Our Deputy Principal, Anna Doré, will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal during Mrs Gregory’s absence. In the video below, Mrs Doré is joined by one of our new parents, who shares their reflections on their experience at TLC so far.
Believing
New Mural Tells the Living Story of The Lakes College
As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural understanding, The Lakes College is proud to unveil a new Indigenous mural near the Aquatic Precinct. This powerful work of art captures the spirit, story and shared journey of our College community.
At the heart of the mural is the Light of Christ, radiating outwards—symbolising our faith foundation and guiding presence. The three central circles represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, anchoring the mural in our Christian identity. Surrounding them are the purple circles, symbolising the Lakes Learner capabilities, highlighting the qualities we nurture in our students every day.
Encircling these are larger circles marking significant milestones in the history of the College, representing our growth, evolution and collective memory. The outer wall of the mural flows with the presence of the wider community—illustrating the ongoing connection and engagement between the College and those who surround and support it.
The mural was created in collaboration with First Nations artists Uncle Max Conlon and his brother Goma Conlon, both from Cherbourg and with strong family ties to this region. Their artistry, stories and cultural insight brought depth and authenticity to the project. Students from both Primary and Secondary were invited to contribute to the mural, with returning alumni Taj and Maya also playing a central role during the two-day creation process.
This artwork forms a significant part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for this season. It serves as a lasting reminder of The Lakes College as a meeting place—a community where people from all walks of life come together, with Christ at the centre and reconciliation as a shared goal.
The mural’s unveiling coincides meaningfully with National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to reflect, learn and take action towards unity and respect. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” reminds us that reconciliation is a journey we must continue to walk together—with purpose, integrity and hope.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Uncle Max and Goma, our participating students and staff, and to Mr Tim McMenamin for his leadership and vision in bringing this meaningful project to life.
Tim McMenamin | Director of Mission
Becoming
Adapting with Integrity: Embedding the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) at The Lakes College
Let’s take a step back into the pages of educational history for a moment.
When the humble calculator entered Australian classrooms in the 1970s, there was a flurry of concern. Would students forget how to add, how to multiple, or how to make sense of the world through numbers? Was this the end of maths as we knew it?
Then, in 1989, the internet became the new kid on the block. Information was suddenly at our fingertips. Cue another wave of anxiety: “Won’t students just Google everything?”
And now, here we are in 2025. GenAI is the newest guest at the table and, like the calculator and the internet before it, it’s here to stay.
At The Lakes College, we’re not just making room, we’re setting the table with intention. Like any new dinner guest, it brings fresh perspectives: sometimes surprising, occasionally brilliant, always evolving. Our role as hosts is not to hush it or hand it the microphone, but to shape the setting, to guide the dialogue, encourage thoughtful contributions, and ensure every voice around the table is heard.
Enter the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): our newest tool for ensuring that assessments remain meaningful, rigorous, and genuinely reflective of student learning in this evolving landscape.
Grounded in research and experience
The AIAS is not a knee-jerk response or a passing trend. It’s founded on extensive, evidence-based research into the implications of generative AI in education. Influential educational leaders like Leon Furze, who has written extensively on how AI intersects with pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum, have shaped the development of this framework. In doing so, Furze reminds us that the challenge isn’t about restricting technology but about rethinking what we value in student work and how we assess it.
Building on the insights of leading researchers, The Lakes College took a measured step by piloting the AIAS with our Year 9 cohort in Term 4 2024. This trial gave both teachers and students a real opportunity to put the scale into practise, observe its effects on engagement and academic integrity, and fine-tune our approach. What we discovered was encouraging: when used thoughtfully, GenAI doesn’t replace learning, it enriches it.
Introducing the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS)
At The Lakes College, the AIAS gives both teachers and students a clear guide on how generative AI can be used in assessments. It helps set clear expectations that match learning objectives while keeping academic honesty front and centre. You’ve probably already started to notice the badges on Secondary task sheets showing the ‘permitted’ level of AI use for each assessment task:
Rethinking Assessment, Together
Across the College, staff are thoughtfully reviewing task design using the AIAS to guide discussions around authenticity, rigour, and learning intent. The question isn’t, “How do we stop students from using AI?” It’s, “How do we design tasks that make AI a partner in learning without compromising originality or deep understanding?”
