College News, Sports & Events

AMBULANCE COVER

If your child requires urgent medical treatment while at school, the school will call 000. The student’s health is our primary concern. Should an ambulance be required to attend and transport your child, any costs associated with this will be incurred by the parent. 

In Victoria, ambulance services are not free or covered by Medicare. An Ambulance Victoria membership protects you against costs for ambulance transport and paramedic care. 

Membership costs

For more information visit https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership

EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM

The emerging leaders program targets potential young leaders, assisting them in viewing themselves as capable leaders in their own lives and to support them to step into future leadership positions. Professional mentors sharing their leadership skills can be beneficial in helping students see themselves as potential role models. With their designated mentors, students are given the opportunity to explore how to make positive choices, engaging in meaningful relationships, and being inventive can help them make a positive impact to the society.

The selected year 8 students across both campuses were invited to Hall and Wilcox, which was an emerging leader program. When we arrived, they were split into different groups with professional mentors guiding us through the program. The session ran for 3 hours, with engaging activities, teaching us the 3 pillars ofleadership. To start off with, we started by knowing each other more by playing a name game. Followed with activities, including a decision making one provided with multiple scenarios. The program allowed students to discuss within our groups, sharing our ideas and opinions, with advices given out.

From this experience, our mentors have taught us how we could make a positive contribution to our peers, community, and society. We also learned from our mentors having the ability to make good decisions can make a positive impact to your life. As one of our mentors said, it’s okay to ask questions, as nobody knows everything.

Rachana Lim and Mehtab Kaur of Year 8 Banksia 

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY WITH VIC SES

On the 13th of October the Year 8 KEEP Math class at Banksia were able to have a hands on experience on ‘Earthquake safety’ by the VICSES. This experience was joined by the Geoscience Australia’s CEO Melissa Harris. We were taught to Drop, Cover, Hold On if we experience an earthquake.  Our Year 8 KEEP Class was taught that only 3.1% of people knew what to do in the state of an earthquake and 48.7% took no action. That was very concerning. The term ‘Drop’ means to go on the ground with your hands and knees, ‘Cover’ means to cover your head with your hand and take cover under a desk or table and ‘Hold On’ means keep doing the actions until the earthquake has stopped. 

Did you know that if you experienced an earthquake, you can submit a felt report (which is a report that can tell what you felt and experienced during the earthquake). Doing so can help Geoscience Australia improve their understanding of the impacts and risk of an earthquake. Alongside this, did you know that Keysborough College’s Banksia campus is home to one of Victoria’s only seismographs? As part of this session, the VICSES presented us one of their Greater Dandenong rescue trucks. We learnt about the gear needed for other disasters including floods, windstorms, tsunamis and earthquakes. We even got to go inside the truck and look at the communication gear.

Phuc Le, William Nichols on behalf of Banksia Year 8 KEEP class

VCE MARKET DAY 2025

The VCE Market Day was a huge success!

Our Year 10 and 11 Business Management students put their marketing skills to the test, running creative stalls across both campuses. There was food and drinks from different cultures, a chess game, and even a car wash!

Together, students raised over $3,000, which will be donated to South East Community Links to support local families improve their social and economic outcomes.

A big thank you to the Keysborough College community for supporting this fun and meaningful event!

Keysborough College was buzzing on October 13, as Unit 1&2 Business Managements students took part in our annual Market Day, transforming the school courtyard into a vibrant marketplace filled with creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial flair.

During lunchtime, students showcased their business skills by running their very own small enterprises. From Bubble Tea and mocktails to cookies, dumplings, tiramisu, and noodles, there was something delicious for everyone to enjoy. The aromas and colours of the stalls created a vibrant atmosphere that drew large crowds of students and staff eager to sample the treats on offer.

Across both campuses, students’ hard work and community spirit paid off, raising over $2,200 for South East Community Links, supporting local families and young people in need.

