College News,
Sports & Events
SUPERVISION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
CHILD SAFETY POLICIES NOW UPDATED - Please read, Feedback welco
CAMPS, SPORTS, EXCURSIONS FUND
If you are a family with a Health Care Card you may be entitled to $250 CSEF per child to be used towards payment of camps, sports and excursion charges.
You will need to complete a CSEF form which is available at the General Office at each campus. A copy of your Health Care Card needs to be provided. This needs to be done as soon as possible.
Please note that if you have already completed a form for 2024 you don't need to re-submit.
DISABILITY INCLUSION PROFILE ROLLOUT
This year our school will begin introducing some changes to help us strengthen support for students with disability.
Disability Inclusion will help our school better understand what our students need to help them learn and participate at school. It involves:
- a new Disability Inclusion Profile and school funding model to strengthen support for students with disability
- more resources, training and coaching for our teachers and school staff about the best ways to support students with disability.
The new Disability Inclusion Profile will be available to help us identify the strengths, needs, and adjustments we can make to assist students’ learning, participation and engagement at school.
The Disability Inclusion Profile replaces the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) application process.
Over the coming years, we will invite families of students who are currently part of the PSD, and other students with disability and additional learning needs, to participate in a meeting to complete a Disability Inclusion Profile.
The new Disability Inclusion approach ensures our school is better able to support students with disability and additional learning needs.
Keysborough College is excited to be part of Disability Inclusion and we look forward to continuing to support our students to learn and thrive.
If you have any questions about your child’s in regards to Disability Inclusion, please contact the relevant campus Leading Teacher of Inclusion:
Trent Bower (Acacia Campus)
trent.bower@education.vic.gov.au
Celeste Magnifico (Banksia Campus) celeste.magnifico@education.vic.gov.au
THE NCCD COLLECTION
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year in every Australian School. The audit is a reflective & lengthy process. It is submitted in the first week of August each year. The NCCD is a collection that counts:
• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.
Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Schools provide this information to education authorities. The NCCD data informs funding and work by schools and sectors. It ensures that support for students with disability becomes routine in the day-to-day practice of schools.
The NCCD also supports students in the following ways.
• The NCCD helps schools better understand their legislative obligations and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
• Schools focus on the individual adjustments that support students with disability. This encourages them to reflect on students’ needs and to better support students.
• The NCCD facilitates a collaborative and coordinated approach to supporting students with disability. It also encourages improvements in school documentation.
• The NCCD improves communication about students’ needs between schools, parents, guardians, carers and the community. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) annually publishes high-level, nonidentifying NCCD data.
If you have any questions about the NCCD collection at our school, please contact:
Rebekah Vass (Assistant Principal College Inclusion Programs) Rebekah.vass@education.vic.gov.au
MORRISBY PROGRAM
On Wednesday, 17th April all Year 9 students at both campuses sat the My Career Insights testing from the Morrisby program. Students were measured on their mathematical, language, mechanical, spatial, and abstract skills which will help inform a potential career and pathway for after school!
"I'm an international student at Banksia campus, and I want to share my great experience at our school’s Harmony Day Festival on March 21st in Australia. Before the holidays, all the students were very excited waiting for Harmony Day celebrations.
When the day finally came I was not disappointed. There were so many students wearing national or cultural outfits. All these clothes are special and showcase the different cultures from all over the world at Harmony Day. I also had the opportunity to admire and enjoy these beautiful traditional costumes with my friends. We gathered as a group, talked to each other, and showed off our traditional costumes. Although we come from many different countries with different cultures, once we came here, we started to see each other as family.
Clothes from different countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and more were on display. Vietnamese traditional clothing, known as 'Ao Dai,' which looks like a long shirt with a skirt, adorned with pretty patterns and designs. Cambodian traditional attire includes the 'sampot,' a brightly coloured wrap-around skirt worn by both men and women, paired with a traditional top called 'sbai.' Thai traditional clothing, such as the 'chut thai' for women and 'chong kraben' for men, often complemented by ornate accessories like jewelry and headdresses. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, some people wear the 'barong tagalog' for men, a light shirt with fancy patterns, while women might wear the 'baro't saya,' a shirt and skirt with bright patterns.
