Secondary School

Year 7 Landscapes and Landforms Learning Activity

This term in HSIE, Year 7 students have been studying Landscapes and Landforms. As part of their learning, students explored the powerful natural processes that shape the Earth's surface, including tectonic plate movement, weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition. 

Through a range of engaging classroom activities, they developed their understanding of how landscapes are formed, transformed and continually changed over time. Students demonstrated their knowledge by investigating the movement of tectonic plates and examining how these forces create new landforms, as well as how natural processes gradually modify them. It has been wonderful to see students apply their learning and deepen their understanding of the dynamic world around them.

Year 8 Italian Students Experience Authentic Pizza Making

This week, our Year 8 Italian students enjoyed a hands-on excursion to Moama Pizza Restaurant, where they explored the art of traditional pizza making.

The students learnt about the pizza making process, from preparing and shaping the dough to selecting toppings and mastering the techniques used to create the perfect pizza. They then had the opportunity to put their new skills into practice, preparing their own pizzas from dough to oven. Their newfound skills certainly shone through!

A huge grazie to Lara for sharing her expertise, passion and wonderful generosity with our students. It was a fantastic cultural and culinary experience that brought Italian language and culture to life!

"Going on the Italian excursion to Moama Pizza was so much fun! I learnt a lot from Lara’s extensive knowledge of pizza making and her ability to coordinate a thriving business. We were very appreciative of her generosity.

I especially loved looking through the kitchen and looking at all the vast cooking appliances, like gluten free deep fryers and dough cutters. I never knew they existed.

The pizzas were so yummy and I would definitely buy my pizzas there from now on." 

- Written by Charlie Palmer

Year 9 Embrace the Challenge at Mount Buller

What a fantastic week our Year 9 students had at Mt Buller for Alpine Camp!

The week provided students with the opportunity to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones and experience something new. Whether they were learning to ski or snowboard, navigating the slopes, encouraging their peers or simply embracing the many challenges that come with being away from home, our students demonstrated wonderful resilience, perseverance and teamwork, showing that learning often happens well beyond the classroom.

One of the highlights was seeing students who may have initially felt unsure or apprehensive develop confidence as they persevered and mastered new skills. It was fantastic to see the pride on their faces as they realised what they were capable of achieving.

Beyond the skiing and snowboarding, the camp was filled with laughter, friendship and plenty of memorable moments. Students returned home with new skills, greater confidence and, most importantly, some wonderful memories shared with their classmates.

A sincere thank you to the wonderful staff who gave their time to attend and support the camp. Their enthusiasm, care and commitment made the experience possible and ensured our students were able to enjoy such a valuable and memorable opportunity.

Well done, Year 9. You should be incredibly proud of the way you embraced the challenge and made the most of your Alpine Camp experience!

Year 11 Biology Students Investigate Population Dynamics

Year 11 Biology students have been busy studying population dynamics and exploring the different sampling techniques scientists use to estimate the size of populations within an ecosystem.

Yesterday, students took their learning outside the classroom to put one of these techniques into practice. Using the quadrat method, students sampled different areas of the school grounds to estimate the population of weeds present.

This hands-on activity gave students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world ecological investigation while developing important skills in sampling, data collection and population estimation.

Seeking Camping, Hiking & Fishing Gear Donations

Do you have camping, hiking, or fishing gear gathering dust in the shed or garage? Our Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) and Out and About classes are looking to add to our gear collection to support our learning experiences, and we'd love your help!

We are on the lookout for:

• Tents - Especially hiking/backpacking tents and 2–3 person tents.
• Fishing rods and tackle - Rods, reels, and general fishing equipment.
• Hiking gear - Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hiking poles, headlamps, and similar.
• General camping equipment - Cooking gear, tarps, and anything else that might be useful.

Items don't need to be brand new, we are just after gear that's still in safe, usable condition that your family no longer needs. This donated gear directly assists our growing camps and classes, helping us give more students access to real outdoor adventures.

If you've got items to donate, please drop them at the main reception, or get in touch to arrange a time.

Kind regards,

Darcy Hall

Acting Head of PDHPE

Careers

Explore Allied Health Careers at Echuca Regional Health

Year 10 students interested in a future career in healthcare or Allied Health are invited to express their interest in attending an Allied Health Industry Immersion Tour at Echuca Regional Health.

Date: Monday 14 September

Time: 10:00am–11:30am

Location: ERH Education Centre, Echuca

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to step inside a real healthcare workplace and explore careers including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology and dietetics.

