College News
Message from the College Principal
G’day everyone,
Kurnai College has had a fantastic and energetic start to the year as we wrap up Term 1. With a significant number of new enrolments, our college community continues to grow, making Kurnai bigger and more vibrant than ever. It’s been wonderful to see so many new faces settling in and becoming part of our school.
Our Year 8 Camps were a highlight this term, providing students with opportunities to build friendships, develop resilience, and enjoy memorable outdoor experiences. The positive feedback from both students and staff reflects just how successful these camps were.
We also saw great participation in our college swim trials and athletics day. Both events were well attended, filled with enthusiasm, showcasing not only student talent but also strong house spirit and teamwork. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved and supporting one another.
Our Air Force cadets 424 squadron is also expanding, providing our students with excellent learning, growth and pathways opportunities.
Across the college, student learning has been a clear focus, with classrooms demonstrating strong engagement and commitment. Just as importantly, our positive school climate continues to shine, with respectful relationships and a supportive environment evident throughout the term.
We look forward to building on this momentum in Term 2 and continuing to support all students in their learning and wellbeing.
Anthony Rodaughan
College Principal
College Captains
University Campus
Kurnai College University Campus College Captains Arabella Altavas and George Stevens were inducted into their roles during Kurnai College’s Awards Ceremony held in December 2025. Earlier this term Pearl Doherty and Jack Thomas were inducted as the College Vice Captains.
Their leadership and dedication are sure to inspire their peers throughout the year.
Churchill Campus
Sage Jobling and Rahzel Morley have been inducted at the Churchill Campus as School Captains alongside Vice Captains Leah Tassell & Dani James.
Morwell Campus
At the Morwell Campus, School Captains Rahni Mzrygloski and Emily Matthews were inducted as School Captains alongside Vice Captains Karalyn Phillips and Harmony Dobson
To see the School Captains' introductions: https://kurnai.co/captains
Athletics Day
On Tuesday 3rd March, a mild autumn day provided the perfect conditions for Kurnai College’s Inter House Athletics Carnival at Joe Carmody Reserve in Newborough.
Students from across the College came together to compete in a variety of track and field events, take part in novelty activities such as limbo, longest footy kick and the balloon toss, or simply enjoy the day catching up with friends.
Freeman House prevailed to claim the Kurnai College House Athletics Championship Cup, finishing an incredible 285 points ahead of runners-up Siddle.
It was fantastic to see students competing enthusiastically, striving to do their best for their house and embracing the spirit of the day by getting involved and proudly dressing in their house colours.
Congratulations to all competitors, and we wish our top performers all the very best as they prepare to represent the College at the Wellington Athletics Carnival next term.
A huge thank you to all staff and students who contributed to the success of the day, and especially to the Health and Physical Education team for their professional organisation and coordination of the carnival.
Results
| Freeman | (Green) | 1316 |
| Siddle | (Yellow) | 1031 |
| Forsyth | (Blue) | 1003 |
| Thorpe | (Red) | 897 |
Age Group Champions
| Year 7 | Mikinlee Russell | Tayt Talerico |
| Year 8 | Vienna Moss | Sudaus Abdu |
| Year 9 | Amira Moss | Tyson McInnes |
| Year 10 | Skylah Russell | Clay McCann-Diston |
| Year 11 | Alex Forbes | Jett Dwyer-Grey |
| Year 12 | Arabella Altavas | Harry Forbes |
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Records Broken
| Year 7 | High Jump | Sophia Paulston | THO | 1.42m | def | C. Martin (2009) 1.35m |
| Year 8 | 1500m | Vienna Moss | SID | 5:36.57 | def | C. King (2010) 6:11.43 |
| Year 8 | 800m | Vienna Moss | SID | 3:48.06 | def | N. Jiath (2010) 2:48.06 |
| Year 8 | 400m | Vienna Moss | SID | 1:12.00 | def | N. Jiath (2010) 1:12.34 |
| Year 10 | Triple Jump | Lavinia Benson | SID | 8.9m | def | M. Smith (2004) 8.77m |
| Year 11 | Long Jump | Yen Nguyen | SID | 3.96m | def | C. Mohammud (2022) 3.96m |
| Year 11 | High Jump | Zack Abo-Shaban | FOR | 1.65m | def | H.Weir (FRE 2019) 1.64m |
Koorie News
Koorie Information Event
On Monday, the 16th of March, the Koorie students were invited to the Koorie Information Event for your people aged 15 - 15 at the TAFE Gippsland Yallourn TAFE.
This event explored what TAFE can offer and to provide a welcoming introduction to studying in a supportive and culturally inclusive environment.
On the day the presenters informed students about:
- Pathways programs and course options
- What to expect when studying at TAFE
- Supports available to you throughout your learning journey
- Expectations of students
Students then had the opportunity to meet staff, tour the different faculties and ask questions.
Apology Day
On Friday 13th February, an Apology Dayevent was held at Lake Hyland in Churchill. This event was beautifully put together by Aunty Christine Johnson and The Smith Family.
We were honoured to have guest speakers Aunty Ivy Solomon, Aunty Doris Paton and Uncle Laurie Marks share their wisdom and stories. Students had the opportunity to get involved in meaningful activities, including putting their handprints on calico, basket weaving and colouring as a mindfulness activity.
The event was attended by Kurnai College's Koorie students, families, KESOS, other community organisations and local primary schools. It was a wonderful day of learning, connection and reflection as we continue to strengthen our commitment to respect, recognition, and reconciliation. ❤️💛🖤
Sports News
Senior Cricket
Gippsland Championships
After taking out the Wellington Championship earlier this term, the senior boys team travelled to Boolarra Cricket Club to compete in the Gippsland Championships. The team faced the winners of the South Gippsland Championship, a strong and prospect-heavy Bass Coast Secondary College side, in a 15-over match.
Winning the toss, captain Ceeney elected to bowl. Bass Coast posted a challenging total of 136 runs. Despite being a player short in the field, the Kurnai boys showed great determination, with some excellent bowling performances from Urand and Hart. Liam kept the runs tight across his three overs, while Hart finished with tidy figures of 1/19. Duncan was reliable behind the stumps for the full 15 overs, and strong fielding efforts saw catches taken by Ceeney, Urand and Duncan. Chapman also delivered a clean and effective bowling spell.
Urand and Forbes opened the batting, putting on a steady partnership of 17 before Forbes was dismissed. Chapman then joined Urand, taking the score to 35 before Chapman was bowled. Ceeney (43) and Urand (42) then produced an impressive 71-run partnership that kept the chase alive and showcased the team’s batting depth.
Unfortunately, the boys fell just 30 runs short of the target and narrowly missed progressing to the State Championships. Despite the result, the team demonstrated that Kurnai College has some serious cricketing talent and represented the school with pride.
Urand was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.
Music News
Learn an Instrument
Kurnai College offers students across its three campuses the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and engaging music program.
The program caters for students with mixed abilities and interests, whilst providing numerous learning and performance opportunities.
Specialist instrumental tuition is available for a variety of instruments including woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed.
Learning a musical instrument can help develop a variety of skills, from improving concentration and memory to boosting creativity and self-discipline. Plus, it's a great way to make new friends and express yourself in ways words cannot.
If you’re interested in starting your musical journey or advancing your skills, please see your music teacher or contact your Campus office
Chris Gretton
College Music Coordinator