On the day, we took a lot of photos together, wanting to keep them as mementos. Then, we enjoyed many other activities at lunchtime. I joined the tote bag decorating event organised by the international student Captain Annie, and together, we decorated and created the most beautiful and unique tote bags. In addition, the year 12 students organized the sale of hot dogs, soft drinks, cakes, and candy. It looked like a small fair. It was just so much fun and wonderful. For me, Harmony Day is a special day where we can introduce our cultures and traditions. I'll never forget this special day."
Kien Long (Tony) LE - Year 10
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SKILLS PROGRAM
As part of the Personal Development Skills program our Year 12 VM students visited Athol Rd Primary School to see their Environmental program and how it is run. Students got to interact with a number of animals the school has on site including, llamas, ducks, chickens, snakes and parrots. Students were able to view the community vegetable garden and generate ideas for our vegetable garden and how we could utilise the space.
QUANTUM CYBER SECURITY ESCAPE ROOM EXCURSION
On the 1st of March, Year 7 Keysborough Extension and Enrichment Program (KEEP) students from Acacia and Banksia attended the Quantum Cyber Security Escape Room Excursion, and it was amazing! We participated in various workshops called Sneaky Ciphers, Password Panic and Fishy Phishing. In each activity, we team-worked in groups of 3 or 4 to solve clues and gain various codes. These codes were needed to escape from the “dinosaurs” so we would not be “eaten”. For each activity we received a folder filled with lots of challenging puzzles, which all led to codes that we had to put into these special devices.
We learnt a lot from the excursion. We learnt how to identify scam messages and emails. We also learnt an ancient form of communication called ciphers that were invented in Ancient Greece. In addition, we realised that with just one photo or message, our security questions could get hacked. Just a couple of words or pictures could tell someone with ill intent where you live, what school you go to and other personal information. This excursion was enjoyable as well as educational.
Mercedes BONAFEDE Banksia 7C
and Luca DIMOVSKI Acacia 7B
HARMONY DAY
On Harmony Day, held 21st March this year at Keysborough College, International students at Acacia Campus got together to celebrate diversity and understanding between cultures. We organised a colourful tote bag decorating event which was a lot of fun. For the tote bag painting project, students from all backgrounds got together to show their artistic skills and learn a little more about each other's traditions and cultures. Everyone came together with lively discussions and many laughs. The tote bag decorating lunchtime activity, which promoted respect, kindness and cooperation, perfectly captured the spirit of Harmony Day.
Organised by Kimlong Pav (International Student Captain), Tevin Theng (year 12 International student) and Mr Phong Tran (ISP team member)
FOOD PACKS
Home Food Packs are available to families in need. To organise a collection please contact your relevant campus Foodbank coordinator as below:
Banksia = carolyn.geer@education.vic.gov.au
Acacia = maddy.foulsham@eduaction.vic.gov.au
ANZAC DAY CEREMONY
On Sunday 21st of April, a small group of students from our Acacia Senior Band participated in a community ANZAC ceremony run by the Noble Park RSL.
Our students performed the Australian National Anthem and they did a terrific job. The Army, Police and Veterans in attendance commented on how well the students demonstrated respect during the ceremony and also how well they performed.
The President of the RSL was so impressed by the band that he has invited them to play again next year and to play for the full ceremony.
Thank you to the following students who volunteered their time to perform for this important community event:
Marshall Leong, Zara Lilburne, Asher Lilburne, Shayaan Monien, Anthony Chea, Beckham Tran, Alan Lai, Andy Truong, Lawrence Huy, Kritish Moody, Jimmy Eng, Kimlieng Kry, Nhung Nguyen, Lily Nguyen, Kylie Chung and Jessica Nguyen.”
