Year 9 News

Dear Year 9 Families,

It has been a quick, but busy 8 weeks of term 3. We’re thrilled to share some of the highlights from this term and some reminders moving into term 4. 

Tech School

A group of students recently attended the Morwell Tech School for an exciting Lego Sumo Design Day. Students worked in teams to build and code their own Lego robots, with the aim of pushing their opponents’ robots out of the competition ring. Throughout the day, students tested, adapted and improved their designs, with plenty of creative ideas and friendly competition along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their teamwork, problem-solving and coding skills while trying something new.

“Recently we went to the Morwell Tech school to participate in a Lego Sumo Robot competition. When we got there they split us into five randomized teams of two, then they brought us to the robots and showed us how to find the videos to learn how to code the robot. We had some time to build some Lego onto the robot and code the movement before the first round began; the goal was to push your opponent’s bot off the mat. Will and Jun’s team ended up going undefeated in the two rounds they played, utilizing a ramp on the front of the bot that everyone quickly copied. Going into round 2 it was the battle of the ramps, however Will and Jun remained undefeated. The final round was much the same, however Jun and Will iterated and added a hitting stick for intimidation, eventually winning the entire day. Overall, it was a great experience and allowed us to try new things.” – Tyson M

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

As previous years, we will be continuing the use of Kurnai Positive Acknowledgements (KPA’s), it has been fantastic to see students working hard and showing determination to display all of Kurnai’s four pillars. Keep up the great work! 

KPA Data Term 3 – Week 1 - 8

9A- 1049

9B- 730

9C- 801

9D- 788

Primary school tours

Well done to our Year 9 students on their great efforts during the Primary School Band Tours. You represented the school with maturity and skill, and it was fantastic to hear that you perform so confidently while also inspiring the younger students. A solid achievement that you should all be proud of.

“Yesterday, we began our primary school tours. The tours give us a great opportunity to connect with the younger students, as well as allowing us to show off the skills of Kurnai’s band. We began with Morwell Park and Morwell Central, play a variety of songs that allowed the primary school students to get active and dance. We are excited to go to Yinnar, Boolarra and Churchill Primary schools and play our music.” – Will B 

Action Squad

Over the last 8 weeks, we have had 20 students working hard in our local primary schools. In one of our year 9 electives, students have been attending Hazelwood Primary, Churchill North, Churchill Primary, Lumen Christi and Yinnar Primary. The students have been helping teachers by supporting younger students in our primary schools and are preparing themselves to support year 6’s students transitioning to Churchill Kurnai.

“This term some of us year 9’s got to go to primary schools through our elective we chose Action Squad this semester. We observed and worked with the classes. We have gone to a range of schools in our local area. It has been fun helping the students with their learning!” – Ruby G

School for Student Leadership

On the 4th/9th of this month, Mr Mayo will be visiting our Year 9 students who are currently attending the School for Student Leadership in Glenormiston South. The students will be presenting their Community Lead Project (CLP) that they will be implementing when they return home in Term 4. This project will involve working with some of the Grade 6s to visit one of our local retirement villages. We are excited to see how their project goes!

History Day

Students and Teachers are starting to get excited about History Day, which is held on the last day of school (17th/9th). Students are encouraged to dress up in medieval clothing to potentially win a best-dressed prize! Students will spend the day learning about different Medieval themes before engaging in a medieval fest!

“I am very excited for the upcoming medieval day. I’m overjoyed for this medieval day as last years was so much fun! I enjoyed Medieval day last year because everyone’s out fits were so creative and the activities were lots of fun!” – Tyleisha D-H

Parent-Teacher Conversations

Just a reminder that parent-teacher conversations are coming up on the 18/9 and 19/9. The Year 9 cohort has shown tremendous growth during 2026! It would be great to get the opportunity to share their accomplishments and challenges with you!

Expectations

As a cohort, we have been focusing on key expectations for our Year 9 students. The three main areas we are working on are: 

1. arriving to class on time, 
2. bringing all necessary equipment to class, and
3. wearing the correct uniform.

Over this term, the Year 9 students have been struggling to bring all necessary equipment to class. 

Just a reminder that students are expected to bring books, pens and a device to class.

If students are struggling to achieve this, you may receive a text message or call home to ask for support. Thank you for your continued support of our year 9 students. We are proud of everything they have achieved so far this year and look forward to more exciting opportunities ahead.

The Year 9 team.

Art News

The Year 9 students have been working on a range of art projects over the term. Some have been focussing on 3D Art whilst others have been focussing on watercolour techniques.

Contact Details

If you have any concerns regarding Year 9 students, please don’t hesitate to phone me on (03) 5165 0600 - option 3 or email at ryan.mayo@education.vic.gov.au

Ryan Mayo

Year 9 Team Leader