Message from our 

Campus Principal

As we approach the end of Semester 1, it provides the opportunity to reflect on all that has happened across the first half of the year. I am really happy with how the year has started and the way in which students on mass have engaged with their learning both in a classroom setting as well as in the community when they have had opportunities to engage in activities offsite such as Camps, Sports, Excursions and special events. One of the biggest highlights for our campus is the significant increase in student enrolments from the beginning of the year to now. 

Facility Upgrades

We are excited to have contractors onsite regularly to perform significant upgrades to the campus. The current scope of works taking place are new and upgraded lighting to the entire campus (all buildings), two fully refurbished learning spaces and the installation of a new external locker bay area for students. This work has begun and is progressing well. When we have completed this scope of works, we will continue to look at further upgrades to classroom settings, the library, grounds, and the admin building. 

Push Up Challange

The Push-Up Challenge at Churchill Campus is in full swing, it started this Wednesday the 5th of June and will conclude June 28. This challenge involves completing 3,249 push-ups over 24 days, representing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. The initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health, encourage physical fitness, and raise funds for mental health charities like headspace and Lifeline.  

Our school community, including students and teachers, are actively participating, creating a sense of camaraderie and motivation. The challenge offers flexibility for participants of all fitness levels, allowing alternatives like sit-ups or squats, if push-ups are too challenging. Daily targets and mental health facts are provided daily to keep everyone informed and motivated.  

Our student ambassadors Claire Lindsay and Harry Forbes are leading the effort, fostering engagement, and ensuring everyone stays committed. This leadership role has been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and creating a supportive environment at Kurnai.  The Push-Up Challenge is already making a positive impact by enhancing physical fitness, reducing stigma around mental illness, and fostering connections within the school community.  

Congratulations to everyone and their efforts so far and we look forward to seeing how much Kurnai can truly achieve this month. It is our assessment weeks and getting physically active is the best way to relieve the stress we all might hold on our shoulders.  

Committing to 15 minutes a day is enough to boost your energy and help you pursue your day which is what we will strive for during CAT week.  

Well done on kick starting this challenge team!  

-Claire Lindsay

Reconciliation Week

The 27th of May was the first Day of Reconciliation Week. Our campus was lucky enough to secure the planetarium organised through GLAWAC which had a focus on Clogg’s Cave. This was an experience that every student had the opportunity to engage with. Feedback from this activity was positive. Staff also looked to embed opportunities throughout the week, to build Indigenous History and First Nations perspectives into a range of different classroom activities.  On Friday the 31st we had a special Reconciliation Lunch that was open to all of our Indigenous families and students, as well as having local community come in to share food and to have a yarn. On Monday the following week our staff held a morning tea where the Principal and Admin team cooked using Indigenous ingredients and food sourced from First Nations organisations. 

Attitudes to School Survey

Students across all year levels have been engaging in the attitudes to school survey that is completed every year. This survey provides our school and campus with valuable information about what we are doing well, areas we need to work on and provides every student with a voice around all aspects of schooling. 

Student Focus Groups

Over the past two weeks we have had Heather Farley come into the school as an independent to perform a range of focus groups discussions with groups of students from every year level. The aim of these focus group discussions are to deep dive into student perspectives of what’s working, what’s not and how can we make things better to enhance the environment for our student cohort whilst lifting the learning outcomes for all. 

Assessment Day

On the 17th of June students will not be required at school. This day will be used by staff to mark assessments and to complete reports. Reports will be out in week 11. 

Last Day of Term

We will end this term with our Colour Hour activity. Students and staff are encouraged to dress in their house colours and participate in the rotation of activities to earn points for their house. The house with the most points will be awarded the house cup! On the last day of term, Friday June 28th, classes will finish at 1.00 pm. Buses will leave Churchill Campus at 1.15 pm.

I would like to personally thank our students and families for their support over the duration of Semester 1 and wish you all a safe and happy holiday break when we get to it on Friday the 28th of June. 

Reece Malcomson

Churchill Campus Principal