Principal's Report

End of Term 3

Spring has sprung, and we can feel happy vibes of the term break just a few days away.

What a whirlwind of a term it has been! I cannot believe it is the last week already and the holidays are nipping at our heels as we try to tie a neat bow to the end of Term 3.

Driving into Kurunjang Drive, you will have noticed that the new House building has taken shape, and you can see the red brickwork and the steel roof complementing the colours of the red earth that shapes Kurunjang's rich history.

We are anticipating the demolition of H Block before the end of Term 4 to open the space in front of the new House building for landscaping and pathways. The new building will provide facilities that our students and our community deserve. The remainder of the college buildings will undergo staggered refurbishment to provide a level of upgrades to balance the old with the new. 

However, what we truly want is for additional government funding to replace the old buildings and provide the environment and conditions for Kurunjang Secondary College to be the School of Choice - not only for our commitment to the Science of Learning and teaching excellence grounded in evidence.

Key points for students and families*

•    The science of learning improves student achievement by aligning teaching with how the brain stores and retrieves knowledge.

•    Explicit instruction helps students learn more effectively than discovery-based approaches for novice learners.

•    Knowledge-rich teaching strengthens reading, problem-solving, and long-term learning by building memory and understanding.

Also ...

Students learn new material more effectively when teachers present information in small steps and provide guided practice. 

Working memory is limited, so lessons that minimise unnecessary cognitive load improve learning and retention. 

Background knowledge improves reading comprehension because students understand new information by connecting it to what they already know.

Discovery learning places excessive demands on novice learners because they lack the knowledge needed to solve problems independently. 

Ignoring evidence about memory, knowledge, and cognitive load reduces the effectiveness of classroom instruction and student learning.

*WHAT IS THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING? Trisha Jha, Analysis Paper 63 | February 2024

Parent/Teacher/Student conferences, Monday 14/09/26

Monday's conferences provided students and families with crucial information about where our students are at in terms of their learning; the achievements; skills; and most importantly the next steps in order to move along the continuum of learning, and to persevere and be aspirational, as we want our students to become well rounded, educated, informed and active community members.

Compass data indicates that a total of 1152 bookings were made for the conferences. The number of students those bookings were made for was 897. That is an amazing result, and it reflects your involvement and commitment to your children's education. Your partnership and collaboration in ensuring that we are doing everything in the best interests of the students, even if it means setting boundaries, having high expectations, and being accountable. 

Events

Term 3 had a number of awareness raising events, and my highlight was Book Week. I delighted in channelling Professor McGonagall and visiting classes with her strict and fair ways. Some would say I was not dressed up as a character! The Wellbeing Team excelled again in its creative and talented ways with the theme of The Wizard of Oz. 

There has also been Wear It Purple Day, and R U OK Day as well. There were many activities on offer across the school, and the yard was abuzz with excitement and energy. 

Thank you to all the staff and students who made those events possible.

Student Celebrations

I want to acknowledge a couple of students on their outstanding work and commitment. Firstly, I want to congratulate Tia Rana who entered a Melton Council short story writing competition and received a commendation for her piece. We are so proud of Tia, who is also a College Captain and an active member of the Student Leadership Team. She also attends the College Council meetings and contributes to the discussions held and provides a strong student perspective.

In addition, Amy De-Leiuen has volunteered in Breakfast and Lunch Club for the last five years. That is an outstanding commitment to serve our community every single day from early mornings to entire lunchtimes. Amy has been extraordinary in ensuring that our students are well looked after.

Well done and a heartfelt gratitude to Tia and Amy.

Happy holidays

All the very best to our KSC community over the holiday period. Take care and see you next term.

Warm regards,

Aylin Gökmen

Principal

Kurunjang Secondary College