A message from our Principal, Nicole Gregory

The Lakes College was proud to celebrate the official opening of our new Performing Arts Precinct and Strength & Conditioning Gym, a significant milestone in the continued growth and enrichment of our Prep to Year 12 learning environment.

This exciting development forms Stage 2 of the College’s Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), transforming the undercroft into a vibrant, purpose-built precinct designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and wellbeing.

• Read more about the opening here

Our Year 6 students recently took part in an engaging and inspiring Leadership Day, centred around the ASPIRE framework. This framework guided students in exploring what it truly means to be a leader within our school community.

ASPIRE stands for:
A – Action
S – Serve
P – Persist
I – Influence
R – Respect
E – Encourage

Throughout the day, students participated in a series of fun and interactive activities designed to bring these leadership qualities to life. Working in pairs, small groups and larger teams, they were challenged to communicate effectively, solve problems together and support one another. Each game and task encouraged students to step up, take initiative and demonstrate the values of the ASPIRE framework in practical and meaningful ways.

Importantly, the program highlighted that leadership is not limited to students with a badge or formal role. Every Year 6 student was encouraged to see themselves as a leader who can make a positive impact through their actions, attitudes and the way they treat others.

The day was filled with energy, teamwork and thoughtful reflection, helping students recognise how they can serve as positive role models within the school. We look forward to seeing our Year 6 cohort continue to ASPIRE as they lead with confidence, respect and encouragement throughout the year.

Rachel Johns | Deputy Head of Primary - Students & Wellbeing

One of the most common and persistent challenges students face is procrastination. As writer Mason Cooley aptly notes, “procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder”. Author of the brilliant website Wait But Why, Tim Urban, puts it more bluntly: “Procrastination is the action of ruining your life for no apparent reason”.

At The Lakes College, we’re taking this challenge seriously and turning it into an opportunity.

Each week, we run our signature Afternoons Against Procrastination program: Structured, supportive study sessions that help students get ahead and stay ahead. For Years 10 to 12, the sessions run weekly from 3:30pm to 6pm. For Years 8 and 9, we run a tailored version every fortnight from 3:30pm to 5pm. For Year 7, a dedicated program just for our newest Secondary students will start in Term 2.

These sessions aren’t just about having a quiet place to study. They’re designed to give students the opportunity, motivation, and tools to build better habits in a high-quality, low-distraction environment. While schools are often good at introducing students to different study strategies, they rarely provide dedicated time and space for students to practise and refine them. That’s the gap we’re bridging.

Each session is structured around the 8 Superhabits of Study books that your child has. This framework was developed at TLC and underpins our approach to supporting students. We draw on research-backed approaches like the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break) and flashcards, as well as emerging study techniques, such as my “thoughts for later” note. Each fortnight, I share short readings with our students to maintain momentum. A well-earned break in the middle provides both nourishment and a social boost. On average, more than 50 students attend weekly, supported by staff and TLC alumni who return to tutor, coach, and share their own experiences of overcoming procrastination and thriving academically.

Students consistently tell us that these sessions are making a difference:

• 100% report doing effective study
• Over 90% feel they’ve made real progress in managing procrastination
• Many are discovering new techniques that help them use time more efficiently at school, saving them time and stress at home

I like to call this Academic Contagion; the notion that a strong, visible culture of productive study can spread and inspire others. It’s a novel research idea, one that has been shared with teaching colleagues through Churchie’s A Learners Toolkit network, of which TLC is a foundation partner. Our research considered how an intentional study culture influences student performance, motivation, and wellbeing.

Afternoons Against Procrastination has become a real point of difference for TLC- not just in how we support students, but in how we nurture a culture where academic effort is normalised, supported, and celebrated. It’s about more than better grades. It’s about helping young people develop the confidence, focus, and habits that will carry them well beyond school.

Till next Tidings, take care,

Mathew Stein | Deputy Principal - Curriculum, Professional Practice and Transformation

In Week 2, I had the pleasure of accompanying 109 Year 7 students, 14 staff members and 8 Year 12 students to the Sunshine Coast for our Year 7 Camp. While a week away from the classroom can feel like a big and busy start to the year, it proved to be a memorable and incredibly rewarding experience for all of us. Our 2026 theme at the College is Choose Character: Where Light Goes, Character Grows, and I could not think of a better opportunity or environment for character development to occur. Across four energising days at Luther Heights, our Year 7 students embraced every challenge, stepping into each experience with resilience and growth.

Year 7 Camp continues to be one of the most important foundations of the Year 7 journey. It provides space for students to connect, grow in confidence and challenge their own boundaries outside the regular daily classroom environment. The camp aims to ensure students feel a genuine sense of belonging within the College community, with clear supports in place as they navigate the transition into Secondary schooling.

Across the week, our Year 7 students engaged in activities that allowed friendships to form quickly and naturally. For some, this was their first experience away from home. By the end of the week, new connections had formed, laughter echoed across the rolling hills, and a strong sense of belonging was evident.

