Year 9 News

Term 3 may have been short, but it has certainly been packed with activity, growth, and success for our Year 9 students. From hands-on learning experiences at Gippsland Tech School to representing the college through music and community programs, it’s been a busy and rewarding eight weeks. In this update, we’re thrilled to share some of the highlights from the term, celebrate student achievements, and provide a few important reminders as we prepare to head into Term 4.

Gippsland Tech School

In week 6, Mr. Frendo and a group of year 9’s went over to Morwell to the Gippsland Tech School to complete the flat pack furniture challenge. The students had a great time designing their projects and using laser cutters to make them.

As told by Riley W (9B):

"It was a great experience we learnt how to use an industry standard 3D design platform called Onshape. We had to design either a sculpture or a piece of furniture. I designed a chair that looked like a motorbike".

"Once we finished designing our prototypes, we got to watch our creations being cut out on the laser cutter. Then we assembled them to see if everything fitted together properly. Most of our designs didn’t work perfectly the first time, but that was part of the learning—we looked at what went wrong, made improvements, and created a new version that fixed the mistakes".

"After that, we designed paper instructions and made a video or stop-motion to show how to assemble our creations".

"Overall, it was an awesome experience. We learnt so many new skills that could open doors for future careers, and the staff were really supportive and helpful".

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

We are continuing the use of Kurnai Positive Acknowledgements (KPA’s), it has been fantastic to see students working hard and showing determination to display all of Kurnai’s four pillars. Keep up the great work!

KPA Data Term 3 – Week 1 - 8

9A- 1049

9B- 730

9C- 801

9D- 788

Eisteddfod/Primary School Tours

Well done to our Year 9 students on their great efforts in the Eisteddfod and during the Primary School Band Tours. You represented the school with maturity and skill, and it was fantastic to hear that you perform so confidently while also inspiring the younger students. A solid achievement that you should all be proud of.

“Last week our band, made up of students from Years 7 to 12, took part in two primary school tours on Tuesday and Friday. We performed at Churchill Primary, Yinnar, Churchill North, and Boolarra. It was fantastic to see the younger students up on their feet, dancing along and clearly enjoying the music.”- Dani J

Action Squad

Over the last 8 weeks, we have had 20 students working hard in our local primary schools. In one of our year 9 electives, students have been attending Hazelwood Primary, Churchill North, Churchill Primary, Lumen Christi and Yinnar Primary. The students have been helping teachers by supporting younger students in our primary schools and are preparing themselves to support Year 6 students transitioning to Kurnai College, Churchill Campus.

“Action Squad is a program where year nines go to primary schools and work toward supporting grade sixes in their transition into year seven. I think it is great, and I love it! It makes me realise that I wouldn’t mind working with kids when I’m older. In Action Squad, we normally help the teachers and do some one-on-one work with students. We mostly help with reading, writing, and spelling. Next term we will be building trust with the Year 6s as a way to help them transition into Year 7 by making sure they know someone and aren’t scared to ask anything”- Katherine S

Don Valley Alpine School

On the 12th of this month, Mr Mayo will be visiting our Year 9 students who are currently attending the School for Student Leadership in Don Valley. The students will be presenting their Community Lead Project (CLP) that they will be implementing when they return home in term 4. This project will involve working with some of the Year 6s to do a big clean-up of a local park. We are excited to see how the project goes!

History Day

Students and Teachers are starting to get excited about History Day which is held on the last day of school (18th). Students are encouraged to dress up in medieval clothing to potentially win a best-dressed prize! Students will spend the day learning about different Medieval themes before engaging in a medieval fest!

“History Day is an exciting time for Kurnai College! It gives the campus a reason to dress up, it is filled with many activities ranging from shield making to skirmishes, and we even get a medieval feast for lunch! The dress-up contest isn’t just for fun, as we host a best dressed competition with prizes for the winner!”- Vincent K

Parent-Teacher Conversations

Just a reminder that parent-teacher conversations are coming up on the 18/9 and 19/9. The Year 9 cohort has had more than 50% of students increase their LBU in term 3. It would be great to get the opportunity to share their accomplishments and challenges with you!

Expectations

As a cohort, we have been focusing on key expectations for our Year 9 students. The three main areas we are working on are: arriving to class on time, bringing all necessary equipment to class, and wearing the correct uniform.

Over this term, the year 9 students have been struggling to bring all the necessary equipment to class.

Just a reminder that students are expected to bring books, pens and a device to class.

If students are struggling to achieve this, you may receive a text message or call home to ask for support.

Thank you for your continued support of our Year 9 students. We are proud of everything they have achieved so far this year and look forward to more exciting opportunities ahead.

- The Year 9 team.