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eSafety for Keysborough families and students

Keysborough Secondary College is a child safe organisation. We are committed to providing an environment where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard. Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing, including safety in the online environment.

We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to our students, and in particular we give attention to the child safety needs of students in the online environment.

All parents and carers are invited to access the eSafety Commissioner website to find information on keeping your child safe online over the holidays. For parents or carers who are interested there are also a number of eSafety online seminars in which you can participate.

STUDENT VOICE AT KEYSBOROUGH COLLEGE

At Keysborough College we believe that giving our students a voice is a super important step in making our school a safe and inclusive environment. 😊 

As much as your teachers and principals can help provide a safe, positive and orderly learning environment, we encourage you to speak up for yourselves and your peers in helping us create a space where you continue to feel comfortable, valued and supported.

There are numerous opportunities to get involved and share your voice! You can always reach out to any of our student leaders to raise issues and suggestions, join the various student led clubs and organisations at school, or personally contact our Year 12 Student Voice captains, Lataiya Saengjan (Acacia) and Emily Tran (Banksia), or email Ms.Haluwadana (Student Voice & Alumni Leader).

You will have received numerous emails from Ms.H during the year looking for volunteers to join our Student Voice focus groups for various projects. This is a great way to get involved in helping grow and build our school community. We have already had 324 students take part in various focus groups this year, allowing students to make suggestions, give feedback, and speak on behalf of their peers. If this is something you’re interested in, please register your interest by filling out this form: Student Voice focus group expression of interest.

As we move forward, we will also be looking to include Student Panels in our formal interview process for new teaching staff. This gives students the opportunity to take part in creating interview questions, sitting on an interview panel, and hearing from potential staff about their visions and teaching philosophies. If you are interested in joining a Student Interview Panel please register you interest at the link above! 

Keysborough College values the importance of a safe learning environment. The schools policies are accessible on the school website and can be found here. Of particular importance are our Child Safety Policies which can be found at the following links;

• The Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• The Child Safety Code of Conduct
• The Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy

If you ever have any concerns that you wish to raise with the school, please refer to our Complaints Policy which outlines the complaints and concerns process for parents/carers and community members.

Remember that the Keysborough College community is your community. We want, and encourage you, to have a say in how we build and grow this space! Your voice always matters!

YEAR 7 IMMUNISATION - ACACIA CAMPUS

On Monday 16th September, the City of Greater Dandenong Council are attending Keysborough College – Acacia Campus to administer Year 7 Immunisations.Year 7 students are offered the following vaccines:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Gardisil 9 Vaccine – one dose
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (ie whooping cough - DTPa) (Boostrix vaccine) – one dose

Please click the consent link below and follow instructions to advise us of your consent or non consent: https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=1aa9e3fe-e543-ef11-a316-6045bd3cc9ba&Year7

1. Open the URL link which will take you directly to the Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV) Privacy page.
2. Read Privacy Statement – click “NEXT”.
3. Enter mobile number – click “NEXT”.
4. Enter 6-digit code sent to your mobile – click “NEXT”.
5. Check your child’s school details at the top of the screen are correct. If yes, continue through the next steps which include information on the immunisations and box to tick to confirm consent.

Please note that the fields that MUST be completed have (Required) beside them.

Should you have any difficulties completing the online consent please do not hesitate to contact either Nicole or Kara, Administration Support, Immunisation Team on 8571 1477.

Please note that a form is required to be completed regardless of a yes or no response.

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Keysborough College 2024 Victorian Schools Music Festival performances have kicked off with the best start possible. Last night, the College Stage Band, lead by Mr James Orr, entered the Intermediate level Jazz Ensemble section for the first time and walked away proudly with their first ever Platinum award, making it the 2nd Platinum award earned by the college bands in 2 years. Our first Platinum was earned by the Acacia Senior Concert Band last year which was lead by Mr Tom Kenneth. Stay tuned for further VSMF announcements as our 3 college Concert Bands will be performing at VSMF in the first week of September.

Later this year, we will also be taking band students on excursions to local primary schools, shopping centres and retirement villages/homes as well as hosting the end of year, Year 7 Concert in November. Dates for all of these events will be communicated via compass. 