Camp by the Numbers:

• 109 Year 7 students
• 12 teaching staff and 3 specialist staff
• 8 outstanding Year 12 leaders
• 4 days and 3 nights
• 15 structured activity sessions
• 3 evening programs
• 3 special birthday celebrations
• Countless hill climbs
• Numerous favourite meals enjoyed- including butter chicken, nachos, soft tacos, smartie surprise ice creams and churros

Favourite Activities and Challenges:

• Taking on the giant flying fox
• Testing courage and trust on the high ropes course
• Working collaboratively in the escape room challenge
• Beach activities filled with teamwork and energy
• A creative and spirited fashion show to close the week

Beyond the activities themselves, the real growth happened in the quieter moments. Encouraging a peer to keep climbing. Sitting with someone new at dinner. Choosing persistence when something felt difficult. These are the moments when our Year 7 students chose character.

It is important to say thank you to our dedicated staff who invested their time, energy and care into making camp such a success. A special acknowledgement also has to go to our Year 12 leaders, whose leadership and encouragement made a significant difference to our Year 7 students. Their presence modelled confidence, kindness and school spirit.

Overall, the 2026 Year 7 Camp has set a strong tone for the year ahead. Students returned with greater resilience, stronger friendships and a deeper understanding of what it means to belong to our College community. We look forward to seeing this foundation continue to grow throughout the year.

Kristy McNally | HOH Tabbil and Year 7 Camp Coordinator

At this time of year, The Lakes College community sets aside time to reflect on and enter into the season of Lent. This began with Shrove Tuesday, where we served pancakes to students and families, marking the start of the Easter journey. Our Mission and Service teams across both sub-schools arrived early to prepare a generous meal of pancakes with jam and cream. This is a much-loved tradition that students eagerly participate in and enjoy and one that many students have asked that we continue every week!

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is a Christian tradition observed the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent and invites a time of reflection, confession, and preparation. The name “Shrove” comes from the word shrive, meaning to confess sins and receive absolution, while pancakes symbolise the simplicity of the season of fasting to come.

The following day, we gathered as a College for Ash Wednesday, a time of deep reflection, where we are invited to turn to God with all of life’s burdens. During the service, students from Years 4 to 12 came together for a meaningful time of silence and contemplation. Ashes, made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches, were marked on foreheads and hands in the shape of a cross, accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ashes were shared by Home Group and classroom teachers, with great care and reverence shown throughout.

As a Uniting Church school, we observe this important season as an opportunity for renewal, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection with Christ. We invite our community to journey through Lent together, embracing the hope that God offers and the joy that Easter brings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

God bless

Tim McMenamin | Director of Mission

Year 7 student Amber M has been selected for the 2026 Strathpine State Team and will compete in shot put at the State Championships at QSAC this March. This is an outstanding achievement, particularly as it is Amber’s first year participating in Little Athletics. Her parents shared, “We are incredibly proud of Amber’s hard work and achievements… We are excited to see all she accomplishes at the state level.” We wish Amber all the very best as she represents her team on the state stage.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our February TLCCA meeting. With our new meeting location in the TLC Boardroom and improved online access, it was fantastic to see both in-person and virtual connections working so smoothly. We’re excited about making it even easier for our community to stay informed and involved - keep an eye out for our QR code to follow along and stay up to date with all TLCCA activities.

Our committee also had the pleasure of serving refreshments at the Principal’s Welcome and the Opening of the Performing Arts Precinct and Gym. A special thank you to Amy and Mike for their help in serving drinks on the evening, it was a wonderful event to be part of.

There are plenty of upcoming opportunities for our community to get involved:

• Picnic in the Park – 7 March
• Multicultural Expo – 20 March
• P–2 Cross Country – 23 March
• Years 7-12 Cross Country – 24 March
• Years 3–6 Cross Country – 25 March

We’re especially looking forward to the Multicultural Expo, where TLCCA will be hosting a fun Aussie-themed stall featuring Vegemite sandwiches, fairy bread and Iced VoVos. We’d love a small team of helpers to join us from 7:00am, if you’re a sandwich artist or fairy bread aficionado, we’d be delighted to have your help!

Excitement is also building for our upcoming Mother’s Day Stall with 750 gifts already prepared. It’s shaping up to be a wonderful opportunity for students to select something special for the important women in their lives plus a surprise pop-up Stall for our Secondary mums and special friends will be available for the first time this year!

We are thrilled to be welcoming over 100 families to our Picnic in the Park this Saturday - a fantastic way to connect, relax, and enjoy time together as a community.

For two of our events this year we are seeking donations of raffles, please email [email protected] if you are able to donate a prize for our Trivia Night or Secondary Mother's Day Evening.

We look forward to seeing many of you at these events and thank you for your continued support of TLCCA.

Rob L | TLCCA President
[email protected]

We were proud to relaunch our Buy a Brick campaign at the Opening of our Performing Arts Precinct & Gym. After the success of our 2023 fundraiser, this next chapter invites our community to once again leave a lasting mark on the College. Each engraved brick will become part of our Legacy Wall at the entry to the Performing Arts Precinct - a special tribute to the families who are helping shape these exciting new spaces. Be part of something that will stand for generations

• Buy your brick here: https://forms.office.com/r/2YY3pz26Am

Please contact our Marketing Department if you have any questions [email protected].

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.

• Click here to find out more about becoming a TLC Sponsor

Gold Sponsor: Luxury Lifestyle Homes

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

Gold Sponsor: Family First Care

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: 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...

Community Sponsor: AIM Retirement Planning

AIM Retirement Planning is an owner-operated Financial Planning business founded with a clear purpose: to enhance the financial well-being of everyday Australians through affordable and cost-effective solutions. http://aimrp.com.au