowledged the 16 students who have completed their entire schooling, from Prep to Year 12 here at TLC. Year 12 Foundation student, Tayla A, then shared her thoughts, memories, and what TLC means to our current Foundation students.
As Rev Tim McMenamin closed our Assembly with a prayer and blessing, it was a timely reminder of the abundance that we have here at The Lakes College.
To all who have walked with us on this 21-year journey - thank you. The Lakes College would not be what it is today without you. Here's to the next chapter as we continue to learn, grow, and thrive together.
Happy 21st Birthday, TLC!