Secondary News
Information Evening
We had a wonderful Information Evening on Thursday 1st May. The session involved school tours followed by an overview of transition processes and in particular, information targeting new students coming into Year 7. The audience was engaging with lots of questions, and parents were impressed with our curriculum offerings and the presentation of our buildings and grounds.
MCG Excursion
As part of our Year 10 Certificate II in Sport & Recreation, students have learned about OHS, emergency procedures, and venue operations, with a focus on the MCG. They visited the MCG and watched St. Kilda and Carlton play on Friday 9 May, and it gave them the chance to see these concepts in action during a live AFL match.
Students observed how the MCG manages crowds, safety, and emergencies on game day, helping them connect their classroom learning to real-world situations. This experience also gave them insight into careers in the sport and recreation industry.
Exciting Additions and Expert Insights at the Agricultural Campus
The Agricultural Campus has been a hive of activity this term with some feathered and woolly new developments that are delighting both students and staff.
Our Year 8 Agriculture program has welcomed some charming new residents: Pekin and Silkie chickens. These ‘fancy’ breeds are known for their friendly nature and unique appearance—Pekins with their fluffy feathered feet and rounded bodies, and Silkies with their soft, fur-like plumage and quirky personalities. The chickens have already captured the attention of our budding young agriculturists, who are learning about poultry husbandry, responsible care, and the traits that make heritage breeds so special. Their presence is also helping foster a sense of calm and curiosity among students—plus a little extra fun at feeding time!
Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been working hard to prepare for the Victorian AWI Merino Schools Challenge and were fortunate to receive hands-on guidance from a special guest, local fine wool Merino grower, Alan Harris of Koole Vale Merinos. Alan generously gave up his time to demonstrate best practice halter-fitting and sheep handling techniques. His decades of experience in fine wool breeding and calm, practical advice were invaluable to our students as they begin the process of training their sheep for the challenge.
Alan also spoke about the importance of temperament and conformational traits in breeding stock, the role of good handling in animal welfare, and the broader significance of the wool industry in Victoria’s agricultural landscape. His visit inspired a renewed appreciation for the Merino breed and the generations of skill that go into producing Australia’s premium wool.
We are proud to provide our students with opportunities to engage with passionate professionals like Alan, and to enrich our curriculum with real-world connections to agriculture. With the addition of our fancy chickens and the support of our local farming community, the Agricultural Campus continues to grow as a dynamic and engaging place for students to explore the world of primary industries.
Our Agriculture teacher, Amanda McClaren, has been busy collecting lots of great resources for the Agriculture Program and networking with industry sector representatives at the Primary Industries Education Foundation of Australia’s (PIEFA) national conference in Canberra last week. Amanda is the president of the Victorian Association of Agricultural and Horticultural Educators (VAAHE) and is part of a team that will be hosting the National Ag Teachers conference in Shepparton in January 2026.