The Music Teaching Team
INTERACT CLUB CAR WASH
Our Year 7 Vice Captains Harbiba and Phuc have created a Wellbeing display on how to prepare for the upcoming exams. It includes tips on how to look after yourself so you can do your best.
YEAR 10 IMMUNISATION PROGRAM
Greater Dandenong Council are moving to online consent for Secondary School Immunisation Program via a secure Victorian Department of Health portal.
Scheduled dates for Year 10 immunisation for Meningococcal ACWY
Banksia - 5th June
Acacia - 27th June
Please complete your child's details on this link https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au//PrivacyCollection/?id=d6abe10e-ad0d-ef11-9f8a-6045bd3d5c9b&Year10
Instructions for parents for online consent for the Secondary School Vaccine Program:
- Open the URL link which will take you directly to the Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV) Privacy page.
- Read Privacy Statement – click “NEXT”.
- Enter mobile number – click “NEXT”.
- Enter 6-digit code sent to your mobile – click “NEXT”.
- Check your child’s school details at the top of the screen are correct. If yes, continue through the next steps which include information on the immunisations and box to tick to confirm consent.
Please note that the fields that MUST be completed have (Required) beside them.
Should you have any difficulties completing the online consent please do not hesitate to contact either Nicole or Kara, Administration Support, Immunisation Team on 8571 1477.
CFMEU CONSTRUCTION SITE EXCURSION
On Tuesday, May 7th, students from Year 11 and Year 12 Acacia VM Work Related Skills classes enjoyed a CFMEU Construction Site Tour in Docklands. We began with a safety briefing in the induction room highlighting safety and career prospects in construction. Then given a tour From the ground floor to level 19, students were given a firsthand look at the bustling actuvity and processes involved in construction.
Students actively engaged with knowledgeable personnel who graciously fielded questions and shared expertise on the diverse array of trades and roles integral to the site's operations. From carpentry to electrical work, plumbing, and beyond, the tour illuminated the multifaceted nature of the construction industry.
They explored hazards, job opportunities, and challenges on a commercial site. It was an eye-opening experience, highlighting safety and career prospects in construction.
Mrs Brodie & Miss Jong
Congratulations to the year eight boys volleyball team who came second at the regional championships. They played very well but were eventually beaten by McKinnon, who were the state champions in 2023. Thank you to Jimmy and Reach for coaching.
Mrs Pavlou
LIBRARY NEWS
The Keysborough Chronicle team, which is based out of the Acacia Senior Library, have been super busy this term! Palak interviewed our new principal, Mr Sloan, and Sophia and Palak interviewed the cast and crew of our wonderful Senior School production, ‘Alice in Wonderland’! Read on to find out more.
Palak, one of the Keysborough Chronicle team (who also happens to be one of the Acacia school captains!) interviewed our new school principal, Mr Sykes. Read on to find out what Palak discovered.
Firstly, the TLDR version. What does Mr Sykes want to do at Keysborough College? Mr Sykes is looking forward to getting to know everyone, and to developing his understanding of where we are as a learning community. He is looking forward to working with the stakeholders to map out a plan for the next four years to reinforce our aspirations, to improve academic and well-being outcomes and embedding our school values at the heart of everything we do. The hope is that any guest to our school will get an immediate sense of our school values – that they see immediate evidence of respect, excellence, and diversity.
Mr Sykes wants our students to feel, at the end of their time at Keysborough College, that they gave their maximum effort. He believes that if you’ve given maximum effort, no one can take that away from you. The world seems to ultimately reward those who put in effort, he states.
But let’s go back and find out where Mr Sykes came from: Mr Sykes came to Keysborough College after five years as Principal at Melba College, which followed six years as Assistant Principal at Narre Warren South P-12 College.
