Middle Years News
Koonung Secondary College
We are off and running in Middle Years....
The first four weeks of the term have been an exciting start for our Year 7–9 students. As I write this article we are on the third and final day of our Year 7 Camp at Alexandra Adventure Resort. The students have participated with their group of about 12 students in several confidence-building and teamwork adventure activities on each day and last night was perhaps the highlight of the camp with a fantastic and exciting Talent Quest.
Our new Year 7s have settled in beautifully both at school and now on the Year 7 Camp, getting to know their teachers, classmates, and the rhythms of high school life. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they’ve explored their new subjects, made new friends, and participated in clubs and activities around the school.
Year 8 students have hit the ground running, showing maturity and enthusiasm as they build on last year’s achievements. Many have taken on leadership roles in class and sport, and their positive attitude is setting a great example for others. Our Year 8 students are getting ready for their Year 8 camp, coming up on: Year 8 Camp A is Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 March for years 8A-8E, and Year 8 Camp B is Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 March for years 8F-8J.
For Year 9, this term has been all about stepping up and preparing for senior school challenges. Students are enjoying the Year 9 Live Life program on Wednesdays along with all the experiential learning this programs entails. The online Year 9 Parent Information Night on 9 February was well attended and the information on the PowerPoint is still available on Compass newsfeed to Year 9 Parents.
Across all years, classrooms have been calm with students showing curiosity and embracing new learning. Teachers are proud of the way students have embraced opportunities, supported each other, and brought a spirit of fun and respect to the start of 2026.
We look forward to the rest of the term one.
Alistair Tuffnell
Head of Middle School
2026 Middle School Team:
- Alistair Tuffnell – Head of Middle School (alistair.tuffnell@education.vic.gov.au)
- Katrina Pumpa – Middle Years Administrator (katrina.pumpa@education.vic.gov.au)
- Lauren Hughes – Year 7 Coordinator (lauren.hughes@education.vic.gov.au)
- Kate Arnold – Year 8 Coordinator (kate.arnold@education.vic.gov.au)
- Stuart Kofoed – Year 9 Coordinator (stuart.kofoed@education.vic.gov.au)
- Sarah Ryan – Assistant Coordinator (sarah.ryan@education.vic.gov.au)
- Georgina Russell- Assistant Coordinator (georgina.russell@education.vic.gov.au)
