Principal Report

NAPLAN 2025

Every year there is a discussion in the media with differing views and perspectives regarding NAPLAN, and the reporting of NAPLAN data both at the national, state and school level. You may be aware of the reports this year of Victoria leading the country in NAPLAN achievement and growth, especially at Year 3 and Year 9. Our view here at Koonung is that NAPLAN provides a one off 'snapshot' of the students' progress in the foundational skills of Literacy and Numeracy. We use the results to plan our program and to provide supports for all students- including students below, at and above expected standards. These supports include- in class support, small group withdrawal, and program support such as Quicksmart Literacy and Numeracy, Yr 9 Advanced Mathematics and our Maths High Ability Program (MHAP).

I am immensely proud of the achievements of our students in this year's NAPLAN, especially our state leading growth in Numeracy and exceptional growth in Reading for students in Year 9. With 83% of students achieving medium or high growth in their Reading and 86% of students achieving either Strong or Exceeding in their NAPLAN numeracy, our students are setting themselves up very well for their futures- where we know that Numeracy is the language of STEM and the 21st Century. Our Reading and Writing results continue to be state leading with our students demonstrating exceptional growth and ensuring that they are ready to move from the Middle School into a wide range of pathways, subject choice and programs at the Senior School.

Our work in building the Literacy and Numeracy skills of every student is based around our use of Explicit Teaching. As part of our LET'S LEARN Instructional Model and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, Koonung staff explicitly teach using the 'I do, We do, You do' (or Gradual Release model). This model is designed to build confidence through students being modelled explicitly the key knowledge and skills, before doing it themselves through guided practice with their teachers.

Student Opinion Survey Data

In 2024, The Victorian Education Department changed the way in which schools were assessed on an annual basis. Every year, schools receive feedback on their improvement based on two categories- Learning Performance and Wellbeing Performance. Schools are assessed as either High, Medium, Improving or Developing. In 2024, Koonung was assessed as High in both Learning and Wellbeing, and overall as High. The Learning Performance indicator includes NAPLAN and VCE results, with the key indicators for Wellbeing being linked to the Student Opinion survey.

This week we have received the results of the 2025 Student Attitudes to School opinion survey. Again, we have seen continued growth and improvement in student positives experiences at school. The students are reporting through this survey increased connectedness to both the school and their peers, increased student voice and agency in their learning, improved transitions both into Koonung at Year 7 and into the Senior School in Year 10 and 11and increases in emotional awareness and regulation.

The causal factors for this improvement are many and varied but do confirm that by taking a deliberate approach through our programs such as Connect Days, Positive Classrooms and many engagement programs together with our approach to explicit teaching, students are increasingly feeling connected to the College and to their teachers and peers. It also confirms the supports and resources from our Wellbeing Team as well as our sub school teams. As always, if your child is feeling disconnected or struggling with aspects of school, please reach out to your child’s Year Level Coordinator or Sub School administrator.

Chicago

Wow! What a show!

I had the privilege to view our production three times over the past few weeks- and every time I was just so impressed with not only the talent of our students and staff, but also the hard work and perseverance demonstrated to produce a polished and professional show. Chicago the Musical had it all, amazing dancing and choreography, catchy songs and exceptional singing and acting as well as live musicians on-stage, amazing lighting and exceptional front of house. Congratulations to all of the students, staff, parents and community members who were part of this year's production.

Central Australia and Snow Tours

These past weeks have seen two tours for our students to be involved in. Firstly our annual Snow Tour to Mt Buller, and Central Australia Tour. These optional tours provide a great opportunity for students and staff to build relationships and connections while seeing some amazing parts of Australia. Check out the Travel experiences page in this newsletter for photos.

Course Counselling and Planning for 2026

Over the past few weeks our Sub School staff and Careers Teams have been meeting with students and families about Course and Subject selections. Every one of these conversations is pivotal in promoting Pathways and supporting students in picking programs and subjects that they are interested in, support their talents and passions and develop pathways to future success.

At Koonung we run a student choice curriculum at Years 10 to 12 and run electives at Year 9 that are selected by the students. Following our course counselling and students selecting subjects, we then offer subjects based on student choice. Unfortunately, we cannot offer everything, although we are committed to running a full curriculum program in all curriculum areas. This includes running smaller classes and sometimes combining classes at VCE to ensure we can maintain programs and pathways for all students. We know that combined classes aren't the best outcome from this process, however, we consult with staff, students and families and develop approaches designed to benefit all students and their outcomes in the study.