In English, students are still writing creatively but now they’re refining their responses using AI feedback and embedding AI-generated images to enhance the multimodal elements of their work, using visual storytelling to deepen meaning and engage their audience (Level 3). Two doors down in Junior Humanities, students are using it to generate key inquiry and sub-questions, while retaining full ownership over the selection, analysis, and evaluation of sources in their assignments (Level 2). Jump over to Media Arts and you’ll find students exploring how AI can support music video production through storyboarding and planning (Level 2). A visit to the Science labs will show you Year 8 students using AI to help draft their hypothesis, analyse their results, and improve their discussions for their experiment into how salt levels affect rusting in iron nails (Level 3). Similar shifts are occurring across other learning areas, where AI is being meaningfully embedded to support planning, enhance creativity, and personalise the learning experience. Importantly, Level 1 (No AI) still exists, but it’s there for a reason and both staff and students can articulate why.
These changes are not just about safeguarding academic integrity; they’re about fostering higher-order thinking, metacognition, and digital literacy. That’s 21st-century learning in action.
Looking Ahead
At The Lakes College, we are proud to be leading the way in adapting assessment for a GenAI-rich future. We understand that meaningful adaptation is never about abandoning what works. It’s about refining and reimagining. The AI Assessment Scale helps us strike that balance. Just as we adapted to calculators and the internet, we now evolve again with integrity, imagination, and intention.
Thanks to our careful, staged implementation, we are confident that the AI Assessment Scale equips both teachers and students to navigate this shift with clarity and purpose. As our staff continue to refine and reimagine assessment tasks using the AIAS, they do so grounded in the belief that technology should serve learning, not replace it. And most importantly, that students should emerge not just knowing but understanding, creating, and thinking independently.
AI is not the end of learning as we know it. It’s an invitation to evolve.
And at The Lakes College, we’re ready.
Teagan Dare | Director of Digital Agency & Data Analytics
Supporting the Future of Teaching: TLC’s Ongoing Commitment to Pre-Service Teacher Education
At The Lakes College, we recognise the vital role schools play in shaping the future of education—not only for our current students but for the generations of learners to come. A key part of this mission is our continued support for pre-service teacher training, ensuring that those entering the teaching profession are confident, capable, and classroom-ready.
Throughout Semester 1 2025, TLC has proudly partnered with universities across Brisbane to host 16 pre-service teachers across both our Primary and Secondary sub-schools. These professional experience placements provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring teachers to grow their practice, engage with diverse learners, and refine their skills under the guidance of experienced educators. Our staff have embraced this responsibility with enthusiasm and professionalism, and their efforts have been widely acknowledged by our university partners.
Supervising teachers play a crucial mentoring role—helping pre-service teachers align their practice with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the graduate level, while offering feedback, encouragement, and real-time insights into classroom dynamics. This hands-on experience is essential for preparing future educators for the complex and rewarding world of teaching.
The benefits of investing in pre-service teacher development extend far beyond the individual placements:
Elevating Teaching Quality: Supportive, well-structured placements lead to more confident, skilled educators—positively impacting student outcomes.
Boosting Retention: Early guidance and mentorship help new teachers enter the profession with resilience and a stronger sense of purpose.
Translating Theory into Practice: Real-life classroom experiences bridge the gap between university coursework and day-to-day teaching.
Fostering Professional Growth: Ongoing feedback and reflective practice promote continual improvement and a mindset of lifelong learning.
Enhancing Classroom Management: Exposure to real student interactions builds confidence and capability in managing diverse learning environments.
At TLC, we believe that investing in the next generation of teachers is an investment in the future of education. The dedication of our teaching staff to mentoring and supporting pre-service teachers strengthens not only our College community but also contributes meaningfully to the broader educational landscape.
We extend our sincere thanks to every TLC educator who has generously shared their time, expertise, and classrooms during Semester 1 2025. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your classroom—it shapes the teachers of tomorrow.
As I have surveyed and worked with thousands of families over the years, there are a small handful of habits that I see parents practice that make their families happy. And they are astonishingly powerful. In this article I will share those habits by describing the principle, discussing how it works in practice, and offering a provocation to get you thinking.
1. Assume Positive Intent
Principle: Your children are not actually trying to ruin your life. They’re trying their best with limited skills and resources. Sometimes they can be clumsy. They only have their ‘L’ plates on.
In Practice: When your child does something upsetting, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, “What need is my child trying to meet?” Then, address the need rather than just the behaviour. “I can see you’re frustrated. Let’s figure this out together.”
Provocation: We wouldn’t assume your colleague intentionally sabotaged a project, yet we’re quick to believe our children are orchestrating psychological warfare against us. Your child isn’t a criminal mastermind plotting your demise. They’re just hungry, tired, or struggling to communicate. The fastest way to turn a good kid bad is to treat them like they already are.
2. Laugh Together
Principle: Shared joy creates bonds that withstand life’s challenges.
