SCIENCE

A REFLECTION OF SEMESTER 1 FROM THE SCIENCE FACULTY

This semester has been a highly successful and rewarding period for the Science faculty. 

At the tail end of this term, our Years 10 and 11 students rose to the challenge of their exams, demonstrating great dedication across Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics for Year 10, and Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology for Year 11. Their strong performances reflect the hard work of both students and staff throughout the term. 

Alongside assessments, our practical and inquiry-based learning continued to thrive, with highlights including the Year 9 elective Mission to Mars excursions to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC), where students explored real-world applications of science, specifically astronomy; the Year 7 Water Filter Task which encouraged hands-on problem solving, and the Year 8 Parachute Inquiry project that combined creativity with physics principles.

Looking ahead to Semester 2, we are excited to celebrate Science Week under the theme “Decoding the Universe”. This promises to be an engaging series of activities and events designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the natural world and beyond. 

Our faculty is eager to continue fostering student enthusiasm and achievement through innovative learning experiences. We encourage all staff and students to look out for exciting opportunities both on Compass and at lunchtime during Science Week (Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August at McKinnon). 

While the term and semester overall brought many positives, we will also experience some farewells heading into Semester 2. Ms Cherie Marks will be taking a six-month leave of absence to contribute her expertise at the department, and we wish her all the best in this important role. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2026. Additionally, we say goodbye to Ms Sanjida Mir as she moves on to a new school, commencing this position in Semester 2. We thank them both for their valuable contributions and look forward to welcoming new faces to the team.

Overall, it has been a semester full of growth, achievement, and exciting opportunities for both students and staff. We are proud of the hard work everyone has put in and look forward to building on this momentum in Semester 2. Together, we will continue to inspire a passion for science and discovery throughout the school community.

Wishing you all a safe and happy winter holiday break.

Katherine Johnstone

Head of Science