During his time at Melba College, he worked on growing and connecting to the community, and improving student outcomes. VCE median scores were raised from 25-26 to 29 in his time there, leading to community acknowledgements, and winning The Age 2021 Schools That Excel Award for most improved secondary school in the Eastern Region!
Wow, impressive! But let’s go further back: Mr Sykes was raised by a single mother, who never had much, but who was nevertheless a fiercely positive individual. She forged a career in nursing, becoming a Director of Nursing, playing a highly influential role in the way mental health was treated in the 80s in South Australia. She became the Chief Health Nurse Officer of Victoria for a time, working closely with people like Daniel Andrews. Mr Sykes credits his mother as being his biggest source of inspiration.
Mr Sykes was always interested in teaching as a career. As a seven year old he would pretend to be a teacher with his little sister.
When Mr Sykes initially finished his teaching degree as a very young man, he found himself in Japan teaching English. This was an experience he loved so much, that the initial six months he was contracted for turned into three years. Japan is a land steeped in culture and history, brilliant landmarks and incredible stories. Mr Sykes has History as one of his teaching methods, and he made the most of learning the history, seeing the sights, and hearing the stories of this incredible place, making many lifelong friends while he was there.
Upon returning to Australia, there followed a six month period where Mr Sykes tried his hand at a range of different jobs. These included washing cars, marketing, and sales, working for a number of small businesses and telephone companies. Needless to say, it turned out teaching was, in fact, his calling.
During his first six month teaching contract in Australia as a 24 year old, he would come to work wearing his grandfather’s suit, which was, unfortunately, two sizes too large for him. Whilst endeavoring to teach primary students the finer points of how to play basketball, he would run up and down the external basketball court wearing this suit. When the school finally awarded him an ongoing position, their words were, ‘To the young man wearing the oversized suit - we’ve been very impressed!’
English and Humanities were his methods, but he fell in love with teaching VCAL, doing so for 10 years, as well as teaching a number of different electives. Mr Sykes tells us - ‘If you have mastered the craft of teaching, there aren’t too many subject areas that you can’t teach’.
Before too long he become an assistant coordinator, followed by leading teacher, VCE coordinator, assistant principal, and eventually, Principal.
There was, however, a brief hiatus from being in schools halfway through his time as an Assistant Principal. He was seconded by the Department of Education and Training to work on the Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy strategy. This took him out of the school, into the area of making policy for education. He was able to visit and work closely with 50 different secondary schools all over Victoria, as well as attend the area Principal Forums, where principals from the region got together for professional learning, and to share in the key messaging from the department, to take back to their schools.
As rewarding as this position was, after six months he knew he wanted to be back in school, immersed in work with colleagues on the ground, leading improved outcomes, and working with students.
When the Keysborough College opportunity arose, he came, toured, and immediately felt a connection. He had conversations with students and got a real insight into where the school is at, and how the school could move forward. Potential revealed!
What advice does Mr Sykes have for us?
For students: Never settle. It was Mr Sykes’ mother, that taught him this. What she meant was, always look for opportunities to better yourself, surround yourself by people who will make you better, and don’t tolerate circumstances or people that are trying to bring you down. Never settle.
For those aspiring to work in education: Mr Sykes says – Do it! If you’re aspiring to do it, you’re 90% of the way there. It is an opportunity to work with the next generation, who are our future; it is collegiate; it is an opportunity to work alongside others in schools that are designed to support you and your work.
For those aspiring to be a principal: Mr Sykes says, Principalship these days is a multifaceted role that includes dealing with: building designs and architects; financial management; occupational health and safety; bodies of authority; rules and regulations, as well as exemplary education and student well-being practices in the school. It’s about understanding yourself, having a vision about what you want to achieve in a secondary school and its community, and having access to support around you that will help you reach that vision.
The Keysborough College experience so far: Since his arrival, Mr Sykes has been challenged by students to several games of table tennis. He does have a sneaking suspicion they might be letting him win! But he enjoys the energy of the students, and, when the path ahead becomes confusing and murky, the students are his motivating beacons.
