LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
14 August 2025
Value of the Month - Authenticity
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God - Philippians 4:6
IMPORTANT DATES
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Monday 18 - 22 August | Book Week |
Monday 18 August | Geography Excursion |
Wednesday 20 August | CSEN intermediate sport |
Tuesday 26 August | Prep Excursion to Melbourne Zoo |
Wednesday 27 August | ELC Father's Day Stall |
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parent/Guardian,
In a world that often pressures us to conform, the Bible reminds us of the power of authenticity through the story of David. When facing Goliath, David did not pretend to be a warrior in Saul’s armour. Instead, he trusted who God made him to be; a shepherd with a sling and unwavering faith in (1 Samuel 17) in defeating the enemy. His authenticity changed history. Like David, we are called to embrace our true selves, using our unique gifts to help and care for others.
As we grow in authenticity, we are also growing our campus! Exciting news- two new multi-purpose outdoor courts are being planned and build on the oval in
the coming months. These courts will support basketball, volleyball, and netball, providing more space for teamwork and fun competitions. This project reflects our commitment to fostering community, where every student can thrive with their God-given gifts.
Let us celebrate our progress together! May we continue building together a better College for our students.
Wing Leong
Principal
WELLBEING
National Week of Action against Bullying.
This week is the National Week of Action Against Bullying, also known as Anti-Bullying Week. The theme for this year is Be Bold, Be Kind, Speak Up — a powerful reminder that standing up for kindness and fairness matters.
Here at Lighthouse, we believe that kindness shouldn’t be limited to a single week. It’s something we aim to practice every day, all year round. The Bible teaches us in Matthew 7:12 (NLT), “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” We know this as the Golden Rule, and it reflects the heart of how we are called to treat others.
Kindness is also one of the fruits of the Spirit — a sign of God working in our lives. That means it should flow naturally in our words, our choices, and our actions each day.
To celebrate friendship and reinforce how we should treat one another, our Primary students have enjoyed a week full of meaningful activities. These included:
- Reading stories about kindness and friendship in class
- Revisiting what bullying is — and what it isn’t
- Taking part in a classroom mural competition
- Creating a “Hands of Friendship” chain at lunchtime to symbolise how we are all connected as friends
Let’s remember: a little kindness goes a long way. When we choose to be
kind, we’re not only building each other up — we’re reflecting God’s love in
action.
Cherrie Marshall
Chaplain
BOOK WEEK UPDATE
Hi everyone, I have some exciting Creative Arts updates to share. I have been working with Mrs Felici and Mrs Gosai Jesudhason on preparations for our Book Week chapel on August 19th. During the chapel, all of secondary will get to hear a short story, and there will be a Book Week parade where you can come dressed as your favourite movie or book character.
Please bring a gold coin donation to join in the fun — all donations will go to Roop, an organisation supporting children and families, which you can learn more about at roop.org.au/book-week-2025. Tickets for this year’s production of Finding Nemo, performed by our talented primary students at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong, are now live, so make sure you get yours before they sell out. I am also excited to share that next year’s production will be performed by our secondary students, and the announcement is very close — so stay tuned!
Thevan Kajipa
FINDING NEMO UPDATES
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!
Performances:
Cast A: they are performing on Wednesday the 3rd of September
Cast B: they are performing on Thursday the 4th of September.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SELECT THE CORRECT NIGHT!
THIS IS BEING HELD OFFSITE THIS YEAR AT THE DRUM THEATRE
Please click on the QR Code Above to purchase tickets or follow this link: https://drumticketing.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/10719
Updates on Production
Feel free to join the Lighthouse Chrisitan College Community Page on Facebook and Instagram for updates on how the Production is going.
We are all very much looking forward to these nights.
Please check your SEQTA DMs for more timing and parking information,
God bless,
Kathryn Samuel
(Head of Upper Primary and Production)
PARENT WORKSHOP: CYBER SAFETY
Thursday 21st August
4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Venue: Zenith Theatre
We are excited to invite all parents and carers to a Cyber Safety Workshop taking place on Thursday the 21st of August, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting families in today’s digital world.
