What’s going on at LTC?

• Book Week

• National Science Week

• Health Science – Reproductive Health Practicals

• TRaC-X Groups in Action

• Course Information Evening

• Subject Selection Evening for 2026 Students

• Year 12 Students Sit the AST

• Bell Shakespeare Workshop and Scholarship Auditions

• Drama Students Showcase Classwork

• Drama Students Visit the National Library

• Health Services Assistance Students Visit Aidacare

• Maths Methods Students Model Exponential Growth

• Girls PE Class Juggling Workshop

• UC Accelerated Pathways Program

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarships are now open for 2026!

• Have Your Say: Punjabi and Hindi language education

• The Two AIs: Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithms & Influencers

• Early intervention parent programs – Term 3

• Online Safety Presentations for Parents and Carers

• Deepfake supports

• Explore Student Support @ College Life

• 2025 school year Equity Fund now open

• Strathnairn School

• ‘No hat, play in the shade’ from August

• ACT public school term dates

• Free Period Products Available at ACT Schools

• Become a Homestay Host

• Menslink – Supporting Young Men in Canberra

• Parentline ACT

• Blog information

Book Week

Book Week kicked off with a colourful Dress Up Parade featuring many clever costume ideas.

Students also took part in themed challenges, including Bookface, where life and art merged in creative ways.

Thanks to the Languages faculty team for making it all happen, and congratulations to our prize winners!

National Science Week

National Science Week kicked off with an explosive showcase of chemical reactions.

A big thank you to our Science Faculty for bringing the wow-factor to learning!

Health Science – Reproductive Health Practicals

As part of their unit on Reproductive Health, Health Science students recently completed two hands-on investigations.

In one session, students dissected rams’ testes to examine the male reproductive system in detail – a practical experience that builds skills and confidence for future study in health and medical fields.

In another activity, students explored how temperature affects sperm motility using cryogenically frozen shorthorn bull semen, generously donated by Independent Breeding Services (thank you, Heather!). Samples were warmed and analysed under the microscope, each 0.25 mL straw containing around 200 million sperm – viable even after three years in liquid nitrogen.

TRaC-X Groups in Action

This term, TRaC-X sessions have featured a range of hands-on and creative activities across campus.

In How to Change a Tyre and Basic Vehicle Maintenance, students are learning valuable skills for life on the road.

The Creative Writing group explores ideas through words, with students responding to prompts or free writing each week.

In Crochet, students are knitting colourful tree warmers to brighten the courtyard this winter, while practising mindfulness and creativity.

Course Information Evening

Our Gym was at capacity for Course Information Evening, welcoming 2026 students and their families for a first taste of college life.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with praise for our welcoming staff, diverse pathways and strong aspirations for young people.

Thank you to everyone who contributed – from delivering presentations and processing enrolments to finding extra seats and keeping things running smoothly.

Subject Selection Evening for 2026 Students

Thanks to our future Year 11 (2026) students and their families for joining us at Subject Selection Evening.

It was great to welcome you to the college – we’re looking forward to working with you next year!

Year 12 Students Sit the AST

Year 12 Tertiary students recently sat the ACT Scaling Test (AST).

The test plays an important role in calculating university entrance scores and includes writing, multiple-choice, and reasoning components.

Bell Shakespeare Workshop and Scholarship Auditions

Students in our Entrepreneurship in Drama class took part in a Bell Shakespeare workshop focused on Romeo & Juliet, gaining insight into performance, character and voice.

Six students also auditioned for the John Bell Scholarship, each receiving one-on-one coaching from Emma, a professional actor with Bell Shakespeare.

We’re grateful for the opportunity and look forward to seeing Romeo & Juliet live later this term.

Drama Students Showcase Classwork

🎭 Drama students have been exploring a wide range of texts and performance styles this term – from the absurdist humour of Waiting for Godot to Shakespearean classics, contemporary Australian works and musical theatre.

They recently showcased monologues and scenes for parents and peers, taking their classwork into a performance setting. Experiences like these help build confidence, creativity and collaborative skills that extend beyond the stage.

Drama Students Visit the National Library

Our Drama students visited the National Library of Australia as part of their preparation for Come Alive – a festival of short works by Canberra Drama students, running 4–7 November at the Joe Woodward Theatre, Daramalan College.

This year’s festival partner is the National Library, and students will create a piece of Museum Theatre to bring Australian history to life for their audience.

During the visit, students toured the Library’s vast collection – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – and explored treasures such as Banjo Paterson manuscripts, the story of Bungaree, and a preview of a 1975-themed exhibition.

Special thanks to Peter Wilkins, and to Ben Pratten and Jess Wallace from the NLA for their support.

