VCE VM News

Our VM students are now well into their Semester 2 units. Learning Behaviour Update Reports will be available next week, with Parent–Teacher Conversations scheduled for Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September. Bookings can be made via Compass or by contacting the University Campus office.

As we approach the end of the year, it is important that all students remain up to date with their work requirements to allow for timely assessment. A reminder that 90% or higher attendance is expected. Regular attendance and active participation in class are essential not only for completing work but also for teachers to authenticate outcomes.

To support students, catch-up classes have been scheduled:

• Year 11s – Mondays, Period 5

• Year 12s – Tuesdays, Period 5

Students should check Compass regularly for notifications to attend and follow up with their teachers regarding catch-up requirements.

Please be aware of the upcoming dates specifically related to VCE VM students:

VET and Work Placement

Several staff recently had the pleasure of visiting the Waratah Restaurant, operated by our VET Hospitality students. We were treated to a delicious carbonara and chicken lunch and were impressed by the outstanding quality of the food, the professional service, and the dedication shown by all students involved.

VET courses will conclude at different times throughout Term 4. Students should ensure they are up to date with all course requirements and discuss any outstanding tasks with their teachers.

In addition, students need to be collating work placement timesheets and reports to finalise their Work-Related Skills assessments. It is also crucial to keep all work placement paperwork current. A dedicated Friday class is available to support students still seeking a placement or requiring additional catch up supports.

‘BraBQ’ Fundraiser

Some of our VCE VM students are supporting Brett in running a Bunnings “BraBQ” to raise funds for Saint Joan of Arc Primary School in Sigatoka, Fiji, where Brett will be volunteering over the upcoming school holidays.

As part of their Personal Development projects, a group of our Year 12 students have been working to gather resources and raise funds for this school community. The items most needed include books and educational resources, as well as large-sized bras, which are difficult to obtain in Fiji.

This project highlights the generosity and global awareness of our students, who are committed to making a positive difference not only locally but also internationally.

Market Day

Our VCE VM/VPC Market Day will be held on Thursday 18 September, from 3.00pm to 5.30pm, alongside Parent–Teacher Conversations.

Students have been working hard in their elective classes to produce a wide range of items for sale, including:

• Small woodwork products and large picnic tables

• Metalwork creations

• Candles and bath bombs

• Jams and spreads

• Plants

• Games and activities

• Afternoon tea featuring tea, coffee and spiders

All proceeds from Market Day will be donated to the Churchill Neighbourhood House, supporting our wider community. We encourage families and community members to come along, enjoy the afternoon, and support the fantastic work of our students. Please see the event flyer below for further details.

City Project Day

Our Year 12 VCE VM and VPC students will soon take part in a compulsory Project Day in Melbourne, designed as the culmination of their Personal Development Outcome task project for this term.  Assessments will be based on the day’s activities.

Throughout the day, students will work in teams to complete escape room challenges, providing a valuable opportunity to demonstrate and strengthen their teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. In addition, students will take part in city familiarisation activities, aimed at building their confidence and independence in navigating Melbourne in the future.

This hands-on experience connects directly with their learning in PD, reinforcing important skills for both school and life beyond the classroom.

Mock Interviews

Our Year 12 VM and VPC students will soon complete their Work Related Skills assessments by participating in mock interviews with local employers on 16 October. In preparation, students have been developing career portfolios and practicing interview techniques. This valuable experience will help refine their presentation and interview skills, preparing them for future employment opportunities.  Mock interviews give students real-world practice and confidence to present themselves effectively to future employers.

Exit Interviews

All Year 12 VM and VPC students will take part in Exit Interviews on 21 and 22 October. These interviews are an important step in supporting students’ post-school pathways. Each student is expected to book a time with their parent/guardian to attend. Interviews will be conducted with school staff and TAFE representatives to discuss future options and ensure students leave Kurnai with a clear, planned pathway.  Kurnai’s exit interview process provides families and staff the chance to work together to support each student’s next steps beyond school.

