Middle School Report

Message from 

the Director of  Learning

Middle School

 Ms Michelle Collins 

As we approach the end of a busy and productive Semester 1, I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the efforts, growth and achievements of our wonderful Year 9 and 10 students. It’s been a semester full of learning, challenge, creativity and connection, and we are incredibly proud of how our students have embraced every opportunity. 

While many classes are beginning to wrap up their assessments and reflect on their progress, the final week of term still holds some exciting and important events for our Middle School:

• Year 10 Work Experience: Our Year 10 students will be stepping into the world of work during the last week of term. This is a valuable chance to explore career interests, develop real-world skills, and build confidence in new settings. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return in Term 3.

• Year 9 Future You Week: Our Year 9s will participate in a week of workshops, excursions, and activities designed to help them think about their future selves – as learners, workers, and community members. It’s always a highlight of the school year!

A reminder to families that applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) close on Thursday, July 4. If you haven’t yet applied and think you may be eligible, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

As we finish the semester, I encourage all students and families to reflect on our school’s four iCARE values:

• Caring for Yourself – prioritising your learning, health and wellbeing

• Caring for Others – showing kindness, respect and empathy

• Caring for the School – contributing positively to our learning environment

• Caring for the Environment – making choices that protect our world

These values are more than words on a poster; they guide who we are and who we strive to be. Let’s carry them with us into the final week of term and into Semester 2.

Wishing all families a safe and restful break and thank you for your continued support of our Middle School students.

Year 10 Work Experience

A reminder that Year 10 Work Experience will run from Monday 30th June until Friday 4th July which is the last week of Term 2. There will be no scheduled classes during this week as all students will be completing their work experience placements. 

Students will be required to make their own way to and from their chosen place of work. We hope all of our students take advantage of this opportunity to gain some valuable work skills for their future. It will be an expectation that if students are absent from their work experience that they contact both the school and the employer to inform them of their absence.

If you have any questions regarding Work Experience, please contact the Careers Coordinator.

Year 9 Future You Week

We are excited to announce that our Year 9 students will be participating in Future You Week, an engaging alternative program designed to inspire and equip them as they begin thinking about life beyond school.

Running during the final week of term, Future You Week offers a wide range of hands-on, practical activities focused on preparing students for the future. The program will include sessions on career exploration, financial literacy, road safety, and personal development—all aimed at helping students make informed choices and build confidence in their own pathways.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to step out of the traditional classroom setting and engage in real-world learning that will benefit them for years to come. We look forward to a positive and inspiring week that helps our Year 9s begin to shape the future they want to create for themselves.

Lit Histories Excursion

Recently, our Year 9/10 Lit Histories and Year 9/10 Forensic Science classes embarked on a memorable excursion to one of Melbourne’s most iconic and haunting historical sites—Old Melbourne Gaol. The day was a fascinating journey into the past, where students had the chance to explore the darker side of Victoria’s colonial history. Highlights included a dramatic re-enactment of the infamous Ned Kelly trial, an immersive tour of the original jail cells, and an unforgettable experience at the Old City Watch House.

In the courtroom, students stepped into the roles of judges, lawyers, witnesses, and even Ned Kelly himself, bringing to life the tensions and complexities of one of Australia’s most debated legal cases. The performance not only deepened their understanding of the historical context but also sparked insightful discussion around justice, legacy, and national identity.

Touring the bluestone jail, students saw first-hand the harsh conditions inmates faced, learned about infamous prisoners who once occupied the cells, and gained perspective on how justice and punishment have evolved over time.

This excursion was a valuable and engaging way for students to connect their classroom learning to real-world history and science. A big thank you to all staff and students who participated—and to Old Melbourne Gaol for hosting us on such an impactful visit!

Ms Michelle Collins

Director of Learning Middle School