Students will observe a simulated clinical scenario to see how a multidisciplinary Allied Health team works together to assess, treat and support a patient. The experience will also include a panel discussion with Allied Health professionals and a current Allied Health student, giving students the chance to ask questions about university and study pathways, careers and what it is really like to work in the industry.

This opportunity is particularly suited to Year 10 students who have a genuine interest in Allied Health or healthcare careers, are considering VET Allied Health, or would benefit from learning more about future study and career pathways.

Places are limited. Interested Year 10 students should contact Ms Deb Duncan to express their interest.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers Information Session

Students in Years 10–12  who are interested in a career with the ADF are invited to attend an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers Information Session 

Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 

Location: Resource Centre 

The session will provide students with valuable information about careers within the Australian Defence Force, including:

• A wide range of career pathways available across the Navy, Army and Air Force
• The ADF recruitment and application process
• Insights and experiences from current serving ADF members

• An opportunity to ask questions during an interactive Q&A session

   

Whether you are considering a career in the Defence Force or simply want to learn more about the opportunities available, this is an excellent chance to hear directly from ADF Careers representatives.

Students interested in attending, please email Ms Deb Duncan with your expression of interest or stop in to her office and let her know. 

Are you in Year 9-12 and interested in studying Medicine? 

The Future Doctors Australia Program is a four-day, hands-on experience for students aged 14–18 who are considering studying medicine. Students will have the opportunity to learn from medical specialists, participate in practical activities, explore different medical careers and gain an understanding of pathways and admission into medical school.

Upcoming Melbourne & Sydney dates:

Melbourne – Docklands

• 24–27 September 2026

• 14–17 January 2027

• 8–11 April 2027

Sydney – Chatswood

• 1–4 October 2026

• 8–11 October 2026

• 21–24 January 2027

Places are limited, and some upcoming sessions are already close to capacity.

For further information, including program details, costs and enrolment:

Future Doctors Australia Program – NIE

NIE – Upcoming Medicine & Dentistry Programs 

Students considering a future career in Medicine or Dentistry may also be interested in the following upcoming workshops and webinars offered by the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Upcoming opportunities:

• 15–16 August – Comprehensive Medical & Dental Interview Training Workshop Designed for students preparing for medical and dental school interviews.

• 22 August – Medical School Application Strategy & Guidance Webinar

  Guidance for students navigating medical school applications and developing their application strategy.

• 30 August – JCU Dentistry Applications + Indigenous & Rural Health Webinar

  Information about applying for Dentistry at James Cook University, including Indigenous and rural health pathways.

• 20 September – Casper Preparation Webinar 

  Preparation and advice for students who may be required to complete the Casper situational judgement test as part of their university application.

• 21 November – Public, Rural & Indigenous Health Interview Readiness Webinar

  Interview preparation with a focus on public health, rural health and Indigenous health topics commonly relevant to medical interviews.

• 21 December – Bond University Medical Entry Psychometrics Test Training Webinar

  Preparation specifically for students considering applying for Medicine at Bond University.

These programs are particularly relevant for senior students considering Medicine or Dentistry and wanting additional support with applications, testing and interview preparation.

Further information and registration are available through NIE here

TAFE NSW Virtual Subject Selection Session – Year 10 Students & Families

Are you considering a TAFE course or School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) as part of your Year 11 and 12 studies?

TAFE NSW is holding a Virtual Subject Selection Session for students, parents and carers to explore the TVET and School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship options available for 2027.

Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026

Time: 6:00–7:00 pm

Location: Online

This session is particularly relevant for Year 10 students currently making their senior subject selections and provides a great opportunity for families to learn more about how TAFE and vocational training can form part of a student’s HSC pathway.

TAFE NSW Virtual Subject Selection Session – Information & Registration

GOTAFE Careers & Futures Expo – Shepparton

Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026

Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: GOTAFE - Fryers Street Campus, 152–200 Fryers Street, Shepparton

The Expo is aimed at students, parents and anyone exploring future study and career options. Attendees can speak with TAFEs, universities, employers and education providers, explore courses and training pathways, and find out about apprenticeships, traineeships and vocational options.

It is being held as part of National Skills Week, so it sounds like a particularly good event to advertise to your Year 9–12 students who are considering VET, TAFE, SBATs or apprenticeships.