Market Day not only highlighted our students’ creativity and business sense, but also their generosity and commitment to making a positive difference in the community. A huge congratulations to everyone involved for making this year’s event such a success!

YEAR 9 TOURISM EXCURSION - ST KILDA FIELDWORK

Our Year 9 Tourism students ventured to St Kilda to conduct fieldwork for their study of Geographies of Interconnection and Wellbeing.

Despite a rainy start, students showed great resilience and pushed on with enthusiasm! They surveyed visitors, made field sketches, and recorded observations at key sites including Acland Street, the Uniting Op Shop, and the St Kilda Pier.

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge through hands-on learning, and ended with a beautiful sunny day! Well done to all involved!

LIBRARY NEWS

In the last newsletter we mentioned Book Week- which is obviously the greatest of all the weeks! In the library during Book Week students completed literary-themed quizzes and activities, and were entered into the lucky random prize draw to win a book of their choosing! This year a mega prize was added, sponsored by the Literacy Department- a box set of the student’s own choosing. In the Banksia Junior library, this prize was won by You E Lao, of Year 7.  You E choose the wonderful Percy Jackson Ultimate Collection. Congratulations You E!

Please enjoy these photos of the lucky prize winners in Banksia Junior library! 

The Keysborough Library Reading Challenge is now complete. Well done to all those students who successfully completed the Challenge by reading and rating 15 books throughout the year. Also- well done to those students who were nominated by their teachers as Reading Legends!  You will be notified about when and where to receive your amazing lunch prize, and certificate, soon! 

Halloween is here! Please enjoy these photos of the terrifying-at-Halloween Acacia Junior Library! (Don’t get too scared- the library is a warm and welcoming place really).

As the year winds down, please return your overdue books to the library so that other people may enjoy them, and, be sure to borrow some books to read over the holidays!  Do check out your local community library also- they often have gaming consoles, and who knows what else they might have? Some amazing books, even!

Keep reading, everyone.

FINAL MESSAGE FOR OUR 2025 ACACIA CAMPUS CAPTAINS

As the 2025 school year comes to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on everything our college community has achieved this year. It’s been a year filled with energy, new experiences, and plenty of moments that reminded us what makes this community so special.

To our fellow Year 12s – congratulations. We made it. Whether it was long study sessions, early mornings, or the nerves of exams, every bit of effort brought us here. We wish everyone the very best for their results and for whatever comes next. You should all be proud of what you’ve accomplished, not just in the classroom, but as people ready to take on new opportunities.

To the Year 11s – your turn is coming fast. Enjoy your last year, get involved in everything you can, and make the most of every moment. It goes by quicker than you think.

And finally, a huge thank you to the teachers, staff, and students who’ve made this year so special. We’re grateful for the support, laughs, and memories that made 2025 one to remember.

We can’t wait to see how the College continues to grow in 2026 and beyond.

Campus Captains

Christina Wright & Harrison Brice

To all International students graduating this year, 

I would like to say how proud and amazed I am of each and every one of you for being able to succeed, even when the deck is stacked against you. It has been an honour to watch your resilience firsthand! From our first tentative International student outing to Graduation day, and everything in between, I have seen each one of you navigate the challenges of living in a foreign land, carrying your culture and your families’ hopes with incredible grace. As you step into the world, know that you take with you a unique strength and perspective, and a community that is endlessly proud of you. 

Congratulations, Class of 2025! May all your future endeavours be as incredible as the journey that has brought you here.

Sika Samreth

International Student Captain

Final farewell message from Acacia’s 2025 Performing & Visual Arts Captain 

This year was really, really really, really busy. I remember being involved in the ‘Addams Family’ production, both of the symphonic band and stage band VSMF performances and helping out with various SRC events. It sounds absolutely overwhelming, and I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed every second of it, especially with balancing schoolwork. But life is all about doing fun things, so I have some advice for you to do fun things in a way that doesn't make you burn out.

