Message from our
Campus Principal

As Semester 1 is rapidly concluding, it’s a great time to look back and acknowledge what we have achieved so far this year. I’m pleased with how the semester has unfolded, particularly with the way students have shown strong engagement in their learning, both in the classroom and through a range of off-site opportunities like camps, sports, excursions, and special events. A standout highlight for our campus this semester has been the notable growth in student enrolments, which have increased significantly since the beginning of the year.

Positive Engagement in Attitudes to School Survey

At Kurnai College, we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels supported, engaged, and empowered. As part of this commitment, our Year 7–12 students have recently been participating in the annual Attitudes to School Survey, and we are pleased to report strong levels of engagement and positive behaviour throughout the process.

The survey is an important tool that gives students a voice in shaping their learning experience. It provides valuable insights into how students feel about their engagement, well-being, and sense of connectedness at school. We are grateful to all students who took the time to participate thoughtfully and honestly.

This year, students approached the survey with a clear understanding of the value of their feedback. Their responses help us better understand what is working well and where we can continue to grow and improve as a school community.

The feedback gained will be carefully reviewed by our leadership team, and staff will play a key role in planning future initiatives aimed at improving student wellbeing, classroom engagement, and overall school culture.

We thank our students for their contribution and look forward to using their feedback to continue building a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for all.

Celebrating Reconciliation Week:

Students Embrace Culture, History, and Unity

Last week, our school community came together to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a time to reflect on the journey towards unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. With the 2025 theme “Now More Than Ever,” students and staff embraced the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful cultural activities throughout the week. Our focus this year was to ensure that students had multiple exposures across different KLD areas to authentically connect to Reconciliation both within the classroom and through extra-curricular activities. Reconciliation Week is more than just a set of activities—it's a chance to acknowledge our shared history and to commit, both individually and as a school, to meaningful action. As one Year 10 student shared, “Reconciliation is not just one week a year, it’s something we need to carry forward every day.”

We are proud of the way our students approached this week with open minds and hearts. Together, we are taking steps, big and small, towards reconciliation.

Year 9/10 Outdoor Ed Camp Success

Last week, our Year 9 and 10 Outdoor Education students took part in a successful camp, where they put their skills, resilience, and teamwork to the test in a real outdoor environment.

The camp provided students with the chance to engage in a range of activities that encouraged independence, environmental awareness, and physical challenge. From hiking through scenic tracks and cooking meals on portable stoves to setting up tents and navigating trails, the students embraced every part of the experience with enthusiasm.

While the group enjoyed reasonable weather throughout the trip, the nights delivered cold testing conditions with rain. Despite the wet and chilly conditions, spirits remained high, and students supported each other with good humour and resilience.

Year 9 Melbourne Discovery Camp – Week 11

We’re excited to remind families that the Year 9 Melbourne Discovery Camp is fast approaching and will take place in Week 11 of this term. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore Melbourne, build independence, and connect with their peers through a variety of engaging activities and experiences.

Over the course of the camp, students will visit key cultural and educational sites, navigate public transport, and develop important life skills in a real-world setting. It’s always a highlight of the year and a valuable part of the Year 9 experience.

CAT Weeks Approaching

A reminder to all students and families that CAT Weeks (Common Assessment Task Week) are weeks 9 and 10. During this important week, students across all year levels will complete assessment tasks in each of their learning areas. These tasks are a key part of our assessment program and are designed to evaluate students’ understanding and competency within the units they have been studying.

CATs provide valuable feedback for both teachers and students. They help us measure individual progress and ensure students are on track with their learning goals. For students, it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve developed over the term.

We encourage all students to attend each day well-prepared, on time, and ready to give their best effort.

Reece Malcolmson