The session will be led by Brett Ryan, CEO of Focus on the Family Australia, who will share practical strategies for managing technology at home. The workshop will cover important topics such as screen time, online safety, and navigating exposure to inappropriate content. Brett will also offer guidance from a Biblical perspective to support families in raising children with wisdom and confidence in a tech-driven culture.
Light refreshments will be served and there will be time for questions. We encourage all families to attend this valuable session. Please register via the QR code.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Jennifer Holloway
Primary Teacher
MUSIC
TERM 3 SOIREE
On Monday, 4 August, we were treated to a wonderful evening of music at our Term 3 Soiree, featuring students who have been preparing for their A.M.E.B. examinations this year. From our youngest performers in Prep to our talented Year 7 and 8 students, the program showcased a delightful variety of instruments, levels of ability and musical styles.
It was a joy to see the hard work of many hours of practice come to life and to witness the pride, excitement and nerves as our young musicians shared their music with family and friends.
However, while music exams are a fantastic way to challenge and extend one’s skills, they are just one part of a rich musical education. Playing for enjoyment, exploring different genres, and simply valuing the joy of learning are equally important—and together, they help foster a lifelong love for music.
Thankyou and congratulations to those students and families that made our Term 3 Soiree such a memorable event!
Theo You PS Piano
Chloe Ly 1N Violin, Piano
Cecilia Wang 1V Piano
Howard Riau 1B Piano
Gabriel Kosasih 2H Piano
Henry You 2H Piano
Vivian Li 5I Piano
Matthew Hu 5I Piano
Leah Zhang 5A Piano
Menuja Mendis 5I Piano
Jeremy Zhao 6R Trumpet
Cynthia Zhang 6R Trumpet
Jaiden Senaratna 6R Piano
Zoe Zhang 6L Piano
Aiden Ly 6L Euphonium
Shenara Wickrmarathne 7B Piano
Lily Muhaso 7B Piano
Luca Lin 7C Piano
Amaya Bhatt 7C Flute
Naomi Pang 8A Clarinet
VICTORIAN SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Congratulations to our Secondary Choir, who participated in the Victorian School Music Festival in Box Hill last week. They performed 3 songs as part of the Junior Secondary Section and had the opportunity to gain feedback from adjudicators about their performance, as well as watch other school choirs present items and gain feedback.
Our Lighthouse Secondary Choir is to be commended for their excellent performance at the VSMF and for the way in which they committed themselves to preparing for it. They gave up many lunchtimes to rehearse and I couldn’t be more proud of the TENACITY they showed in doing this!!!
Congratulations go to:
Amaya Bhatt (7C)
Leah Chauhan (7B)
Vanessa Duong (7B)
Claire Li (7B)
Luca Lin (7C)
Mylo Luangrath (7B)
Lily Muhaso (7B)
Disha Shashi Shankar (7C)
Sahen Siriwansha (7C)
Angelyn Som (7B)
Rebecca Srinivasagar (7B)
Ashmi Tijo (7C)
Sjenara Wickramarathne (7B)
Special mentions must go to our amazing student accompanists: Luca Lin (7C) and Egan Veerapen (11C) who did an outstanding job of accompanying the Choir from the piano both in rehearsals and on the day of the festival. Our soloists Amaya Bhatt (7C) and Claire Li (7B) are also to be congratulated on their outstanding solos.
It truly has been an absolute pleasure to direct this group of students, and I look forward to watching and listening to them continue to develop.
Shari Bhatt
Secondary Music Coordinator
Instrumental Music Coordinator.
PRIMARY - ELC - YEAR 2
YEAR 2 EXCURSION TO SCIENCEWORKS
In week 2 our Year 2 students set off on an exciting adventure to Scienceworks. One of the highlights was stepping inside the Planetarium, where we gazed up at the stars and explored the wonders of God's creation. Students were fascinated as they learned about planets, constellations, and what it’s like beyond our world.
