Outside the Classroom

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program

Congratulations to Camille S of 10B who is the successful recipient of the University of Melbourne's Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholarship in 2026. 

There were over 2300 applications received by the University of Melbourne and were highly impressed by the academic performance and community involvement demonstrated by students. As the successful applicant of the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, Camille will become part of a supportive university community and peer network through a tailored program of events and activities. The University and the KwongLee Dow Scholars program have conveyed that they are looking forward to working with Camille and all the students who were chosen over the next two years, to help these future leaders reach their potential. 

When receiving the news Camille said, ‘I was really surprised but excited to be selected for the University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, especially to know that I was selected from a pool of over 2300 applicants. I am looking forward to finding out more about what the program is all about at the induction day in January, and especially about some of the workshops and activities that can help with Year 11 and 12. I decided to apply because I’m still deciding what I want to study at university, so I think this will really help me to learn more about the kinds of courses and subjects I can study in the future.’ 

The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high achieving secondary students in achieving their personal best. We acknowledge the other applicants Tauheedullah N and Zara W for their applications, unfortunately due to limited places, the university was unable to offer them a place.

Camille stood out as a young person whose character, commitment and passion shine through every aspect of her life. A passionate writer, dedicated athlete and caring sister, she approaches everything she does with integrity, curiosity and determination. Her wide-ranging extracurricular involvement-from representative netball and qualified umpiring to volunteering with Cultivating Community, participating in SongMakers, performing as a lead guitarist, and being selected for the  RMIT GeoTech program-shows her willingness to challenge herself, contribute to others and engage deeply with her community. 

She has developed leadership, resilience and confidence through experiences such as umpiring adults, supporting disadvantaged communities, and pursuing her long-held goals in sport. Camille’s numerous awards, her strong academic performance, and her commitment to helping others reflect the values of excellence, integrity, community and curiosity. Her drive to pursue STEM and medical fields, inspired by her desire to help people and create a better future, further demonstrates her maturity and purpose. Camille’s achievements, service, and character made her a highly deserving recipient of this scholarship. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the scholarship program, see here. Future students in Year 10 will have the opportunity to apply for this opportunity each year.

Agnes Fenech & Elisa Smith

Debating

"Debating has honestly been one of the most fun things I’ve done at school. You get to share your ideas, work with your team and challenge yourself in a really good way. Every debate feels different and there’s always something exciting about thinking on your feet. You don’t need to be super confident or perfect at speaking to join, you just have to be willing to give it a try. It teaches you skills you’ll actually use and you meet great people along the way. If you want to try something new and fun, you should definitely give debating a go. I personally would love to see others join." - Amy P (Year 8)

And from me: Well done to the teams who debated at the recent final debate for the Junior Speaking Program, run by the DAV. The topic for the final debate was "That parents with children under 18 should get an extra vote in government elections", and both teams were negative. Amy, Zetta, and Maggie took on and won against Santa Maria 2; and Ethan, Fox, and Max were not able to overcome Santa Maria 4. Special mention to Zetta who - again! - took out best speaker in her debate. Well done to everyone for your growth over the course of the program - everyone improved and learnt. Year 8 students this year will next year be able to enrol in the School's competition in Year 9 - keep an eye out for information coming up in Term 1 next year.  Year 7s are invited to come back to the JSP in Term 3 next year for more practice before they join the main debating program in Year 9. 

I'm very proud of everyone who debated this year - thank you to the students for debating, and to the parents and carers for supporting your students in their extra curriculars. 

It's been a wonderful five years as the coordinator for debating and I'm really proud of the work we've done, in both the JSP for 7s and 8s; and the School's Debating Program for students in Grades 9 to 12. Next year I'm stepping down from the position and passing it to Catherine McInerney - I look forward to seeing it grow in her capable hands! Thank you to all the support for debating from staff, students, and families and carers of debaters. Best of luck in 2026!

Kelly Harper

Coburg Connect

As part of Coburg Connect in Term 4, Year 9s were tasked with coming up with a project to give back to the community. Led by Amelia, 9H decided on running a Bake Sale to raise money for a local organisation called Nourishing Neighbours. They are a not-for-profit organisation that provides a wide variety of culturally safe and appropriate food to those experiencing food insecurity in Merri-bek and surrounds. Most of them sold out of their baked goodies in 25 minutes!! Jacinta's home-made S'mores Cookies were the biggest hit. Together, they raised a whopping $375! All for an amazing local cause. Well done to those involved: Amelia, Greta, Emily, Eloise, Edith, Finn, Per, Antonio, Maria, Dare-Bui, Alexandra, Amira and Jacinta!

Brooke Wilson

Robotics Team - Winners!

Coburg High Schools Robotics competition wins Innovation Award at Box Hill Regional. The Innovation Award recognises a team that identifies a problem faced by the people working on the seasons theme, this year it was Archeology, and demonstrates a comprehensively researched, understood and creative solution. This is then clearly communicated to a panel of judges. Their solution would reduce waste and increase efficiency when organising artefacts in a range of fields. Well done! 

Shane Nash

Career Start Workshop

We joined graduate teachers from different schools—primary, specialist, and collaborative learning settings. We completed a number of activities together and were given great wellbeing resources to support our practice.

Tan Nguyen

Craft Club

In craft club I learned how to knit (trying to knit a beanie), improving my crochet skills, and crocheting granny squares. Craft club is an outstanding experience, having a chill and relaxing time after a tiring normal school day is something I needed, getting to be creative and learning new things by everyone around me such as the teachers is so amazing also just having a chat while crafting and having fun is something you don’t want to miss! I absolutely will be attending craft club next year to create more projects and you should come too everyone is welcome! 

Tina N

CHS Staff Blood Donation

Monday December 9 saw a staff crew head over to Lifeblood Brunswick for a CHS donation and attempt to ascend the team ladder. We were staggered across the couple of hours, but it was great to contribute in a meaningful way, given 57% of Australians are eligible, but only around 3% donate. 

Given the season of giving, it’s a great idea to sign up or revisit after a long absence, and doubles as a great excuse to eat lots of salty things! If you’re keen to join the Coburg High School team, look us up on ‘teams’ in the app!

Lachlan Gaylard

Year 8 RSPCA Visit

As part of the end of year program, 50 students had the opportunity to visit RSPCA Burwood East for a day of animal experiences.  Students visited the education barn and met some of the rescued farm animals who reside there.  Students toured the adoption centre to see the dogs, cats and small pets awaiting new homes. With the opportunity to meet staff and volunteers, students learned how they contribute to RSPCA Victoria's goal of ending cruelty to all animals and their career pathways.

Through looking more closely at farm and companion animals, students analyse if laws surrounding animal welfare are the same for both of these groups.

RSPCA educators guided students through planning out their chosen action to help animals.  Students received a certificate of participation and a gift from the RSPCA team. This program was developed for the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.