Year 9 News

As we approach the final weeks of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to congratulate all Year 9 students for their work ethic, perseverance, and determination in what has been a busy term. Students are currently sitting through NAPLAN tests which can be challenging; however, I am pleased to announce that all students are “trying their best on the NAPLAN test”.

Student Leaders 

Congratulations to the following for being the Year 9 student leaders for 2024:

• Kara Phillips
• Cody Valansinavicius
• Rahni Mrzygloski

House Championship Update

Congratulations to Freeman who maintain their lead at the top of the House Championships. With another round of Learning Behaviours Updates in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Siddle, Forsyth and Thorpe to see if they can bridge the gap between the leaders. 

Freeman – 493 points

Thorpe – 319 points

Siddle – 269 points

Forsyth – 266 points

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.

Year 9 Camp 

Expression of interest will close on the 4th April, any student wanting to express their interest should complete the compass form prior to the end of Term 1 (No other submissions will be accepted after this date). Permission forms and payment will be available via compass shortly. 

Morrisby Interviews 

In week seven and eight of Term 2, Year 9 students get the incredible opportunity to complete a Morrisby pro ling session. My Career Insights (Morrisby) is a program for all Year 9 students in government secondary schools. This program will help your Year 9 child to:

•  Learn about what skills and abilities they could bring to a job.
•  Find out about what jobs match their abilities, interests and personality, and the subjects they need for those jobs. As part of the program, your child will:
•  Complete a series of online questions and quizzes (on the Morrisby Pro le website) at school. 
• Receive a Morrisby Pro le Report showing the results from the questions and quizzes, and possible jobs that match their abilities, interests, and personality. 
• Have a 30-minute meeting with a Morrisby-trained Career Practitioner, who will explain the report to your child. Here’s a link to video https://youtu.be/8kZp4w69S2w

Around the Classrooms

In year 9 Science, students have been learning about different natural hazards and events such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. They have been investigating the causes of these events as well as impacts that these events have on people, the environment and economy. The students have also been modelling these events in practical experiments and coming up with possible ideas to lesson the negative impacts of these events. 

In Year 9 Media Studies students have been diving into the world of Australian representation in film and television. By analysing a variety of texts, they’ve explored how media shapes our understanding of Australian identity, culture, and stereotypes. Now, they’re putting their learning into action! Using their analytical and technical skills, students will be planning, filming, and producing their own Kurnai Mockumentary—a creative short film that blends satire with storytelling. We can’t wait to see their unique and entertaining take on this project!

In R&R, Y9 students have been designing House Shields, considering elements such as colour, symbolism and a house motto. Students will be voting on which shield will represent their house later this week. Here is one contender, designed by Abbey Shiells. 

Contact Details 

If you have any concerns regarding Year 9 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (03) 5165 0600 or Ross.Johnson@kurnaicollege.vic.edu.au 

Ross Johnson

Year 9 Team Leader