Message from the College Principal

G’day everyone,

Kurnai College has had a fantastic and energetic start to the year as we wrap up Term 1. With a significant number of new enrolments, our college community continues to grow, making Kurnai bigger and more vibrant than ever. It’s been wonderful to see so many new faces settling in and becoming part of our school.

Our Year 8 Camps were a highlight this term, providing students with opportunities to build friendships, develop resilience, and enjoy memorable outdoor experiences. The positive feedback from both students and staff reflects just how successful these camps were.

We also saw great participation in our college swim trials and athletics day. Both events were well attended, filled with enthusiasm, showcasing not only student talent but also strong house spirit and teamwork. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved and supporting one another.

Our Air Force cadets 424 squadron is also expanding, providing our students with excellent learning, growth and pathways opportunities.

Across the college, student learning has been a clear focus, with classrooms demonstrating strong engagement and commitment. Just as importantly, our positive school climate continues to shine, with respectful relationships and a supportive environment evident throughout the term.

We look forward to building on this momentum in Term 2 and continuing to support all students in their learning and wellbeing.

Anthony Rodaughan

College Principal

College Captains

University Campus

Kurnai College University Campus College Captains Arabella Altavas and George Stevens were inducted into their roles during Kurnai College’s Awards Ceremony held in December 2025. Earlier this term Pearl Doherty and Jack Thomas were inducted as the College Vice Captains.

Their leadership and dedication are sure to inspire their peers throughout the year.

Churchill Campus

Sage Jobling and Rahzel Morley have been inducted at the Churchill Campus as School Captains alongside Vice Captains Leah Tassell & Dani James.

Morwell Campus

At the Morwell Campus, School Captains Rahni Mzrygloski and Emily Matthews were inducted as School Captains alongside Vice Captains Karalyn Phillips and Harmony Dobson

To see the School Captains' introductions: https://kurnai.co/captains

Athletics Day

On Tuesday 3rd March, a mild autumn day provided the perfect conditions for Kurnai College’s Inter House Athletics Carnival at Joe Carmody Reserve in Newborough.

Students from across the College came together to compete in a variety of track and field events, take part in novelty activities such as limbo, longest footy kick and the balloon toss, or simply enjoy the day catching up with friends.

Freeman House prevailed to claim the Kurnai College House Athletics Championship Cup, finishing an incredible 285 points ahead of runners-up Siddle.

It was fantastic to see students competing enthusiastically, striving to do their best for their house and embracing the spirit of the day by getting involved and proudly dressing in their house colours.

Congratulations to all competitors, and we wish our top performers all the very best as they prepare to represent the College at the Wellington Athletics Carnival next term.

A huge thank you to all staff and students who contributed to the success of the day, and especially to the Health and Physical Education team for their professional organisation and coordination of the carnival.

Results

Term 1
Thu 2 Apr	Term 1 Ends

Age Group Champions

Year 7	Mikinlee Russell	Tayt Talerico
Year 8	Vienna Moss	Sudaus Abdu
Year 9	Amira Moss	Tyson McInnes
Year 10	Skylah Russell	Clay McCann-Diston
Year 11	Alex Forbes	Jett Dwyer-Grey
Year 12	Arabella Altavas	Harry Forbes

Records Broken

Year 7	High Jump	Sophia Paulston	THO	1.42m	def	C. Martin (2009) 1.35m
Year 8	1500m	Vienna Moss	SID	5:36.57	def	C. King (2010) 6:11.43
Year 8	800m	Vienna Moss	SID	3:48.06	def	N. Jiath (2010) 2:48.06
Year 8	400m	Vienna Moss	SID	1:12.00	def	N. Jiath (2010) 1:12.34
Year 10	Triple Jump	Lavinia Benson	SID	8.9m	def	M. Smith (2004) 8.77m
Year 11	Long Jump	Yen Nguyen	SID	3.96m	def	C. Mohammud (2022) 3.96m
Year 11	High Jump	Zack Abo-Shaban	FOR	1.65m	def	H.Weir (FRE 2019) 1.64m

Koorie News

Koorie Information Event

On Monday, the 16th of March, the Koorie students were invited to the Koorie Information Event for your people aged 15 - 15 at the TAFE Gippsland Yallourn TAFE.

This event explored what TAFE can offer and to provide a welcoming introduction to studying in a supportive and culturally inclusive environment.

On the day the presenters informed students about:

Pathways programs and course options
What to expect when studying at TAFE
Supports available to you throughout your learning journey
Expectations of students

Students then had the opportunity to meet staff, tour the different faculties and ask questions.

Apology Day

On Friday 13th February an Apology Day event was held at Lake Hyland in Churchill. This event was beautifully put together by Aunty Christine Johnson and The Smith Family.

We were honoured to have guest speakers Aunty Ivy Solomon, Aunty Doris Paton, and Uncle Laurie Marks share their wisdom and stories. Students had the opportunity to get involved in meaningful activities, including putting their handprints on calico, basket weaving, and colouring as a mindfulness activity.

The event was attended by Kurnai College's Koorie students, families, KESOS, other community organisations, and local primary schools. It was a wonderful day of learning, connection, and reflection as we continue to strengthen our commitment to respect, recognition, and reconciliation. ❤️💛🖤

Sports News

Senior Cricket

Gippsland Championships

After taking out the Wellington Championship earlier this term, the senior boys team travelled to Boolarra Cricket Club to compete in the Gippsland Championships. The team faced the winners of the South Gippsland Championship, a strong and prospect-heavy Bass Coast Secondary College side, in a 15-over match.

Winning the toss, captain Ceeney elected to bowl. Bass Coast posted a challenging total of 136 runs. Despite being a player short in the field, the Kurnai boys showed great determination, with some excellent bowling performances from Urand and Hart. Liam kept the runs tight across his three overs, while Hart finished with tidy figures of 1/19. Duncan was reliable behind the stumps for the full 15 overs, and strong fielding efforts saw catches taken by Ceeney, Urand and Duncan. Chapman also delivered a clean and effective bowling spell.

Urand and Forbes opened the batting, putting on a steady partnership of 17 before Forbes was dismissed. Chapman then joined Urand, taking the score to 35 before Chapman was bowled. Ceeney (43) and Urand (42) then produced an impressive 71-run partnership that kept the chase alive and showcased the team’s batting depth.

Unfortunately, the boys fell just 30 runs short of the target and narrowly missed progressing to the State Championships. Despite the result, the team demonstrated that Kurnai College has some serious cricketing talent and represented the school with pride.

Urand was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.

Music News

Learn an Instrument

Kurnai College offers students across its three campuses the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and engaging music program.

The program caters for students with mixed abilities and interests, whilst providing numerous learning and performance opportunities.

Specialist instrumental tuition is available for a variety of instruments including woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed.

Learning a musical instrument can help develop a variety of skills, from improving concentration and memory to boosting creativity and self-discipline. Plus, it's a great way to make new friends and express yourself in ways words cannot.

If you’re interested in starting your musical journey or advancing your skills, please see your music teacher or contact your Campus office

Chris Gretton

College Music Coordinator

Term 2
Mon 20 Apr	Staff Professional Learning Day - Student Free Day
Tue 21 Apr	Term 2 Commences
Sat 25 Apr	ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Thu 14 May	School Photos
Mon 8 Jun	King'sKings Birthday Public Holiday - College Closed
Fri 26 Jun	Term 2 Ends

Calendar of Events

Key Dates

College Key Contacts