Nicole Gregory | Principal

The Lakes College Principal, Mrs Nicole Gregory, warmly invites our TLC staff, students and families to an evening of authentic consultation as we continue to shape an exceptional P–12 educational journey for every learner in our community. This event represents a continuation of our commitment to walk in partnership with our community and engage in a long-term, strategic conversation about what it means to be a Lakes Learner—from the first day in Prep to the final day of Year 12 Graduation and out into the world.

Together, we will reflect on the journey so far, honouring our history and celebrating the growth of our community. Our consultation event focuses on two learning phases —Upper Primary and Junior Secondary—where our learners experience increased independence, deeper learning, a greater sense of agency, and where they develop their sense of self-efficacy. These years are more than a bridge from Prep to Year 12; they are a distinctive phase of transformation where our Lakes Learner Capabilities of faith, connection, curiosity, character, and knowledge must remain strong and visible. We know that the destination of our learner's journey at TLC is not merely grades, but the ability to be lifelong learners, equipped to choose exactly what they need to move toward their next stage - whether that’s university, learning a trade, starting a business or launching something entirely original.

Families will hear from school leaders and students, explore the critical role of the middle phases of learning, and participate in rich community conversation. We will draw on various tools to promote discussion and learn what matters most for our learners through both a parent lens and a school perspective.

This evening is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the unfolding story of our College. By sharing your insights and aspirations, you help shape a learning journey that is not only academically strong, but deeply aligned with the hopes families hold for their children. As we look ahead, we want you to feel confident in the direction of our school—clear about what makes our P–12 journey distinct and united in a vision where every learner is known, supported, and empowered to be their best.

Let’s keep building the TLC story.

Click here to register your attendance

At The Lakes College (TLC), we recognise the profound impact that parent engagement has on the educational journey of our students. As we embark on our next Strategic Horizon, parent engagement has been placed at the forefront of our agenda, with foundational work already underway this year. This initiative is not just about involvement but about fostering a deeper, more meaningful engagement between parents, carers, and the educational community.

Understanding the Difference: Involvement vs. Engagement
Throughout 2024, our College Leadership, alongside the TLCCA President and Vice-President, actively participated in a Parent Engagement Master Class program with Independent Schools Queensland. This program has been instrumental in realigning our understanding of the difference between parent involvement and parent engagement. While involvement often refers to parents participating in school activities and events, engagement goes a step further. It is about parents being emotionally invested and actively participating in their child's learning journey.

Building an Engagement Strategy
Together, we are developing an engagement strategy aimed at equipping parents, carers, and educators to work collaboratively towards learner success. Our focus to date has been on seeking feedback from our community to provide parents and carers with opportunities for deeper engagement in the learning lives of their young people. Research has shown that when schools, parents, and carers share the same goals and understand what learning looks like, there are improved outcomes and resilience levels for young people.

The Lakes College's Commitment
The Lakes College has a long history of seeing our parents and carers involved in the life of the College. Volunteerism is a testament to this level of participation. We deeply appreciate our parents' and carers' commitment to classroom support in Primary, extra-curricular activities like Sport and Performing Arts, and involvement in celebrations such as Multicultural Day, Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, and our Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations. Attendance at College events like the ANZAC Remembrance Service, Foundation Day, and End of Year Awards and Celebration evenings further highlights this involvement.

Moving Towards Deeper Engagement
While the level of involvement from our parents and carers is outstanding, we must ask ourselves if we are providing opportunities for deeper engagement in the learning lives of our young people. Research indicates that involvement in a child's school community benefits their wellbeing and sense of connection. It also empowers parents and carers to engage more deeply with their children about their learning, leading to more supportive and productive conversations with school staff. When both school and parents have the same goal in mind and understand what learning looks like, there are improved outcomes and resilience levels for the young person.

Overcoming Challenges
As children grow older and the nature of schooling becomes more complex, opportunities for engagement may appear more challenging. However, this should not be a stumbling block. The Lakes College is committed to building positive partnerships with our parents and carers to enable better outcomes for our students.

Looking Ahead
To further grow our partnership, we have commenced a program run by the ISQ Parents Network. This program takes contemporary research and assists schools in working with parents and carers to strengthen relationships, enabling them to feel more connected to their children’s learning.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents who attended the Primary Community Engagement Event on Thursday 13 March 2025, and sharing their valuable thoughts. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Looking ahead, we have several important events on the horizon, and we encourage all parents to attend. Join us for the whole College Community Consultation afternoon on Tuesday 20 May 2025, and the Secondary Community Engagement Event on Thursday 31 July 2025. Additionally, we will be hosting a CPR Morning Tea on Friday 13 June 2025. If you have any pertinent issues to be discussed, please feel free to touch base with your Class Parent Representative (CPR) so they can relay your message. Your engagement is crucial in shaping the future of our students' learning journey, and we look forward to your continued support and involvement.

Anna Doré | Deputy Principal - People and Culture

The other day, my child rushed into the kitchen wide-eyed with their iPad in hand. “Mum, look! This video says the Prime Minister is giving away a private island to anyone who comments!”

The video looked real. The voice was perfect. The message? Completely fake.

Welcome to the world of deepfakes, where AI-generated videos, images, and audio can make it appear as though someone said or did something that never actually happened. In a time when our children are growing up with phones, memes, and YouTube shorts, this kind of digital illusion is more than just a tech curiosity. It’s something we, as parents and educators, need to talk about calmly, confidently, and often.

So, what is a deepfake, really? A deepfake is a piece of media – usually a photo, video, or voice recording – that’s been cleverly altered using artificial intelligence to mimic real people. Think of it like Photoshop, but on steroids. The technology can copy someone’s face, their voice, even their mannerisms and insert them into scenarios that never actually happened. Take my images above for example.

Sometimes they’re funny (like putting a celebrity’s face on a movie character) and sometimes they’re harmless. But in other cases, they’re used to spread false information, bully classmates, or create confusion about what’s real.

Here’s the scary part:

• It takes as little as three seconds of recorded audio for AI to convincingly clone someone’s voice. That means a short voicemail, a TikTok, or a quick video could be all it takes.
• In 2023, deepfake scams cost people over $25 million globally, often by impersonating loved ones or public figures.
• A 2024 study found that one in four teens had encountered a deepfake online and weren’t aware it was fake.

Should we panic? No. Should we pay attention? Absolutely.

Here at The Lakes College, we’re teaching students not just how to use technology, but how to think critically about it. Across the curriculum, our students are learning how to:

• analyse the authenticity of online content
• recognise red flags like mismatched lip-syncing or odd blinking patterns
• question the intent behind digital media: “Who made this, and why?”

Whether it’s exploring bias in AI tools or analysing digital content for credibility, we want our students to be thoughtful and reflective – digital detectives rather than passive consumers.

But we also know that what happens at home matters just as much. So, how can you help your child stay safe and savvy?

1. Have open conversations.
Ask them what they’ve seen online recently. Have they ever watched something that didn’t feel quite right? Share examples you’ve come across, too – it shows them you’re curious, not judgemental.

2. Teach them to pause and check.
Encourage your child to ask three questions before believing or sharing anything online:

• Is this from a trustworthy source?
• Can I find it somewhere else?
• Does anything feel ‘off’ about the voice or image?

3. Set a family security question.
If your child ever gets a call or message that seems unusual – especially one that’s emotional or urgent – encourage them to ask a pre-agreed security question. It could be something like, “What’s the name of our first pet?” or “What movie did we watch on my last birthday?”
This simple step can help protect your child from voice cloning scams that impersonate family members.

4. Lead with curiosity, not fear.
Reinforce that AI and digital tools aren’t bad, they’re just powerful. When used well, they can help students at TLC refine their responses, build animations, and even create interactive projects. But just like learning to cross a road, they need guidance, rules, and practise to navigate safely.

Want to explore together at home? A great starting point is this interactive game by AI educator Leon Furze: Can You Spot the Deepfake? Play it with your child and see who can tell what’s real and what’s fake. It’s a fun, eye-opening way to spark conversation and build digital awareness together. Just keep in mind that this game was released in 2022, and AI image generation has come a long way since then.

Importantly, if you ever come across harmful, threatening, or sexually explicit deepfakes or AI-generated content, report it to the eSafety Commissioner here: Online safety | eSafety Commissioner. As Australia’s online safety regulator, the eSafety Office can help remove harmful material, offer advice, and take appropriate action. Reporting is quick, confidential, and focused on protecting families.

