Year 9

Athletics Day 

Article by Josette Mercieca, Head of Year 9

Year 9 students that attended this year’s Athletics Day did so with a positive mindset. It was great to see students stepping outside of their comfort zones, taking risks, and challenging themselves in events they may not normally attempt. These experiences play an important role in building resilience, confidence, and character as students prepare for the transition into Senior School. As the “big kids” of the Middle Years, the Year 9 cohort represented themselves and their Houses with pride throughout the day. 

While it was fantastic to see many students striving for personal bests and taking competition seriously, it was equally rewarding to see students simply getting involved, supporting one another, and embracing the spirit of the day. Participation and presence make all the difference when it comes to creating lifelong memories and recognising that some of the most valuable developmental opportunities occur outside the classroom. 

Athletics Days often become lasting school memories. I still remember my own high school athletics carnivals, even though they were over 40 years ago. That, in itself, speaks to their significance as part of a holistic education. I was by no means a particularly sporty student, which is probably why I gravitated more towards the novelty events! However, I still gave shot put and discus a try because they did not involve too much running! 

More importantly, those days were about participation, having fun, making connections, chatting with teachers I did not usually interact with, and feeling part of the wider school community. I still vividly remember my final Athletics Day as a Year 12 student and reflecting on all the previous carnivals that had shaped my school experience. This is precisely why I always advocate for students attending and am disappointed when parents don’t support these extra-curricular activities.  

Some standout students include: 

• Leon D

• Charlotte F

• Zane N

• Jimimah M

• Isaiah A

• Lucy S

Congratulations to Diya K and Rylan J who were our top performing Year 9 students. 

Our Year 9 students should be proud of the way they approached the day. Their willingness to participate, encourage one another, and contribute to the positive atmosphere is what makes events like Athletics Day such an important and memorable part of school life. 

2026 International Chinese Language Day 

Article by Jiaqi Li, Middle School Languages Leader 

On 27 April, 6 Year 9 students represented Overnewton at Doncaster Secondary College to celebrate International Chinese Language Day. More than 19 schools and over 190 students from across Victoria participated in this event. Students enjoyed a range of Chinese performances and took home special gifts from China. 

In recognition of International Chinese Language Day, a state-wide Chinese competition was also held on the same day. The Chinese Reading Awards is an annual competition for non-background Mandarin learners across Victoria. Students are required to read a speech aloud in Chinese in front of an audience with very little preparation time. They are assessed on character pronunciation, tonal accuracy, fluency and phrasing, and delivery. 

As each school is allowed only one representative per year level, it is particularly impressive that both of our College’s representatives (who have no Chinese background) won prizes, having begun their Mandarin learning at Overnewton in Junior School. 

Congratulations to Year 9 student Aidan L who won a Medallion.  

This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication of our students and the strength of our Mandarin and CLIL programs. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to continuing to foster a love of language learning and cultural understanding within our school community. 

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