Blackfish Bulletin

Middle School -  

Year 9 and 10

Middle School Years 9 and 10 have had a very successful term, students have developed an increased understanding of our core values of Connection, Respect, and Growth. It is nice to sit in my position to watch our students grow and mature in their academic progress and how they support one another and contribute to the school community. This growth has been supported by the dedication of our Middle School Leaders and teachers, whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in creating a positive and engaging learning environment. As we look ahead, it’s important to remember that next term presents a crucial opportunity to remain focused and fully engaged in our studies. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and focus on upcoming pathways selections and the relevance of learning to support the future pathways.

Year 9 Learning Community News

This has been a big term for the Year 9 students. The 11 week term has been full of learning and a range of experiences as we have built through to the middle of the year. The term began with our students participating in the whole school Athletics Carnival which was an absolute hit followed quickly by Year 9 City Camp in week 3. Students also participated in the Career Try a Trade exhibition in week 4, as they build towards their next pathways, and the ToonSchool incursion in week 11.

 

Camp was an incredible experience for the students in attendance as we travelled the breadth of Melbourne visiting a range of locations. Students spent time at the Melbourne Museum browsing a broad expanse of displays including Indigenous gardens and the Triceratops temporary exhibit. At the MCG, students had a full tour of all the facilities before entering the Australian Sports Museum where the Game On interactive session was an absolute hit. While visiting the Eureka Tower, students were able to view across all of Melbourne. We were incredibly lucky to get a great day and so the view was quite spectacular. Some students elected for The Edge experience (entering a transparent glass cube from the side of the building) found it quite exciting. We also spent time visiting and paying our respects at the Shrine of Remembrance where the students demonstrated great respect and interest in the history associated the Australians at war. Other highlights from camp included the visit to Queen Victoria Market and a private screening of Minecraft at Village Cinema. 

 

We have been incredibly proud of the development of our Year 9 students over the first half of the year. They have shown growth in how they take responsibility for themselves and their ability to reflect, with many students being recognised throughout the term for how they have demonstrated the school values of Respect, Growth and Connection. 

 

The Year 9 Learning Community Team is excited for what is yet to come in Semester 2 and wish everyone a safe break.

 

 

 

Ben Verbi - Year 9 Learning Community Leader

 

 

 

Alasdair Campbell - Year 9 Learning Community Coordinator

 

Year 10 Learning Community News

Term 2 has been busy, productive and rewarding for Year 10 who have shown amazing growth through their participation in learning opportunities at school and in the community.

 

The Work Experience program was a highlight for many students who were able to engage in real world experiences with employers from a huge range of industries including Health and Community Services, Building and Construction, Business, Law, Sport and Recreation, Performing Arts and many more. We hope that students found their work experience both enjoyable and valuable as inspiration for their future careers. We are indebted to the fantastic employers who are willing to take students on and provide such memorable learning experiences. If any employers in the community would like to welcome work experience students in the future, we would love to hear from you!

 

Students in Year 10 should be commended for their attendance and achievement through what was, for most students, their first formal examination period. We hope that students are able to reflect on their results for Semester 1 and take on board feedback for further improvement to achieve continued growth and success in Semester 2.

 

The Vocational Pathways Program has continued to develop employability skills for students and foster connections with the community. All students in the program were able to participate in Construction Industry Induction Training (White Card) which served many well in accessing higher level work experience opportunities. The Ready to Work classes have also been involved in an ongoing building and landscaping project at Koo Wee Rup Primary School where they can engage in hands-on practical skills as well as planning and teamwork. VPP students will have further work experience opportunities in Terms 3 & 4 also.

 

All of Year 10 are currently focused on preparing for selection of their Senior Pathways for 2026. Students and their families have been provided a wealth of information and the launch of our new VCE Subject Supermarket workshops was a great success. VET interviews have already begun with the Careers Team and VET Co-ordinator and will continue into Term 3. We look forward to seeing parents and carers for Course Counselling and Subject Selection interviews next term (Monday 28th July). Interviews will be available to book on Compass from the beginning of next term.

 

Students have made a solid start to Semester 2 with new subjects and teachers to engage with. Students should ensure that they bring all required materials to classes and communicate with their teachers so that they can achieve their learning goals across the curriculum.

 

Finally, we are happy to welcome Mikayla Sheehan as our new Year 10 Learning Community Coordinator. Ms Sheehan has a strong wellbeing focus and will be a great support for the Year 10 students. She has already started building strong connections with students and is a great addition to our Middle School Team.

 

We hope that all students and their families have a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to welcoming Year 10 back for Term 3. Please do not hesitate to contact the Year 10 Learning Community Team if you have any questions, concerns or information that you would like to share with us.

 

 

 

Joanna Anketell – Year 10 Learning Community Leader

 

 

 

 

Mikayla Sheehan – Year 10 Learning Community Coordinator

 

Katie Kis – Year 10 Learning Community Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Kristy Cusack – Year 10 Learning Community Coordinator

 

Year 10 2026 Pathways and Subject Selection Evening 

Wednesday, 23 July (Term 3 Week 1)

  • Year 10 2026 Parent Presentation
  • Location: Junior School Building
  • Time: 6pm to 7 pm 

This presentation will guide you and your child through the Year 10 subject selection process. During the session, we will cover:

  • Course options for Year 10
  • VPP and Pathways options
  • How to use Edval for subject selection
  • Important dates and deadlines
  • Accessing the Course Handbook 

Thursday, 24 July (Term 3 Week 1)

 

10 Pathways Session for students, period 1

This session will provide Year 9 students with information and revisit guidance to help them make informed decisions about their courses for Year 10. Please encourage your child to participate fully in the pathway sessions and course counselling.

 

9 Pathways Session 

In week 2, we will run a session during class time to provide Year 8 students with information on Year 8 into 9 Subject selection. Following this presentation, students and parents will receive an email to upload their choices for Year 9 2026.

Enjoy the Break

What a hugely rewarding term, and we hope you all enjoy a restful break. Thank you again for being part of our community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, and we are ready to engage in what KWRSC offers.