Campus News

Yarnin' Circle

Monday 23rd March's Yarnin' circle was inclusive of all VPC and VM students.

To start the event we had Hollie Johnson perform the Welcome to Country in language and our students Alexcis, Shanaya and Destainy did the Acknowledgement.

The Yarnin' circle brought together both staff and students who spoke about the importance of being part of a community. Reference was made how being part of a community can help with Mental health and longevity in life. We also spoke about the importance of volunteering and working with your community and looking after each other.

Brett and Jason then spoke about the origin of a couple of Indigenous games, then proceeded to play those games, then the students demonstrated the games to their peers.

To conclude everyone enjoyed a feast of hot cross buns, easter eggs and fruit.

Vic SRC Congress

On Monday, 2 March, our Senior Leadership Group had the privilege of attending the 20th Anniversary Victorian Student Representative (SRC) Congress, proudly marking its first regional stop in Gippsland.

The event, hosted at the Morwell TECH School, brought together student leaders from across the region for a full day of interactive workshops, discussion groups and collaborative activities, all centred around strengthening and amplifying student voice in schools.

Students also heard from representatives of the Victorian Electoral Commission, who provided valuable insight into democratic processes and civic participation, and the Courage to Care Foundation, whose presentation encouraged reflection on leadership, responsibility and standing up for others.

Our students represented our school with pride and professionalism. They engaged thoughtfully in discussions, contributed confidently to workshops, and demonstrated the kind of leadership that reflects our values so strongly. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, be inspired and to see student leadership in action at a state level.

Further SRC News

On March 23, our Student Leadership Group was formally recognised in a special presentation, where they were awarded their badges and congratulatory letters by the Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron MP.

Martin took the time to speak with students, sharing his personal journey from a trades background into the world of politics. His story provided a valuable and relatable insight into the diverse pathways that can lead to leadership roles within the community.

During his address, Martin emphasised the importance of strong, authentic leadership. He spoke about the need for leaders to remain impartial, act with integrity, and, most importantly, be a genuine and consistent voice for those they represent. His message strongly resonated with our student leaders as they step into their roles for the year ahead.

Surf's Up - VET Sport & Rec

On Wednesday March 18 the First Year Sport, Aquatics and Recreation class enjoyed an incredible day out on their surfing and paddleboarding excursion with Offshore Surf School. Students travelled to Inverloch Surf Beach, where they embraced the conditions and “hung ten” on some epic waves, showing great enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge themselves.

Following the surf session, the group headed over to the inlet to try their hand at paddleboarding, where they continued to build their skills and confidence on the water.

Throughout the day, students were incredibly respectful, demonstrated outstanding engagement, and maintained a positive attitude, with smiles all around. It was fantastic to see such a strong display of teamwork, encouragement, and enjoyment of the outdoors, an excellent reflection of the group.

Coffee on the Run

Kurnai students continue to grow their coffee cart business, which operates every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Moe Latrobe City Library. They have created their business logo and settled on the name, Coffee on the Run. Officially launched in June 2025, founding students Sheldon and Madeline dedicated countless hours to planning, developing, and establishing the business before running it smoothly throughout the second half of last year.

The coffee cart previously operated as The Chit‑Chat Coffee, Global Village Training Café, an initiative of the Baw Baw LLEN supported by the Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) multicultural friendship group. The program provided training opportunities and helped participants strengthen their language skills.

Training for the Kurnai team includes barista skills, hands‑on experience at the Kurnai Kafe, and a safe food‑handling certificate. Coffee on the Run gives students’ valuable opportunities to build hospitality experience, develop employability skills, and practise customer service. Business was booming last week, with 21 coffees made in just two hours.

Drop by for a Coffee on the Run, or stay for a friendly chat in the warm, welcoming library environment. A big thank‑you to Kurnai College staff, especially Education Support member Chris Milne, for his key role in getting this initiative off the ground. A big thank-you to the Baw Baw LLEN for sharing resources and supporting young people as they build valuable customer service skills. A big thank-you to Latrobe City Library staff for supporting students and staff so positively and enthusiastically while they run their business.

Lockers

🗝️ Need a Locker? 🗝️

If you’d like a locker this year, it’s easy to get started! Simply:

Bring your own lock.
Find an empty locker and secure it with your lock.
Come to the office to record your locker number.

Make sure your locker is registered so we know it belongs to you. Happy organizing!

Mobile Phones

📵 A reminder to all students: mobile phones are not permitted between 8:25 am and 2:50 pm, including during lunch and recess. The only exception is for payment at the Kurnai Kafé or the University Café.

If a phone is confiscated:

First offence: Collect from the advocate office at the end of the day.
Second offence: Collect at the end of the day and parent/guardian will be contacted.
Third offence: Parent/guardian must collect the phone.
Fourth offence: Referred to the Campus Principal.

Please follow the rules to avoid disruptions and keep our campus focused on learning.

Kurnai Kafé

Your Go-To Spot on Campus!

The Kurnai Kafé is open daily to keep students fueled and refreshed throughout the school day.

Here’s what’s on offer:

Before School: 7:00 am – 8:20 am

Grab a hot drink, a delicious toastie/croissant, or fruit salad to start your day right.

Recess: 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus cookies and slices for a sweet treat.

Study Hall

Let’s Make It Count!

A reminder to all VCE students: the Study Hall is here to help you make the most of your spare periods and stay on top of your studies.

To keep it a productive space for everyone, please remember:

no phones – stay focused and minimise distractions
remain in the Study Hall – please don’t move into the library
ask the supervising teacher if you need to leave
use the time wisely – revise, plan, read, or get stuck into some practice questions.

These expectations are in place because we care about your success and want to support you in using your time effectively.

Wednesday Period 5

Year 11 VCE: If you have a study spare, please go to the Study Hall.

Year 12 VCE: No classes scheduled — you’re free to leave, or you’re welcome to stay and study.

After-School Study Club

Mondays & Thursdays in the Library

Looking for a quiet place to catch up on classwork, revise with friends, or get support from teachers? Join us in the Library every Monday and Thursday after school from 2:50pm onwards for our After-School Study Club.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to stay on top of their studies in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you're finishing homework, preparing for assessments, or simply want a space to focus before heading home, the Study Club is here to help.

🍕 Bonus: Food is provided on both days!

Fuel your brain and your body while you study.

We’re also excited to have two tutors available on Mondays to offer even more support:

York – Specialist in Mathematics
Ryan – Expert in English, English Literature, and History

Make sure to seek them out in the library if you need assistance with your work. They’re here to help you succeed. Come along, get ahead, and make the most of your time after school!.

Leaving School Grounds

Important Reminder for Students

Students are reminded of the procedures in place for leaving the school grounds during the day.

🔹 Leaving at Lunchtime to Go to the Shops: If you are leaving campus during lunchtime to visit the shops, you must sign in and out at the Front Office.

🔹 Arriving Late or Leaving Early (Outside of Lunchtime): For all other times (e.g., arriving late in the morning or leaving early), you are required to sign in or out at the Advocates Office, not the Front Office.

📝 Parental Permission is requiredto be allowed to leave campus during lunchtime. Your parent or guardian must complete the Compass Event: UN Permission to Leave the Campus 2026. Students will not be permitted to leave the school during lunch without this permission.

These measures are in place to ensure student safety and maintain accurate attendance records. Please follow the correct process at all times.

Student Driver Policy

If you drive to school, please ensure you have signed the Student Driver Policy at reception.

Students are not permitted to use their vehicles during the school day unless they have prior approval for a valid reason, such as an unavoidable medical appointment. In such cases, a certificate of attendance is required upon return.