Senior School 

Senior School update

Hello and welcome to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students, parents and carers to the Koonung Secondary College Senior School for 2026. Whilst we are merely a few weeks into the year, it is clear that the students have made a positive start with their learning that establishes the foundations for success. 

Firstly, I would like to introduce our team for this year. Nikita Natsis will continue with the cohort as Year 12 coordinator, the Year 11 coordinator is Luke Marinelli, Mia Poulton leads the Year 10 students while Gavin Yates and Peter Scott are assistant coordinators. All these leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, understanding and dedication to their roles which provides vital support to both students and parents/carers. Our Senior School administrator is Allana Edgell, who plays an instrumental role in supporting the operations within the Senior School and is often the first point of contact for students or families. 

Year 12

It has been exciting to see our most senior students make such a positive start to their final year at Koonung! The students began the year offsite with the Year 12 Jump-Start program at The Round in Nunawading. The day included guest speaker Ben Pettingill on overcoming challenges and adopting a strong mindset; English and study workshops from Assistant Principals Luke Day-Smith and Conor Sheehan as well as a range of team-building activities to foster connection. We have also recognised the students will the annual badging ceremony in front of the school community and they have also attended a workshop from Principal Andrew McNeil that focused on 'Forming the Habit'. Finally, it has been fantastic to see so many senior students staying back in the senior space and studying together whilst preparing for the first round of assessments. 

Year 11

This cohort has made a strong start to the year with students completing a full VCE timetable for the first time. The VCE-VM students have begun VET and work placements while many of the assessments while many students have begun completing SACs for their subjects. The students will be visited by Elevate on Wednesday afternoon to build important study skills. 

Year 10 

The Year 10 students enjoyed a welcome BBQ to start the year! Students will spend important upcoming pathway lessons on Wednesdays to plan for their work experience during Term 2. 

Finally, the Year 10 Information Evening will take place between 6.30 and 7 on Monday 23 February. The Webex link has been sent out via a Compass newsfeed.  

Important Reminders 

Koonung Secondary College prides itself on academic rigour but also on giving a well-rounded education to our students in a safe environment. It is our role to uphold high expectations around behaviour and attendance, as well as foster a positive culture that will enable students to thrive in their final years of secondary education. 

• The Senior School's policy is having an attendance above 90% to be eligible to pass each subject. 

• Ensuring students are punctual for class remains a focus. We have been having conversations with students to assist them arriving on time in the morning. 

• The uniform policy is outlined on the school's website. Students must be wearing black polishable shoes with academic uniform while PE uniform must only be worn on required days; there will be consequences for students who do not do this. 

The Senior School will is introducing a structured academic coaching program. Initially, students can book a meeting with John Schwartz to provide support for organisation, motivation, study techniques and habits and preparing for assessments. Please contact Gavin Yates or me if you would like to book an appointment.  

We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead - all important updates will be sent out via Compass newsfeed which include the Formal, sporting events, excursions, Graduation and other key dates. 

Finally, please reach out to the relevant coordinator if your child needs any support or you have any questions. 

Senior School team

• Chris McKay   christopher.mckay@education.vic.gov.au   – Head of Senior School 
• Allana Edgell   allana.edgell@education.vic.gov.au     – Senior School Administrator
• Mia Poulton   mia.poulton@education.vic.gov.au    – Year 10 Coordinator
• Luke Marinelli luke.marinelli@education.vic.gov.au    – Year 11 Coordinator
• Nikita Natsis  nikita.natsis@education.vic.gov.au    – Year 12Coordinator
• Peter Scott   peter.scott@education.vic.gov.au   –   Senior School Assistant Coordinator 
• Gavan Yates   gavan.yates@education.vic.gov.au   - Senior School Assistant Coordinator 

Chris McKay

Head of Senior School