My parting advice is firstly, balance yourself out. Take care of yourself just as much as you throw yourself into these activities. It may not seem like a problem for younger year levels, but it’s very easy to be overwhelmed in year 12.

Secondly, throw yourself into new school activities, the Production, sports, Food Tech, karaoke, etc. Even if you are 86% sure you'll hate it, what about the 24% chance that you enjoy it. Even if it sucks, you don't lose much other than a bit of time. Think of the 24% chance...

Fare thee well!

Andy Truong

Performing and Visual Arts Captain

CONGRATULATIONS & FAREWELL FROM ACACIA'S 2025 HOUSE CAPTAINS

Artemis

Hello Everyone! 

It has been a pleasure to be the Senior Artemis house captains and lead us all to VICTORY! (Congrats to the other house colours too!). It is a bittersweet time for us captains to look back on all the fun house activities we hosted for all of you to participate in and express house spirit. We thank everyone who has been involved in house activities! We hope that next year is just as fun for you guys, wishing all the best and excitement to your new house captains! THANK YOU ARTEMIS!! 

House - Artemis

Ryanna-Jean Barachina & Lily Mackenzie

Apollo

What a year it’s been for the house team and for Keysborough College as a whole! It’s crazy to think how quickly this year has flown by, from the annual athletics day to all the little moments in between like Valentine's day, PI day and pyjama day, throughout all this the college house spirit has been shown across the whole college. 

For the Year 12s, it’s a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye. We’ve spent so many years growing, learning, and making memories together, and now it’s time to take the next step..

To everyone staying on in 2026 keep that energy alive! Get involved, show your house pride, and make the most of every opportunity. You’re the ones who will keep our house spirit going strong.

House - Apollo

Adna Hamzic & Jimmy Eng

Poseidon 

Hello fellow students, 

We would like to say that we are grateful for being your 2025 Poseidon House captains, it has been a pleasure being seen as your role models and hope that you guys are motivated by our encouragement to take on a leadership role as well in the upcoming future!! There are so many fun activities that we arranged that ended up being better than we expected as the energy from you guys are always SO GOOD. Although school has been tough and you may be burnt out, it’s a final marathon to run, let’s not give up towards the end of the school year and keep persisting together!!

House - Poseidon

Rayshia Vong & Julia Ky

Athena 

As we wrap up 2025, we wanted to say thank you to the Athena house for making this year an unforgettable one. The energy, support and enthusiasm shown throughout the year, especially during Keysie week, Athletics, Keysie’s Got Talent, and the weekly tournaments. It’s been amazing seeing our house come together and represent the house pride through each event this year.

This year isn't just about results or winning, it’s about the positive energy that you’ve all brought and the sense of community. Whether you were participating, cheering from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, you’ve all made this year a memorable one to be cherished. 

It’s been an honour to lead and be a part of such an amazing house. Thank you for an incredible 2025. 

Keep up the house spirit!

House - Athena

Mouy Soung Ly & Somalis Sam

FINAL FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM ACACIA'S 2025 YEAR 11 CAPTAINS

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate all the incredible achievements of our Year 11 cohort this year. From academic milestones to sporting accomplishments and community involvement, it’s been inspiring to see everyone embrace challenges with resilience.

We especially want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work shown by all students in preparation for exams and assessments. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we encourage everyone to get involved in the many opportunities the College offers, whether it’s clubs, events, leadership roles, or new initiatives. Your participation not only enriches your own experience but also strengthens our whole school community.

Finally, to our fellow students: congratulations on a memorable 2025! Enjoy your well-earned break, celebrate your successes, and return ready for another year of growth. 

Acacia Year 11 Captains

Mahira Nazari & Royce Hina

DISTRICT, REGIONAL AND STATE TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

At the end of Term 3, Keysborough College Banksia sent just on 100 students, our largest team ever, to the Dandenong and District Track and Field Championships. For the fourth year running, we won the competition against other local schools. Tommy Vo and Sela Kea won the gold medal as their individual age group champion and Banksia won the Boys and Girls competitions, coming first or second in all the designated team competitions - Junior, Intermediate and Senior Girls and Boys.

