From the Classrooms

Lightning Premiership 

This term the Year 7 and 8 students got to experience a classic school event, hosted by our wonderful friends at SEDA – a Lightning Premiership! Basketball was the game, Nunawading Basketball Stadium was the venue, and the MITS students made up the teams with a little help from the SEDA crew. 

After a round-robin of games, the competition heated up as the teams squared off in the semifinals for a chance at glory and the very first SEDA Helping Hoops MITS Cup. It was an amazing day filled with friendship, participation, and plenty of highlights. From scoring baskets and banking in three-pointers and even helping on the scoreboard, everyone got involved. 

The eventual champions were the team of Curtis, Drae, Marius, Lexi, Mya, RJ, and Tyrone. The students were outstanding on the day and are already excited for the next tournament. Congratulations to the winners! 

BluEarth Leadership 

After a term of working with Ryan and Megzy on building leadership skills through games, a select group of students had the opportunity to step up as leaders in the community. Lexi,Harry, RJ, Cata, Jaydah, Jermaine, Tony and CC and others set off for a day of sharing traditional Aboriginal games with local primary schools. 

The MITS mob worked together to lead Year 6 students through the rules, expectations, and cultural significance of each game. They didn’t just teach – they joined in, playing alongside the younger students and building connections through fun and teamwork. 

The MITS leaders did a fantastic job organising and teaching, showing patience, positivity, and responsibility. It was a wonderful day out and a very proud moment for our school to see how awesome these young leaders were in action. 

Man Cave 

This term, our fellas have been taking part in the Man Cave program, a space designed to help young men open up, connect, and grow together. We’ve been lucky to be supported by Kobe and Kyle, two incredible facilitators who bring warmth, humour, and honesty to every session. 

One of the most important parts of Man Cave is the trust built within the group. As the fellas say, “What happens in the cave stays in the cave.” That shared agreement helps everyone feel safe to speak freely and support one another. 

We’re proud of the way our students have embraced this opportunity and look forward to continuing the journey with Kobe, Kyle, and the Man Cave team. 

Youth Engagement Project

This term, our girls had the opportunity to take part in a powerful workshop led by the Youth Engagement Project, with facilitators Amanda and Bonnie guiding the day. The workshop focused on themes that matter deeply to our students: school values, emotional regulation, body image, and self-love. 

One of the most memorable activities explored how gossip can lead to misinformation. Six students were selected to leave the room while a story was shared. One by one, they returned and tried to retell the story from memory. By the end, the story had changed completely - shortened, distorted, and missing key details. It was a powerful reminder that we shouldn’t speak about things that don’t involve us, or about other people. 

The day also included fun games and teamwork-based challenges, like racing against the clock to pass a hula hoop from one end of the group to the other using strategy and collaboration.  

Overall, the workshop was a huge success. The girls left feeling uplifted, connected, and more confident in themselves—and they’re already looking forward to the next session. 

MUMA

The Year 7 students have been very fortunate to work with Kait James, a proud Wadawurrung woman and contemporary artist, who has been joining us every Wednesday for art.  This has been made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA).  This unique partnership with MITS has now been operating for almost 10 years.

Kait has been sharing her skills, ideas, and culture with the students, encouraging them to experiment, be creative, and try new things. As part of the project, students are designing their own tea towels, exploring fun and vibrant mediums and practising techniques such as hand stitching. 

Their artworks are a way to represent their identity and express their individuality with Kait’s guidance. This project is not only creative and enjoyable but also gives students the chance to connect with First Nations perspectives while producing something meaningful and lasting.