Events

Over the past term, our VCE VM students have participated in several valuable enrichment activities:

Pat Cronin Foundation - Standing Up Against Violence

Our Year 12 VCE VM students recently attended a thought-provoking presentation delivered by the Pat Cronin Foundation. The Foundation was established in honour of Pat Cronin, a 19-year-old who tragically lost his life in 2016 after being struck in an unprovoked coward punch. Since then, Pat’s family and supporters have worked tirelessly to ensure his legacy is one of education, awareness, and positive change.

The Be Wise presentation shared Pat’s story in a way that was both deeply moving and highly relevant to young people. The session highlighted the devastating consequences of senseless violence, but it also offered a powerful message of hope: that we all have the ability to make wise choices, act with kindness, and prevent harm in our communities.

We had an excellent level of engagement from students throughout the presentation. The impact was clear, with many students reflecting afterwards on how the session had challenged them to think differently about conflict, responsibility, and the importance of looking after their friends and peers.

This experience strongly connects with the values underpinning the VCE Vocational Major program, particularly in areas of personal development, resilience, and active citizenship. By hearing Pat’s story, students were encouraged to consider their own decision-making and the role they play in shaping a safer and more supportive community.

The Pat Cronin Foundation’s message—Be Wise. Think Carefully. Act Kindly—is one that resonated with all who attended. As a school community, we are grateful for the opportunity to host such an important program and for the lasting lessons it has provided our students.

Chris Joustra’s Resilience Presentation

Last week, VM and VPC students had the privilege of hearing from Chris Joustra, who shared his powerful story of resilience following a life-changing accident.

In 2023, while cycling home from Morwell Park Primary School to Mirboo North along the Strzelecki Highway, Chris was struck head-on by a car that had veered across the road. He sustained multiple serious injuries and was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital, where he spent four months undergoing extensive treatment. He was later transferred to Epworth Hospital for further surgeries and rehabilitation.

Chris spoke openly about his journey, using a PowerPoint presentation filled with images, x-rays, and personal reflections. His key message to students was clear: tackling hard things builds the strength needed to cope with life’s challenges. Through his story, he demonstrated how determination, discipline, gratitude, and a positive mindset can help us overcome adversity and move forward, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Students and staff were deeply engaged throughout the presentation and inspired by Chris’s remarkable attitude and perseverance. We thank him sincerely for taking the time to share his journey and wish him every success as he continues along his road to recovery.

Year 11 VM – Visit from Churchill Neighbourhood House

Our Year 11 VM classes recently welcomed Nathan from Churchill Neighbourhood House, who spoke about the centre’s purpose and the wide range of support it provides. Churchill Neighbourhood House is a local, apolitical, non-profit charity dedicated to enriching the lives of people in the Churchill district.

Nathan outlined the activities and services available to the community and invited students to contribute by developing youth-focused programs. As part of this project, students created survey questions that will be distributed to young people across Churchill to identify their needs and interests.

Next week, students will follow up with the survey results and site visits, continuing their partnership with the Neighbourhood House to design meaningful programs that support local youth.

Our students are actively engaging with their local community and building skills in consultation, planning, and leadership while making a real difference for young people in Churchill.

Snapshots from the VCE VM classes

Sport & Recreation

Our Sport and Recreation students have stepped into the role of personal trainers, working closely with our VPC classes to deliver fun and engaging fitness sessions.

This partnership has allowed the Sport and Rec students to develop their leadership skills while promoting health and wellbeing through physical activity. The VPC students have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and appreciated the effort and energy put into planning each activity.

Elective Classes 

In our elective classes, students have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming VM Market Day. From handmade crafts to delicious treats, there’ll be a wide variety of goods on offer. Make sure to come along on Thursday 18th September and support our students' creativity and enterprise—there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Karen Anders

VCE VM Team Leader