Orientation Program
Prep to Year 10, 2026 Enrolled Students
Lakeside College warmly invites all the new 2026 students to participate in our Orientation Day for students enrolling in 2026 from Years 1 - 10 and also the Prep Transition Program for prep students enrolling in 2026.
It is important that your child attends the correct session for their entry year level, as dates and times vary:
- Prep Transition Program 4 sessions Prep 2026 students 
- Prep Parent Information Session 1 session Prep 2026 parents 
- Orientation Day 1 session Years 1 - 6 2026 students 
- Orientation Day 1 session Years 7 - 10 2026 students 
- Year 7 Parent Information Session 1 session Year 7 2026 parent 
This information is for families of students enrolling in 2026 and relates to our important Orientation Program, designed to support a smooth, confident transition into school life.
Why Orientation Matters
Our Orientation Program is designed to give new students a meaningful introduction to life at Lakeside College. Through this experience, students will:
🏫 Tour the school and become familiar with the campus environment
🧑🤝🧑 Meet their homeroom or classroom teacher, Head of School, and our College nurses
📚 Learn about academic and behavioural expectations
🧑💻 Discover the resources available to support their learning
🤝 Begin forming friendships and social connections
Important Medical Information
Students will not be permitted to attend Orientation Day or the Prep Transition Days unless all required medical documentation and medications have been submitted to the College Nurse.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, it is a requirement that parents provide a current medical action plan and a recent photo for any student with medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma or allergies. We encourage parents to speak with our Nurse prior to or on the morning of these sessions.
Food Allergies
There are students at the College who have mild to severe allergies triggered by nuts, and as a result, we ask that parents be conscious of the types of foods they send their child to school with.
For students commencing in Years 1–10, please continue reading below for details about the Orientation Day program following the Prep information.
Prep Transition Program – Four Fun and Engaging Sessions
Our Prep transition program is designed to help children feel comfortable and confident as they begin their school journey. Each session begins with play-based learning activities that encourage children to explore, collaborate, and build relationships with their peers and teachers. Through fun and engaging experiences like building, role play, dress-ups, and crafts, children become familiar with the school environment. Each session also includes a social story to gently introduce important school routines and expectations, such as listening, using the toilets, and showing kindness. This supportive approach helps set a positive foundation for a smooth and successful start to school.
Prep Transition Session Calendar
| Session | Date | Time | Location | Notes | 
| 1 | 📅 Friday, 7 November, 2025 | 9:00am 10:30am | Prep Classrooms | Morning Tea for parents Upper Primary building | 
| 2 | 📅 Friday, 14 November, 2025 | 9:00am 10:30am | Prep Classrooms | |
| 3 | 📅 Friday, 21 November, 2025 | 9:00am 11:00am | Prep Classrooms | |
| 4 | 📅 Friday, 28 November, 2025 | 9:00am 11:00am | Prep Classrooms | Morning Tea, Q & A for parents, Upper Primary building | 
Meeting Location: Primary basketball court. Parking is limited; however, you may use the car park areas near Coles, Aldi or Dan Murphy’s. Please ensure you use the supervised crossing zones for safety.
Attendance: Students should attend all four sessions.
Parents: Are invited to the Parent Information Session and also the morning teas held during the first and last sessions.
Arrival: Parents are welcome to settle their child in but please say your goodbyes promptly to allow the session to start smoothly.
What to bring: Fruit snack, labelled drink bottle, hat.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing, running or closed-toe shoes. A navy transition t-shirt will be distributed at session 1, personalised with your child’s name. If your child enrols late or misses the first session, they will receive their t-shirt at their next session.
The College has also arranged for a custom teddy bear for each child. Children are welcome to cuddle their bear during the session if they feel anxious. The intention is for the teddy to come home afterwards, providing a comforting way for families to talk about getting ready for school.
Prep Transition Session Overview
Session 1: Reading Focus
Students will listen to a story read aloud by their teacher. They will then make a craft based on the story. This will allow teachers to gain an understanding of how students respond to stories and their fine motor skills.
Session 2: Writing Focus
Students will listen to a story about learning new people's names. They will then share their name with another student and ask what their name is. Students will write their own names and make a craft out of it to demonstrate their writing skills and fine motor skills.
Session 3: Maths Focus
Students will learn a song about counting. They will then complete an activity to order the numbers 1-5. This will allow teachers to understand the counting abilities of students and assist with fine motor development.
Session 4: Christian Studies
Students will learn the Christmas story of Jesus and make a craft to match. This will allow students to see Lakeside's Lutheran values and share about their own religions and cultures.
Please read below if your child is commencing in Years 1 to 10 in 2026.
Orientation Day for Years 1 - 6 Students
There is one main Orientation Day session for Years 1 to 6 students.
