Year 9 News

As the 2025 school year draws to a close, I would like to congratulate all Year 9 students on a remarkable year of growth, achievement, and resilience. It has been a true pleasure working alongside each student and their families, watching them develop into confident, capable young adults who are making their mark on our school community.

This year has been full of memorable experiences—from engaging class lessons and hands-on projects to camps, excursions, and school-wide events. Our Year 9 students have embraced challenges, demonstrated leadership, and supported one another with teamwork and positivity. Their involvement in initiatives such as SRC, sports, Arts, Technology, and fundraising events has been inspiring, and their enthusiasm for learning has been evident every step of the way.

Looking ahead to Year 10, students will have even more opportunities to explore their interests, take on leadership roles, and undertake work placement. We are excited to see them continue to grow academically, socially, and personally as they take the next step in their high school journey.

From the Year 9 Team, we wish all students and their families a joyful and safe Christmas, a happy New Year, and a relaxing summer holiday. Well done on a fantastic 2025—you should be very proud of all you have accomplished!

Looking Ahead to 2026

Year 10 VCE Subject Selection & Year 10 Pathways Program

During Term 4, staff from the University Campus visited the junior campuses to discuss the option of Year 10 students undertaking a VCE subject. During these visits, students learned about VCE expectations and the benefits of starting a VCE subject in Year 10. The University Campus commenced there headstart yesterday, therefore students who did decide to undertake a VCE subject will have already commenced these classes.

Head Start

Head Start at the Morwell Campus begins on Monday the 1st of December. This is when students will begin working with their 2026 classes and teachers. Headstart plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition into the next year—it allows students to become familiar with new expectations, routines, and subject areas, setting them up for success from day one in 2026. Students will have an assembly on Monday and receive their timetables. 

The Year 10 Team Leader is Sheryl Tangi If you have any concerns regarding Year 10 please contact Sheryl at (03) 5165 0600 - option 2 or Sheryl.Tangi@education.vic.gov.au 

HPV Energy Breakthrough 

Kurnai College’s Year 9/10 Human Powered Vehicles (HPV) teams worked tirelessly over the course of the year to construct their vehicles and in preperation to  participate in the 24hr Energy Breakthrough HPV Race at Maryborough last weekend.

The students travelled and arrived in Maryborugh on the Thursday, where they spend the afternoon setting up camp and their pit lane. On the Friday the students were tested on their knowledge on sustainability and renewable energy, and presented to a panel of judges their knowledge of the design and construction of the human powered vehicles. The students will get then had a two hour practice run on the course Friday evening before the 24hr race commences at midday on Saturday, running through until midday Sunday.

Lining up on the grid and taking to the track and put the Kurnai Racing Team and their HPVs to the ultimate test. But despite the challenges, our resilient riders pushed through, completing the grueling 24-hour race with pride and a huge sense of accomplishment. 

Here’s how our amazing teams finished:

🔧Junkyard Demons: 7th in Mixed B2  Category, 41st Overall – 695.20km

🌙Insomnia: 20th in Open Category, 70th Overall – 562.48km

🩹Tape n Ties: 11th in Mixed B2 Category, 61th Overall – 589.34km

Final results combine scores from Display and Presentation, Design and Construction Inquiry, and Track Performance. 

Congratulations to all our students — you represented Kurnai College with pride, grit and sportsmanship, pushing through the heat, the night, the crashes and the chaos to achieve the highest Kurnai College racing results in nine years.

A massive congratulations to all our riders for their incredible effort, determination, and teamwork through such tough conditions. You’ve done us all proud!

Also a huge shoutout to to all staff who supported the students both on camp and back at school — your dedication made this incredible weekend possible.

Contact Details 

I will be moving to the Year 7 Team for 2026, however if still currently have any concerns regarding Year 9 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (03) 5165 0600 - option 2 or Ross.Johnson@kurnaicollege.vic.edu.au 

Ross Johnson

Year 9 Team Leader