Year 9 News

Welcome to Term 4! 

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, we have several key dates and important events coming up. The Year 9 students will soon start discussing pathway opportunities for Year 10, to support their learning goals and career ambitions. This is a great chance to start talking at home about what your student wants their future to look like. 

We understand that young people don’t always know what they want their future careers to look like but parent involvement in careers conversations is considered one of the most important contributors to motivation, retention and career outcomes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Year 10 VCE Subject Selection & Year 10 Pathways Program

Throughout Term 4, staff from the University Campus will visit the junior campuses to discuss the option of Year 10 students undertaking a VCE subject. During these visits, students will learn about VCE expectations and the benefits of starting a VCE subject in Year 10.

Advantages of undertaking a VCE subject in Year 10 include:

• Experiencing the senior campus firsthand, making the transition from Year 10 to Year 11 smoother.
• Gaining exposure to VCE subject requirements, preparing students for the following year.
• Studying a Year 12 subject while in Year 11, allowing greater flexibility in the final year of schooling.

After the presentation, students will receive an application form listing the available VCE subjects. They will be asked to rank their preferences. The form must be signed by parents/guardians and receive teacher approval.

Staff will also provide information about the Year 10 Pathways Program, run out of the senior University Campus in Churchill. This program combines a full classroom timetable with applied learning and a career focus. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the community, including local primary schools. To be considered for the program, students must attend an interview with university campus staff, Ross Johnson, and their parent/guardian.

Melbourne Discovery Camp

During the first week of Term 4, Year 9 students from Morwell Campus had the incredible opportunity to spend five action-packed days at the Melbourne Discovery Camp. While the week got off to a rocky start with trains not running on Monday morning, students adapted quickly and travelled to the city by coach.

Once in Melbourne, students experienced the city’s iconic attractions. Highlights included the breathtaking views from the Eureka Skydeck, the historic Shrine of Remembrance, a behind-the-scenes tour of the MCG, and ice-skating at the O’Brien Icehouse. Students also enjoyed the Melbourne Zoo, a relaxing river cruise, a visit to the Imax Theatre, bowling, and the immersive art experience at the Lume.

Food was another exciting part of the camp, with students sampling a wide variety of cuisines including Greek, Chinese, Italian, and classic favourites like burgers and chips. Visits to restaurants such as Yassas and The Crane allowed students to try dishes like chicken and lamb souvlaki, dumplings, honey chicken, and fried rice, broadening their culinary horizons.

Students also appreciated the chance to explore Melbourne’s shopping districts during free time, including Melbourne Central, Bourke Street, and South Wharf DFO. Throughout the week, students were organised into colour groups for head counts, creating team names and signals, while Doxa staff guided them safely through trams, crowds, and city navigation.

Reflecting on the experience, students Rahni M. and Zac T. shared: 

“It was one of the best and most enjoyable camps we have been on. We got to try and see things most of us had never done before, which was so cool. It was amazing to experience new activities, explore different cultures, and gain more independence.”

The Year 9 Melbourne Camp proved to be a memorable adventure, combining fun, learning, and the excitement of city life, leaving students with stories and experiences they will treasure for years to come.

House Championship Update 

As we move into the final few weeks of Term 4, the race for the inaugural Year 9 House Championships is heating up! Freeman currently hold a narrow lead, but with plenty of points still up for grabs, all four Houses remain in contention. It’s shaping up to be an exciting finish as students give their all to claim the very first House Championship Shield.

Freeman – 6195 points

Forsyth – 6092 points

Siddle – 5884 points

Thorpe – 5663 points

Learning Behaviour Updates

LBU’s will be released in week 5 of this term. I encourage you to sit down with your child and review their progress and continue to set goals to help them achieve their own academic success. 

Year 9 Focus

At the beginning of every fortnight, the Year 9 Team implements foci for all year 9 students. For the final weeks of the term the foci are:

Focus 1 Relationships: Maintain positive relationships with staff and peers. 

Focus 2 Engagement: Completing all set tasks to the best of your ability.

Contact Details 

If you have any concerns regarding Year 9 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (03) 5165 0600 or Ross.Johnson@kurnaicollege.vic.edu.au 

Ross Johnson

Year 9 Team Leader