In Practice: Have family movie nights with comedies. Share funny stories. Play ridiculous games. Create inside jokes. Laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. Make silly faces, tell dad jokes, and celebrate the ridiculous moments of family life.
Provocation: Most families spend more time coordinating schedules than creating memories. The average household shares fewer than 20 minutes of laughter per week, yet we wonder why everyone feels disconnected. If your family hasn’t had a proper belly laugh together in the last few days, your family culture is in critical condition.
3. Fix Things Fast
Principle: Conflict is inevitable; prolonged disconnection is optional.
In Practice: Be the first to apologise, especially if you’re the parent. Name what went wrong. Take responsibility for your part. Ask what would help. End with physical connection. A hug, high five, or fist bump resets everyone’s nervous system.
Provocation: Your silent treatment isn’t “teaching them a lesson”. Nor is yelling or threatening. It’s teaching them that love is conditional. Every hour of unresolved tension between you and your child is rewiring their brain to expect conditional acceptance in future relationships. Your pride isn’t worth the therapy bills they’ll have later.
4. Stay Close
Principle: Children of all ages are biologically wired for connection with their parents.
In Practice: Create daily rituals of connection: bedtime stories, morning cuddles, after-school check-ins. Sit on their bed for five minutes at night. Drive them to school when possible. Find small ways to connect throughout the day that show you’re thinking of them.
Provocation: Your child’s push for independence is a façade. Behind it is a child desperately hoping you won’t believe the act. While you’re respecting their “independence” by backing off, they’re interpreting your distance as abandonment. Your children need you more, not less—they just need you differently as they grow. They want your involvement in a supportive, not a controlling way.
5. Listen Fully
Principle: Being heard creates security and builds trust.
In Practice: Put down your phone when your child speaks. Make eye contact. Ask follow-up questions. Reflect back what you hear. Don’t immediately jump to solutions or lectures. Sometimes say, “Tell me more about that.”
Provocation: If your screen time report shows more hours on social media than minutes of eye contact with your children, you’re outsourcing the most important relationship they have right now to someone or something else. Your child will remember exactly zero of your “important” emails or Instagram reels, but they’ll never forget the times you chose your phone over their story.
6. Create Meaningful Traditions
Principle: Family rituals create stability and identity in an unpredictable world.
In Practice: Establish weekly family nights, seasonal celebrations, birthday traditions, or Sunday dinners. They don’t need to be elaborate—consistency matters more than complexity. Even simple traditions like Sunday morning pancakes create anchors of belonging.
Provocation: In a culture where kids construct identity through screens and peers, your family traditions are fighting for your children’s sense of self. Without these shared experiences, your family becomes little more than roommates who occasionally share Wi-Fi. The traditions you neglect creating today are the memories your children won’t have tomorrow.
7. Have the Hard Conversations
Principle: Children need parents who are brave enough to discuss discuss difficult topics.
In Practice: Create an environment where no question is off-limits. Talk about bodies, relationships, disappointments, and fears in age-appropriate ways. Don't wait for the "perfect moment". Use everyday opportunities to address important topics briefly and naturally.
Provocation: Your discomfort with difficult conversations doesn't make them unnecessary. It makes them urgent. The conversations you avoid having with your children will be filled by Google, YouTube, or the kid on the bus with wildly inaccurate information. If you won't have these conversations, someone else - or something else - will, and you probably won't like their curriculum.
What's Been Happening?
TLC Kokoda Challenge
For the third year in a row, The Lakes College has entered teams into the Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge. This event is a combination of 3 Challenges held across 3 different locations in SEQ. The Sunshine Coast 30km is the first of these events, followed by the Brisbane 48km Challenge in June and culminating in the Gold Coast 96km Challenge in July.
The SC30 was held on Saturday 10 May in the Hinterland town of Kenilworth. The two TLCKT Pinnacle teams; TLC Warriors and TLC Wanderers, arrived at the event village ready to tackle the track. The team started the Challenge clean but that did not last for long as the rain started to tumble down early in the day and kept going on and off for the best part of 4 hours. As you can expect, we were rather less clean at the finish line. The Pinnacle teams are filled with students, staff and parents who have had many years of experience in the Kokoda Challenge and they were not phased at all by getting wet and muddy.
7 hours and 38 minutes of hiking brought the teams back to the finish line where we were greeted with cheers by our supportive families, warm blankets and dry clothes.
TLC Warriors is in the Schools division of the Pinnacle Challenge and after the SC30 is currently in first place beating the other school team by almost 1 hour. TLC Wanderers is an Open Pinnacle team, and they are sitting comfortably in 4th position.