Health Services Assistance Students Visit Aidacare

Health Services Assistance students visited Aidacare Healthcare Equipment in Greenway as part of their unit Provide Individualised Support.

Kim from Aidacare guided the group through a wide range of healthcare and disability support equipment, including walking aids, wheelchairs, home care beds, lifters and mobility aids. Students observed demonstrations, learned about key features and gathered information for their assignments.

It was a valuable hands-on learning experience, helping students build skills and confidence for future careers in health and community care.

Maths Methods Students Model Exponential Growth

Year 11 Maths Methods students explored exponential growth and decay through hands-on modelling activities using M&Ms, Skittles and double-sided counters.

Girls PE Class Juggling Workshop

Our Girls PE class put theory into practice with a juggling workshop focused on Skill Acquisition.

Students applied key concepts while developing coordination, concentration and control – all through a fun and challenging activity.

UC Accelerated Pathways Program

The University of Canberra’s Accelerated Pathways Program is open to eligible students interested in starting university study while still in college. For more information, visit: https://shorturl.at/y35Ip

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarships are now open for 2026!

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarships for 2026 are now open! All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in years 10 and 11 are eligible to apply.

For current year 10 students, the scholarship is valued at $8,000 and is paid over 2 years. For current year 11 students, the scholarship is valued at $4,000 paid over one year. Applications must be submitted using the SmartyGrants form Student Aspirations Program – Secondary Scholarships 2026.

Applications close 11:59 pm 5 September. No late applications will be accepted.

Have Your Say: Punjabi and Hindi language education.

Languages are one of the eight learning areas under the Australian Curriculum and provide valuable educational opportunities for students in ACT public schools. Language education provides students with skills to access an increasingly global environment. Learning a language increases communication skills and assists with critical and creative thinking and problem solving. It also makes students more culturally aware and connected to different communities.

The ACT Government is seeking input from the community to consider the introduction of Punjabi and Hindi language teaching for ACT public school students, where this would benefit the local community.

Head to yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/punjabi-and-hindi-languages to have Your Say by 7 September.

The Two AIs: Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithms & Influencers

This free webinar will explain how artificial intelligence and algorithms influence the content your kids see online. You will learn practical tips to support safe and informed digital habits at home.

Session times:

• Wednesday 17 September 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm.
• Thursday 18 September 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm.

Register for the webinar

Visit the Parent and Carer Online eSafety Webinar registration page.

Explore past webinars and resources

Access the online eSafety resources for parents and carers.

Early intervention parent programs – Term 3

The School Psychology Service’s Early Intervention Team is running free parent groups and workshops to help families. These are for parents and carers of students in ACT public schools (preschool to year 12).

Parent Groups (7 weeks long)

Three groups will be offered over Term 3 & 4

• Addressing Your Child’s Anxious Avoidance (AYCAA)
• Overcoming Anxious School Refusal (OASR)
• Boundaries without Conflict (BwC)

Each group runs for 7 weeks. The flyer attached has more details and dates. You can sign up using the QR code on the flyer or ask your school for help. After you register, someone from the team will contact you to make sure the group is right for you.

Parent Workshops (2 hours each)

There are short workshops that will be held at the Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning in Stirling:

• Friday 8 August – Boundaries without Conflict
• Friday 15 August – Overcoming Anxious School Refusal
• Friday 22 August – Addressing Your Child’s Anxious Avoidance
• Friday 29 August – Connected Conversations (for parents of teens only)

Workshops are run by School Psychologists. Spaces are limited, so please register early using the flyer or ask your school for help. Once registered, you’ll get an email with further information.

Online Safety Presentations for Parents and Carers

Help your family feel more confident and safe online. Learn about current online safety issues, how to support your child, and where to find further help and resources.
Afternoon and evening sessions available.

RSVP to access video content and resources: bit.ly/2025_PC_OnlineSafety_RSVP

Deepfake supports

Australian reports have shown an alarming rise in incidents involving ‘deepfake’ images, where realistic but fake intimate images of students or staff are created and shared without consent.

These digitally altered images of minors are generally considered child sexual abuse material. To understand the risks of deepfake technology and learn what to do if your child receives a deepfake image or becomes a target, read the eSafety advisory on the impact of deepfakes in schools.

Explore the Student Support @ College Life Website

Hey LTC students!

Need resources and support? Visit the Student Support @ College Life website for helpful information:

2025 school year Equity Fund now open

To ease the pressure of back-to-school costs, eligible Canberra families can apply now for 2025 Future of Education Equity Fund payments.