From there, 38 students went onwards to the Southern Regional Track and Field Championships at the start of this term. They competed in 37 individual events and 4 relays across the day.

Notable achievements were:

Gold Medal       Savannah Misa – U15G Shot Put

Silver Medal      Eh Sue Kyaw – U17B Javelin

                              Ryan Kan – U17B Discus

Bronze Medal   Aaron Tran – U14B Triple Jump

                              Eh Sue Kyaw – U17B Shot Put 

                             Loto Iosefo – U18G Discus

                             William Tran – U14B Long Jump

All of our athletes did our school proud. Competing at regional finals can be a daunting prospect for some. Other schools such as Frankston invest great amounts of time and money developing and training their Athletics squads. For some of those students, this is their sport, the one activity that they spend their time on outside of school. None of our Keysborough students are involved in Athletics outside of school so it is often a ‘David versus Goliath’ scenario. This year, we finished 19th as a school overall out of 62 competing schools, which is the great result considering our lack of experience.

As a gold medallist from the Regional finals, Savannah Misa from Year 9 qualified for the State Track and Field Championships on October 20th. This was the first time Savannah has qualified for the State finals. At 2.30pm at the State Athletics Centre in Albert Park, Savannah competed in the U15 Girls Shot Put, with her second throw of 10.59m being far enough to grab the Bronze medal. This was a fantastic result considering the only time Savannah throws a Shot Put is when we do our Track and Field Championships. We are really proud of Savannah’s effort and can only imagine how far she can go with some more training.

BANKSIA WELLBEING

Tuesday 21st Oct, Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS) met with students at Banksia as a met and greet and to share about the service they provide. Did you know that Keysborough Secondary College is one of only 100 schools in Victoria chosen to have the DiSS program? Pretty awesome, right?

DiSS is all about giving students free, confidential, and youth-friendly healthcare — right here at school. Whether you want to talk about your physical health, mental health, or just check something out, you can see a GP just like you would at any clinic — but without the hassle of leaving school or making your parents take time off work.

Our DiSS team includes Dr Nive and Nurse Sue, who visit Banksia Campus every second Tuesday on Blue week at the Banksia Health Care Centre. They’re super friendly and trained to support students with whatever health stuff you need to chat about. The next clinic date is 18th of November.

You can book an appointment by speaking to:

• Your Campus Nurse (Emily Kate)
• Someone from the Wellbeing Team
• Your Year Level Coordinator, or

• Book directly through the intranet

   

Everything you talk about is confidential unless there is a safety concern, and with the right consent, the DiSS doctors can also make referrals or set up telehealth appointments if needed.

So, if you’ve got a health question, concern, or just want to check in — don’t wait. The DiSS team is here to help you stay healthy, happy, and ready to tackle school life! 

RITEMAN EXCURSION - GO KARTING FUN

For our recent Banksia Riteman Excursion, we went Go Karting — an exciting highlight of the program! This activity not only helps strengthen the bonds between our students and mentors, but also plays an important role in promoting positive risk-taking in a safe and supportive environment. 

Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, embraced a little friendly competition, and had an amazing time. It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, encouragement, and great.

SPOOKTACULAR VISIT

On 23rd October, The City Of Great Dandenong visited Banksia campus to promote their upcoming Spooktacular Halloween event. Students enjoyed hearing about the event and winning prizes for their best zombie walk, scariest horror voice and best vampire impression, among other things.

BREAKFAST CLUB

It’s official we are now doing Breakfast Club out of the new space at Banksia. Come down Thursdays for a lovely cooked breakfast.

THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL CUP

On December 7th- 13th, 525 schools from all over Australia and overseas will come together on the Gold Coast to battle it out for the ultimate Volleyball Schools Cup title. 