Our next Challenge is this weekend where we will hit the hill of D’Aguilar NP in the western suburb of Brookfield.
Our recent Community Consultation Evening brought together students, families, and staff to reflect on what it means to truly grow learner agency from Prep to Year 12. Centred around the crucial Upper Primary and Junior Secondary years – what Mrs Wallden affectionately referred to as “the great prune” – the evening invited authentic conversation and dialogue from participants to explore the shifting needs of young people and the role we all play in supporting their growth.
With many families present and rich conversations across every table, this was a night of vision, trust, and partnership as we continue to shape a journey of flourishing for every learner at The Lakes College.
Our Educational Leadership Team has already acted on some of the feedback from the evening and is using it to reshape and reimagine our Year 7 curriculum in 2026 to better support a seamless learning journey; one that takes into account the unique and very special age and stage of our Upper Primary and Junior Secondary learners – we look forward to sharing more in due course.
As Mrs Gregory shared in her initial invitation to the evening, our hope is for families to feel affirmed in their choice of a thoughtful, progressive school community and confident in the journey we are co-creating for their children; one of purpose, hope, and opportunity.
Mathew Stein | Deputy Principal - Curriculum, Professional Practice and Transformation
On Tuesday 13 May, the College came alive with colour, camaraderie and community as students and staff gathered for our much-anticipated House Heroics event. This biannual celebration is more than just a fun day—it’s a meaningful opportunity to strengthen House pride, build connections across year levels, and raise funds for future House initiatives.
Designed as a House-building and community-building activity, House Heroics invites all students to wear their colours with pride, participate in a variety of fun competitions, and support their peers in a spirit of friendly rivalry. The atmosphere was electric as laughter echoed across the campus and students threw themselves wholeheartedly into the day's festivities.
A key element of the event is its fundraising focus, and this year was no exception. From delicious butter chicken and pizza slices to yummy donuts and cupcakes, the House food stalls were a hit with students and staff alike. Every bite contributed to the cause, helping raise valuable funds that will go towards exciting future House events and programs.
What made this semester’s House Heroics truly special was the visible joy and togetherness shared by all. It was heart-warming to see so many students and staff actively involved, whether they were running stalls, cheering on their House, or simply enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere.
We extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this uplifting event, especially our Heads of House. Here's to continuing to grow our House spirit and community pride—together.
This month, our Year 4s welcomed author Peter Carnavas to their classrooms. The students and their classroom teachers had read Peter’s novel, Leo and Ralph together and were excited to have the opportunity to connect with Peter and ask questions about his books. Through his clever illustrations, he shared how he enjoys finding stories which surprise the reader. Our students were able to join in the creative process, making their own picture stories, and adding their individual touches. Peter also talked about his writing journey, which began with writing and illustrating picture books, including illustrating other author’s works. Peter shared that he now really enjoys the longer form of novels, and I am sure our Year 4s will be eager to read his next one!
Author visits like these are a great opportunity for our students. They encourage our young readers to engage with books, but they also demystify the writing process, giving them inspiration and confidence to create their own amazing stories. We are looking forward to having author Remy Lai visit TLC in Term 3 during Book Week. Remy is an author and illustrator of children's books and middle-grade graphic novels. We can’t wait to meet her and talk about her writing and drawing.
Happy Reading!
The TLC Library Team
TLC Students Take on the Narangba Valley Maths Tournament!
On Friday 16 May, some of our Secondary mathematicians attended the Narangba Valley Maths Tournament. This was a challenging competition between the schools of the Moreton Bay region, where each school entered their junior, intermediate and senior math teams consisting of five competitors each. Here is what some of our students said:
Participating in the math competition was both challenging and rewarding. It pushed us to think critically, stay focused under pressure, and apply concepts we’ve learned in new and creative ways. Some questions were straightforward, while others really tested our problem-solving skills and required persistence. Even when we didn’t know the answer right away, we learned the value of breaking problems down and trying different approaches. Overall, the experience helped boost our confidence in math and motivated us to keep improving. We are proud of what we accomplished and excited to take on more challenges in the future.
Between mathematical relays and team challenges, we all had a blast! All three teams from The Lakes College did well. The junior team finishing 2nd, the intermediate team finishing 4th, and the senior team finishing 2nd. We were very happy with our team’s effort, and we finished 2nd overall.
Chris Hosnell | Head of Faculty - Mathematics
Under 8's Day: Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play
What a day! Under 8s Day 2025 at The Lakes College was an action-packed morning bursting with laughter, learning, and hands-on discovery for our Prep to Year 2 students. This year’s theme, "Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play," brought the Junior Primary School alive with curiosity and excitement as students explored the wonders of the world through playful, purposeful learning.
