Junior School News 

Year 7 Welcome

250 Year 7 students have nearly completed their first term at Patterson River Secondary College. After arriving on day 1, with a backpack loaded with books and equipment, they have settled quickly and are adjusting to life in secondary schooling. Students are using their lockers, occasionally battling against their locks, remembering their PE uniform and completing homework. They have got to know their way around the school, the classmates that they are learning with and remembering the names of their teachers with ease. 

Earlier this term, the Year 7 cohort made their way down to Phillip Island for their annual Year 7 Camp. Students stayed at the lovely CYC in Cowes for 3 days/2 nights. Whilst away, students were able to expand their social circle, participate in some challenging activities and enjoy all that camp entails. Students participated on the giant swing, flying fox, trampolines and rock climbing, amongst other activities. The students spent an afternoon on the beach, where 7H and 7D were our tug of war champions.  

The students are becoming more and more comfortable with each day they attend and should be pleased with how they are settling into life as secondary school students. 

Year 9 

The school year has begun with great energy and productivity for our Year 9 students. Year 9 teachers have worked hard to ensure a smooth and positive start to the school year, helping students establish routines, set high expectations and build strong relationships within the classroom.  

As part of their Learning for Life studies, students began the year exploring Indigenous Australian history. Year 9 students took part in their first ‘Year 9 Experience’ excursion and had a wonderful time visiting the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, home of the local Aboriginal community on the Mornington Peninsula. As part of their Learning for Life work on ‘Our Choices’, this visit provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen their cultural awareness and understanding of colonisation’s impacts, the Stolen Generation, First Nations’ cultural diversity and the importance of reconciliation. 

Students actively engaged in a variety of experiences, including a welcoming ceremony and yarning discussions in the Ngargee area, as well as storytelling and traditional dance. They also learned about the cultural significance of Indigenous plants and enjoyed tasting Koorie Bush tucker, such as Bullagai (Seaberry Saltbush), while exploring the Koorie Bush Tucker Trail. 

Throughout the excursion, students demonstrated our College values of Respect and Community, fully immersing themselves in Indigenous culture by participating in activities, listening attentively to presenters and asking thoughtful questions. Year 9 Mentor teachers look forward to providing many more enriching Year 9 Experience opportunities throughout the year. 

Here’s what some of our Year 9 students had to say about their trip to Willum Warrain: 

• “3 words to describe my experience - interesting, informative and interactive” - Holly  
• “The British took away their possum cloaks which caused many indigenous people to die due to the cold or from the diseases on the blankets that were given to them as a replacement” - Alice  
• “I would describe this experience as inspiring, emotional and impactful” - Ni  
• “Aunty Ange only received her birth certificate in 1967 when she was 1 year old due to Government policy. She was considered part of the flora and fauna act for the first year of her life”- Taejus  
• “I would describe the Willum Warrain experience as interesting, eye-opening and emotional”- Keanan  
• “We were involved in a smoking ceremony and learnt indigenous dances as part of this experience. This made us more aware of the rich indigenous culture and the importance of continuing the conversation”- Louella