Keysborough SC has not sent teams Interstate to this event since the 1990’s so it is very exciting for the students. It is also a testament to the hard work and commitment both Mr Hon Van and Mr Iain Campbell have put into the Volleyball program over the years.

In fact they both have coached some of the Parents of our players or their older siblings who have since left school!

In the preparation for and participation in these games, the students at both Acacia and Banksia campus went through a rigorous process of training and finally team selection.

A total of 10 Senior Boys and 10 Senior Girls (with one from Year 9!) were selected and are competing in the Division level. 

The preparation for and participation in this tournament enhances relationships between teachers and students. It also develops a sense of community for the school through the involvement of parents and past students.

For some students the Schools Cup is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, an event that will create lifelong memories of individual and team experience and achievement. 

The students have been fundraising for this event which included washing 38 staff cars and a fire engine, BBQ’s and a sports code free dress day (November 7th).

The student selected to represent Keysborough College are:

Jimmy Eng - Acacia - Yr 12

Tyson Phu  -Banksia - Yr 12

Jayden Tran - Acacia - Yr 12

Reach Hean - Acacia - Yr 12

Sovann Thea - Banksia - Yr 12

Joseph Janzerli - Banksia - Yr 12

Brendan Ronnholm - Acacia - Yr 12

Ali Ibrahemi - Acacia - Yr 11

Ben Nguyen - Banksia - Yr 11

Kevin Huynh Nguyen - Acacia - Yr 12

Chhaily Tong - Acacia -Yr 11

Aziah Moloney - Acacia - Yr 11

Erica Sor - Banksia - Yr 11

Aaliyah Heng - Acacia - Yr 11

Bella To - Acacia - Yr 12

Angelika Soeun - Banksia - Yr 11

Rosy Luong - Banksia - Yr 12

Izabella Cheng - Acacia - Yr 9

Melody Sok - Acacia - Yr 11

Melanie Ung - Acacia - Yr 11

We wish the teams all the best representing the College at the competition which is the biggest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere for schools.

Ms Riley & Mr Van

MUSIC TEAM UPDATES

Term 4 has been an exciting time in the music department as we approach the end of the year. 

During week 2, the Acacia Symphonic Band and the Banksia Concert Band gathered in the Theatre at Banksia for a combined college band rehearsal ahead of the Year 12 graduation ceremony held in Week 3 at Robert Blackwood Hall. It was a bittersweet moment as we were able to collectively celebrate the contributions of our year 12 musicians, who have been a musical force to be reckoned with over their 6 years at the college. 

Graduating Year 12s

We would like to thank each and every one of them for their efforts and immense involvement within the music department here at the college. Similarly, we would like to thank the combined members of the college band for their efforts at the rehearsal, as well as in their performance at the graduation ceremony. Their efforts this year have been exceptional and we thank them for their continued commitment to their music education. 

College Band Rehearsal

Graduation Evening

As we approach the middle of the term, we now look forward to our fast approaching final year 7 band concerts! During week 6 we will have Banksia’s year 7 cohort taking to the stage on Tuesday evening, and Acacia’s year 7s performing on Thursday evening. Both concerts will be occurring in the gym of each campus, commencing at 6pm. All family, friends and members of the Keysborough community are warmly invited to hear what our year 7s have been so diligently rehearsing. 

We know that many year 7s will be feeling nervous as the concerts approach, so we encourage them to continue with their practice routines by taking their instruments home each week so that they are feeling confident with their band parts and are able to put their best foot forward. 

We look forward to seeing our year 7s bands shine on stage once more!

Tom Kenneth & Lauren Pennefather

Acacia & Banksia Music Leaders

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY:

Annual Art Exhibition Showcases Student Talent

During the month of October, the school’s Art and Technology Departments proudly hosted our annual Art and Technology Exhibition at both Acacia and Banksia campus. Transforming our learning spaces into a vibrant gallery of colour and imagination. The exhibition featured outstanding work from students across all year levels, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, media, textiles, wood and systems technology 

The exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their artistic journeys and creativity and for the school community to appreciate the hard work that goes into developing artworks.

