Years 9&10

With Term 1 closing it's important to reflect on the amazing achievements and experiences our Middle Years students have been involved with. This term we have had so many wonderful opportunities to explore what the College has to offer, but also the wider community and in Melbourne CBD.

Firstly, the Middle School Coordinators Ms Polonidis & Ms. Fitzgerald, Middle School Leader Ms. Beardmore and Middle School Assistant Principal Ms. Annetts would like to congratulate all the students who have maintained 100% attendance across the term, and those students who were Sub School Work Habit Rating award winners recognised at the end of term assembly. These students have consistently demonstrated the College values through their endeavour, respect, responsibility and resilience each day. We look forward to seeing our Middle School students drive to achieve continued success, and celebrate and reward these achievements with our Middle School community throughout the year.

During Term 1, Middle School students have been involved in many different activities: whole school Swimming Carnival; Outdoor Education snorkelling day; Year 10 ‘Road to Zero’ Science Experience; Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp; NAPLAN; University of Melbourne ‘Mission Control Workshop’; various school sporting teams; College Production auditions and rehearsals. A small number of selected students also took part in the Flip My Ride program run by AGA Employment and Training Services. This busy term has meant that all of our students have had the opportunity to either represent their school in public on excursions, or consolidate their knowledge with practical application activities in workshops.

Given the high participation levels and involvement in such events by our students, we are extremely excited to continue this trend into Term 2 with even more opportunities and experiences. In Week 1, Year 9 students will take part in the Lake Dewar Activity day, and later in the term Year 10 students will complete their Work Experience placements. The Athletics Carnival will also be held early in Term 2 and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students in these events. Subject teachers will continue to organise and run events linked to Year 9 and 10 curriculum.

A timely reminder that Term 2 will bring a change in weather and climate. We encourage families and students to check their warm weather uniform supply and order any items needed before Term 2 starts so students are prepared for the colder months. The new soft shell jacket is a perfect addition to the winter College uniform.

It has been a pleasure working with families this term and we look forward to starting Term 2 with the dedication, endeavour and enthusiasm we have seen so far. Have a happy and safe break, see you all back on the 15th April.

-The Middle Sub School Team

Highlights from some of the middle school activities:

Year 10 Photography Excursion

On Monday the 25th of March, the Year 10 Photography class went on an excursion into Melbourne CBD to observe what makes Melbourne city iconic and take photos of the amazing landmarks and cultural parts of Melbourne that make it a unique city. We started at Flinders Street Station and Fed Square then took a self guided walking tour around the lane-ways, down Collins Street, then Swanston Street (with a side trip down Bourke to the City Purse and the Old Post Office building), then up to Melbourne Central to get the inside of the Glass Cone 'Money Shot'. The students had a great time and took loads of photos to present in their Iconic Melbourne S-Task back at school.

Brie Berzins- Photography Teacher

Year 10 Advance Maths

On March 22, students from Year 10 Advanced Maths and Science classes attended the Formula One Driving Learning Program. The program is part of the Tech Hub Precinct, built on inspiring our future leaders to learn about a STEM-focused pathway.

Year 9 Advanced Science

Year 9 advanced science class ventured to the University of Melbourne's Science Gallery Melbourne. We were able to explore the exhibit "Not Natural" itself which brought together science and art to learn about the intersection between technology and life. We then participated in "Mission Control" where we mocked up the process of the Australian Parliament in the event of deciding which 10 out of the 12 industries would be sent to Mars. Once we had settled who was going to mars we worked in pairs to build an appropriate facility relating to our assigned industry which would support life on Mars. I would like to thank Ms Cosoleto for organising the excursion and the University for having us.

From Madison Murray

The Year 9 Advanced Science class went to the Melbourne University science gallery to learn about life on Mars.

"The activity that we did was called Mission Control.We were divided into three groups. We had to decide what industries would go to Mars. The groups were the Government, Opposition party and the Minor party. Some of the industries were Agriculture, Education, and Health and Medicine. There were twelve industries and we had to decide which ones we could take because we could only take ten to Mars. The groups decided to leave behind Entertainment & Law and Policy, because they felt once they were on Mars they could rebuild those industries. A few of the industries that the groups decided to take were Agriculture, Education, Health & Medicine, Design & Building, and Energy. It was a great experience. We were glad that our class was invited to do it."

-Leah Hillinger-Bell

“Students were also allowed to use Mars rovers to help their teams!”

- Miss Nikita Cosoleto

Year 10 Advanced Maths and Science

In Term 1, Students from Year 10 Advanced Maths and Science classes visited the “Driving Learning program’ at The Australian Grand Prix. The program is a key pillar of the Tech Hub precinct, built on inspiring future leaders to take on a STEM-focused curriculum. Students engaged with a range of exciting and innovative exhibitors, interactive workshops, informative career seminars and STEM-based challenges. The program is aimed at inspiring students to pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and understand the diverse pathways and careers that STEM and the motorsport industry can offer.

Year 10 Science

Students completed their physics unit by investigating the importance of crumple zones in relation to car safety. Reconnecting their learning from the Road to Zero excursion, students worked together to create their own crumple zones and protect an egg from breaking.

This connection to real-life is intentional, as many of our year 10 students are beginning their journeys of becoming drivers on our roads. The main goal of the project is to encourage them to think safely when selecting their future vehicles.

Book Battle

Sunbury College's first 'Book Battle'