Principal Report
A Busy Term 3 at Koonung!
It has been a vibrant and eventful term at Koonung, with students taking part in a wide range of activities, programs and experiences across the College. Providing opportunities for students to connect, participate and contribute to our community is an important part of College life. We encourage all students to make the most of these opportunities, as involvement beyond the classroom helps foster positive relationships with peers and staff, while strengthening students’ sense of belonging to the wider Koonung community.
This term has seen students involved in an impressive variety of activities. Alongside major experiences such as the Ski Trip, Central Tour and Space Camp, students have participated in our Spring Music Concerts (please see photos on the Music and Performing Arts page of this newsletter), PFA Father’s Day Breakfast, National Science Week STEM Challenge, Inspiring Girls program, Interschool Debating, Chess Regional Championships (further details on the Student Clubs and Lunchtime Activities page) and VEX V5 and IQ competitions (read about the team's amazing success on the Technology page of this newsletter).
Father's day Breakfast snaps....
Our students have also represented Koonung with pride through sport and athletics, while the Interact Group brought the community together for a successful trivia fundraising evening, last Friday. Academic enrichment has continued through VHAP masterclasses, Year 12 Masterclasses and Connect revision sessions, providing students with further opportunities to extend their learning.
There have also been important events focused on student leadership, wellbeing and future pathways. All Year 8 students participated in Teen Mental Health First Aid training, while our Year 9 students attended a Careers/Subject Fair as part of Connect Day, giving them the opportunity to explore different career pathways and begin thinking about their future beyond school.
It has been wonderful to see so many students getting involved, challenging themselves and contributing to the life of the College throughout the term.
And of course, no final day of Term 3 would be complete without Koonung Day! We’re all looking forward to this highlight on the Koonung Calendar- photos and reports will be in the next Newsletter.
Space Camp USA 2026
This past weekend, 15 students and 3 staff, including Principal Andrew McNeil, departed for the 2026 Space Camp, USA, where they will enjoy an exciting program of hands-on learning that brings science to life beyond the classroom.
Throughout the camp, students will be immersed in astronaut training, visit world-renowned theme parks to explore how physics is applied in the design and operation of roller coasters, and tour the Kennedy Space Center to learn more about space exploration and scientific innovation. Students will also explore the unique ecosystems of the Florida Everglades, travelling by airboat while developing their understanding of local ecology and biodiversity.
The program provides students with opportunities to apply key concepts from Physics and Biology in authentic and engaging settings. Alongside their scientific learning, students will develop valuable teamwork, communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills as they work together to navigate a range of challenging and memorable experiences.
Here are some early photos of their arrival and first days- we wish them all the best for this amazing opportunity!
Course Counselling and Planning for 2027
Over the past few weeks, our Sub School and Careers teams have been working closely with students and families throughout the Course and Subject Selection process. These conversations play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their future. Our goal is to support each student to select subjects and programs that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations, while also opening up meaningful pathways for further study and future careers.
At Koonung, we are committed to providing students with a student-choice curriculum from Years 10 to 12, with a range of electives available for students to select in Year 9. Once students have completed the counselling and selection process, we use student preferences to shape the curriculum we offer.
While it is not always possible to offer every subject requested, we remain committed to providing a broad and comprehensive curriculum across all learning areas. This may involve offering smaller classes or, in some VCE subjects, combining classes where necessary to ensure students can continue to access their chosen pathways.
We recognise that combined classes are not always the preferred outcome. However, each decision is carefully considered in consultation with staff, students and families, with the aim of creating the best possible learning opportunities and outcomes for our students.
We are now heavily into the curriculum planning phase for 2027, developing the blocks and lines that will determine how subjects can be scheduled. Once this process is further advanced, we will communicate with students and families about what the 2027 program will look like. For some students, this may mean revisiting their subject selections and participating in further course counselling.
Our aim is to have the 2027 curriculum structure and subject blocks in place by the end of Term 3, with the 2027 timetable scheduled to be finalised by November.
We would like to thank all students and families for their time, engagement and thoughtful participation in the Course and Subject Selection process. Your involvement is an important part of helping us develop a curriculum that provides meaningful opportunities and pathways for all Koonung students.
Congratulations Jayden Cheng!
We are delighted to congratulate Year 8 student Jayden Cheng, who recently secured a bronze medal at the National Intermediate Schools Championships, hosted by Fencing Victoria. This was Jayden’s first time competing at a national schools event, making his achievement all the more impressive.
Well done Jayden on your fantastic result, it is a testament of your dedication, commitment and perseverance on your fencing journey. 🤺👏
It has been a busy term, and we would like to wish all our students, families and staff a safe and restful holiday break.
Our VCE students will be returning for exam revision as they navigate the final stages of their secondary school journey. We wish them every success as they prepare for their upcoming exams.
We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday 5 October.
Enjoy the break, and stay safe!
College social media channels
The College utilises social media to provide quick updates, interesting events, and lots of photos to our community. We have one official Facebook page and three Instagram pages for members of our community to follow.
OFFICIAL COLLEGE ACCOUNT
https://www.facebook.com/koonungsecondarycollege/
OFFICIAL COLLEGE ACCOUNT
https://www.instagram.com/koonung.secondary.college/
LIBRARY ACCOUNT
https://www.instagram.com/ksclibrary/
STUDENT LEADERS ACCOUNT
https://www.instagram.com/koonung_secondary_college/
ALUMNI PROGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
The Koonung Secondary College alumni program utilises social media to stay connected with alumni.
FOLLOW THE ALUMNI PROGRAM ON SOCIALS.
Mary Eade
Acting Principal
mary.eade@education.vic.gov.au