The Equity Fund supports eligible low-income families and independent students from preschool through year 12 with a one-off, annual payment to help cover the costs associated with schooling such as uniforms, sport equipment and activities, tuition and music lessons.

The 2025 school year payments for eligible families are $400 (preschool), $500 (primary school), and $750 (high school and college).

Payments of completed applications will begin earlier than previous years, with the first payments to families expected from 6 January 2025.

Families will have until the end of November 2025 to apply for the Fund. Check your eligibility and find more information about supporting documents on the Equity Fund webpage.

Strathnairn School

You’re invited to have your say about the school logo and uniform for Strathnairn School. You can share your thoughts to help shape the identity of the ACT’s newest public school, opening in 2026.

The logo and uniform designs have been thoughtfully created to symbolise key values of the school and its surroundings. Each design carries its own unique meaning and will add special significance to the school.

To learn more about the designs and have your say visit the Your Say website by 21 September.

‘No hat, play in the shade’ from August

New sun protection guidelines for all ACT public schools will begin from 1 August 2025.

ACT public schools will move from a ‘no hat, no play’ to a ‘no hat, play in the shade’ approach from August through May in a move to encourage year-round sun/UV protection whilst continuing to promote active play and physical activity. Hat wearing is encouraged during the months of June and July.

The change brings the ACT in line with other schools across Australia and follows consultation with the Canberra Council ACT. The approach balances students’ risk of UV exposure without hats with the need for physical activity.

Our school will continue to have SPF50 or 50+ Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen available.

The sun protection guidelines apply to our students, staff and volunteers.

The policy was updated in consultation with the Cancer Council ACT.

Read the Sun (UV) Protection policy. Please contact the front office if you have any questions.

ACT public school term dates

The ACT public school term dates for 2026-2030, including student-free days, are now available on the Education Directorate’s website.

Each year, the first day of every term is a student-free day. We use student-free days for staff development, enabling us to plan in a student-free environment.

Use these dates when planning your future holidays.

Free Period Products Available at ACT Schools

All ACT public schools are stocked with free period products so students can access them no matter their circumstances. This is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to ensuring students feel comfortable and confident within our schools.

Free period products are available at our school’s front office. Students can access them at any time by talking to our helpful front office staff.

Sanitary pads are available from the front offices of primary schools, while pads and tampons are available at the front offices of high schools and colleges.

Because menstruation is a fact of life, we believe free access to period products should be too.

fTo learn more about this equity initiative and other places where free period products are available, please visit: https://www.act.gov.au/community/women/free-period-products

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Become a Homestay Host

Are you interested in broadening your family’s cultural experiences and forming lifelong friendships?

The ACT Education Directorate is seeking Homestay hosts for international students planning to study at an ACT public high school or college.

By becoming a Homestay host, you’ll not only provide a room and meals, but you’ll also welcome a young person into your family and support their growth as they gain new perspectives, confidence, English fluency, and academic and essential life skills.

International students participating in the Homestay program are aged 16 years or above. If you have the time to support a student’s social wellbeing and academic endeavours, and have an interest in other cultures, we would love to hear from you.

A weekly payment will be provided to help cover the costs of living expenses.

Find out more at bit.ly/HomestayCanberra or email ieu@act.gov.au, or call 02 6205 9194.

Menslink – Supporting Young Men in Canberra

Menslink has provided free counselling to young guys throughout the Canberra region for 20+ years.

If your young guy is having a hard time, is anxious, uncertain or fearful of his future and could really use someone to talk to, get in touch!

Our wait times are relatively low so we’re ready to help when your young guy needs it.

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for young guys to share their concerns and worries and we provide tips and strategies to get them through those tough times that many of them are facing right now.

Menslink Counselling sessions are completely confidential and are available to any young guy aged 10-25. There are no fees or charges, and no limits to the number of sessions. You don’t need a mental health plan and we are available during school terms and school holidays.

Do you think your young guy would really benefit from a counselling session? If so, have a chat with them and head to www.menslink.org.au, hit the ‘Get Help’ button, fill in the form and we’ll get back to you, generally the same or next business day.

If you need more info on how to have that chat with them, just email admin@menslink.org.au or call 6287 2226 and we will send you some information.

Parentline ACT

Parentline ACT offers free and confidential telephone counseling for parents and carers in the Australian Capital Territory. This service provides guidance and assistance on various parenting issues, ensuring you have the support you need with no appointment necessary. Parentline ACT is open on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For support, call (02) 6287 3833.

Blog information

Do you have a positive story to share about our students, alumni, staff, or the wider college community?

We’re excited to showcase stories, photos, and artworks on our blog.

Please send your submissions to scott.montoyaval@ed.act.edu.au