We are currently in the planning phase for our curriculum for 2026. We are creating the blocks and lines and will soon be able to come back to students and families about what our program will look like in 2026. For some students, this may include the need to be re-counselled about their options. We aim to have our program 'blocks' and 'lines' in place by the end of this term, with a timetable for 2026 prepared by November.

We thank all families for their involvement in the course counselling process over the past few weeks.

Study and Snack

A reminder that the College provides after school study support for all students in the A Block every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. Staffed by members of the College's Wellbeing team, after school snacks are provided and support with completion of homework and study. This is in addition to the Monday afternoon Mathematics Homework club held every Monday after school in the library. Both Study and Snack and Maths Homework club are on the Compass timetable for every student and are a great opportunity for students to develop routine around their study and revision program.

Building Works update

Building works have begun for the long-awaited completion of the A Block, or Middle Years building. This project was announced way back in 2023, so it is a relief that it has finally begun, and the work is visible.

Architect's impression of completed A block building

Work is expected to continue for the remainder of this year and up until July 2026. The scope of works includes adding 7 new classrooms, a staffroom and flexible learning spaces for small group work. The project also includes completing the front entrance to the College from Box Hill Crescent, with landscaping works, a new bitumen carpark and new entrance to the Auditorium.

Eastern Freeway Upgrade- impact on Koonung and the wider community

There will be significant disruptions to the Eastern Freeway in September as the Eastern Burke to Tram Alliance Construction team install new walking and cycling bridges over the freeway between Doncaster and Tram Roads. The new wider and safer bridges are being installed at Estelle Street, Bulleen and Heyington Avenue, Doncaster/Mont Albert North and will be open to the public in late 2025.

Upcoming disruptions:

10pm Friday 5 September to 5am Monday 8 September:

Weekend full freeway closure in both directions between Doncaster Road and Tram Road

Significant delays are expected, particularly during midday peaks on both Saturday and Sunday. Delays of up to 90 minutes are expected during the weekend peak. There will be several ramp closures and changes to freeway bus services with detours in place. Please see the attached flyer for a map of the detour routes.

11.30pm-5am Wednesday 10 September:

Overnight full freeway closure in both directions between Doncaster Road and Tram Road

Parent/Carer/Guardian Opinion Survey

Koonung is conducting the annual Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey and is seeking your feedback. The survey, offered by the Department of Education, is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement.

Your opinions are important to us and will contribute to identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies. The department will use the results from the survey for research purposes and to improve outcomes for students.

The survey will be conducted online and only takes 20 minutes to complete. It can be completed on any internet enabled device (desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone) and is compatible with most browsers.

The survey is available in English and 10 other languages: Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. If you require assistance in another language, resources may be available for you. Please reach out to the school if you require assistance in another language.

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 18 August to Friday 19 September 2025.

To complete the survey, simply:

Click on the link below or copy and paste the text into your browser. This link will take you directly to the survey.

https://research.orima.com/parent
Select the School and Campus name below.
School Name: Koonung Secondary College
Campus Name: Koonung Secondary College

Please check your Compass communication for the Pin number to complete the annual survey, do not share the pin number.

College social media channels

The College utilises social media to provide quick updates, interesting events, and lots of photos to our community. We have one official Facebook page and three Instagram pages for members of our community to follow.

FACEBOOK

OFFICIAL COLLEGE ACCOUNT

https://www.facebook.com/koonungsecondarycollege/

INSTAGRAM

OFFICIAL COLLEGE ACCOUNT

https://www.instagram.com/koonung.secondary.college/

LIBRARY ACCOUNT

https://www.instagram.com/ksclibrary/

STUDENT LEADERS ACCOUNT

https://www.instagram.com/koonung_secondary_college/

ALUMNI PROGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

The Koonung Secondary College alumni program utilises social media to stay connect with alumni.

FOLLOW THE ALUMNI PROGRAM ON SOCIALS.

Andrew McNeil

Principal

andrew.mcneil@education.vic.gov.au