Mr. Rizopoulos

College Music Coordinator

YEAR 12 PSYCHOLOGY SLEEP LAB EXCURSION

All Acacia Unit 4 Psychology students attended the Monash University sleep lab in week three to examine polysomnography in action.  Our sleepy students this year were Tam and Chunn who were wired up and sent to sleep in the specialised lab/bedroom so we could monitor the change in their brain waves, muscle tone and eye movements as Tam and Chunn drifted off to sleep.  Students were able to consolidate their learning about sleep and see firsthand how sleep data is collected and analysed.

AUCKLAND CHOIR COMPETITION

Hi! My name is Rosie, and I am in 7B. I am in the Australian Children’s Choir, and this year I had an amazing opportunity to perform at the World Choir Games. Over the June School Holidays, I had this experience come to life!

In July, the World Choir Games 2024 were held in Auckland. I found this an amazing opportunity to learn some things I can’t learn in a classroom. I learnt things like teamwork, life skills like courage, and the Chinese National Anthem!

I made my way to the airport, and flew to Auckland, to go to Rotorua to do some sight seeing. I went to Tewhakarewarewaopeopatangowahiao and learnt about the culture of New Zealand. Then, I went back to Auckland.

In Auckland, it was less fun and more ‘business’, if you will. My choir performed in the Town Hall and a local Church. We also did a Friendship concert in the Aviation Museum! It was very fun to see international choirs perform, and firsthand!

The only issue I had with the experience is that we were all sleep deprived. I was falling asleep half way through almost every concert! It was so annoying.

My overall experience is that it was a very good experience, and I will happily go to do it again!

YEAR 8 CHINESE EXCURSION - SHARK FIN RESTAURANT

Imagine wanting to try Chinese food but you can't book a flight to China?

If you can't, then there's this place you’d love to visit in Keysborough. On the 1st of August, all the year 8 Chinese classes went to Shark Fin located near Parkmore as an excursion which is part of our learning experience about the topic: Chinese foods. This excursion was planned on behalf of the children learning Chinese to understand the culture and dishes that have spread throughout the world from their homeland.

By the time we arrived there we were greeted with the amazing staff who warmly welcomed us and got us all seated. There were many dishes which the staff served us, consisting of different kinds of delicious Chinese food such as dumplings 饺子

with different fillings, flat noodles 肠粉 and coconut jelly 椰子冻 as our dessert.

All the dishes filled the expectations of what it would taste like if it were prepared in a restaurant in China. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food based on their facial expressions and the amount of talking echoing the banquet. The food was really hearty and filled with lots of different flavours and textures.

In my opinion, I think all the dishes tasted wonderful and homemade, the amount of preparations that the chefs and staff have made for us is something that should be sincerely thanked for and also a thanks to Mrs. Proy who planned this trip for us, and to Mr Blakley, Ms Mu and Ms Wang for coming with us too. I had an amazing time here and I hope the others had a splendid time as well.

To conclude this, I hope this excursion can bring joy to the year 8’s who are learning Chinese next year as they probably will come to Shark Fin as their Chinese excursion. Hopefully next year's excursion is as fun as this one!

谢谢大家！！

Jessica Lim 8C

2024 TERM 3 LOTE CHINESE EXCURSIONS

Y9 Chinese Culture Day 

On Jul 25th, Y9 Chinese class students had Chinese Culture Day at Box Hill Townhall. 

Y7 Chinese Museum

On Jul 31st, Y7 Chinese class students visited Chinese Museum at Chinatown in city. 

Y8 Yum Cha

On Aug 1st, Y8 Chinese class students had yum cha at Gold Leaf Restaurant Springvale. 

HYDROGEN GRAND PRIX (H2GP)

The race for a sustainable future is accelerating, and hydrogen-powered cars are emerging as strong contenders. To spur innovation and development, competitions are popping up around the globe.

One of the most prominent events is the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP). This competition challenges students to design, build, and race their own hydrogen-powered cars. From primary to high school levels, H2GP fosters a new generation of engineers passionate about clean energy. While still in its early stages, the competition in the hydrogen car sector is intensifying. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, we can expect to see even more thrilling races and groundbreaking achievements in the years to come. 

Our team, The Pink Warriors, did well in the race of H2GP even though it was our first time participating in this event. We came 4th which was a great result, but most importantly, it was a very precious experience where we got the chance to meet the welcoming staff members, as well as our opponents.

Overall, it was an experience that we enjoyed being part of and we would really like to thank Toyota for giving us the chance to participate in such an amazing event, where everyone in the team wouldn't hesitate to sign up for it again.

VICTORIAN VOLLEYBALL SCHOOL CUP WINNERS

During Term 2 our Year 8 boys competed in the Victorian Volleyball School Cup. They completed their pool matches in top position. They played against Monbulk in the Semi Final and beat them 2: 0. Then they played against Eltham in the Grand Final match, it was a close match but the boys showed great determination and team work to win Gold for us. Our fearless captain Aaron Taing also won the most valueable player for the competition. Congratulations Boys. 

At the start of Term 3, we had 3 teams competed in the Senior Victorian Volleyball School Cup. A big Congratulations to our Intermediate Girls Team for wining gold and went throught the whole competition without losing a match. A big mention to Aaliyah Heng for serving 24 points in a row to win the first set of the grand fianl match. Also another mention to our captain Melody Sok for winning the most valueable player for the competition. 

Our Year 11 Boys team came fourth in the year 11 boys Honours Division, the team played great volleyball throughout their pool matches and managed to came second in their pool. In the semi finall we played against Carrum Down Secondary College, unfortunately they were too good for us and eventually they won the competition. We played against Waverly Christian College in the bronze medal match, the team really struggle to play their best volleyball for this match and ended up losing the match. It was a tough competition for this team because we only got 7 players, which means the team have no substitution for the entire competition. A big mention to Bella To, our libro, she showed great determination and skills with her defence. 

Our Year 10 boys team came fifth in the Year 10 Boys Honours Division. It was for a great experience for this team, unfortunately they struggled to play their best volleyball consistently throughout the competition. They managed to find some good form in their final match against Melbourne High School and beat them 2:1. 

This competition provided a great experience to our Volleyball Teams. They get to play against some of the best Volleyball Academy Schools in the State. All of our teams were very suportive of each other and did our school proud. A big mention to our Banksia Staff and students for supporting all our teams throughout the competition. 

A big Thank you to all the Acacia staff and students for sacrificing their own time to come and supported us. 

LIBRARY NEWS

Keysborough College libraries are on the upgrade! Brand new furniture has arrived at all four of the Keysborough College libraries. Improved collaborative study spaces for our students have been created, with the installation of new booths, collaboration pods, tables and ottomans.  The physical library environments have also become increasingly flexible and dynamic, with the installation of new mobile shelving that can be easily moved to meet the changing requirements of the library spaces. Remodelling continues in the junior libraries, as they are enjoyed by students as vibrant, academic places to study, socialise, play board games and read. 

Wider reading

Because the library is always about promoting books and reading, as part of the library’s brand new Wider Reading initiative, our 7-10 English and EAL students have been lucky enough to have our wonderful library staff come to their classes to read to them! We read from a range of genres, in an effort to expose students to the full range of novels, and types of novels, that are available to students in the libraries and beyond. Reading from a range of genres assists us to improve our literacy and language skills, making us both better readers and writers. It also helps us to gain understanding of other people, and 

make sense of the world in which we live. As an extra incentive, students that fill out their genre ‘bingo card’, demonstrating that they have read from a range of texts, will receive a reward! Come see your nearest library staff member for more information! 

Please enjoy these photos of the revamped  Acacia and Banksia senior libraries, and some Banksia junior students enjoying the library. 

YEAR 7 CAMP

Our year 7 trip to Camp Kangaroobie was an unforgettable three-day adventure, filled with exciting activities, valuable lessons and lots of fun.

Inside, the cabins were spacious yet warmly snug, with bunk beds lining the walls, and large windows that offered us a beautiful view of the land. We all claimed a bed, with some of us opting for top bunk to feel more adventurous. As we unpacked and settled in, laughter filled the room as we discussed our plans for the upcoming days. Also meeting the dog, the camp's energetic and friendly canine added a special touch to our stay, also being acquainted with the welcoming and friendly staff we all felt at home.

