Year 8 News

Welcome Back to Term 4

It’s been great to see our Year 8 students return with a positive attitude and a strong sense of purpose as they approach the final part of the school year. This term is shaping up to be both productive and enjoyable, with a range of learning experiences and activities designed to challenge students academically while continuing to build teamwork, independence, and confidence.

Swimming

Later this term, students will take part in our Swimming and Water Safety Program. The full-day program is designed to strengthen their swimming abilities and water confidence, develop stroke techniques, and learn vital lifesaving skills. designed to develop essential swimming and lifesaving skills, and improve water confidence. All ability levels are supported through instruction from qualified Austswim teachers. Students will travel by bus to the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon, departing at 8:45am and returning at 2:45pm. This program forms part of their Health and Physical Education assessment and is an important opportunity for students to strengthen vital safety and wellbeing skills.

Groups A, B & C - Wednesday 18th November

Groups D & E - Thursday 19th November

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, students will be completing their final assessment tasks in mid-November, followed by a Feedback and Skills Week where they’ll have the chance to review their progress, strengthen key skills, and reflect on their growth throughout the year. This will lead into our Headstart Program, where students begin transitioning into their 2027 classes. Headstart is a valuable opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with new teachers, routines, and subject areas, helping them feel well-prepared and confident for Year 9.

As the year draws to a close, we’re looking forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and efforts through a number of exciting events. These include the College-Wide Celebration Day at Gumbuya World and the College Awards Ceremony, as well as two onsite activity days to finish the term on a high. 

Families are also encouraged to join us for the College Arts Night and Kurnai Got Talent Grand Final, which are wonderful opportunities to recognise and enjoy the creativity and talent of our students.

Our Year 8 students have shown great growth and maturity this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing them finish the term strongly and step confidently into the next stage of their learning journey.

Being Ready for Learning

We continue to have a strong focus on students being on time to class and arriving with the required equipment ready to learn. Being punctual and prepared helps students make the most of their learning time and supports positive, consistent classroom routines. We ask families to continue supporting students by ensuring they arrive each day with the required books, pens and charged device, and understand the importance of moving promptly to class. Developing these simple habits now will also help prepare students for the increased expectations and independence of Year 9.

Uniform

We have recently noticed an increase in students wearing black pants and shorts to school. A reminder that black pants and shorts are not part of the Kurnai College school uniform, and students are expected to attend school in the correct uniform each day. We understand that there can sometimes be challenges around accessing or purchasing uniform items. If your family requires any support in obtaining the correct uniform, please reach out to the school so we can assist.

Attendance

This year our aim is to improve student attendance rates to an above 95% average. If you student is absent please contact Kurnai’s absence hotline on 5132 3711 or contact Ross Johnson directly via Compass. 

Top Ten KPA Term 4 Week 1-2

Contact Details 

If you have any concerns regarding Year 8 students, please don’t hesitate to email me of phone me on (03) 5165 0600 - option 2 or Ross.Johnson@education.vic.go.au