Middle Years  News

Middle School update

As we move into the middle part of Term 4, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the growth and development our students have demonstrated throughout the year.

Our Year 7 students have grown into confident and capable young learners, now navigating the school grounds with ease—quite a change from the early days of Term 1 when classrooms could feel like a maze. The Year 8 students have continued to build their capacity to be thoughtful, considerate, and empathetic peers, applying these qualities through their Mental Health First Aid training and yLead Leadershift experiences. Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have matured into young adults. As the term progresses, they begin the important transition from Middle School to Senior School, ready to embrace the next stage of their educational journey.

The weeks ahead are filled with exciting events across the Middle School, and I look forward to celebrating each student’s achievements and progress as we conclude the 2025 school year together.

School for Student Leadership

This term, Koonung has once again been provided with the fortunate opportunity to have students participating in the program at the School for Student Leadership. Nathan Gaskell, James Rogers and Daniel Sandford have been selected for this opportunity to attend the Dinner Plain campus of the SSL. 

The SSL is a school where a limited number of students from multiple schools are selected to go away from home and school for a whole term to strengthen their leadership skills. I look forward to hearing about their adventures.

Farewell from me

In the Term 3 Middle School assembly, I shared the following with the Middle School cohort.

“I wanted to share some personal news with you. After much reflection, I have decided to accept a position at another school. This has been a very difficult decision, because being at Koonung with you all and working with you has been something incredibly meaningful to me.

My new position starts halfway through Term 4, so I will be here to start the term with you and to say farewell to you and my time as your Head of Middle School. As I prepare to leave, I want you to know that I have every confidence in your year level coordinators and teachers to continue supporting and guiding you. They care deeply about your wellbeing and your success, and I know they will continue to help you reach your potential.”

It has been a great privilege for me to share the last four years with you and your children and to watch them grow into young adults. I want to thank every member of the Middle School community for their support. It has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life. I look forward to following the continued journey of the Koonung community from afar as it grows into new strengths and achieves new highs.

Thank you. 

Middle School team 

The 2025 Middle School team is your primary contact for you regarding any matters relating to your child in Years 7-9. 

• Mat Delaney  mathew.delaney@education.vic.gov.au - Head of Middle School 
• Katrina Pumpa katrina.pumpa@education.vic.gov.au - Middle School Administrator
• Lauren Hughes  lauren.hughes@education.vic.gov.au - Year 7 Coordinator
• Claire Murray  claire.murray@education.vic.gov.au -Year 8 Coordinator  
• Stuart Kofoed  stuart.kofoed@education.vic.gov.au - Year 9 Coordinator
• Owen Lovelace-Tozer owen.lovelace-tozer@education.vic.gov.au - Middle Years Assistant Coordinator

• Jordan Dunn jordan.dunn@education.vic.gov.au - Middle Years Assistant Coordinator

   

Mat Delaney 

Head of Middle School

Mathew.delaney@education.vic.gov.au

Exploring Space and Robotics at VSSEC – Year 7 SEE@K Science

On Friday 2 October, our 7C and 7D SEE@K students ventured to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) for an out-of-this-world learning experience! In the Stars in Your Life workshop, students used spectrometers and spectral lamps to investigate how astronomers determine the composition of stars and other celestial objects in our universe. During the Tickle My Droid session, they became young coders, programming Sphero robots to perform a series of challenges as they plotted a course across Mars. The day was packed with discovery, teamwork and creativity — inspiring students to see the exciting possibilities of future STEM careers linked to space.

Miss Murray and Mrs MacDonald

Year 7 SEE@K Science Teachers

Koonung Engineers in Action – Year 7 SEE@K Simple Machines Challenge

Our talented 7C and 7D students have been busy showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills in the Simple Machines Building Challenge! Working as “engineering interns” for Koonung Engineering, students designed and constructed machines such as catapults, cranes and prosthetic hands using recycled materials. Their final creations, captured in photos and videos, highlight an impressive understanding of forces and motion — and plenty of teamwork and innovation along the way.

Miss Murray and Mrs MacDonald 

Year 7 SEE@K Science Teachers