Student Engagement  

Connect Days

What are Connect Days?

Connect Days are part of Koonung Secondary College’s holistic approach to learning and wellbeing. Held once each term, these days are designed to strengthen students’ social and emotional skills, build resilience, and foster positive connections with peers, staff and the wider school community. The program aligns with our school values and the Respectful Relationships curriculum, supporting students to feel confident, connected and ready to learn.

Year 7 Connect Day Thursday 5 February

Last week, our Year 7 students took part in their first Connect Day for 2026 — an important milestone in their transition to secondary school.

The focus for this first Connect Day was “Setting Up for Success.” It was a busy and engaging day, with students participating in a range of practical workshops and activities, including:

Introduction to the Wellbeing Team

• Students met members of our Wellbeing Team and learned about the supports available at the College. The session highlighted when and how students can seek support — whether for friendship concerns, managing stress, or simply needing someone to talk to — reinforcing the importance of caring for both mental and emotional health.

Collaboration with Year 10 Peer Mentors

• Our Year 10 Peer Mentors worked with students to strengthen their sense of belonging within the Koonung community. Through interactive activities, games and collaborative challenges, students built connections with peers and staff while developing teamwork and communication skills.

ICT at Koonung Workshop

• Students participated in a hands-on session focused on effectively using the College’s digital platforms. This included Edupass, email, Microsoft 365 and accessibility features. The workshop also reinforced responsible and safe technology use to support learning.

Team-Building Activities

• Students and teachers worked together in active challenges designed to promote cooperation, problem-solving and positive relationships. Staff joined in as team captains, creating a fun and supportive environment for students to connect.

Sport Education

• Students also participated in their regular Sport Education class, encouraging physical activity, teamwork and balance during the school day.

We are proud of how our Year 7 students embraced the day with enthusiasm and positivity. We look forward to continuing Connect Days throughout the year as we support students in building strong relationships and developing the skills they need for a successful and rewarding secondary school journey.

Year 8 Connect Day Wednesday 11 February

Following the positive start to the year with our Year 7 cohort, our Year 8 students also recently participated in their first Connect Day for 2026.

The Year 8 theme, “Stronger Together: Connecting, Belonging, Growing,” focused on strengthening peer relationships, promoting positive online behaviours, and preparing students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of targeted workshops and activities including:

Project Rockit – ‘Connect’ Workshop

• We were pleased to welcome an external presenter from Project Rockit, who delivered an engaging session exploring the positive potential of technology. Students developed practical strategies to build connected online communities, support their own and others’ wellbeing, and navigate challenging digital experiences safely and responsibly. The workshop encouraged critical thinking about digital footprints, AI and respectful communication.

• If students would like to find out more about Project Rockit and their Youth Collective, please follow this link: https://www.projectrockit.com.au/national-youth-collective/

   

Peer Connection and Team Building

• Students participated in structured team-building activities within their classes, designed to strengthen relationships with both peers and teachers. Through collaborative challenges, they developed communication skills, trust and a stronger sense of belonging within their year level.

Year 10 Peer Mentors

• Our Year 10 Peer Mentors worked alongside Year 8 students to further enhance connection within the Koonung community. These sessions provided opportunities for informal discussion and play to further vertical relationships throughout the college.

Year 8 Camp Assembly

• Students attended a dedicated assembly led by Miss Arnold (Year 8 Coordinator) to prepare for their upcoming camp in Week 8 to Kinglake Forest Adventures. They heard from current Year 9 student Sienna Pugliese about their 2025 camp experience, helping to build excitement while addressing important questions.

Sport Education

• The day also included regular Sport Education classes, reinforcing the importance of physical activity, teamwork and maintaining balance throughout the school year.

It was wonderful to see our Year 8 students actively participating and supporting one another throughout the day. We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum during future Connect Days as students continue to grow stronger together.

Claire Murray

Social and Emotional Learning Leader

Health, Physical Education and Science Teacher