College News, Sports & Events
LITERACY NIGHT
On Tuesday the 5th of May, KSC welcomed Danielle Binks to the Banksia theatre for Literacy Night. Danielle spoke in depth about the international literacy epidemic and the alarming increase of illiteracy in Australia and ways in which young learners and parents can come together to develop stronger reading habits.
While outlining the benefits of reading physical novels, Danielle also discussed ways that hesitant readers can begin their reading journeys through audiobooks and graphic novels. Literacy Night was incredibly informative for both parents and students and Danielle ensured that everyone left with an optimistic view of the adventures of reading.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXCURSION TO THE ZOO
Last Wednesday, my class and me went to the Melbourne Zoo. The way by train to go to the zoo wasn’t easy. It made me very tired. But the reward was worth it. After we checked in, we came inside the zoo. The zoo was gigantic; they separated the animal by each type of them; they also had an eating spot and a restaurant to make sure we were full.
The Zoo had a bunch of Australian animals and a lot of important information about them. In my opinion, the Tasmanian Devil was on of the most incredible animals that I ever seen. They had a small body part looked like a small pig. Their fur was black with a small white stripe on their head. They also had an aggressive face and a brown long tail. Never made a looked define their personality, this little cute animal was a predator, they usually hunted with their sharp claws and a strong jaw. I felt grateful when I could go the zoo with my classmates and I learnt more about Australian animals.
Tom Lam from Year 7 in the ELC
CSEF - CAMPS, SPORTS, EXCURSIONS FUND
Are you eligible for CSEF?
Do you hold a Healthcare card or Pension Card? You may be eligible for CSEF
The department administers the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to help eligible families with the costs of camps, sporting activities and excursions/incursions.
From 1 January 2026, families eligible for CSEF will see an increase in support to $400 for primary and secondary school children.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
· School camps/trips
· Swimming extension activities and other school-organised sport programs
· Outdoor education programs
· excursions/incursions that are extracurricular as defined in the Parent Payments policy
· Graduations/valedictories.
Schools can receive applications from families for 2026 until 26 June 2026. We will not be accepting any late forms.
Families can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.
Please note that parents are required to complete a new CSEF form each year, as forms do not automatically roll over.
If you have already filled out a form for 2026 you don't need to fill out another one.
Forms are available at the Front Office
YEAR 10 APPLIED LEARNING
Students Explore Women in Trades Opportunities
Our Year 10 Applied Learning female students recently participated in an inspiring Women in Trades seminar designed to broaden their understanding of career pathways in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The day began with an engaging presentation by Sarah Curley from Trades Women Australia who introduced a wide range of trade careers available to women, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, building and construction, and automotive trades. Sarah shared with the students her and others personal experiences, career journeys, and the skills required to succeed in the field. The message was clear and empowering: there are no limits on who can thrive in the trades.
Following the seminar, students took part in a hands-on carpentry workshop where they worked collaboratively to build a stud wall. Under George’s expert guidance, students learned how to measure, mark, cut, and assemble timber framing components. This practical session allowed students to apply new skills in a real-world context while building confidence in using tools and construction techniques.
The experience was both educational and empowering, giving students the opportunity to challenge stereotypes, develop practical skills, and explore future career pathways they may not have previously considered. Many students left the session feeling inspired by the possibilities within the trade industry and proud of what they had achieved.
We thank the facilitators, industry professionals for their time and expertise and Kellie-Ann Darlington from HeadStart in supporting our students to engage in such a valuable and memorable learning experience.
Nichole McCarthy – Applied Learning Leader | Banksia Campus
BANKSIA ANZAC DAY BREAKFAST CLUB
At Banksia Anzac Day was commemorated on April 25th, and our school community took the opportunity to honour the ANZACs during Breakfast Club on April 30th. Students and staff shared traditional ANZAC biscuits while reflecting on the significance of the day. The VM Coffee Crew were also in attendance, serving fresh coffee and adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a meaningful way to come together, remember, and show our respect.
ACACIA WELLBEING
Acacia boy's Rite Mentoring- Muay Thai training excursion
The year 9 Rite Man Mentoring boys went out for their Muay Thai training excursion the group participated in a Muay Thai workout which tested both the boy's resilience and determination as well as their fitness the boys had a great time and celebrated the halfway point of the Rite Man program by working up a sweat.
Acacia Rite Mentoring girls’ group-Horses for causes excursion
For their halfway point excursion our year 9 girls Rite Mentoring group went to horses for causes equine therapy. The girls were lucky enough to spend the day making a bond with the beautiful horses. The girls worked on communication skills and boundaries through completing activities with the center’s horses.
Acacia Breakfast Club
Join the wellbeing team Monday Wednesday and Friday in the café for a free breakfast and a great start to your day!
🍳 Bacon, egg and beans every Friday
🍎 Fruit cups, whole fruits, and cereals available Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Uniform
For students needing uniform State Schools’ Relief (SSR) vouchers are available! For more information, please visit the Wellbeing office and speak with Casey or speak with your year level leaders who will be happy to help. Please allow some time as this time of year we have more uniform requests.
How to make a referral for wellbeing
If you would like to make a referral to see wellbeing or you’re the parent of a student who you think might need some extra support you can make a referral via the intranet by clicking on the “doctors and wellbeing tab”.