His colleagues, the staff at Keysborough College, allow him to gain access to a range of experiences, insights, passions and talents from both those who have been here for the same amount of time as him, or from those who have been here for close to forty years!
What else is in the future? He is looking forward to a couple of potential overseas trips- perhaps Taiwan, potentially Italy and Greece. A trip to Disneyland with his son, who recently turned four, is on the cards.
What else did Palak find out? Well, now for the important stuff! Mr Sykes’ Hogwarts house is Gryffindor, his unconventional pet choice would be a toucan, his celebrity mentors include Denzel Washington, Bob Hawke, and Robin Williams, and his star sign is Sagittarius, same as Palak!!
Welcome to Keysborough College, Mr Sykes!
By Palak and Ms Talbot
Wake up, there was a production!
If you live under a rock or did not come to our first school assembly, I am here to announce that Keysborough College Senior School performed Mary Anne Butler’s Alice in Wonderland for 2024! Now don’t be spooked, this fairytale is not how you remember – the new Australian rendition blended our childhood memories with modern day issues while still maintaining the classic Wonderland magic (we have learnt how to materialize!) It was performed over Friday 3 May and Saturday 4 May at the Banksia theatre.
So let’s meet the cast and crew, shall we?
Starting with:
Our director, Ms Spaull!
‘I chose Alice in Wonderland because the story is so well loved! But, it’s also universally about taking risks and facing challenges. In the story, Alice comes across people … that frustrate her, and speak over her. She has to work out how to stand her ground in this unusual … wrapped up in a whimsical magical landscape. This particular version by Mary Anne Butler sees Alice really have to battle to be who she is in an Australian landscape. I also chose Alice in Wonderland because this production has a sense of nostalgia for me, it was the second musical I did way back in 1993 and has a very special place in my heart. It’s been excellent to see this group of young people work together to problem solve, come up with ideas and work independently to create the world of the play. At each rehearsal we not only have actors, but we have backstage legends, digital designers and some incredible musicians who are collaborating to bring this world to life! It’s a really student driven production and I’m so excited for audiences to see all their hard work.”
Sophia Nguyen
Role auditioned for: AliceWhy: Nostalgia, relatable & portrays an important message.Role received: AliceeWhat were you excited for: Showing a fun, contemporary and more accessible Alice.
Stacey Slattery (our Performing Arts Captain!)
Role auditioned for: Queen of HeartsWhy: The Queen of Hearts is bossyRole received: Mouse & BottleWhat were you excited for: The final performance and people’s reactions to it.
Patrick Ficorilli
Role auditioned for: Cheshire CatWhy: Lots of movementRole received: White RabbitWhat were you excited for: Performance day!!
Eden Vo
Role: Stage ManagerWhy: Had fun last year as the Aladdin Prop Manager & enjoy working in the back.What’s your favourite scene: Alice crying scene – lots of water.What were you excited for: To work with different people and to create something from nothing.
Don’t fret, the other beloved characters (such as the Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter) were still in this show, but you had to be there to soak in this glory. Overall, the cast enjoyed being able to form meaningful relationships, express their creativity and collaborate across campus to create the beautiful world of Wonderland. We thank Ms Spaull for her tireless hours spent on us, the school for giving us the opportunity to experience magic and every person who supported us and came to watch.
Written by Sophia Nguyen, Interviews conducted by Palak Arora
RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
May is domestic violence awareness month. Statistics suggest that 1 in 2 women have experienced sexual harassment and 1 in 6 women have experienced physical violence by a partner. At Keysborough College we know it is important to educate our students to understand that no one should suffer violence from another human being. Healthy and safe relationships are pivotal in preventing family violence. We are fortunate that the Government will continue to fund the Respectful Relationships program that we have running across years 7 to 12.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with family violence please call the following number:
