College News

Message from the College Principal

G’day everyone,

As we move into the cold months of the school year, I would like to take a moment to remind all students and families about the importance of regular attendance. While the winter weather can be challenging and getting out of bed can be hard, every day of school is significant. In the coming weeks, our students will have the opportunity to get creative to help the school come up with our new Attendance Matters slogan, with great prizes up for grabs.

Last month, we celebrated Education Support Staff Day. Our Education Support staff are the backbone of the College, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support both staff and students every day. Morning teas were held at each campus as a small gesture of our immense appreciation. I’d like to thank our ES staff for their dedication and care—you truly make a difference in our community.

It has also been a busy and eventful term for our students, representing the school in interschool sports and a wide range of excursions. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for growth beyond the classroom, helping students to build confidence, teamwork skills and lasting memories. Thanks must go to the staff for the work that goes into these activities.

Let’s keep the energy going as we head into the second half of the year.

Anthony Rodaughan

College Principal  

Reconciliation Week

During Week 6, Kurnai College acknowledge National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to celebrate culture, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” encouraged us to look to the future while learning from the past. It called on everyone to take action toward a more unified Australia — one built on trust, truth, and respect. At Kurnai College, we remain committed to listening, learning, and leading together, knowing that reconciliation is a responsibility we all share.

Across all campuses, students participated in a range of activities to recognise the week and deepen their understanding of reconciliation and Indigenous culture. 

Our Indigenous students proudly celebrated and acknowledged their rich culture and history through several events over the last two weeks.

Koorie Day Out

On Friday 23rd of May the Year 10–12 Indigenous students enjoyed a day filled with interacting with different Universities, TAFE and employment opportunities,  cultural stalls, and an exciting performance by an Indigenous hip-hop dance crew! A delicious lunch was also served as students connected, learned, and celebrated culture together.

Campfire Dinner

The Koorie Team hosted a special dinner on Tuesday 3rd of June, bringing together members of our school community, local organisations, families, and students.

This informal evening was all about connection, conversation, and community – with delicious food, shared stories, and new friendships formed around our fabulous campfire.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable. Events like this remind us of the power of coming together in the spirit of reconciliation. 

Community Reconciliation Week Event

Indigenous students from across Kurnai College came together on Friday 30th May at Kernot Hall to participate in a meaningful historical walk focused on culture and history, followed by creative canvas art activities. It was a day of reflection, learning, and expression as part of National Reconciliation Week.

We’re incredibly proud of the way our students have embraced the opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate during Reconciliation Week. These experiences are vital in shaping a future where understanding, respect, and unity guide us forward.

Aspiring Athletes Program

On June 3rd, KAAP students from the Churchill Campus had an exciting opportunity to step into the heart of elite sport with a visit to the Hawthorn Football Club’s Training Facility.

The day began with a guided tour of the club’s museum, where students explored the rich history of the Hawks, learning about their premiership successes, legendary players, and iconic AFL moments. It was a powerful way to connect with the legacy of one of the game’s most storied clubs.

The highlight of the visit was watching the Hawthorn men’s team train, gaining a front-row view of the discipline, intensity, and teamwork that goes into preparing for an AFL match. Observing the players in action gave students a valuable insight into the demands of professional sport and what it takes to perform at the highest level.

After training, students were thrilled to have the chance to meet some of the players, take photos, and collect autographs—an unforgettable experience that left many feeling inspired.

This visit provided more than just a look behind the scenes; it deepened students’ appreciation for the sport, emphasised the importance of commitment and resilience, and gave them a glimpse into the professional world of AFL. 

KAAP students from the Morwell Campus will attend the same excursion later this term.

Sports News

It’s been a term for our students, with many proudly representing Kurnai College in a range of interschool sporting events. From netball and soccer to other team competitions, students have been stepping up, showing great commitment, and embracing the challenges of competitive sport.

Participating in interschool sport offers more than just physical activity — it helps students build teamwork, communication skills, resilience, and school pride. These events also provide a chance to connect with peers, form friendships with studetns from across the college, and experience the excitement of representing their school in a positive and supportive environment.

