Middle Years  News

Middle Years Team

With another successful school term now under our belts, it’s amazing to see how our students have grown and developed so far this year. Our Year 7s have grown to be confident members of our school community, navigating their classes and the halls of the school with ease. The Year 8s have grown (not just in height) but in their spirit and school connectedness. And the Year 9s are about to enter their final term in Middle School before they head off to the wilds of Senior School.

Having successfully completed three terms (with no lockdowns!), it’s important that students (and families) take the time to rest, relax and rejuvenate during the upcoming holiday break. We wish all families a restful break. See you in Term 4!

Morrisby report

To better assist our Year 9 students in developing their knowledge and deciding on their future pathways, the Careers Team have been supporting students to complete the Morrisby Profile, an assessment that looks at student interests and strengths to give vital information regarding possible pathways for the student.

In the first few weeks of Term 4, each student will meet with an advisor from Morrisby, to help unpack and decipher their results. Further information regarding this will be made available by the Careers Team via the Compass newsfeed.

Smashed Live

On Thursday 11 August Year 8 students attended “Smashed Live”, an inspiring live theatre experience that empowers young people to explore and deepen their knowledge and understanding of underage drinking and the possible consequences. Students learnt about the social dynamics at play, personal responsibility, decision making and communication. The learnings undertaken here will be further developed and expanded upon in their Health and PE classes in Term 4.

School for Student Leadership

We are excited to announce that Koonung has been fortunate enough to receive a place for 6 students to attend and participate in the School for Student Leadership in Term 2, 2023. This exciting experience will be open to current Year 8 students (Year 9 2023). The School for Student Leadership (formerly known as the Alpine School) allows students to spend 9 weeks deepening their learning at Dinner Plain, whilst developing their leadership skills. This learning continues upon student return to school as they develop and implement a project to help our school community. More information regarding the SSL can be found at http://www.alpineschool.vic.edu.au/

Applications will be open in Term 4 and I encourage all Year 8 students to keep an eye on their Compass newsfeed for further information.

Basketball news

Middle School is pleased to announce that we have some Year 7 students who have been playing representative basketball. This involves coaching and training which is more intense and involved. This is a big opportunity for them to compete at a higher level and commit to something they are passionate about. 

We would like to congratulate the following Year 7 students for their selection to Rep basketball. 

Football news

Middle School would like to congratulate Jonny Millar on his performance in the Victorian under-12s AFL national tournament which was held from August 7-12 in Adelaide. The Herald Sun listed Jonny as one of the top 5 future AFL stars to emerge from the weekend. Jonny, who is a defender for the Balwyn Greythorn Jets JFC, was described as “a player who showed potential as a left footer with a 'racking kick'. He plays like Darcy Moore where he reads the play well by creating two on ones by leaving his man. He can also carry the ball and create spark off half back with a long kick.” 

Congratulations on your hard work and commitment to the game, Jonny. 

Middle School reminders 

• Year 7 Sport Education Day is Thursdays, students are to wear their PE uniform all day
• Year 8 Sport Education Day is Wednesdays, students are to wear their PE uniform all day
• Live Life casual dress days, students are to wear neat casual clothing
• School starts at 8.50am
• Students and parents must check Compass every day for room and class changes
• Students are encouraged to bring drink bottles in the warmer weather.
• If your child has Physical Education during the day they can wear their PE uniform all day
• Sports equipment can be borrowed at recess and lunchtime from the old Middle Years Centre
• Students should be using ‘My Tasks’ on compass to record day to day homework

Mat Delaney

Director of Learning: Middle School

Mathew.delaney@education.vic.gov.au

Student reflections: Live-Life

Live Life Self module -Time Zone

On the 24 August a group of our Year 9s went on an excursion for Live Life to Time Zone in Forest Hill. By going on this excursion, the Year 9s were able to practice their organisational skills by catching public transport to and from the venue, as well as utilising their time-management  and financial skills.  This excursion was a lot of fun as there was a variety of games such as air hockey, claw machines and an assortment of others for everyone to enjoy. The excursion was versatile and engaged everyone. 

Brianna Lee 9F

South Melbourne Market excursion Live Life Self module 

This week we went to the South Melbourne market. We started by catching a bus to Box Hill central and then got on a train for about 45 minutes that lead as to Southern Cross station, from there we jumped on a tram for 5 minutes then got off and walked another 5 minutes to the market. 

We had an hour to walk around the market and buy food to eat; everyone was lining up for the famous South Melbourne Dim Sims and the line was excessively long. They were pretty good if you ask me! 

After looking at all the different shops it was sadly time to start our journey home using tram, train and bus.  

Live life  Self module -  Box Hill Indoor Sports Centre

On 17 August  we went to Box Hill indoor sports centre In total, we had 42 people in our two combined classes and of those 42 people, 40 people participated in activities. Our two classes were split into four groups of 10 and we rotated around four activities.The four activities were soccer, bubble soccer, volleyball and netball. These sports were split into 20 minute games for each sport with 5 minutes rest between each game and group rotation. 

Of these games, the most hype was around bubble soccer, where the aim of the game was to kick a ball into a goal like regular soccer, but you had to do this while wearing giant balloon structures twice as wide as ourselves. The result was a lot of fun, crashing into class mates in the heat of the competition in an attempt to score a goal. The sport of soccer was the most enjoyable, especially as it involved teamwork and communication, particularly if you wanted to win.   Volleyball  was a great skill building sport and we benefitted greatly. Lastly we played netball  and found this  relatively easier than soccer and bubble soccer where you had to run around so much  and less effortless than volleyball where it took time to learn new skills.

Overall, our two classes had a fun time and participated well in all activities.  It was well worth the trip!

Aviel Singh 9C