What are you most looking forward to?

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year.

New teachers and timetables. Reconnecting with friends. Making friends. Stepping into classrooms that feel familiar, yet full of new possibility. At Kilvington, the start of the year is more than a return to routine, it is the opening chapter of another year of growth, challenge and discovery.

We asked students across the School what they are most looking forward to in 2026. Their reflections capture the optimism, ambition and joy that define the Kilvington experience and remind us that at the heart of every school year are the hopes and aspirations of our students.

Prep

Lilly: I'm looking forward to piano class.

Riaan: I'm looking forward to building Lego.

Lori: I can't wait for our 100 days of prep party!

Avik: I really like sport.

Ivy: I love playing together

Matilda: I really love playing with the train tracks with friends

Year 3

Sam: I am looking forward to reading books, camp, spending time with friends, book club, PE lessons and all my classes.

Jamie: I am looking forward to the playground upgrade, camp and the new café.

Aryav: I’m excited for school camp and my first year of Cross Country. I’m also looking forward to PE because we can make sports teams and I’m excited for Chess Club.

Siddhi: I am looking forward to camp in Term 4 because it will be something exciting and also because it will be at the beach.

Year 6

Amelie: I am looking forward to camp in Canberra because of the experience I get to have with my class and new information that I get to learn. Also just seeing the sights with friends.

Another thing I am looking forward to is all the cool excursions and incursions we get to do. The school production I can’t wait for because personally I love acting. And without a doubt singing in choir, instrumental lessons, inter-school sport and Prep Buddies.

Heidi: This year in Year 6 I am looking forward to being a leader for Fethers House, going to Canberra for the first time to learn about the Government, and most of all I’m excited to make new friends and learn new things so that I’m ready for Year 7.

Year 7

Francis: It’s a big leap going from primary school to secondary school and I’m super excited about my first year at Kilvington. Even though there are lots of new things to remember I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon! I’m really looking forward to the camp later this month with team-building activities and of course the giant swing! (I love any kind of giant swing!)

Another big thing for me this year is being part of the musical 'The Wedding Singer'. I can’t wait to see the show come to life! Year 7 is about making new friends, learning new subjects, and joining new clubs. I’m also looking forward to the swimming carnival and singing in the boys’ choir. Already, this feels like it will be a year to remember!

Noah: As I begin Year 7, I’m really excited about the new experiences and chances to grow both in and out of the classroom. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, building strong friendships, and getting involved in the school community. I want to challenge myself in my learning and develop good habits that will help me stay organised and confident.

One activity I’m especially interested in is the Robotics co-curricular. Starting high school feels like a fresh chapter, and I’m ready to make the most of it. 

Ethan: I’m excited for a new year with new students and teachers, especially moving up to Senior School. There are lots of fun things to try, like the Year 7 Camp, which helps us make friends and feel more confident.

I’m also looking forward to the science project Toy Time because it’s fun and we get to learn about physics while teaching Year 4 students. I can’t wait to make new friends and enjoy all the exciting things this year at Kilvington. 

Loretta: This past month has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. Kilvington has shown me that there is always something better than something you believed was best. This year we are all looking forward to the great opportunities Kilvington Grammar has to offer. 

From music programs to Year 7 camp, many fun activities lay ahead. Year 7 camp is this month. We will soon be swinging on giant swings, balancing on outdoor rock climbing walls (the vertical challenge) and working together on group activities. 

Eloise: This year has been a big leap for me and many other Year 7s, but I am thoroughly enjoying each new day. This year I am excited about lots of things such as being in the same school as my brother again, but I am also making lots of new friendships with super nice people. I have joined the school production, 'The Wedding Singer', helping me get to know students from every year level.

I am also hoping to join some of the choirs and clubs such as Kadences Girls’ Choir and the Game Development Club where you make and code new games.

Year 9

Max Taylor: This year at Kilvington, I’m most looking forward to my transformative expedition to Cambodia, especially for the chance to explore its history and culture firsthand. Visiting places like the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat will help me understand how Cambodia’s ancient history and recent past have shaped daily life today. I’m also excited to work with disadvantaged communities and learn directly from about their experiences, which I think will expand my perspective beyond what I could learn in the classroom.

Bryce: This year at Kilvington I’m really excited for the Year 9 Impact Program. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the different social issues impacting the people of Melbourne CBD, and hearing from social enterprises who support them. I can’t wait to develop a product for our selected issue at the end of semester and developing my pitching skills at the presentations.

I’m also looking forward to gaining more independence and time management skills as we travel around the city and explore the culture of our CBD. On top of all the amazing things we do each Friday, I’m excited to go on the transformative expedition.

I’m going to Cape York in far North Queensland, where I’ll live on country, with First Nations people for nine days. This is such an amazing opportunity to hear the stories of the world’s oldest continuing indigenous culture and I truly can’t wait.

Year 12

Esme: Coming into 2026 as a Year 12 seems very daunting. SACs, exams, responsibilities - but with these demands comes such privilege. 2026 is not only a year where I get to perform to my potential, but one where I get to enjoy all that Kilvington has to offer. Whether that’s the Treehouse, heading down to North Road at lunch, building deeper relationships with my peers and teachers or dressing up for the swimming carnival.

Being in my last year gives me the opportunity to lead the school with pride, knowledge, friendship, and support. From enjoying the laughs during Maths to celebrating our last exam, it’s these bittersweet moments with my peers, whom I’ve grown up with, that I’m most looking forward to. So, as they say, 2026 will be the ‘best worst year’ of my life!

Rayaan: As I begin my final year at Kilvington, I am excited to make every experience count before our cohort graduates. I’m particularly looking forward to representing the School in DAV Debating and Football, using these moments to deepen lifelong friendships and build new ones.

While my final camp at Anglesea will be a major highlight, I’m also equally motivated by the chance to give back as a Year 12. I want to contribute positively to the school community that has supported me throughout my time here, aiming to finish this chapter with a sense of purpose, and to leave a positive mark on the school while building character and memories that will guide me long after I graduate.