Deepfakes might sound like science fiction, but they’re part of our children’s digital reality. With open conversations, shared tools, and a healthy dose of curiosity, we can empower our kids to navigate this world with confidence and critical thinking.

Together, let’s stay informed, stay alert and most importantly, stay connected.

Teagan Dare | Director of Digital Agency and Data Analytics

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 6:00pm. For Years 8 and 9, we run a tailored version every fortnight from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. For Year 7, a dedicated program just for our newest Secondary students is on the way.

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 research-backed approaches like the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break) and flashcards, or an emerging study technique, 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 1 of Term 2, our College community gathered for a poignant ANZAC Remembrance Service, as students and staff reflected on and remembered the bravery and sacrifice of those who served our nation.

It was an honour to have our guest speaker, Major Craig Ball, a TLC Parent who currently serves as the Operations Officer of the 9th Battalion in The Royal Queensland Regiment, give such a thoughtful Commemorative Address. He spoke to our community with great passion about the landing at Gallipoli, capturing the imagination of our students by asking them to picture themselves as 16-year-olds, forging their age to join their friends in war to fight for their country. He reflected on the strength, determination, skill, and unwavering spirit of those young people, especially the core ANZAC identity of Mateship. ANZAC Day, he said, continues to unite us across generations, echoing the values we also uphold here at TLC - Courage to face fear, Community forged through adversity, and Justice that honours the fair and right path. We were truly blessed to hear his thought-provoking address on such an important day.

The event was also a testament to the dedication and weeks of hard work our students put into rehearsing for this special occasion. The choral item "Lest We Forget" was beautifully sung by our combined Secondary Vocal Ensemble and Primary Choir, harmonising together about the spirit of ANZAC Day. Our Symphonic Winds Ensemble, as always, played wonderfully as they were accompanied by soloists Jasmine B, Josie C, Finlay A, and Laila H for the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems and hymns of the Service. A special mention goes out to Year 10 student Nate M, whose bravery in playing the Last Post and Rouse added a deeply moving element to the ceremony.

The professionalism of our College Captains, Olivia V and Levi K, our Primary School Leaders, Kevin W, Laila H, and Shreedutt J, and our cadets Dhruv G, Mitchell C, Dale B, and Haelyn N, led by Aayan K, was evident as they guided the service with precision and respect, showcasing their leadership and commitment.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding contributions. Their dedication and heartfelt participation made this year's ANZAC Remembrance Service a truly memorable occasion. The respect and reverence felt by everyone present was palpable, creating an atmosphere of solemn reflection and gratitude, and we are very thankful for all those who were able to join us at this Service.

Lest we forget.

Our Year 8 cohort had a wonderful four days last week at the Big 4 Helensvale on Year 8 Camp. It was an action-packed week that focused on team-building activities under our theme 'Relationships and the Rollercoaster of Life'.

The team from Character Builders did an amazing job of getting our students out of their comfort zones and getting to know each other through activities like our Side Show Alley, Aqua Afternoon, and Quiz Night. It was also beautiful to see the students engage in the Art of Big Ups, offering words of positive affirmation to others in their cohort.

The week culminated in a visit to Movie World, where students had to work in teams to complete a Park Race Challenge. The afternoon was spent exploring the theme park, where we saw the fruits of the students' work during the week through seeing new friendships form and lots of support of their peers to conquer fears on the rides.

It was encouraging to see the strengths of the Year 8s shine over the week, including their fierce competitive spirit and eagerness to encourage each other. We hope the Year 8s continue this amazing work throughout the year in the spirit of our 2025 TLC theme to be Better Connected.

Well done legends!

Madeleine Pearl | Head of House Kumbarchu

Get ready for a delicious way to show your House spirit! 🍩🍕🍛

On Tuesday 13 May, we’re serving up some tasty treats to raise funds for our incredible Houses:

🔥 Nyani – Donuts
🍕 Kittabilla – Pizza
🌈 Kumbarchu – Rainbow Cupcakes
🍛 Tabbil – Butter Chicken with Rice

Primary Students:
👉 Order via Spriggy only
👉 Pick up from your usual Wunya Café location at second break

Secondary Students:
👉 Order via Spriggy OR
👉 Pay with cash or eftpos at the Terraces during second break

Let’s come together to support our Houses and enjoy some tasty House-themed bites! 💪💙💛❤️💚

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: 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/