Senior School 

 Senior school update

Working as a school leader can often mean that no two days are the same. The challenges you face in this role can often be complex and not so easy to fix, and when those challenges come at you on consecutive days, like many jobs, you can often forget to spend some conscious time reminding yourself of the positive aspects of your job. The last couple of weeks have been filled with reminders about why being the Director of Senior School at Koonung is such a great job to have!

The College production is always a highlight for me. As someone who was involved in school musicals during high school, I love all aspects, both onstage and backstage, and revel in what both parts do for our students and staff. The production process is a long one, and it has been enjoyable to see how it has progressed at rehearsals throughout the terms. The last couple of years has made us better appreciate these experiences, and the learning and life experiences which come with extra curricula activities like this. 

Congratulations to everyone involved in “The Sound of Music” It was a great show that was a lot of fun! I want to pay tribute to both the cast, crew and staff that have worked so hard to make this happen. We have such talent here at Koonung!

Last week we conducted our 1:1 subject selection interviews. It was a great opportunity for us to connect with students and families. Hearing about students’ future goals is so interesting and its wonderful to be part of their journey. 

Coaching Interschool sport is always a feature! I love getting to know the students on a different level. Congratulations to the Intermediate Girls Netball team who participated in the regional competition. They were a pleasure to coach and did so well in all their games in a very tight close competition.

Miss Grant is running a Battle of the Gladiators, Year 12 lunchtime competition weekly to reduce stress and build positive relationships. 

The Senior team along with the Careers team have been busy working with families and staff on the new VCE Vocational Major. 

I also wanted to highlight what a wonderful time was had by all at the recent VCE formal. The students looked gorgeous and were so well behaved, it was wonderful to see everyone so happy. A night they won’t forget! 

It has been a busy term indeed.  

General Achievement Test (GAT)

Units 3 and 4 VCE students have traditionally, and will continue to, sit the GAT each year. Starting in 2022, Year 12 Senior VCAL students will also be expected to sit Section A of the GAT as part of ongoing education reforms in Victoria. 

This year, Victorian senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed GAT. The 2022 GAT will be held on Wed 7 September. 

Students will receive a statement indicating whether they have met the literacy and numeracy standards. It will provide an additional opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and level of achievement. 

The new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment.

Students will receive further information and guidance about the GAT later this term during assembly.

Allira Howe

Director of Learning: Senior School 

Year 12 Formal 

After two years without a formal, Senior School was so excited to finally have some fun! The 2022 Koonung Formal proved to be an amazing night and we made up for lost time and made the most of coming together and celebrating. Held at the glamourous Vogue Ballroom, the VCE students dressed to impress and they really looked stunning, filling the venue with colour and sparkle. We particularly liked seeing their personalities shine through in their outfits and it was very hard to pick who was best dressed!

It was wonderful to see so many students embracing the event and everything it entails. The dining room had been beautifully decorated, the food was delicious and the dance floor was packed all night. The venue staff commented on how impressive the students were and that this cohort was the most respectful and fun group that they have ever had. This is something in which Senior School takes great pride. As Year 12 coordinator, I was certainly full of emotion and awe at how grown up and gorgeous the Year 12s were throughout the evening. 

It really was a wonderful event that was enjoyed by all and we hope it will be lasting memory for the students. A huge thanks to Zaiga Bendrups, Amber Stewart and the Formal Committee for the time and efforts they put into making this night extra special.

Stephanie Grant 

Year 12 Coordinator