Food Bank
We provide meals such as soups, tuna and rice and snacks/fruit to ensure students have the nutrition they need for school day. If you need some lunch, please speak with your year level leaders or the wellbeing staff. We also provide foodbank boxes for families who may need some extra support providing food if that is your family please reach out we are always happy to help.
WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE KEYSBOROUGH COLLEGE LIBRARIES?
This month in the libraries it’s “The Mystery Month of May!” Come on in and grab yourself a great Mystery to curl up on the couch to read. Try to solve the Mystery before you get to the end of the book!
Don’t forget we have the Reading Challenge still going 'til November 1st. Let your classes know that they can log a book that they finish and receive a certificate and other prizes if they can manage to read 15 books by the deadline! We have book marks in the libraries with the QR code to scan for the link to add their books.
Always plenty going on during the breaks… games, reading, puzzles and a place to hide and finish of the homework that should have gotten finished last night!!
And don’t forget to pick up a free book mark whenever you borrow a new book…. Plenty of different ones to choose from… You can also put in a request for what sort of book marks you would like to see done next!!
Lots of books have arrived brand new
Rotary, Dymocks sure came through
As has been mentioned in several previous newsletters, Keysborough College was the recipient of the Noble Park/ Dingley Rotary Club Local Schools Library Program, in partnership with Dymocks, and we were gifted with a generous donation of books from Dymocks. These books have mostly arrived in all the libraries now, and will be making their debuts on the library floor throughout the year. ‘New books’ displays in libraries should be well-stocked for the foreseeable future!
The Hear Ye Paper number three
Is on its way for all to see.
The Hear Ye Paper (now in the second thrilling year of being the best newspaper ever to come out of the Banksia Junior library) is in assembly stage. We have a small group of dedicated and talented students giving us their ideas and input. Please ask if you have any questions or suggestions about this Paper- we always need ideas and content!
What can the library do for you?
Wider reading, games, research too.
Please come in and enjoy the library!
Please enjoy this photo of some of our wonderful Hear Ye Paper team, promoting the Rotary/Dymocks grant, and thanks for reading!
BANKSIA SPORTS
Four weeks into Term 2 and a lot has happened in the sporting arena at Banksia.
Track and Field Championships
This year, our Track and Field Championships were once again bathed in brilliant sunshine and the attendance and participation rate was again high. We had 10 new records set (it is a secret as they will be announced at the assembly at the end of the term) and we now have a team of approximately 100 students who will represent Team Banksia at the District competition in September.
Volleyball
The Acacia and Banksia Campus won all of the District Volleyball competitions this year, meaning all progressed through to the Southern Metropolitan region finals.
The Banksia Intermediate Girls team won their first match on points, they then beat Frankston 2 sets to love but in the mini-final to determine who would play-off in the final, we lost to Albert Park on points – 20-18, 9-20.
Our Year 7 Boys team just lost their first match against Cranbourne East on points and breezed through their remaining two matches to just miss playing in the final. I dare say it but a better start to the first match would have seen them reach the State Finals.
It was a similar story for our Year 7 Girls team, who smashed all of their opponents 2 sets to nil in the pool round to fall at the final hurdle against a well-drilled team from Westall.
And, in a common theme this year, our Year 8 Girls team, the State runners-up last year, also started slowly to lose against Alkira by 2 points in our first match. So, even though we breezed through our next 2 games, we missed out on playing in the final against McKinnon. Again, I believe a more composed start to the day would have seen us make it to the State Finals. It’s all part of the process.
District Cross Country
The District Cross Country was held on Monday, May 11, Banksia sent a 57 student strong team with 22 students making it though to the Regional finals on June 9. Notable performances were from Ousa Srengda, who got the bronze medal in the U17-20 Girls competition and Cam Lorn who came second in the Under 15 Girls race. Banksia also won the U17-20 Girls age groups with 5 runners in the top 9. For the second year running, Banksia finished second overall, well behind the District winner, Lyndale SC.
YEAR 12 SOCIOLOGY INCURSION
Our Year 12 Sociology students recently gained invaluable real world insights for theircurrent Sociology outcome on Ethnicity. The class welcomed guest speakers from The Centre for Multicultural Youth, alongside our own Inclusion Aide and MEA staff member, Mr Isaac from Acacia.
The speakers shared powerful personal stories about their lived experiences as South Sudanese Australians. These firsthand accounts perfectly complemented our classroom discussions around belonging, inclusion, and the realities of navigating a multicultural nation. By listening to these diverse perspectives, students deepened their empathy and cultural understanding. Crucially, they also gathered rich, authentic participant responses that they can directly apply to their upcoming assessments. We extend our sincere thanks to our guests for enriching our senior Sociology curriculum.
YEAR 7 CAMP
On Monday 11th May and Wednesday 13th of May, our very excited Year 7 Acacia & Banksia students departed school for Camp Rumbug. Camp was almost two hours away from school in the beautiful (and hilly!) Foster North.
Students completed activities on camp such as the giant swing, flying fox, team challenges, leap of faith, aeroball, archery and bushcraft, including how to filter unclean water into drinking water and make shelter with minimal materials. Students demonstrated great resilience tackling the hilly camp but were lucky enough to have beautiful sunshine throughout our stay.
Well done to all who attended, the Year 7 Team are very proud!