Backed by powerful brain science, we know that play in the early years isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Play lights up young brains, strengthens neural pathways, and lays the foundations for problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. This year’s Under 8s Day made learning feel like magic—where every game, experiment, and messy moment sparked something bigger.
The campus was buzzing with energy as the Primary Green, undercover areas, and Lower Oval transformed into a wonderland of play and discovery. Our incredible Prep to Year 2 teams pulled out all the stops to create a vibrant mix of activities—supported by enthusiastic Year 6 and Year 11 student volunteers who added extra sparkle to the day. From racing through the inflatable obstacle course to getting creative with crafts or diving into fast-paced sports, there was something to captivate every curious young mind.
One of the standout features was the fantastic collaboration between our Primary and Secondary sub-schools. A true highlight was the enthusiastic involvement of our Years 7, 8, and 9 students, who led hands-on, science-themed activities that sparked wonder and curiosity in our youngest learners. Seeing these older students mentor and inspire brought fresh energy to the event and reminded us all of the power of connection and community.
We were also thrilled to welcome a star-studded lineup of community partners, including Street Science, AFL QLD, Brisbane Bullets, Wildlife Unleashed, Sandgate Men’s Shed, Moreton Bay Fire Station, Bricks 4 Kidz, Matchpoint Tennis, and the ever-popular “Sharkie” from the TLC Swim Club. A special thank you goes to TLCCA, who, in collaboration with the Redcliffe Men’s Shed, generously donated two picnic tables for our Year 1 and 2 Undercover Area. We were also honoured to receive a visit from Firebirds player Mary Cholhok, who inspired our youngest learners to reach high and never give up.
Parents and little siblings joined in the fun, turning the event into a true community celebration of joyful learning. The morning wrapped up with a shared morning tea—smiles, stories, and sticky fingers all around!
Under 8s Day 2025 was more than just a fun morning—it was a powerful reminder that play matters. It’s how young children learn best, make sense of the world, and ignite a lifelong love of discovery. A huge thank you to every staff member, student, volunteer, and community guest who made the day truly unforgettable.
Taryn Hirst | Deputy Head of Primary - Learning Transformation
In
Year 11 Psychology, students are currently learning about cognitive
development, with a focus on Piaget’s theory, which outlines how children
actively construct knowledge through four distinct stages: sensorimotor,
preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
To
help students engage with these ideas in an authentic way and reflect our theme
of connectedness, Year 11 psychology students played some simple,
non-evaluative games with your students, centred on the preoperational stage.
These activities are fun and exploratory—designed by the Psychology
students—and involve tasks such as categorising objects by colour and shape or
comparing volumes of liquid in different containers to explore conservation
concepts.
Some reflections from our Year 11 students:
Question 1: In what ways did the activity allow you to explore and reflect on young children's development?
“The activity allowed us to explore the Piaget's theories by sorting toys into different piles helps children develop cognitive skills, refine motor coordination, and express their unique ways of thinking. It also encourages social interaction and language development as they explain their choices and collaborate with others.”
“The activity done with the Preppies explored the concept of centration. This is because the Preppies were asked to sort the pom poms by colour, size, and then colour and size together.”
“Using Playdough, the activity enabled us to explore how preoperational stage develops within children aged 4 - 5 years old. The activity's conservational focus provided information about how children believe that they have more Playdough when the surface area is increased, or they have different coloured Playdough.”
“The activity demonstrated how young children classify based on physical characteristics, personal preferences, or imaginative associations, this activity illustrates how they develop socially and cognitively. Their decisions and justifications reveal information about their emotional ties, problem-solving abilities, and logic.”
“Through playing activities with the preps, I was able to explore and reflect on how young children develop. I was also able to observe the conservation principle, through seeing if they could recognise that if changing the appearance of playdough if it "was the same"”.
“The activity allowed me to explore and reflect on young children's development as it allowed us to get a perspective of how prep students mindset and personality works and the way that they think. It showed their first stage of thinking when the first question was asked and seeing how fast they react and respond and they were really cute and little.”
Question 2: How did the activity reflect one of The Lakes Learner Capabilities of curiosity, character, connectedness, or knowledge?
“It reflected the capability of curiosity as the kids were intrigued to answer before even knowing what the answer was. They were open to possibilities.”
“Focusing on character, the children completed each task in their own manner, introducing a competitive environment when they saw fit, allowing for higher standards and outcomes as a result. Within the groups, each child brought enthusiasm when they were instructed to complete a task, allowing those around them to feed off of their positive learning behaviour.”
