Year 7-9 - Coaching Parade Campus

Year Seven Update

What a fantastic way to kick off Term Two! Our Year Seven students had the opportunity to head off to PGL Campaspe Downs, where they embraced adventure, challenged themselves, and built lifelong memories.

From canoeing on the lake to aeroball battles, catapult building, the thrilling giant swing, laser tag, and the daring Leap of Faith, students threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm and courage. Evenings were filled with excitement too, including the ‘All Around the World’ challenge, where students searched the grounds by torchlight for hidden flags and trivia questions, and a fast-paced game of Chase the Flag.

The weather was on our side, making it the perfect setting for teamwork, fun, and growth. Camp leaders were incredibly impressed with the way our Saltwater students listened attentively, encouraged one another, and showed excellent teamwork across all activities.

It was a week to remember, and a brilliant way to begin the new term.

Year Eight Update

We are excited to welcome everyone back for another term of learning and growth. It has been wonderful to see the Year Eight students return with such high spirits and energy after the break. Their enthusiasm for reconnecting with friends and settling back into school life has been clear to see.

As we begin the term, we are working with students to gently refocus their energy into positive, productive habits in the classroom. Understandably, after the break, there has been a lively start, and we are encouraging all students to channel their enthusiasm into supporting a calm and respectful learning environment for everyone.

This term offers many exciting opportunities for our Year Eight learners to challenge themselves, extend their skills, and continue to build strong learning routines. With the support of families and teachers together, we are confident that students will settle quickly and embrace all the possibilities ahead.

We are looking forward to a fantastic term ahead and appreciate your ongoing partnership as we work together to help our students thrive.

Year Nine Update

Term Two has begun with a range of exciting activities and opportunities designed to engage and support our Year Nine students. A key highlight this term is the participation in the Morrisby Career Education Profiling. This comprehensive career tool, offered free of charge by the Department of Education, supports students in Years 9–12 by combining aptitude assessments, including verbal, numerical, abstract, and spatial reasoning alongside a career interest questionnaire. The resulting Morrisby Report provides personalised insights to assist with subject selection and long-term planning. Parents and caregivers will be invited to join discussions about these profiles later in the year to help support their child’s future pathways.

In addition to Morrisby profiling, several engaging events are scheduled for the term, including class and sibling photographs, a sausage sizzle, school camp, athletics day, and parent–teacher–student conferences. These events are designed to foster a sense of community and support student development both academically and socially.

The secondary school uniform and mobile phone policy have also been reviewed with Year nine students. Students are now familiar with the requirements for both formal and PE uniforms and are expected to dress accordingly. Clear guidelines regarding mobile phone storage and use have been discussed, and students are expected to adhere to these policies throughout the school day.

Teachers are excited to deliver engaging and meaningful lessons this term. With such a strong start, we look forward to a productive and enjoyable term for all our Year Nine learners.

Curriculum Highlights

Science

Year Seven Science – Term One Highlights and What's Ahead

In Term One, our Year Seven Science students began their exciting journey into the world of secondary school science! At the start of the term, students focused on learning the scientific method, mastering how to plan and conduct experiments carefully and thoughtfully. As this was their first time working in the secondary science lab, they also learned about lab safety rules and the meaning behind various hazard symbols to ensure they could work safely and responsibly. A major highlight was earning their bunsen burner licenses, giving them the skills and confidence to safely operate a bunsen burner — a key milestone for our budding scientists!

As the term progressed, students delved into the topic of states of matter, exploring the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. They then moved on to investigating mixtures and how they can be separated. Students applied hands-on techniques such as filtration, evaporation, and crystallisation, even growing their own crystals through careful experimentation. Through these practical activities, students developed critical scientific skills while deepening their understanding of the physical world.

Looking ahead to Term Two, students will be shifting their focus from chemistry to biology, as they explore the fascinating world of ecology and the environment. They will learn how to classify living organisms and understand the intricate relationships between different species and their ecosystems.

We are incredibly proud of all that our Year Seven students have achieved in their first term of secondary science and look forward to the discoveries and adventures that await in Term Two!

Year Eight Science – Highlights and What's Ahead

In Term One, Year Eight Science students became young biologists as they explored the fascinating world of cells and the human body! We began by investigating the different types of cells and their structures, learning how each part plays a vital role in keeping organisms alive. Students conducted hands-on experiments by creating their own wet mount slides and used microscopes to observe cells up close. They then accurately sketched their observations, building key skills in scientific drawing and attention to detail.

We then zoomed out to study the 11 major systems of the human body, discovering how these complex systems work together to keep us healthy and functioning. Working in groups, students became experts on one body system and delivered engaging presentations to their peers, teaching each other about systems such as the circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems.

In Term Two, students will continue their biological studies for the next few weeks, diving deeper into the circulatory and respiratory systems. They will also have the exciting opportunity to conduct a heartdissection, giving them a hands-on understanding of how the heart functions!

