Year 9 News

A Strong Start to the Year

As we come to the end of Term 1, it has been wonderful to reflect on such a positive and productive start to the year. Students have settled into class routines extremely well and are becoming more confident and independent in their learning. Their effort, focus, and willingness to challenge themselves have set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Student Behaviour and Engagement

I am very pleased with the high standard of behaviour shown by the class this term. Students have demonstrated respect towards their peers and teachers, contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Their engagement in lessons, ability to work collaboratively, and overall attitude towards learning have been excellent and should be commended.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be taking place next week. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and identify areas for growth. I strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend, as these conversations play an important role in supporting each student’s learning journey. We look forward to seeing as many families as possible.

Art Update (Excursion & Term 1 Learning)

Our Year 9 Art classes recently went on an excursion to the Tech School, and it was one of the most interesting days we have had this year.

When we arrived, we were introduced to something called XR, which stands for extended reality. This includes virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. At first, it sounded complicated, but once we started using the technology, it made a lot more sense.

One of the highlights was using VR headsets. We were able to step into a fully digital world and complete tasks as if we were in a real workplace. It felt realistic and immersive. Some of us even forgot we were in a classroom. We used the simulation for safety training, which showed how VR can be used in real jobs.

We also explored augmented reality. Using iPads, we scanned codes and saw 3D animations appear on the screen. These animations showed step by step instructions, like how a technician might repair a machine. It felt like something from the future, but we learned that this is already used in many industries.

Mixed reality was another exciting part of the day. We learned how workers can use special glasses to see holograms and get help from experts in real time. The idea that someone could guide you through a complex task from another location was impressive. It showed how technology can make jobs easier and safer.

During the program, we also worked on designing our own XR ideas. We had to think about real world problems and how extended reality could help solve them. This made us think creatively and practically at the same time. It was not just about using technology, but about how to apply it in meaningful ways.

Throughout the day, everyone stayed focused and involved. It was easy to stay engaged because we were learning by doing, not just listening. The activities were hands on and interactive, which made a big difference.

Back at school, our Project Art class has also been creating some great work. The photos included show a range of student artworks, from detailed drawings to bold stencil pieces. One standout example is a stencil artwork with strong contrast and clean shapes. It shows how students are experimenting with different techniques and styles.

Overall, the excursion helped us see how art, design, and technology can connect. It gave us a better idea of future careers and how creative skills can be used in different industries. It was a fun day, and we learned a lot without it feeling like a normal school lesson. We are looking forward to using some of these ideas in our future projects.

Wishing all families a safe and enjoyable break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2!

Contact Details 

If you have any concerns regarding Year 8 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (03) 5165 0600 - option 2 or Jeff.Derkacs@education.vic.gov.au 

Jeff Derkacs

Year 9 Team Leader