“I think it most reflected curiosity and character, because the preps were curious about our activity and what they had to do, but also they enjoyed spending time making their own builds and using their imagination to play.“
“The willingness that they had to learn what the activity was about showed that they were eager and curious about what their task was. They also showed great knowledge in the basics and a rising knowledge of harder skills such as alphabetizing and again, when they were asked to pair up in their groups and share cards they were also willing to work with anyone from their group.”
“It showed our curiosity because we were interested in exploring prep students cognitive abilities. It also showed connectiveness because it allowed two different school groups that don't normally bond to work together.”
“The Pom Pom activity that was done with the Preppies reflects the capability of connectedness. This is because while participating in the activity they helped each other separate the colours into different groups. This was done by giving each other their colours when found.”
“It showed connectedness because we worked with different students from our school. It also showed character because we put on a special version of ourselves to be the best and be around the prep students to be role models. It showed curiosity to see how their mindset works!”
Des Hylton | Head of Faculty - Science
Year 12 Formal: Lit By Candles, Filled With Memories
It was an evening lit by candles as our Year 12 students arrived in style for one of the most anticipated and cherished milestones of their final year, the Year 12 Formal.
Held in Week 5 in The Ballroom of Victoria Park Golf Club, the night was a dazzling celebration of glitz and glamour, where our students shone as brightly as the candles that illuminated the room.
After weeks of planning, working bees, democratic votes, and reviewing seating arrangements, the Year 12 Formal Committee, with the support of our Heads of House and Engagement Team, delivered a spectacular evening that truly did their cohort proud.
We were delighted to welcome our Year 12 parents and carers for the first part of the evening, giving them a special opportunity to capture all the photos they possibly could of their now young adults, and share in the excitement of this huge milestone. After enjoying a few arancini balls and refreshments, Principal, Nicole Gregory addressed the room, thanking families for their unwavering support and the vital role they’ve played in helping our students throughout these almost 13 years of schooling.
As families departed, the celebration truly began.
Our College Vice Captains, Zara E and Jade S, hosted the evening spectacularly, and as Mission & Service Captain Emily B said grace, the entrees were served. With the first course done and dusted, our College Captains addressed their cohort, reflecting on the significance of the evening and reminding everyone that, 'it’s a night where schoolwork and life are set to pause, and we can be present and just enjoy ourselves.'
Olivia V and Levi K reflected on the moments that shaped their cohort, memories that made them laugh, cringe, and feel proud of how far they have come. They encouraged our Year 12s throughout the evening to, 'Be present. Be 100%. Face the rest of the year with the same energy as the first day of senior assassin. Embrace all moments - good, bad, big, or small. They are all significant and make up the nostalgic phase of life we’ll one day look back on as our high school journey.'
Before returning to their seats, our Captains introduced the Class of 2025 Video, just as mains were served. But before dessert could even make it to the table, the dance floor came alive, conga lines wound their way through The Ballroom, the photobooth pumped out polaroids, the 360-degree photobooth didn't stop spinning, and the candy buffet kept both students, and staff, on a sugar high all night long.
Thank you to all of our Year 12 students for embracing the evening and finding so much joy throughout the entire Formal. Thank you to our Heads of House, led by Mrs Ha, for your organisation and support of this special event. Thank you to all our parents, carers, and staff members who turned up to show our Year 12s how important they are, and that they are indeed worth celebrating.
As Levi and Olivia so poignantly said:
‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. But look around, look at the people beside you and the experiences we have together, deep down I think we all know the value of these moments, we just need to be present to take it all in.’
We hope our Year 12s walk away with nothing but fond memories of their 2025 Formal, a night to remember, forever.
Prep - Year 6 Mothers' Day Breakfast: Celebrating our Primary Mothers & Carers
It was picture-perfect weather on the Primary Green, filled with picnic blankets, love, and laughter, as our Primary students welcomed some very special visitors for breakfast and classroom visits in Week 3.
As our Prep to Year 6 mothers and carers began their special day with a spread of pastries and sweets, our Performing Arts students sang beautifully, capturing the joy and excitement of the morning.
Though breakfast is always a great way to start the day, our visitors and Primary Students were eager to capture all their memories on camera, snapping ample photos and of course a polaroid in front of the flower wall, before heading off to explore the newly opened playground.
It was an absolute delight to have so many Year 11 students join us for this Primary event, their support and assistance throughout the morning was a true testament to our community being Better Connected.
The bell rang, breakfast concluded, but the real excitement was just beginning. Our students eagerly showcased their singing, dancing, painting, drawing, and craft skills to give all of our fabulous mothers and carers a morning to remember. From performances, to pampering, portrait sittings, and thoughtfully crafted gifts, it was a lovely to see all the special women in our students’ lives walk out of TLC with a little handmade gift, keepsake, crown, or polaroid to remember this morning that we all love celebrating here at TLC.
