YEAR 9-10 SCHOOL NEWS

U/16 Marsh AFL National Development Championships

On Monday 8th June two of our Year 10 students participated in the first game of the U/16 Marsh AFL National Development Championships. Daniel May represented Vic Country and Lual Deng represented Vic Metro, playing off against each other in Game 1, before the remainder of the championship continues up in Queensland.

In Game 1, Lual was very reliable down back, applying pressure to the Vic Country forwards and moving the football with precision each time his team created a turnover. Daniel fought courageously for the Vic Country midfield, consistently clearing the ball forward and finishing the game leading his team with 20 possessions.

We will continue cheer on Lual and Daniel for the rest of the tournament.

Year 9 Humanities

An enthusiastic group of Year 9 Humanities students visited Odonata, a native animal reserve in Mt. Rothwell, Little River. The purpose was to see how grasslands, forests and species, such as the southern brush-tailed rock wallaby, recovered from human intervention.

Students used trap cameras and other geological techniques to assess the health of the environment, in addition to learning about how Odonata's captive breeding program has improved endangered species numbers.

Some students were fascinated with the untouched skeletons, bones and skins, collecting and hypothesising their origins. It was a beautiful, chill day out.

Many thanks to the attending students, Bridget Powell and the chatty McHarry's bus driver!

SENIOR YEARS ART + DESIGN ENRICHMENT TOUR

SYDNEY | 26th – 29th APRIL 2027

Western Heights College + Belmont High School 

An exciting opportunity is available for creative students currently entering Years 10–12 in 2027 to take part in a unique Art + Design Enrichment Tour to Sydney and Bundanon.

Students will spend three immersive days at Bundanon, the former property and studio of renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd, located on the Shoalhaven River on Dhurga and Dharawal Country. The experience includes artist-led workshops and creative activities within the landscape. The tour also includes a day in Sydney visiting the studio of iconic Australian artist Brett Whiteley and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Only 10 spots are available and we will be partnering with students and staff from Belmont High School to facilitate this opportunity. 

Importantly, students do not need to be studying Art to apply. All creatively interested students are encouraged to express interest.

To express your interest please contact: allesha.fecondo@education.vic.gov.au 

Online parent information sessions will be held in coming weeks. 

My First Speech Competition

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Richard MP is launching the Department of the House of Representatives’ My First Speech Competition for local schools.

This is a national competition that welcomes students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and write a 3-minute speech, focusing on a topic they’re passionate about.

One winner from each year group will present their speech to the Speaker and members live at Parliament House, receiving an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, and a prize pack valued at $250.

We highly encourage you to promote this opportunity to your students in Years 10 – 12. This is a great competition for our secondary students to develop as our future local leaders – learning about the work of the Australian Parliament and gaining experience in writing and public speaking.

For further information and entry submission, please visit the website: https://mfs.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/

Entries to the My First Speech Competition close on 11.59pm AEST on Monday 20 July 2026.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our electorates’ young people.