Date: 		📅 Friday, 28 November 2025
Time: 		9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Arrival: 		meet at Administration Office (staff / buddies will collect students)
What to bring: 	labelled drink bottle, lunchbox, fruit snack
What to wear: 	current school sports/PE uniform, running shoes, hat
There are no Parent Information Sessions for students entering Years 1–6. However, the College will organise information sessions and “Meet the Teacher” evenings in the new year.
Orientation Day for Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 Students
There is one main Orientation Day session for Years 7 to 10 students.
Date: 		📅 Friday, 28 November 2025
Time: 		8:45 am – 3:00 pm
Location:	Middle School Building - enter via administration gate, right side. 
Lunch: 		bring your own lunch
What to bring: 	hat, labelled drink bottle, snack for recess,
What to wear: 	current school sports/PE uniform, running shoes, hat. In line with our uniform policy, we ask that students with hair longer than collar length wear it tied back. We also kindly request that students do not bring chewing gum to school.
Additional Information
Booklist
Primary School Students:
All resources for the first day of school will be arranged and included in the fees. However, please ensure you organise an art smock, a reader library bag, an excursion bag, and a hat.
Secondary School Students:
Parents should have received their child’s booklist via email. Parents can order textbooks, stationery, combination locks, and calculators through Campion.
Upcoming Parent Information Sessions
| Year Group | Date | Time | Location | Notes | 
| Prep, 2026 Information Evening | 📅 Tuesday, 25 November, 2025 | 5:00 pm 6:00 pm | Upper Primary building | Prep Program, information session for parents | 
| Year 7, 2026 Information Evening | 📅 Tuesday, 2 December, 2025 | 6:00 pm 7:00 pm | Middle School building | Year 7 Program, uniform guidelines, homework and student expectations for students and families | 
Please note: These sessions are designed for parents and guardians only. To help minimise distractions and maintain a focused environment, we kindly ask that younger siblings not attend. If this is not possible, we understand—please let us know in advance and consider bringing quiet toys to keep them occupied.
Uniform Information
Brand New School Uniforms: Fittings
For brand new uniforms, please contact PSW Officer between November and January or simply book via the booking link that was emailed to the primary parent in October. If you require another reminder, please contact the Registrar.
PSW
Location 407 Princes Highway, OFFICER, 3809
Phone 03 9768 0382
Trading Hours
Tuesday Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm
Sunday Closed
Online Order
PSW Website Link
Uniform Guidelines
Conditions: In accepting enrolment at Lakeside College, families agree to comply with all uniform requirements.
We expect students to wear the correct uniform whenever they are under the care of the College and to maintain a neat and tidy appearance at such times. If students spend time in their uniform in public before going home, they are expected to wear the complete uniform until they reach home.
- Summer uniform and summer sports uniform are worn in Terms 1 & 4 
- Winter uniform and winter sports uniform are worn in Terms 2 & 3 
- Required items for Primary students include a hat, an excursion swimming bag, a home reader bag, and an art smock; all items available from the uniform shop. 
- All hair accessories and cultural hair pieces should be in the College colours—navy blue or white—to maintain uniform consistency. 
Hair and colour: The general expectation in regard to hairstyles and colour for both boys and girls is that they should be neatly styled and not extreme or designed to draw attention to the student.
Second-Hand Uniforms:
Second-hand uniforms are available through the Second-Hand Uniform Store run by our PTFA. As sizes and stock vary, we recommend visiting the shop in person to see what’s available.
Second-hand Uniform Shop
Contact
Admin Office 2 Portobello Road, PAKENHAM, 3810
Trading Hours
Monday 8.30am - 9.30am
Wednesday 2.30pm - 3.30pm
This store will also be open during Orientation and Prep Transition Days.
PTFA uniformsptfa@lakeside.vic.edu.au
Full details on student uniforms, expectations, and guidelines for parents and students are outlined in the Parent Handbook. This includes uniform requirements, policies, and other important information.
RSVP to Orientation Day
Online Event Bookings
This Orientation Program has been emailed to both parents listed on the enrolment documentation, ensuring all parties receive the same information.
Please note, the RSVP link for event dates will be sent only to the Primary Parent listed on your child’s enrolment documentation. Unfortunately the booking system is limited to one RSVP per child. If you require additional information, or have any questions relating to the RSVP please contact the Registrar.
What to expect next?
The Registrar will email the following information and instructions after Orientation, and this will include the following;
Finance forms which will include the Camps, Excursions Fund for eligible Health Care Card Holders
Music Tuition form for those students who wish to enrol into the Instrumental Program
Links to the Parent Handbook which will provide you with access to key documents to support your transition into the College community. These include important information on enrolment, fees, student and parent expectations, child safety, health and wellbeing, governance, and College policies and procedures.
We are excited to welcome your family to Lakeside College and look forward to supporting your child to become a confident, connected, and enthusiastic learner!
Admissions
Lakeside College
Registrar email: enrolments@lakeside.vic.edu.au