We hope all of our mothers and carers had a truly wonderful Mothers’ Day.
Congratulations Grace – A Remarkable Musical Achievement!
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Grace E (Yr 10), who was awarded 3rd Place in the prestigious Brisbane International Youth Music Festival for her piano performance.
Grace’s success is not only a reflection of her talent and dedication but is made even more special by the piece she chose to perform – Prelude Romantique by renowned Australian composer Frank Hutchens. This piece holds deep personal significance for Grace, as it was originally written for one of her first piano teachers, Mrs Joyce Bennet (née Millar) OAM, as a 21st birthday gift. Mrs Bennet, who will celebrate her 94th birthday this year, has clearly left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.
To receive such an honour while performing a work so close to her heart is truly a special moment for Grace and for all who have been part of her musical journey.
As part of her achievement, Grace has also been invited to perform at the Winners Concert on Saturday 4 July in the beautiful Ithaca Auditorium at Brisbane City Hall. What a wonderful and memorable opportunity to share a piece with such a powerful personal connection.
Congratulations, Grace – your TLC community is cheering you on!
Taekwondo Success
Congratulations to the students below who recently competed at the Gold Coast Open Taekwondo 2025:
Daham W (Yr 7)
Participated in Sparring, Black Belt Male 12 to 14 years cadets 33.1 Kg to 37 Kg.
Gold medal in Recognized individual Poomsae, Black Belt 1st /2nd Dan Male 12 to 14 years.
Bronze medal in Speed Kick, 11 to 16 years Black Belt.
Amal W (Yr 6)
Silver medal in Sparring, Black Belt Male 9 to 11 years 25.1 Kg to 30 Kg.
Gold medal in Recognized individual Poomsae, Black Belt Male 10 to 11 years.
Gold medal in Recognized Pair Poomsae, Black Belt under 12 years.
Silver medal in Speed Kick, 11 to 16 years Black Belt.
Ethan L (Yr 6)
Participated in Sparring, Black Belt Male 10 to 11 years 35.1 Kg to 40 Kg.
Juwon H (Yr 5)
Silver medal in Sparring, Black Belt Male 9 to 10 years 40.1 Kg to 45 Kg.
Silver medal in Recognized individual Poomsae, Black Belt Male 10 to 11 years.
Gold medal in Recognized Pair Poomsae, Black Belt under 12 years
Bryson S (Yr 2)
Participated in Sparring, Yellow Belt Male 6 to 8 years 20.1 Kg to 25 Kg.
Community
May is one of TLCCA's busiest months!
May has been an incredibly busy and joyful month for the TLCCA as we came together to celebrate the amazing mums, grandmothers, aunts, and special friends in our TLC community.
Our Mother’s Day celebrations kicked off on Wednesday 7 May, when the Learning Lounge in the Primary School was transformed into a gorgeous Mother’s Day Stall. It was heartwarming to see the excitement on the faces of our Primary students as they carefully selected gifts for the cherished women in their lives. A huge thank you goes to Narelle W and her dedicated team of volunteers – including both mums and dads – for making this special event such a success. I’m delighted to share that this year’s stall was our biggest yet and reflects the incredible support of our community.
Our Secondary mums didn’t miss out either. On Thursday 8 May, they were treated to a fun-filled evening at The Fugitive Ferret, one of our favourite local venues. It was a fantastic night of laughter, connection and community spirit. As well as a TLC event, the evening is also a fundraiser for Cancer Council and we were able to raise $750! Special thanks to the generosity of our TLC business owners, who donated amazing raffle prizes. What a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a good cause.
We wrapped up the month with a vibrant celebration at Under 8s Day on Friday 23 May. TLCCA was thrilled to participate in this joyful event once again. With the help of the incredible Redcliffe Men’s Shed, we unveiled two beautifully handcrafted picnic tables for our Primary students. During the event, students added their colourful handprints to the tables in their House colours – creating a lasting memory and a fun new seating option for break times. The tables have already become a much-loved addition to the school grounds. TLCCA also offered a fun craft activity where students coloured their own popcorn holders – which were then filled with delicious, freshly popped popcorn. Thank you to Rob L and his faithful Year 1 parent helpers who gave up their day to volunteer at our TLCCA stalls. Your creativity, teamwork, and dedication made the day so special.
