Year 9 & 10 Sub-School News
Assistant Principal's Report
We are now over halfway through the term, and it has been packed full of all kinds of events and activities. I again had the privilege of attending the Community Tree Planting Day on Sunday 27 July. A large group of volunteers turned out on a beautiful, but cold, morning to plant native vegetation and weed the riverbank along the MGC boundary. We were welcomed to country by Wurrundjeri elder, Pallyan, with a smoking ceremony which is always a moving and powerful experience, especially as the traditional song we sang in unison echoed across the banks of the Birrarung.
Students in Years 7 to 11 have completed their course selections for 2026 and Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to attend a counselling session with their parents and a member of staff to discuss their options for next year. This is a time of excitement and anticipation as the students now have complete choice over the subjects they wish to study in Year 10 and through the VCE.
The college has celebrated Science Week and Book Week with a huge variety of events and a whole school assembly where we were able to see the amazing costumes students put together. Some Year 10 students participated in the PISA assessment which is an international assessment of the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds from around the world in the areas of maths, science and reading.
Preparations are underway for Year 9 City Experience which will take place in the second last week of this term and staff are busy preparing progress reports ahead of the Term 3 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences to be held on the last Tuesday of term.
Katherine Warriner
Assistant Principal
Year 9
Year 9 attended the Reach Program Workshops in Week 3. The Reach Program was an interactive program about reaching out to friends and becoming comfortable with yourself around peers. Our year level participated in a few challenges to become more comfortable and confident around our peers. We realised how much we can relate to our peers, and how much we have in common. One activity involved doing shout-outs to our peers that we wanted to express gratitude for or apologies to. It was nice to open up to our peers about stuff we usually don’t talk about or we may think that we would get judged for.
We would recommend future Year 9 students go to the Reach program with an open mind because you never know how much you could take out of it. At the end, they told us that there was a free camp happening in September, which is an extension of the program, for teenagers who want to become more confident. If you would like to find out more, go to the Reach website (https://www.reach.org.au/).
Laura C and Amelia TP - Year 9
On Tuesday, 5th August, the Year 9s participated in course counselling. We had to fill out a form to choose which subjects we wanted to select and then attend an interview with a course counsellor and a parent/guardian to discuss our subject choices and career pathways. At the end of my session, I felt happy and confident that I made the right choices for my subjects next year, as I’m sure many other Year 9 students did as well. I would recommend that next year's Year 9 students start discussing their choices with their teachers earlier to help make the process easier.
Mia Z - Year 9
Jack Hollywood
Year 8 Level Leader
Year 10
It has been a dynamic and purposeful term for our Year 10 students, who have shown great maturity and engagement as they continue their journey through secondary school. A major focus this term has been the course counselling process, supporting students in making informed decisions about their future pathways in Year 11 and beyond.
The process began with a series of student assemblies, where Year 10s were introduced to the variety of subject choices and pathways available in Years 11 and 12. These sessions provided valuable insight into the structure of the VCE, VCE Vocational Major, and other post-school opportunities. Students heard from the careers team, current senior students and subject teachers, helping to clarify options and open up conversations about future aspirations.
An Information Evening was held early in Term 3, welcoming both students and their families. This session provided an in-depth overview of subject offerings, VCE & VCE VM requirements, VET, and alternative pathways, as well as key dates and processes. Parents and carers appreciated the chance to engage directly with teachers and careers staff, asking questions and receiving guidance tailored to their child's interests.
The highlight of the process was the Course Counselling Day. On this day, students attended individual or family appointments with course counsellors to finalise their subject selections for 2026. These personalised meetings helped students consider not just what they enjoy, but where their strengths lie and how different subjects align with their career goals or tertiary study plans. Whether they’re aiming for university, a trade, or heading straight into the workforce, each student left with a clearer understanding of their path forward.
Amidst the seriousness of planning for the future, the Year 10 Dodgeball Competition injected fun and energy into the term. A much-anticipated event, the competition brought out the best in team spirit, friendly rivalry, and school pride. From diving saves to unexpected upsets, the tournament was a definite highlight, providing a well-earned break from study and a great opportunity for connection across the cohort.
As Term 3 draws to a close, our Year 10s have demonstrated focus, curiosity, and a willingness to step into new responsibilities. We look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and thrive as they head towards their end of Year exams next term.
Kyle Monaghan
Year 9 & 10 Student Engagement & Wellbeing Leader