Junior School Report
The transition into Semester 2 has been smooth as our students have quickly begun adapting to their new electives and teachers. Their dedication to learning and engagement in the classroom has been commendable and we are confident that this semester will continue to bring even greater achievements and growth for each student.
It's incredible that just 5 months ago, we welcomed our Year 7 students into the college on their first day of school. Today, they are a shining example of growth, dedication, and community spirit within our Keysborough Secondary College family. We've witnessed numerous accomplishments, resilience in overcoming challenges, and significant progress in both academic and life skills. We take pride in their remarkable development in such a short span. They've integrated fully into our community, enriching our school with their unique experiences and perspectives, and embodying our College values of Respect, Excellence, and Diversity at every opportunity.
Semester 2 is a pivotal time for our Year 9 students as they begin to contemplate their journey into the Senior School and life beyond. All students have undertaken Morrisby Testing and had individual interviews to explore their interests and align them with potential future pathways. As part of their preparations for course counselling, our Year 9 students and their families attended the Senior School Information Evening on Tuesday 25th June, where they were provided with insights into Senior School Courses, including VCE and VET options, helping them make informed decisions as they prepare for subject selections and navigate their pathway into the Senior School. Thank you to all students and families who were able to attend, we encourage those who could not make it to get in touch with the relevant Senior School Assistant Principal for further information (Mr Matthew Sloan, Acacia Campus, and Mr Jonathon Boyd, Banksia Campus).
Our commitment to fostering a safe and balanced online environment for students has led us to continue offering the Digital Thumbprint program. Students from Year 7-9 actively participated in this program, which aims to enhance digital literacy and awareness about appropriate online behaviour. Through an engaging presentation, students had the opportunity to reflect on their own online habits, delve into the digital world they navigate daily, and explore strategies to strike a harmonious balance between online and offline spaces. Students were also reminded about the significance of protecting themselves and their peers while online and gained valuable insights into responding to online bullying, as well as identifying and addressing unsafe content shared via social media platforms. Parents are encouraged to visit https://www.digitalthumbprint.com.au to view the parent resources designed specifically to support families with online safety.
As we look ahead to the upcoming holidays, we are excited to remind families about these fantastic opportunities that are available for our students to make the most of their break. The Greater Dandenong Council has organised an incredible Holiday Program that promises fun, adventure, and learning for school aged students up to 16 years of age. What's even better is that most of these activities are either free or come at a minimal cost. To explore the full list of activities on offer, we encourage you to visit the Greater Dandenong Council's website at https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-activities.
The Student Excellence Program also has a term break enrichment program for any student that might like to extend to their learning, please visit ARC to see the extensive range of programs on offer: https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/eventhub/channels/VCES
On a personal note from Ms Batchelor, I would like to thank all of the students, families and staff at our Acacia Campus for making this semester so memorable; leading the Junior School has been a joy. I leave you in the very capable hands of Mrs Robyn Hughes as she resumes her position as a Sub-School Assistant Principal at the college and I head off for a 6 month secondment, working for the Department of Education. I look forward to seeing everyone when I return, and cannot wait to hear about all of our students’ accomplishments over the coming semester.
We wish everyone a joyful, relaxing and above all else a safe break and hope that you spend some time with your family and friends exploring new interests or discovering the wonders of the world around you. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday 16th July, with renewed enthusiasm and energy as we continue our journey of learning and growth.
Ms Batchelor & Ms Williams
Junior School Assistant Principals