Junior School News 

Term 2 in Learning for Life 

Term 2 in Learning for Life has offered Year 9 students the chance to dive into their chosen Science elective, selecting from engaging topics such as Mind and Body, Space, Sport, Marine Ecosystems and Earth and Natural Disasters. Throughout their elective, students developed key knowledge and scientific skills to explore a rich inquiry question as part of their Science Inquiry Projects. To conclude their investigations, students presented their findings to their peers, demonstrating their understanding and receiving feedback on both their scientific content and presentation skills. Here’s a look back at the Science electives—shared through the voices of some of our Year 9 student leaders: 

Marine Science 

Did you know that 19 species of sharks have been culled in Australian waters over the past 50 years? During Marine Biology over the past three weeks, we’ve covered a range of topics including shark culling, introduced species and different marine ecosystems. Shark culling is the process of catching and killing sharks in an effort to stop them from attacking humans. However, it is often done in a very unethical way. 

As well as this, we’ve looked at the biotic and abiotic features that affect marine ecosystems and we built our knowledge about the different animals we can find in Port Phillip Bay. There are actually many species that are unique to our bay, so it’s really important that we look after it. This could be as simple as making sure our rubbish goes into the bin so it doesn’t get washed into the bay, where animals may mistake it for food. 

We conducted a prac testing pH levels in water found around our area, discovering that marine wildlife need a pH between 6 and 8 to thrive. It’s been a super fun, immersive subject and we’ve really enjoyed learning about lots of different aspects. 

Alice 

Sport Science 

Over the past three weeks in Sport Science, we have done a range of pracs, reports and research activities. A highlight from our unit was the ice bath challenge, following our work on investigating the different recovery methods professional athletes use. This challenge proved to be much harder than it seemed, as we students attempted to stay in the bath for at least one minute. However, it was very fun to have the opportunity to try something different and step out of our comfort zones. 

As well as the ice bath challenge, we participated in a few other pracs, like the heart rate and breathing rate scientific report and even took part in various fun challenges and quizzes to receive prizes. Overall, Sport Science was a fun and immersive unit that gave us students a great opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and try something new. 

Tilli 

Space  

In our Space elective, we explored some really fascinating topics. One of the first things we learned about wereblack holes—how they form when massive stars collapse and how nothing, not even light, can escape their gravity.  Then we looked at the Big Bang Theory, which explains how the universe began 13.8 billion years ago from a single, super-hot, dense point. We talked about how space is still expanding today, which was surprising to learn.  

We also explored the idea of life on Mars. We learned about past and current missions looking for water and signs of life and what it might take for humans to live there one day. Finally, we asked the big question: Are we alone in the universe? We learned about “habitable zones” and how scientists are listening for signals from other life forms. It was cool to think about how much is still unknown. This elective really opened our minds to how huge and mysterious space is. 

Taejus  

Earth and Natural Disasters 

In Natural Disasters, we have been learning about our planet and its components. Ms Adams has been showing us how the Earth is stratified and how the different layers of our planet serve different purposes. So far, our class has focused on tectonic plates and the drifting of continents. We have also been looking at how scientists have found ways to predict when, where and how a natural disaster will occur. 

Some of the natural disasters we have touched on so far include earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and bushfires. We have also been researching how some of these previous disasters might not have been so catastrophic if there had been an early warning system in the area.

Summer and Abby 

Mind and Body Science 

During the Mind and Body elective, we have looked at a wide range of things—from the human body to psychology. We have learnt about the brain and the different parts inside it, the eye and how it works, the different types of psychology, our memory, sleep and dreams. 

We also learnt through fun activities, like doing our own eye tests to see how good our sight is and making neurons out of pipe cleaners and beads. 

Louella 

Mrs Kate Adams 

Year 9 Program Leader 

St Kilda Football Club | AFL & AFLW Player Appearances

On Tuesday 24th June, 10 AFL & AFLW St Kilda Football Club players presented to the Year 7 cohort at Patterson River Secondary College. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to hear from current players and their journeys to the highest level of competition. Students had the opportunity to ask each of the players questions. These questions ranged from pathways to becoming an AFL & AFLW player, idols growing up, the daily schedule on match day and how training is structured. We had the pleasure of meeting Jack Steele, Dougal Howard, Paddy Dow, Alex Dodson, Alix Tauru, Jack Carroll, Jaimee Lambert (past student), Georgia Patrikios, Charlotte Baskaran and Kyla Forbes. Well done to all involved in making this possible. 

Ms. Allan 

EXCEL Sport Coordinator