We tackled a challenging obstacle course, pushing ourselves to crawl, climb, and run through various obstacles which also included getting wet and muddy! It was both fun and tough, and we cheered on our teammates every step of the way and pushed through our limits as a team. 

The farm tour was an eye-opener giving us an experience that we would all remember. We got to learn about our livestock and where our food comes from. We even got to do some farm chores, like feeding the cows, sheep and maybe even riding some of the animals! Some of us even experienced being  electrocuted from the electric fence used to keep animals in their paddocks. That was a real shocker! The whole experience was fascinating and educational, showing us how it feels to work on a farm.

Canoeing on the lake was a key highlight, offering a mix of relaxation and excitement as we paddle through calm or rough waters. It also required teamwork, meaning we had to communicate with each other to make sure we didn't accidentally tip over ( which many of us did)! Overall it was very fun getting to compete and race with other teams and learn how to canoe which for most of us was our first time.

The game of life and death was both intense and thrilling. It tested our ability in many ways, like strategy, and quick thinking as we navigate through the forest. Furthermore the Survivor activity tested our teamwork skills. We had to complete a series of challenges that all required communication, trust, and persistence. Both activities gave us a chance to get to know one another better but also tested our physical capabilities. 

At Camp Kangaroobie, everyone had a role to play in keeping things running smoothly through a system of duty groups, ensuring everybody had equal responsibilities. Each meal of the day, a group is assigned to do various tasks, from setting up the dining hall and serving meals to cleaning afterward and ensuring common areas are tidy. The responsibility taught us an important lesson in cooperation and giving us a sense of community. We realised that participating in the camp's upkeep was just as important as participating in the activities. Plus the sense of accomplishment after completing our duties was rewarding, and it felt good to give back to the place that was giving us many opportunities to make new memories.

The friendly staff provided us with home cooked food that was warm and comforting during the day through night. The food we received was freshly made from the farm's very own produce. Along with the warm food the chefs had catered for people of all dietary conditions, making everyone feel welcome. Overall the food was mostly enjoyable and comforting, making everyone feel like home. 

During camp we had also had an adventurous night-time walk that for many of us was quite an amazing experience. This walk included us stargazing, looking into the vast beautiful cosmos, hiking through rugged terrain and sharing ghost stories among our peers. Matt did a wonderful job at explaining the little yet fascinating bits of information about the camp and also making the walk entertaining. For those who were not there I can tell you that the beautiful night sky was a sight to be bewildered by, and for many it was something that we would have never got to see aside from camp. 

In general the Year 7 trip to Camp Kangaroobie was a memorable three-day adventure where students bonded in cosy cabins, took on challenging activities like an obstacle course and canoeing, and learned about farm life, including encounters with livestock and even an electric fence. Teamwork was key in activities like the Game of Life and Death and survivor. Furthermore, the duty group system taught responsibility. Home-cooked meals and a strong sense of community added to the experience, making it truly unforgettable.

Written by Olivia Vo and Atharv Pal 

STARRY STARRY NIGHT ...

On the 26th of July, on a particularly Starry Night, the Year 12’s of Acacia and Banksia celebrated their 2024 formal. Held at Cathies’ Lane Reception, students and teachers ate and danced their way through the night, with many photos being taken to remember it by. 

As hinted earlier, the theme this year was ‘Starry Night’. The venue was decorated in blue, yellow and black with accents of gold and silver, taking inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ painting. Stars and alike motifs were scattered around, creating a beautiful celestial feel, highlighting how special of a night it was to the 2024 seniors. Awards were also voted prior to and on the night for a range of prestigious titles such as ‘Shooting Star’, ‘The Moon & Star’, ‘Angelic’, ‘Van Gogh’ and the ultimate ‘Star of the Night’. All recipients received a custom and framed certificate with on-the-night winners also receiving a custom sash. As a special memento of the evening, all guests received a custom laser-cut keychain, photobooth photos and unforgettable memories. Overall, this night was an amazing one to have before we lock in for our exams.

Special thanks to my fellow formal committee members and supervising teachers, Mrs Naganivatu, Mr Fiorello and Mr Alvarado for working endlessly to plan and execute the night.

Sophia Nguyen – Acacia

On behalf of the 2024 Keysborough College Year 12 Formal Committee