If you were anywhere near SS2A on training afternoons this year, you would have heard it: the rapid-fire ideas, the bursts of laughter, and the “Wait, that’s actually a great rebuttal!” moments. Every week, our seven TLC Debating teams gathered here at school to practise, sharpen their thinking, and prepare to head out across Brisbane for the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) competition.

This was our biggest and most exciting season yet, not just because of the number of teams, but because for the first time ever, The Lakes College hosted two official debate nights. Seeing our own spaces transformed into arenas of big ideas, clever counterarguments, and respectful clashes was a milestone we’ll remember.

From the first round, the season became about more than learning content or winning rounds; it was about finding our rhythm together. Week by week, debaters grew more confident, learnt to anticipate each other’s moves, and developed the ability to think and speak on their feet. Alongside the serious preparation came plenty of shared laughs, inside jokes, and those quiet moments before a debate where someone would say, “We’ve got this,” and everyone believed it.

The results were a bonus to an already rewarding season: five teams – 7.1, 7.2, 9.1, 9.2, and 10.1 – earnt their place in the Finals series, with three teams – 7.1, 9.2, and 10.1 – making it to Round 2. Our Year 10s went even further, dominating Round 3 and reaching the Quarter Finals and competing amongst the top eight Year 10 teams in Brisbane.

This year’s topics pushed students to explore new perspectives and challenge their own thinking. Highlights included:

• Year 7: That we should ban animals in sport.
• Year 8: That toys, books, films, TV, and other media targeted towards a specific gender are harmful to children.
• Year 9: That national sporting leagues should only be played in their country of origin.
• Year 10: That military leaders should be directly elected by citizens.

But the real magic happened in the moments between speeches – in the pre-debate huddles, the car rides to host schools, and the last-minute pep talks before walking into a new venue. Win or lose, our debaters backed each other every step of the way, showing exactly what Better Connected looks like in action.

To every student who stepped up to debate this year, thank you. Whether it was your first season or your fourth, you’ve made 2025 a season to remember.

Thank you also to our debating families and the broader College community for your ongoing support. We are already looking forward to what 2026 will bring!

Teagan Dare, Clara Aleckson, and Emily Malone | TLC Debating Coaches

A massive congratulations to our Year 10 students for successfully completing their recent Mt Binga adventure! Over two challenging and rewarding weeks, students stepped away from the comforts of modern life and immersed themselves in the routines of a working farm in rural Queensland.

Life at Mt Binga was technology-free, which meant no phones, screens, or instant messages. Instead, students reconnected with life’s simple rhythms - collecting fresh eggs each morning for breakfast, milk straight from the cows, cooking their own meals and washing their own clothes. Parents and students exchanged handwritten letters during the fortnight, creating treasured connections in a slower, more thoughtful way.

Daily life was filled with practical farm work such as horse riding, gardening, milking cows and caring for animals, alongside bigger challenges like the three-day bush hike. Every task was designed to stretch students’ resilience, responsibility and independence. What may have seemed daunting at first soon became part of the adventure, with students supporting each other and working together as a team.

This camp was no holiday - it was a transformative experience. Rising early, contributing to the farm and navigating the demands of communal living all helped our students grow in maturity and character. The staff at Mt Binga commended our group for their positive attitudes, their willingness to learn new skills and their ability to embrace each challenge wholeheartedly.

We are incredibly proud of Year 10 and the way they represented The Lakes College. They return not only with memories of adventure and friendship, but also with life skills, stronger self-belief and a deeper appreciation of community.

Well done, Year 10 - this was more than just a camp. It was a journey of growth, independence, and resilience, and you should all be very proud of what you have achieved.

Harry Ahrens | Year 10 Camp Coordinator

On Thursday 14 August the Year 3's left TLC to go to their very first school camp! The bus left at 9am - a bit late as it took ten minutes for everyone to get on. I sat next to Yuna. We had two stops, a park in Coolum and then Luther Heights Camp. When we arrived at the park we ate morning tea but there was a turkey that tried to steal our food. After eating, we played on the playground and other games. When we finally arrived at camp, a man named Josh spoke to us about expectations. I loved that we went on a walk to see some whales.

After the walk we had lunch, which was nachos, yum - it was amazing. After a great lunch, my group went for a long walk to the beach, we got two photos and had to walk back due to a storm. Back at camp we did more activities. The girls went to make their beds and after taking forever we finally got to shower. Dinner was delicious, I had chicken schnitzel, mash, peas, and bread. After dinner we had ice-cream, it had smarties in the cone. We went back to our cabins to brush our teeth and get our pillows and soft toys. We watched the end of The Secret Life of Pets; it finished at about 8:15pm. We headed back to our cabins to sleep.

I woke up early at 4:45am because of the shower I heard. Once everyone woke up we started packing and brushed our teeth because we didn’t have time after breakfast. We all had to wheel our bags down a hill. We lined up for breakfast and I had pancakes, bacon and Coco Pops. When we finished my group did the koala climb. I only got to the top of the ladder. We played ‘floor is lava’ with mats and had to balance on a see saw thing. We had lunch and it was amazing - hot dogs (yum!). When we finished lunch we got on the bus and arrived back at school. My favourite thing was sleeping in my cabin and least favourite thing was the ride on the bus.

By Charlotte W, Year 3 Student

Last week, our Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable camp experience on the scenic banks of the Maroochy River. While the Sunshine Coast didn’t quite live up to its name - delivering steady rain throughout the 3-day camp - the weather did nothing to dampen the campers’ spirits or enthusiasm.

From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to water challenges and dynamic team-building activities, our students embraced every moment with energy and positivity. The camp was designed to encourage collaboration, and the students were challenged to work with peers they might not usually team up with. This led to stronger connections across the cohort and a deeper sense of unity. The food was also a definite highlight, and the huge portions kept everyone well-fed and happy.

Despite the soggy skies, Year 6 proved that a little rain can’t wash away the joy of adventure, friendship, and growth. It was a week full of laughter, learning, and lasting memories. The staff were especially impressed by the level of participation and camaraderie shown throughout the camp by our Year 6 students.

Mel Smith | Year 6 Academic Care Coordinator

Our Athletics Carnivals bring together students from across the school. From the youngest competitors to the senior champions, the events were filled with memorable moments and record-breaking performances. These included:

Fastest on the Track

Secondary School

• Fastest 100m Girl: Cynthia S
• Fastest 100m Boy: Quinn W

Primary School

• Fastest 100m Girl: Nathanael B
• Fastest 100m Boy: Ademide A

Age Champions

Primary School:

• 8 Year Olds: Tilly V & Chase T
• 9 Year Olds: Grace D & Timofay P
• 10 Year Olds: Olivia D & Theo B
• 11 Year Olds: Aaliyah S & Amal W
• 12–13 Year Olds: Lara C & Nathanael B

Secondary School:

• 12 Year Olds: Harlow B & Kaden B
• 13 Year Olds: Olivia M & Daham W
• 14 Year Olds: Aaliyah B & David B
• 15 Year Olds: Jessica S & Levi R
• 16 Year Olds: Summer A & Oliver K
• 17 Year Olds: Cynthia S & Benjamin B
• Open: Rozelle D & Noa M

Record-Breaking Achievements

This year’s carnival saw 32 records broken across both Primary and Secondary.

Secondary Records (17 Broken)

• James R (17) – 100m, 200m
• Aaliyah B (14) – 200m, Javelin, Long Jump
• William M (17) – 400m, 1500m
• Rozelle D (Open) – 400m
• Quinn W (14) – Long Jump
• Jessica S (15) – Long Jump
• Cynthia S (17) – Triple Jump, Javelin
• Tristan E (17) – Triple Jump
• Catrin L (17) – Discus, Shot Put
• Laylah B (16) – Javelin
• Aidan B (17) – Shot Put

Primary Records (15 Broken)

• Grace D (9) – 200m, 400m
• Sophia M (10) – 200m, 400m
• Zoe B (9) – Shot Put
• Eli P (9) – Shot Put
• Tilly V (8) – 100m, 400m, 1500m, Discus
• Viaan D (8) – Long Jump
• Leith M (10) – 1500m
• Chase T (8) – 400m, 1500m
• Timofay P (9) – 400m

Congratulations to all participants, champions, and record-setters. Your achievements have made this year’s carnival truly unforgettable.

House Winners:

Last weekend, Year 9 student Aaliyah B travelled to Adelaide to compete at the Australian National Pool Rescue Championships. Representing Noosa Heads as the sole athlete from her club, Aaliyah took on the challenge without the usual support of a team or crew by her side.

She competed strongly across three individual events, achieving outstanding results:

• 4th place – 100m Manikin Tow with Fins

• 4th place – 50m Swim with Fins

• 8th place – 50m Manikin Carry

Aaliyah’s results are even more remarkable considering she was up against national surf lifesaving water athletes, open water swimmers, and competitors who specialise in Royal Life Saving pool rescue events. Despite not being able to train for over a month, missing squad sessions, and battling illness in the lead-up, she performed exceptionally well.

Her efforts earned her a 39th overall ranking on the national points table, a fantastic achievement for a single competitor up against such strong fields.

We are incredibly proud of Aaliyah’s determination, courage, and results on the national stage.

At this point in the year, many Senior students either surge ahead or start to slump. Sometimes, an outside voice can make all the difference in helping to reset focus and energy. Renowned Clinical Psychologist Andrew Fuller has shared his article Tune Up Your Study Advantage, offering quick and practical strategies to boost motivation and keep you on track for the rest of the year.

• Click here to read Andrew's article

On Friday 15 August TLC proudly joined schools across Australia in recognising the National Week of Action Against Bullying, culminating in Bullying. No Way! Day. This national initiative unites government, Catholic, and independent schools to champion safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all students.

At TLC, our commitment to student wellbeing extends beyond addressing bullying. We also recognise the impact of sexual and gender-based harassment, which research shows are increasingly affecting young people in schools. These behaviours can undermine a child’s safety, dignity, and learning. At TLC, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Our Approach at TLC

Through our Find Your North wellbeing program, we take a whole-of-school approach to safety, student protection, and respectful relationships.

Student Protection Contacts (SPCs)
We ensure every student knows who they can speak to if they feel unsafe or need support. Our SPCs include:

• Principal, Mrs Nicole Gregory

• Deputy Principal – People & Culture, Mrs Anna Doré

• Counsellors, April Carroll & Jenna McMaster

• Nurse, Kristy Seymour

• Head of Secondary, Ms Madonna Potter

• Head of Primary, Mrs Katerina Tilley

• Acting Deputy Head of Secondary (10–12), Mrs Kristy McNally

• Deputy Head of Secondary (7–9), Mrs Skye Walden

• Deputy Head of Primary – Students and Wellbeing, Miss Rachel Johns

• Deputy Head of Primary – Curriculum Transformation, Miss Taryn Hirst

These contacts are displayed in every classroom and shared space throughout the College to ensure visibility and accessibility for all students.

External Support Services
We also promote confidential services beyond the College, including:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

• Headspace

• 1800 RESPECT (domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence support)

• Child Safety After Hours Services

• Police Link

Learning Experiences
Students are engaged in age-appropriate sessions that help them:

• Recognise bullying and harassment

• Understand consent and respectful relationships

• Identify safe adults and reporting pathways

• Build empathy, resilience, and assertiveness

These sessions align with national frameworks such as the Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) and the Our Watch Blueprint.

Partnering With Families

Creating a culture of safety and respect requires strong partnerships between school and home. Families can support this by:

• Talking with children about what respectful relationships look like

• Reinforcing the importance of speaking up if they feel unsafe

• Exploring family resources on Bullying. No Way!

If you ever have concerns or questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher, one of our Student Protection Contacts, or our counselling team.

Guided by Our Values

As a Uniting Church school, our work is grounded in the values of:

• Love, Compassion, Acceptance

• Respect, Honesty, Accountability

• Empowerment, Justice, Forgiveness

These values guide our culture and ensure that every situation is handled with care, consistency, and a commitment to restoration.

Together, as a community, we can continue to build a safe and nurturing environment where every child is supported to flourish.

Have you ever noticed how, when you're thinking about buying a certain kind of car, you suddenly see it everywhere? It’s not a coincidence. Psychologists call it selective attention—we tend to notice what we’re already focused on.

As parents, we do this with our children.

If you’ve had a rough day and your child is dragging their feet, mumbling, or rolling their eyes… you start seeing only those behaviours. Before you know it, every interaction feels like a battle. You expect the worst—and that’s all you see.

What you focus on grows. If we’re not careful, we can unintentionally reinforce the very behaviours we’re trying to change.

The Danger of "Pre-Agitated Parenting"

In a recent moment of less-than-ideal parenting, I found myself walking into the living room already annoyed—just because one of my daughters was there. She hadn’t done anything wrong in the moment, but it had been a rough day for us. We had endured some conflict. I was pre-agitated. Just seeing her brought back frustration and disappointment. My brain was viewing her through a clouded lens, scanning for faults and finding them… because that’s what I was looking for. The result? Snarky comments. Escalating tension. A disconnection that neither of us wanted—but both contributed to.

So How Can We Do Better?

The good news is, we can turn this around.

CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING

The Lakes College interested in providing up to date and important research on wellbeing for students and how students can be best supported in the educational environment. Most recently The Australian published an article entitled, :Inside Gen Z’s phone addiction: The crisis parents need to know about.”

In this article, teenagers shared raw and honest reflections about their relationship with smartphones and social media. What began as resistance to a phone-free camp turned into a surprising sense of relief and hope. Students described feeling “lazy,” “distracted,” and “unmotivated” when glued to their screens—but also excited at the idea of reclaiming time, nature, and real friendships. Our students want to reconnect and lessen the use of social media!

This isn’t just anecdotal. The data is sobering: rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among young people—especially girls—have surged since the rise of social media. Many teens admit they feel addicted, trapped in a cycle of comparison, validation-seeking, and emotional rollercoasters. They know it’s harming their mental health, but they don’t know how to stop.

Girls are particularly vulnerable. Internal research from platforms like Instagram reveals that social media worsens body image issues for one in three teen girls. Algorithms feed them more “perfect” content when they’re feeling low, deepening insecurities and isolation.

As parents and educators, we face a difficult choice: do we risk social exclusion by limiting access, or do we allow our students to remain immersed in a digital world that often undermines their wellbeing? It is never easy to get this balance completely correct.

This article reminds us that our students are not just passive users—they’re aware, articulate, and yearning for change. They want help. They want boundaries. And they want to feel free again. Let’s listen to them.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/these-kids-told-us-they-want-to-stop-scrolling-but-they-dont-know-how/news-story/4e29c69ec64ecb9224658dff912dcd8c#comments

If you have been further inspired or would like further information about how to support your teenage student with implementing and maintaining social media boundaries, please review the Office of eSafety website.

Parents | eSafety Commissioner

Second Hand Uniform Shop (SHUS) Success

We have had a record-breaking year for SHUS sales, already taking in $1,000 more than last year. July alone saw sales of $3,800, with $1,800 returned to families and just under $2,000 raised for TLCCA. We’ve already surpassed our project expenditure goal of $15,000, with $16,000 provided towards projects so far this year. Cash reserves are also continuing to grow, thanks to both SHUS sales and CoMB grant funding.

These incredible results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Renee C and her team of volunteers who make the SHUS such a valuable service for our community as well as our Treasurer Mike. Thank you!

Father’s Day Stall

We hope all our TLC dads and father figures enjoy their special day on Sunday and love the thoughtful gifts chosen by their young people from TLCCA’s Father’s Day Stall. A huge thank you to Kellie B and her volunteers, who spent a full day wrapping over 600 gifts and helping students with their purchases. The stall looked fantastic and we are grateful for the passion and energy this team brings to our community events.

And since it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without a dad joke… “Why don’t eggs tell jokes? Because they’d crack each other up!” 🥚😂

TLCCA Executive Positions Available

We are seeking nominations for TLCCA President, Vice President, and Secretary to be elected at our AGM in October. These positions are a wonderful opportunity to meet families and make a meaningful difference in our school community. If interested, please email our Principal, Nicole Gregory, at [email protected].

Notice of TLCCA Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 29 October, 7:00pm – Main Admin Staffroom

Primary School Disco – Thursday 18 September

Back by popular demand! The TLCCA, with the support of the Primary Leadership Team, is excited to bring you this much-requested event to wrap up Term 3. Volunteers are needed to help pack snack bags – please email if you can lend a hand.
Reminder: $5 payment via Parent Lounge is required for your child to attend.

World Teachers’ (and Staff) Day – Friday 31 October

Next term, we look forward to celebrating our wonderful TLC staff. In past years, families have generously provided food dishes, which are always greatly appreciated. We’d love to see this tradition continue in 2025. Keep an eye on socials for meal requests closer to the date.

Save the Date – TLCCA Trivia Night 2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday 6 June 2026. It’s set to be a fun night with funds going towards our Library. Gather your team of 6, BYO food and drinks and enjoy the evening (child-minding will be available). We’ll also be calling for raffle prize donations – please email me if you’d like to contribute a prize - big and small prizes are all appreciated!

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, events and SHUS news:

• TLC Community Association Facebook

• TLCCA Instagram

• SHUS Facebook

• SHUS Instagram

Second Hand Uniform Shop – Holiday Opening Hours

Friday 3 October | 8:00am – 10:00am

Kristina P | TLCCA President
[email protected]

On Thursday 11 September, TLC will be recognising R U OK? Day, Australia’s national day of action that reminds us all of the importance of checking in with those around us. This day encourages every Australian to ask, “Are you OK?” and to be ready to listen and support someone who may be struggling.

To raise awareness across our community, we are inviting all students from Prep to Year 12 to wear a splash of yellow with their school uniform on the day. This may be as simple as a ribbon, socks, a hair accessory, or another small yellow item. Please note, there is no coin donation required – we are doing this purely for awareness and to show our support.

At TLC, wellbeing is at the heart of our community. R U OK? Day reminds us that starting a simple conversation can make a difference in someone’s life. Together, we can encourage our students to show kindness, empathy, and care for each other every day.

Get ready for our TLC Arts Festival in October! Showcase your talent and passion for music! Students who play an instrument or sing are encouraged to apply.

Submissions close 19 September.

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/

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