We also took part in a hands on session about forces, discovering how objects move through push, pull, and gravity. The rocket activities were a big hit, sparking lots of curiosity and laughter. It was a day full of learning, fun, and “wow” moments we won’t forget.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
Last week, we were blessed to welcome our wonderful grandparents into the Primary classrooms. Students were so excited to share their learning, show their classrooms, and enjoy a fun activity together. Laughter and smiles filled the room as we spent time together.
As Proverbs 17:6 reminds us, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” We are so thankful for the love, wisdom, and encouragement our grandparents bring and feel truly blessed to have celebrated this day with them.
Jennifer Holloway
Primary Teacher
Primary Years 3 - 6
Grandparents Day
Last week, students across Primary had an amazing time celebrating Grandparents Day! Because our gorgeous grandparents visited their grandchildren’s classrooms in Prep-Year 3, the Year 4 students designed a ‘Happy Grandparents Day’ sign to welcome them all.
Students in Years 4-6 were also involved in community outreach to the residents at Bupa Aged Care in Bonbeach. In their classrooms, they worked hard to put together beautiful gift bags for each of the residents. Each bag included a personalised card with a hand-chosen Bible verse, a thoughtfully designed bookmark, an acrostic poem based on the resident’s name, as well as a melting moment cookie.
Additionally, the residents of Bupa Aged Care were blessed by a performance from our very talented Primary Choir and Flute Ensemble. Then, the students presented the residents with their gifts. There were smiles all around (from the residents and our students!) We’re very thankful to have the opportunity to serve and bless elderly members of our community, as well as our own grandparents. Thank you, God for grandparents!
Blessings,
Jemma Pieris
Primary Teacher
LIGHTHOUSE YOUTH 'AFTERS'!
We’re excited to let you know about a brand new initiative from Lighthouse Church for students in Yr 7–12: Lighthouse Youth “AFTERS”!
Held every Monday between 3:30–5:30PM in the Church foyer, this after-school hangout is designed as a safe, welcoming space for students where they can relax, complete homework & connect.
For just $5, attendees can enjoy games corners, chill-out areas, snacks, and dedicated study spaces...PLUS dedicated homework help a teacher!!!
No bookings required - they can just sign-in & make the most of their Monday afternoons.
We invite all families to spread the word and encourage your young people to try out this new program, created especially for our school and wider community.
Hope to see them there!
Daniel Andrew
Chaplain (Secondary)
SECONDARY
Leadership Youth summit Article
Last week on the 6th August, a group of ten students attended a Leadership Youth Summit held in the City Hall of Greater Dandenong, bringing together many students - soon to become young, powerful voices - from across local schools. This during-school event focused on empowering youth through workshops, collaborative projects intended to push changes in the local council and a keynote speech that reiterated further on speaking out your truth to make a difference.
Students participated in sessions African drumming, hip-hop dancing, and different arts and crafts based on community impact, gaining confidence and fresh perspectives on ways young students can participate and voice their ideas creatively in their daily lives.
The summit concluded with reflection on the challenges that are posed largely amongst our youth today: the three biggest issues were mental health, stress, and education. During this reflection, students pitched council solutions to the realities our youth live with today, with some suggestions including the normalisation of talking about mental health, adding parent workshops to understand viable careers and stable futures for their kids, and youth-engaged centers and activities so that youth can have communities they can turn to. We also talked about the possible struggles that stop students from reaching out and getting the services and help they need: similar lines of thinking included fear of judgement and trust issues.
This youth summit provided us much insight towards what leadership can look like - our experiences make up who we are and many of us have similar experiences with other people. But when it goes unseen (whether by resistance or lac of awareness) it takes one voice to speak out and make a change.
Overall, this day gave us many memories and teachings to take away, and I pray we don't leave it in that building, but rather use it for our communities.