Cross Country

On Friday 23rd of May students from the Churchill Campus and Morwell Campus travelled to Alberton West Recreation Reserve to compete in the Wellington Region Cross Country.

A huge congratulations to our U15 competitors, Sage J – 2nd place, Lavinia B – 3rd place

 and Matilda R and Skylah R, who were top 10 finishers! Congratulations to Ryder H and Zach T, who also ran extremely well, finishing in the top 15.

These students qualified to compete at the Gippsland Championships, held on Thursday 5th June at Drouin Golf Course. Ryder ran in a very competitive U15 boys age group and finished 23rd against 50 runners. Again, the U15 girls delivered strong performances with Sage - 10th, Lavinia - 12th and Matilda - 15th. The girls placed 1st in the team event for the 15-year-old girls age group, securing their spot at the upcoming State Championships!

We are incredibly proud of the determination, sportsmanship, and perseverance these students have shown. Best of luck as you take on the best in the state — the entire Kurnai College community is behind you!

Year 7 Girls Volleyball - Gippsland Finals Success! 

On Friday the 9th of May, our talented Year 7 students from both junior campuses united to compete in the Gippsland Volleyball Finals.

A huge congratulations to our incredible girls team, who showed outstanding skill, determination, and teamwork. Despite facing tough competition, they stayed focused and came out on top—winning all three of their games! 

We’re so proud of their achievement and wish them the very best as they head to the State Championships in November! 

Year 7 Girls Netball

On Wednesday 11th June, thr Year 7 girls’ netball team competed at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale. Made up of nine enthusiastic players with varying levels of experience, the team showed outstanding spirit and resilience throughout the day under the guidance of Miss O’Neill.

Their first two games, against Lavalla Catholic College and Catholic College Sale, presented tough competition. Despite the results, the girls used the opportunity to find their rhythm, refine their positions, and grow as a team.

Their efforts were rewarded in their final match against Maffra Secondary College, where they secured a well-deserved win. The team’s determination, improvement, and sportsmanship were truly commendable — a great display of school pride in action!

Year 8 Girls Netball

On Wednesday 11th June, the Year 8  Girls Netball team displayed outstanding teamwork, skill, and determination across three fast-paced and competitive matches in the recent interschool tournament.

All 11 players took to the court and contributed to what was a fantastic team effort throughout the day. The girls opened their campaign with a commanding 16–7 win over Maffra Secondary College, setting the tone for the day. They continued their strong form with a hard-fought 15–9 victory against Lavalla Catholic College, showcasing their grit and cohesion under pressure.

After topping their pool, the team advanced to the final, where they faced a strong Catholic College Sale outfit. In a tightly contested match, our girls put in a spirited performance but narrowly missed out on the top spot, going down 9–7 in the final.

Despite the close loss, the team should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented the College with pride and sportsmanship. Well done, girls!

Year 8 Boys Netball

The Year 8 boys’ netball team also took to the court on Wednesday 11th of June, where they showed incredible growth, resilience, and teamwork throughout a thrilling day of competition. They began the tournament learning the ropes—quickly adjusting to rules around ‘dragging’ and ‘stepping’—but soon found their rhythm and established their roles on the court. Fantastic teamwork enable them to score efficiently and have solid wins over Sale College and Traralgon College.

In the undefeated final against Maffra Secondary College, tensions ran high. After a tightly contested first half, Lachy stepped into Goal Keeper to challenge Maffra’s tall shooter, putting on a determined defensive display. With the game in the balance, two long-range goals to secure a thrilling one-point victory.

It was a massive team effort and a well-deserved win for the Year 8 boys. We can’t wait to see what they bring to the next round of competition!

Year 9/10 Girls & Boys Netball

Last Friday, our amazing Year 9/10 students from the Churchill Campus and Morwell Campus travelled to the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex in Sale to compete in the Wellington Region Netball competition.

While we didn’t come home with the flag, the spirit, determination, and teamwork shown on the courts were second to none!

The Girls team played with heart, walking away with a draw and two very close losses. They stayed positive, played hard, and showed real grit against some strong teams. We’re incredibly proud of the fight they brought to every game!