GOTAFE Careers & Futures Expo – information and registration

Year 12 Careers Update – University Applications & Open Days

For our Year 12 students considering university in 2027, now is the time to start getting organised! University applications are underway, and there are still a number of opportunities to visit campuses and explore courses before finalising preferences.

VTAC – Victorian University Applications

Students considering studying in Victoria should now be working on their VTAC application and beginning to add course preferences.

Remember that your preference list should reflect the courses you genuinely want to study, not simply the course you think you will get into.

Students should also explore any scholarships, special consideration/access schemes and early-entry opportunities that may be relevant to them.

Important Dates: 

• 28 September 2026, 5:00pm – Timely course applications close. Current Year 12 application fee is $83.
• 9 October 2026, 5:00pm – SEAS and scholarship applications close, including supporting documentation
• 30 October 2026, 5:00pm – Late course applications close ($166)
• 4 December 2026, 5:00pm – Very late course applications close ($208)
• 12 December 2026, 12 noon – Change of Preference closes for current VCE students for the December offer round
• 23 December 2026 – December offer round

• 12 January 2027 – January Round 1 offers

   

UAC – NSW & ACT University Applications

Students considering universities in NSW or the ACT can now complete their UAC application for 2027.

All 2027 courses are now available for students to add to their preferences.

Important UAC dates:

• 11 September – Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) applications close
• 30 September – Early Bird applications close
• 18 December, 11:59pm – deadline to change UAC preferences for the main ATAR-based December offer round
• 23 December 2026 - offers released 
•  

ATAR Release Date: Wednesday 16 December 2026

• 6:00am – HSC results released by NESA

• 9:00am – ATARs released through UAC

   

Students will need their NESA Year 12 student number and UAC PIN to access their ATAR.

Students do not need to have their final course preferences decided before submitting an application, as preferences can be changed later. The important thing is to get your application underway and avoid leaving everything until the last minute.

Year 12 students are welcome to see Ms Duncan for help with VTAC or UAC applications, course preferences, scholarships, early-entry applications or simply to talk through their options for next year.

University Open Days – Make the Most of Them!

University Open Days are continuing throughout August and are one of the best ways to decide whether a university or course is right for you.

If you are considering a university, try to visit the campus where possible. Open Days give you the opportunity to:

• Attend course information sessions
• Speak directly with university staff and current students
• Tour campuses and facilities
• Explore accommodation options
• Ask about scholarships and financial support
• Compare similar courses at different universities

• Ask questions about entry requirements and alternative pathways

   

University Open Days – Coming Up!

Open Days are not just for students in Year 12. Students from Year 10 - 12 are strongly encouraged to attend Open Days for any universities they are considering for 2027 and beyond. Open Days are a great opportunity to compare courses, explore campuses, ask questions and get a feel for where you might like to study.

Here are some upcoming Victorian Open Days to add to your calendar:

• University of Melbourne – Parkville & Southbank 

Sunday 16 August

10:00am–4:00pm

Explore courses, attend information sessions, tour facilities and accommodation, and speak with current students and university staff.

•  Victoria University – Footscray Park

Sunday 16 August

10:00am–3:00pm

Explore VU's courses and pathways, including health, biomedicine, osteopathy, sport and exercise, education, business, engineering, trades and more.

• La Trobe University – Bendigo

Sunday 23 August

9:00am–2:00pm

Meet students and teaching staff, tour the Bendigo campus, explore courses and placement opportunities, and learn more about university life. Students can also find out more about La Trobe's Aspire Early Entry Program.

• Victoria University – City Tower

Sunday 30 August

10:00am–3:00pm

Open Day Tips

Before you go, make a list of two or three courses you are interested in and check the program so you don't miss important information sessions.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Find out about prerequisites, placements, scholarships, accommodation, alternative entry pathways and what graduates actually go on to do.

Open Days aren't just about finding a course; they are also about finding a university where you can see yourself studying for the next few years.

Planning to Move Away for University?

Don't forget about accommodation! You do not necessarily need to wait until you receive a university offer before investigating or applying for student accommodation.

Important dates to know:

• Monash – 2027 accommodation applications open 1 September
• Charles Sturt – apply by 31 October for the First Year Accommodation Guarantee
• RMIT – accommodation scholarship applications close 20 October

• Other universities and residential colleges have their own application dates, and some allocate places as applications are received, so don’t delay! 

   

If you are considering moving away for university in 2027, start researching accommodation now. Popular residences and room types can fill quickly.

See Ms Deb Duncan if you need help finding accommodation options for the universities you are considering.