Ashleen Kaur
Year 10 SRC
Secondary Book Week
This year, as a secondary school, we will be celebrating Book Week in a fun and meaningful way on Tuesday 19th August!
You’re encouraged to come dressed as your favourite book character, or even a movie character inspired by a book or comic. Get creative and have fun with it - let your imagination shine through! ...but remember, we need to dress appropriately and still respect our school policies.
On the day, we’ll also be holding a Book Week Parade, so come ready for some fun and a bit of friendly costume competition with some prizes to be won!
Most importantly, this day is about more than just dress-ups. We’re raising money to support children in Yarrabah, a remote Indigenous community in Far North Queensland, where access to books and libraries is limited.
Your gold coin donation will help fund pop-up libraries, deliver over 2,500 books, and support families to foster a love of reading at home.
Every donation makes a difference and every costume helps spread the message!
Let’s make Book Week 2025 one to remember and help bring books and hope to Yarrabah, one page at a time. Dress Up. Donate. Make a Difference.
Find out more here: https://roop.org.au/book-week-2025
Mrs. Gosai-Jesudhason
Year 12 Activity Day
To mark the beginning of their final term together, our Year 12 students embarked on an exhilarating Activity Day filled with teamwork, exploration, and fellowship.
The day commenced at the historic Pentridge Prison, once Victoria’s largest prison complex, housing some of the state's most notorious criminals, including Ned Kelly. Operating from 1851 until its closure in 1997, Pentridge served as Melbourne's primary remand centre following the closure of the Old Melbourne Gaol in the 1920s.
Students engaged in a thrilling escape room-style challenge within the prison's bluestone walls. Working in teams, they navigated intricate puzzles, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills. The "Prison Break" challenge ignited a spirited competition, highlighting the diverse strengths within each group.
Congratulations to: Dylan Moreira, Corey Le, Ken Nguyen, Vincent Dao, Daniel Sallay, and Vivienne Tran, who successfully "escaped" in the fastest time!
Following the morning's excitement, students relaxed at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, they enjoyed a leisurely lunch amidst the serene landscapes, soaking up the sunshine and reflecting on their shared experiences.
The day out was one to remember, and a nice refreshing break for the group as they buckle up and finish off their content and outcomes for the year!
Please be in prayer for our group of lovely year 12 students as they prepare for their final assessments and examinations. We trust that God will lead, guide, and direct their paths as they each take various pathways in this new and exciting journey ahead!
Mrs Brittany
Assad Year 11 & 12 Year Level Leader
EXPLORING CHEMISTRY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: A YEAR 12 EXPERIENCE
The Year 12 Chemistry class visited KIOSC, Swinburne University for an exciting and immersive experience into forensic science. In the university’s specialised laboratory, we had the opportunity to work with advanced analytical equipment, including Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. While we had only learnt about these techniques in class, seeing them in action and operating them ourselves strengthened our understanding and brought the theory to life.
For the day, we stepped into the role of forensic scientists. Our challenge was to analyse an unknown substance using these sophisticated instruments and determine its exact identity. This hands-on investigation gave us insight into how scientists examine evidence, interpret data, and apply chemistry to solve real-world problems.
The excursion was both engaging and inspiring. It not only deepened our knowledge of the techniques used to analyse chemicals but also gave us a clearer picture of the wide range of career pathways that chemistry can lead to. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, 'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.'
Aarzoo Lal
Year 12 Chemistry student
Youth Alive in Secondary Chapel
This week, our Secondary Chapel was blessed with a special visit from Youth Alive. Students heard an inspiring message titled “If Not Now, Then When?”, which challenged them to step out in faith and journey with Christ.
We were also honoured to welcome Y Shady, who shared his powerful testimony and encouraged students through his music and rap. His performance brought great energy and connection, giving students a meaningful and memorable experience.
The visit sparked conversations, inspired boldness in faith, and left students excited to see how God can work in and through their lives.
Mrs. Gosai-Jesudhason
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE EVENTS
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