The Boys brought home a win and two losses—and faced off against a shooter who was at least 7 feet tall (okay, maybe not quite, but he was tall!). Despite the challenge, they held their own with great energy and effort.

The boys’ team received glowing praise from one of the day’s umpires for their outstanding sportsmanship, positivity, and attitude. This kind of feedback means just as much, if not more, than any scoreboard result. 

Well done to all involved—you represented our school with pride! 

Junior Girls & Boys Soccer

On Tuesday 27th May, four teams from Kurnai College took part in the Wellington Region Soccer competition at Harold Preston Reserve in Traralgon. Teams competed in 40-minute round-robin games, with the opportunity to progress to the Gippsland Finals next term in July.

The Year 7 girls had a mixed day, starting with a dominant 7–0 win over Sale College. They were later defeated by Lavalla Catholic College 7–0, and their final match was won by default after Traralgon College was unable to field a team.

The Year 8 girls faced some tough competition, losing all three of their matches. Despite the results, their enthusiasm, teamwork, and positive attitude shone through, making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the team.

The Year 7 boys delivered a strong performance, winning two of their three games. They described the day as fun but challenging — a great learning experience filled with effort and enjoyment.

The Year 8 boys also played with determination against tough opponents, showcasing solid teamwork and resilience throughout the day.

While most of the results didn’t go Kurnai’s way, the students gave it their all. Their sportsmanship, encouragement of teammates, and pride in representing the College were commendable across all matches.

Intermediate Boys Soccer  

Kurnai College recently had our Intermediate (Year 9/10) boys team take to the field at Harold Preston Reserve in Traralgon for the Wellington Region Soccer competition—and what a day it was!

The team came out strong in their opening game, with a hat-trick from Clay and a fourth goal by Hamzh sealing a solid win. In the second match, the momentum continued with two more goals from Clay, a great finish by Shan, and a last-minute shot from Hamzh that pushed the boys into the final round playoff.

Although they didn’t come away with the final win, the team showed incredible spirit, teamwork, and determination throughout the day. We’re proud of their performance and the way they represented Kurnai College on and off the field. 

Music News

On Tuesday the 3rd of June music students attended the Conservatorium Experience Day at the Ian Potter Conservatorium Centre in Southbank Melbourne. This was an incredible and inspiring opportunity, allowing students to immerse themselves in a day of musical excellence. They participated in both group and instrument-specific masterclasses led by some of Melbourne’s most respected musicians and educators. The experience was not only enriching but has also served as strong motivation as students prepare for a busy Term 3 performance calendar.

Throughout this term, students have also been involved in cross-campus music rehearsals, collaborating with peers from across the college. These rehearsals have been essential in refining their ensemble skills and preparing repertoire for several major upcoming events.

Looking ahead to Term 3, we are thrilled to be performing at the NAIDOC Week ceremonies, bringing music to the University and FLO campuses. Our ensembles will also be representing the college at the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, a valued opportunity to showcase their talent to the wider community. Students will participate in a variety of sections including Solo, Concert Band, Jazz, V.C.E and contemporary ensembles.

A highlight for Term 3 is our exciting collaboration with the Monash Medical Orchestra, with a combined concert scheduled for Saturday, September 20th at Federation University in Churchill. This promises to be an unforgettable performance, blending student musicians with experienced professionals who share a passion for music. This one is not to be missed!

Finally, we’re looking forward to one of our favourite annual events — the Primary Schools Music Tour. This tour sees our students visit local feeder primary schools to perform, inspire, and connect with the next generation of young musicians. 

Want to learn a musical instrument?

Kurnai College offers students across its three campuses the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and engaging music program.

The program caters for students with mixed abilities and interests, whilst providing numerous learning and performance opportunities.

Specialist instrumental tuition is available for a variety of instruments including woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed.

Learning a musical instrument can help develop a variety of skills, from improving concentration and memory to boosting creativity and self-discipline. Plus, it's a great way to make new friends and express yourself in ways words cannot.

If you’re interested in starting your musical journey or advancing your skills, please see your music teacher, contact your Campus office, or speak to the College Music Coordinator, Mr Chris Gretton to find out more information.

Chris Gretton

College Music Coordinator