Year 9 News

Term 4 is here, and students have quickly gotten back into the swing of things. Students are busily learning new concepts in class in preparation for the CATs (common assessment tasks) that are fast approaching. The next round of LBUs will be released shortly and I am looking forward to celebrating the progress that each of our students are making in developing and refining their learning behaviours. While we are focusing on having a strong finish to the 2023 Year 9 program, our students are also beginning to look towards next year and the years beyond. There are a number of opportunities happening in Year 9, leading into students making choices for their Year 10 program next year, which I will outline below.

Morrisby testing and interviews

Students have been completing the online Morrisby testing over the past couple of weeks. This testing and questionnaire process will conclude with a report which families will be able to access online. Students will also be given a hard copy of the report prior to them attending their interviews. The test provides ideas for our students to explore possible future career pathways. To support the unpacking of their test, each student will have an interview with an external interviewer, either face to face or via online consult, where they will discuss what the results mean and how students can use this information as they move not just into Year 10 but also for years to come. Interviews will be held from Monday 30th Oct - Thursday 2nd Nov. 

Year 10 information sessions

On Thursday 26th of October staff from the Kurnai University Campus will be coming to the Churchill campus and meet with Year 9 form groups to discuss a number of opportunities our students have to engage with the University Campus in 2024. Being situated so close to our University Campus allows our students access to various programs that may enhance their educational journey and it’s important that our students attend these information sessions, so they make an informed choice about whether any of the programs offered will be suitable for their future pathways.

LBU acknowledgements

On Tuesday 24th of October students who received an LBU score above 3.5 were acknowledged with a build your own ice cream sundae stand. Students had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious treat and celebrate the effort they are demonstrating towards their learning. With the next round of LBUs fast approaching I can’t wait to see the progress our students have made towards the goals they have set for themselves and hope to see a few more names added to the list to attend the next reward lunch.

Focus for the term

Each week I meet with the Year 9 cohort and have an assembly to unpack how we are travelling as a cohort, what is coming up for the year level and celebrate our successes and highlights. Over the last few assemblies, I have shared a quote with the students, and I would like to share that with you as well:

In messaging this quote I have spoken to our students about coming to school ready to learn and setting ourselves up to be as successful as possible. This includes getting dressed in uniform in the morning, having breakfast, bringing all equipment, including a charged laptop to school, and being at school and in class on time. Over the next few weeks there will be a focus on these things to help set each of our students up for success both this year and as they move into Year 10 and become the positive role models for our junior students and the school.

Art

Hazards of Biohazards on a city 3D model:

Students have been learning about decisions made around biohazards and both the immediate and long-term effects these decisions can have on the direct surrounds and further from the epicentre. Students have worked as a class to construct a city model representing Chernobyl. 

Concerns or queries

If you have any concerns or queries about any of the items mentioned above, Year 9 student matters, or just general inquiries, please do not hesitate to give the Year 9 team a call at (03) 5132 3700 or email Matthew.Suter@education.vic.gov.au

Matt Suter

Year 9 Team Leader