Student Engagement  

What are Connect Days?

Connect Days are part of Koonung Secondary College’s holistic approach to learning and wellbeing. Held once each term, these days are designed to strengthen students’ social and emotional skills, build resilience, and foster positive connections with peers, staff and the wider school community. The program aligns with our school values and the Respectful Relationships curriculum, supporting students to feel confident, connected and ready to learn.

Year 7 Connect Day - Thursday 7 May

This Thursday, our Year 7 students participated in their second Connect Day for the year, centred around the theme “Collaboration in Action: Building Belonging.” The day provided students with opportunities to strengthen connections, develop teamwork skills and further build their sense of belonging within the Koonung community.

A highlight of the day was a workshop facilitated by external presenters from Project Rockit titled “Rally.” The workshop empowered students to better understand different forms of bullying and develop empathy for those affected, both online and offline. Students explored practical and socially relevant strategies to safely intervene and take positive action, reinforcing the importance of contributing to a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Throughout the day, students also participated in a range of engaging activities, including:

• A Class vs Class Quiz competition designed to encourage teamwork and strengthen connections across the cohort. 
• An Escape Room challenge alongside Year 10 Peer Mentors, helping students build relationships and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Koonung community. 
• Team-building activities that promoted collaboration, communication and positive relationships between peers and teachers. 
• Regular Sport Education classes, encouraging participation, teamwork and physical activity. 

The day was filled with energy, participation and plenty of positive interactions between students and staff. It was wonderful to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, working collaboratively and continuing to build strong foundations for their secondary school journey at Koonung.

Year 8 Connect Day -  Friday 1 May

Last Friday, our Year 8 students participated in their second Connect Day for the year. The focus for the day was “Leading with Integrity,” aligning with Koonung’s values of excellence, creativity and endeavour. Students took part in a Year 8 Leadership Day facilitated by external presenters from yLead.

Throughout the day, students explored the idea that leadership is not limited to senior students or those with formal leadership badges, but is demonstrated through positive choices, actions and influence within the school and wider community. Through a range of energetic activities, collaborative challenges and inspiring stories, students reflected on how they can make a positive impact in their everyday lives.

The program encouraged students to:

• Develop a broader understanding of leadership and positive influence. 
• Identify practical ways they can contribute positively to their school community. 
• Strengthen communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills through group activities. 
• Explore the relationship between attitude, effort and outcomes. 
• Build confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions. 

Students also had opportunities to strengthen relationships within the Year 8 cohort while developing resilience, accountability and collaboration skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and positivity shown by our Year 8 students throughout the day and look forward to continuing to support their growth as leaders within the Koonung community.

Year 7 Connect Day 

Year 8 Connect Day 

Claire Murray

Acting Social and Emotional Learning Leader