Special congratulations go to the students who received awards for excellence in various categories, as well as to all who contributed to this inspiring event. Thank you to families, staff, and community members who attended and supported the arts at our school.

Our annual Art and Technology Exhibition continues to remind us that creativity thrives when students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and express themselves freely,  values we are proud to celebrate every year.

Filomena Henderson

Assistant Art leader

COMMUNITY DAY CELEBRATION - 2025 

Keysborough Secondary College had a bright and happy Community Day and Diwali celebration on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at the Acacia Campus. Mrs Aruna Malhotra , Assistant Principal Matthew Sloan and student leaders organised this special event for the end of Term 3. The event was a big success, and many people came—students, families, teachers, and lots of community members. We also had some special visitors from the Department of Education. 

When people arrived, they saw decorations everywhere that matched the festival theme. Many stalls were serving tasty food from different cultures. Market stalls sold jewellery, clothes, toys, and gifts, and guests enjoyed looking and shopping.

For younger kids, there were fun lawn games run by Kelly Sports and an animal farm with cute animals to meet. Face painting and henna stalls were busy, with many children and adults getting colourful designs.

A highlight of the day was the appearance of Esha the Elephant, a giant puppet and beloved special guest. Esha delighted and engaged the crowd, weaving through the event with flair and fun, captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike.

On stage, there were dance performances by Acacia Campus students—Prabhroop (Prab) Kaur, Aekam Ghuman, and Hulanbaddegedara (Ushmini) Veediyaarachchi. Narthanalaya Dance Academy and GS Heer Bhangra Academy also performed with traditional Indian dances, which the crowd loved.

Throughout the day, a live DJ played music and helped keep everyone dancing and having fun. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling and enjoying time together.

Everyone agreed it was a wonderful day. A huge credit goes to our student helpers and staff who made sure everything went smoothly. The celebration was not only a tribute to the cultural mosaic that is Keysborough Secondary College but a living example of how diversity brings joy, learning, and a sense of belonging to all.

Looking forward, anticipation is already building for more such inclusive and memorable events, as the school continues to honour its values of respect, excellence, and diversity through community celebrations.

 2025 YEAR 9 CITY EXPERIENCE  

After a long year of tantalising excitement and anticipation, our Acacia Year 9s finally got to enjoy their long-awaited City Experience. It was an extremely successful and enjoyable week, blessed by (mostly) great weather and, best of all, no train line disruptions. 

Our students carved up the O’Brian Icehouse with their ice-skating skills, experienced Australia’s finest digital art at ACMI, explored the deep past at Melbourne Museum, tasted fine cuisine at Queen Victoria Market, and braved the perilous heights of the Eureka Skydeck. I was certainly less brave and experienced a fair bit more peril than they did. There were long lunches with friends, relaxation and connection at the Royal Botanical Gardens, joy and discovery at the Aquarium, and reverence and contemplation at the Shrine of Remembrance. 

It was a privilege for staff to spend the week exploring and making the most of a wonderful opportunity with the students. There were plenty of laughs, good times and new experiences. Most inspiring of all however was the respect, excellence and diversity of our students throughout the event. We had positive reports from members of the public about our students' behaviour and composure, and all week we watched our students representing the school in the best possible manner. 

We hope all of the students had a wonderful time, and we hope that all of them gained valuable real-life experience and exposure from this event. We would also like to pass on our sincerest thanks to all the staff involved in making this possible. The amazing ES and Wellbeing staff, all of our classroom teachers, and all of the school administrative staff who helped this event happen in the first place. Ms Boonstra and I - after a great deal of rest - couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved. 

Taylah Boonstra and Tosh Blakley

Year 9 Year Level Leaders