Looking ahead, our Athletics Carnivals are just around the corner, and we’d love your support! If you’re available to lend a hand at the TLCCA Refreshment Stands, even just for an hour or two, we’d be incredibly grateful. It’s a fantastic way to support our athletes and connect with other parents:
Finally, a quick reminder that our next TLCCA meeting will be held next term on Wednesday 30 July. We’d love to see you there as we continue planning meaningful events and initiatives that support our school community.
Thank you to everyone who continues to make TLC such a warm, welcoming, and generous place. We couldn’t do it without you.
Kristina Petho | TLCCA President
Join our TLC Jetty2Jetty Team!
2026 Beyond Scholarships - now open
Our Beyond Scholarships are available to prospective students who demonstrate the qualities, potential and commitment to excel in extra-curricular. These activities and programs predominantly focus on the areas of Dance, Drama, Sport, Technology, Music and Visual Arts and are designed to help our students achieve their dreams, fulfil their passions, reach their potential and in some cases make an impact in the lives of others. Recipients of a Beyond Scholarship are expected to make a significant contribution to The Lakes College in their chosen discipline.
Our 2026 Beyond Scholarships (Year 7-11) are NOW OPEN - please click on the information below to find out more and to apply. Applications will close 29 June 2025.
A big smile from one of our lovely TLC mums as she received her prize - a stunning KitchenAid mixer - won at our TLCCA Secondary Mother’s Day Evening!
A heartfelt thank you to Ben Milbourne for generously donating this amazing prize and to our incredible TLC Community Association for hosting such a beautiful event. You made the evening truly special for all our Secondary mums and special friends.
The Lakes College extends sincere thanks to our TLC Sponsors, whose steadfast support plays a vital role in fostering the overall development and wellbeing of our students. We acknowledge and value the dedication of the businesses listed below, whose investments directly enrich the educational journey of our students. Their contributions provide invaluable resources and open doors to opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise. We are truly grateful for their commitment to enhancing the educational experiences at The Lakes College.
Luxury Lifestyle Homes exemplifies unparalleled excellence in the design and construction of dream homes in Brisbane. With meticulous attention to detail, they are dedicated to transforming visions into reality. What sets Luxury Lifestyle Homes apart is their fusion of precise workmanship and proven processes, ensuring clients receive a home that is not only tailored to their exact specifications but is also completed on time, within budget and without stress. The team at Luxury Lifestyle Homes takes pride in bringing dream homes to life, creating a delightful and stress-free experience for their clients throughout the entire process. https://luxlifehomes.com.au
Quality in-home nursing services that put you and your family first. We don’t just focus on quality nursing services. We’re committed to helping you lead a healthier, active, more fulfilling life. Our focus is YOU. Our focus is our partners and their FAMILY. We want the best outcome for you. https://www.familyfirstcare.co...
Community Sponsor: North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical
Since 2004, North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical have been the local electrician serving the North Lakes community. As a family-owned and locally operated electrical contracting business, they have successfully contributed to the growth and development of the Moreton Bay Region. When you choose their services, you are not just hiring an electrician; you are investing in a relationship built on trust and expertise. North Lakes Electrician | North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical (northlakeselectrical.com)
Community Sponsor: The Vinyl Loft
The Vinyl Loft stands as a prominent player in the Australian vinyl crafting sector, consistently advancing and establishing a renowned position for delivering high-quality branded vinyl with a commitment to exceptional customer service. As an authorised Australian supplier, The Vinyl Loft offers a comprehensive range of quality branded vinyl, DTF Transfers, blanks, tools, and accessories, catering to diverse crafting and business requirements. https://www.thevinylloft.com.a...
Community Sponsor: The Yiros Shop North Lakes
Since 2015, The Yiros Shop has believed in serving only the best to our community across Brisbane and now wider Queensland. Their meals are authentic and fresh, adding a modern twist to traditional Greek favourites by focusing on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The Yiros Shop are proud to be a family owned and operated business carrying recipes down through generations and creating the best Greek food choice around. https://theyirosshop.com.au/
Community Sponsor: Easy As Driver Training
Jacqui & Warren from EasyAs Driver Training as proud TLC Parents and big supporters of our TLC Swim Club, coming on board this year as our inaugural TLC Swim Club Community Sponsor. If you're here to learn to drive then EasyAs Driver Training is the right place for you. We are long established and recognised for excellence. https://easyasdta.com.au/
Community Sponsor: Pizza Hut Mango Hill
Got a craving for a delicious pizza in Mango Hill? Us too! What you should do is make haste to the Mango Hill Pizza Hut store at Shop 2, 2 Halpine Drive, serving up piping hot pizza for lunch and dinner every day of the week! https://www.pizzahut.com.au/st...