Once this topic is complete, we will transition into our next unit: Physics. Students will explore the world of heat and energy, learning about the different types of energy, and how energy is transferred and transformed in various systems. It promises to be a term full of discovery, curiosity, and exciting experiments!

We are looking forward to another fantastic term of learning ahead!

Year Nine Science – Highlights and What's Ahead

In Term One, our Year Nine students began the first part of their Biology unit, focusing on the Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Immune System. They explored how the nervous system sends signals to the brain and throughout the body, including learning about the "fight or flight" response. They also had a look into fears and phobias and investigated the variety of phobias that have been discovered. To deepen their understanding, students participated in their first practical of the year—dissecting a sheep's brain. This hands-on activity gave them a tangible look at some of the brain's key structures.

The Aces group took on a more investigative challenge by designing a multi-sensory practical experiment. They explored the role of each of the five senses and created an experiment that involved temporarily depriving their test subjects of one sense. Students then tested their investigations on peers and analysed the results. The outcome not only demonstrated creativity and scientific thinking but also gave students a valuable insight into how research scientists conduct experiments.

Looking Ahead – Term Two

As we move into Term Two, our focus shifts to Evolution and Genetics. Students will explore the Theory of Evolution, the concept of Survival of the Fittest, and delve into Inheritance—examining what makes each of us unique. We are excited to continue to watch the Year Nine's grow in their Biology journey!

Business Studies

Year Seven Highlights

In our latest newsletter, we covered important topics related to money management and financial literacy for students. We discussed the basics of currency and teaching students the value of money. We also explored the concept of cheques and how they are used for making payments, emphasising the importance of writing them properly and securely.

Additionally, we delved into the differences between credit and debit cards, highlighting the pros and cons of each and how they impact a student's financial decisions. We also explored various payment methods available to students, including cash, electronic transfers, and mobile payments, to help them understand the different ways they can manage their money. We also provided tips on buying wisely, teaching students to budget and prioritise their expenses to make informed purchasing decisions.

Lastly, we discussed the benefits and risks of buying and selling online, guiding students on how to spot scams and protect their personal information. We emphasised the importance of conducting research before making any online transactions and provided tips on safely navigating e-commerce platforms. By educating students on these topics, we hope to empower them to make smart financial decisions and develop good money habits for the future. Thank you for your continued support in helping us educate our students on financial literacy.

Year Eight Highlights

In this newsletter, we discussed important topics related to consumer protection, loans, and budgeting. It is crucial for your students to understand their rights as consumers and how to protect themselves from scams and fraudulent practices. We encourage you to have open discussions with your children about being cautious when making purchases and to always research companies before doing business with them.

Additionally, we touched on the importance of proper budgeting and financial planning. Teaching your children to create a budget and stick to it can help them develop good financial habits for the future. We recommend sitting down with your students to discuss their expenses, income, and savings goals to ensure they are on the right track towards financial stability.

Lastly, we covered topics such as price fluctuations, investing, buying a car, and renting or buying property. These are important aspects of personal finance that your students will encounter as they enter adulthood. It is essential for them to understand the risks and benefits associated with each of these financial decisions. We hope this newsletter provides you with valuable information to help your children navigate the complex world of personal finance.

Year Nine Highlights

In our recent classes, students have been delving into the world of career planning and job hunting. They have been learning about the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in their desired fields, as well as how to effectively search for job opportunities. This knowledge will serve them well as they prepare for their future career paths.

Students have also been introduced to the fundamentals of business management, including the history of management, organisational environments, and cultures. They are learning about the different management styles and approaches that have evolved over time, as well as how to navigate the complex organisational structures and dynamics of the business world.

As part of their studies, students have been exploring strategic management concepts such as planning, goal setting, and organisational strategy. They have also been introduced to important tools and frameworks such as Porter's 5 Forces, BCG Matrix, and SWOT Analysis, which will help them analyse and make strategic decisions in real-world business situations. These skills will be crucial as they embark on their careers and navigate the competitive business landscape.

Thank you for your continued support as we guide and empower your children to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

One Day Series Dandenong

On March 20th, our Year 8 girls volleyball team represented our school for the first time in the One Day Series Dandenong tournament, a well-regarded and highly competitive event. The tournament featured strong teams from across the region, providing a valuable opportunity for our players to test their skills in a challenging environment.

Before the tournament began, our debutants Fleur, Ange, Sydelle, Hasel, and Keira were presented with their school volleyball jumpers by a member of our senior Year 9 players. Led by experienced players Ava (Captain), Eseta (Vice Captain), Aaleahya (Vice Captain), and Justus, along with returning player Bryanna, the team showed great determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day—despite the humid conditions.

While the team narrowly missed out on qualifying for the finals, their performance was commendable and showed great promise for future tournaments. We’re proud of the effort and spirit they brought to the court and look forward to trying again later in the year at the One Day Series Werribee tournament.