Student Engagement
Koonung Secondary College
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 9 Connect Day – Senior Subject Expo: Where Will Your Learning Take You
In Week 2, our Year 9’s participated in an engaging and informative Connect Day focused on preparing for the important transition into senior school. The Senior Subject Expo: Where Will Your Learning Take You? provided students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, learn about future pathways, and begin making informed decisions about their Year 10 subject selections and beyond.
The day began with a Year 9 Assembly, where Mr Darren Marsh guided students through the online Year 10 subject selection process using Edval, ensuring they understood how to navigate the system and make thoughtful choices for 2027.
Students then attended the Year 10 Subject Showcase, where Koonung teachers shared insights into every subject available in Year 10. This gave students the chance to explore new learning opportunities, ask questions, and gain a clearer understanding of the courses they may wish to study.
A highlight of the day was hearing from a panel of Koonung alumni, who shared their personal journeys through senior school, further education, apprenticeships and careers. Their experiences demonstrated how the decisions made in Year 9 can open a wide range of future opportunities and inspired students to think about their own aspirations.
Students also enjoyed a class-versus-class challenge, working collaboratively through a range of fun physical activities that promoted teamwork, school spirit and friendly competition. A complimentary BBQ lunch provided by the Middle School team gave students the opportunity to relax and connect with their peers.
The day concluded with an engaging careers presentation by Mr Peter Hodkinson, who explored future career opportunities, emerging industries and the diverse career journeys of Koonung staff. Students were encouraged to think broadly about their strengths, interests and the many pathways available to them beyond school.
Year 7 Connect Day – Celebrating 100 Days of Secondary School
Our Year 7 students recently celebrated their first 100 days of secondary school with a Connect Day dedicated to recognising their achievements, building connections and celebrating the journey they have shared since joining the Koonung community.
The day began with a special celebration assembly led by Year 7 Coordinator, Mrs Lauren Hughes, where students reflected on their progress and the many successes they have experienced throughout their first semester. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the positive contributions students have made and the strong sense of community they have helped create.
Students enjoyed a variety of student-choice activities, including basketball, dodgeball, trivia quizzes, arts and crafts, board games and Amazing Races. These activities encouraged teamwork, creativity and connection, allowing students to spend time with friends, meet new people and engage with staff in a relaxed environment.
Students also attended a powerful and engaging performance by Brainstorm Productions, Verbal Combat, which explored the impact of online communication and provided practical strategies for promoting respectful digital interactions and navigating online spaces safely.
The celebrations continued at lunchtime with a BBQ provided by the Middle School team, alongside fun activities including the lolly jar competition, photobooth and teacher-versus-student netball match.
The 100 Days of Year 7 Connect Day was a fantastic celebration of student growth, friendships and belonging. It was wonderful to see students participating enthusiastically and recognising the important milestone of completing their first 100 days of secondary school at Koonung.
Year 8 Connect Day – Looking Out for Yourself and Others
In Week 4, our Year 8’s participated in their “Looking Out for Yourself and Others” Connect Day, focusing on wellbeing, positive relationships and making safe and respectful choices.
Students took part in an informative session delivered by The Butterfly Foundation, exploring the importance of developing a healthy relationship with their bodies, food and exercise. The session challenged common myths around health and body image while providing students with strategies to support positive wellbeing and build confidence in their own choices.
Students also explored the key elements of healthy friendships, including trust, empathy, respectful communication and active listening. Through interactive activities, students reflected on positive and unhealthy friendship behaviours and practised Active Constructive Responding (ACR) to strengthen their ability to support and celebrate others.
Due to the rainy weather, students enjoyed an indoor class competition featuring a fun and engaging quiz. Working together in teams, students tested their knowledge, problem-solving skills and teamwork while competing for points and prizes. The activity provided a great opportunity for students to connect with their classmates in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Students also enjoyed a BBQ lunch provided by the Middle School team, creating further opportunities to socialise and build connections with peers.
Students also attended a Year 8 Assembly and a presentation from Victoria Police, exploring antisocial behaviours, the impact of bystander choices and strategies for making safe decisions in the community.
The Connect Day provided Year 8 students with valuable opportunities to develop their understanding of wellbeing, strengthen relationships and build the skills needed to look after themselves and those around them.
Claire Murray
Social and Emotional Learning Leader