Secondary School
Year 7
Year 7 Science in Action: Creative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Our Year 7 students have been exploring the importance of recycling and reusing materials as part of their Science studies. Through hands-on learning, they designed and created innovative items intending to benefit both the environment and society. This project not only deepened their understanding of sustainability but also encouraged creative thinking, problem-solving and environmental responsibility.
Year 8
Creative Culinary Creations: Year 8 New York Shake Challenge
Mrs Annie Pinson’s Year 8 Food Technology students recently took part in a fun and flavourful challenge: designing their very own wild and wacky New York Shakes! As part of the task, students were guided through the design process where they investigated, planned, created and evaluated their imaginative milkshake masterpieces.
The activity combined hands-on learning with creativity and problem-solving, encouraging students to think outside the box and bring their unique ideas to life.
Reflections from the Year 8 Camp: Growing Through Challenge and Self-Awareness
During their time at The Ranch on the Mornington Peninsula, our Year 8 students immersed themselves in a series of adventurous and reflective activities such as Horse Appreciation Program, mountainboarding, the Pamper Pole, the Giant Swing and the exhilarating Flying Fox.
With a focus on building self-awareness, students practised techniques such as positive self-talk, visualisation and emotional regulation. Their reflections reveal powerful moments of growth, confidence and personal achievement. As a result, 93% of Year 8 students reported growth in their self-awareness over the course of the camp.
Here are some of the students’ reflections, sharing the moments where they stepped outside their comfort zones, applied what they learned and experienced personal growth.
Year 10
Building Respectful Relationships: Year 10 Love Bites Workshop
Last week, our Year 10 students participated in the Love Bites workshop, a full-day program designed to promote respectful relationships and a deeper understanding of consent culture. Facilitated by our dedicated Wellbeing Team, Emily Flanigan (Social Worker) and Liz Smith (Youth Worker), the workshop encouraged students to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs and personal responsibility in relationships.
A sincere thank you to our Wellbeing Team for delivering such an engaging and meaningful experience that continues to support the emotional and social development of our students.
Year 11
CAFS: Sole Parenting Trial – Meet Raph and Abbey!
This week, our Year 11 CAFS students have stepped into the world of parenting with the arrival of our simulated babies, Raph and Abbey. As part of the Sole Parenting trial, students are gaining first-hand insight into the responsibilities and challenges faced by new parents. From late-night cries to feeding routines and endless nappy changes, students are learning vital skills in empathy, time management and responsive care. This practical experience brings classroom theory to life, offering a meaningful glimpse into the realities of raising a child, even if just for a few days!
Exploring Comparative Anatomy: Year 11 Rat Dissection Experience
As part of their studies in Organisation of Living Things, Year 11 Biology students recently participated in a rat dissection practical to deepen their understanding of human body systems through comparative anatomy. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore the internal structure of a mammal and observe firsthand how the body’s systems, particularly the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems are organised and interconnected.
Throughout the term, students have been examining the structure and function of these systems in theory. The dissection brought this learning to life, offering a unique opportunity to identify organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines and liver, and to see how each part plays a role within an organism.
The activity also helped students appreciate the complexity and precision of biological systems, sparking thoughtful discussions on ethics, anatomy and the importance of observation and accuracy in scientific investigations. The rat dissection is a valuable part of the Biology course, reinforcing knowledge through real world application and encouraging curiosity about how living things function.
Year 12
HSC English Students Prepare for Craft of Writing Assessment
HSC Standard English students were recently photographed with Head of English and HSC English teacher, Ms Keirra Patten, during a focused workshop session in the Resource Centre. Students are preparing for their upcoming summative Craft of Writing assessment task, which will be completed under timed conditions.
As part of their preparation, students are developing and refining imaginative, discursive and persuasive responses, drawing on stimulus material and crafting their unique writing voices. The Resource Centre provides a calm, comfortable, and supportive environment—ideal for focused writing and peer feedback.
Well done to all students for their dedication and engagement as they work towards this important assessment milestone.
PDHPE: Out and About in the Community
This term, our students have been taking their learning beyond the classroom, engaging in exciting opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Our Year 8 students have been putting their golf skills to the test, enjoying the challenge and fun of learning in a new environment.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 PASS students have been honing their patience, precision and tactical thinking through the game of croquet.
A big thank you to the Rich River Golf Club and the volunteers from the Rich River Croquet Club for generously giving their time and expertise.
Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman Workshops – Years 11 and 12
Last week, our Year 11 and 12 students took part in two-hour workshops facilitated by Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman. These sessions created a safe space for students to engage in open conversations around identity, emotional well-being and personal development.
The workshops challenged traditional gender stereotypes and encouraged students to explore themes such as resilience, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. These powerful discussions will continue to shape further reflection and dialogue during upcoming tutor group sessions, supporting our commitment to student growth and well-being.
Celebrating Students' Achievements
Montana Spicer Shines in Victorian Country Hockey Championship
On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, Montana Spicer (Year 9) was selected to represent the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association in the Victorian Junior Country Championships held at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne.
Due to low numbers in the Under 16s division, Montana stepped up to play in the Under 18s team and rose to the occasion. The Goulburn Valley team performed exceptionally well, winning the majority of their games and advancing to the grand final against Geelong. After a determined and hard-fought match, Goulburn Valley secured a 1–0 victory to claim the gold medal.
Montana’s sporting journey continues, as she has been selected to represent North West Lightning at the upcoming Junior State Championships during the school holidays also at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne.
We proudly congratulate Montana on her remarkable achievements and wish her every success at the State Championships!