Year 9 City Cite

Year 9 students finished the term with three weeks of city exploration and big issue group work investigation. Students were challenged to bring the love to their working groups and to hopefully love Melbourne even more after the program. Eyes were opened to issues beyond themselves with many students developing empathy, practising gratitude and enjoyed many positive moments of mindfulness, aided by the beauty and splendour of our city landmarks. Public transport interruptions, COVID conditions, and changing timetables, ensured students planned with flexibility! 

I was proud of our students working together to investigate issues like homelessness, liveability, street art, addiction, multiculturalism, and their impacts on Melbourne. Special thanks to Mrs Emily Jetten, Mr Mark Goode and Ms Aijun Zhong as Home Group teachers who sacrificed a lot, spent many days in the city and journeyed with their respective Home Group students. Extra thanks to Ms Zhong for her assistance with program organisation. Middle Years Leaders lead mornings with words of encouragement, which was great food for thought, and their planning was also appreciated.

Gavin Fox

Year 9 Coordinator

Student Reflections

City Cite has been such a wonderful experience for me. Taking the train in each day, while chatting to my friends and listening to music, was so much fun. I learned so much about public transport and how to catch the right trains, trams, and buses. 

It was such a blessing to have had the opportunity to listen to multiple speakers and to go on various tours and excursions around the city. One of my favourite activities was going to help out at Fare Share. It was so eye-opening to see how much they actually do there and it was great to be helping out while knowing that what I was doing was making a difference. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have taken part in the City Cite program, and it will most definitely be a highlight of my Senior School experience.

Radha Robertson (9.19)

I had lots of fun on City Cite. It has been a challenging, but exciting experience and I learned many things that I wouldn't have in a classroom. Some examples are how to navigate public transport, the addictions that grasp Melbourne, the way our city's politics function and develop, and what Melbourne does for the homeless. 

A highlight was the sports afternoon, where I went ice-skating with my friends, which involved some falls and lots of laughs. Another highlight was visiting Parliament House, where I learnt about how the government creates laws and handles certain issues. 

Overall, City Cite has been an experience that has challenged me creatively and allowed me to think beyond my life experiences and develop empathy for others.

Teannah Ross (9.20)

City Cite has been an incredibly exciting experience! I've loved travelling to the city and growing a sense of independence and navigation. There have been many highlights including lunch breaks with my friends, guest speakers, trips around Melbourne, and ice-skating. It's been slightly challenging having to keep up with the project on top of all the trips, but teamwork has made it work. I've really enjoyed City Cite and am sad it has come to an end. 

Anika Vinod (9.21)

City Cite has been a marvellous experience. There have been lots of fond memories that I will never forget. The highlight of City Cite would probably be the lunches we received, during that time we are free to wander the vast city and catch up with friends. A major challenge that I have experienced would be managing my time well, there are so many things to comprehend and do in the city and not enough time to achieve it.

Overall City Cite is a very casual experience that the younger years should not be anxious about. Instead they should look forward to it because I’m sure they will enjoy it as much as I have.

Iann Luo (9.20)

Through the journey of City Cite that we all embarked on, I have been able to acquire manifold lessons. For example, I know that my personal perspective on how I see homeless people has drastically changed. Before City Cite, I believed that homelessness was a choice, and that people living rough were to blame for their own situations. However, through this program and getting into contact with Laurena from The Big Issue, I have gained a better understanding as to why people are left without a stable home, and that most of the time, it is in fact the circumstances which an individual faces which leaves them without a place to call home. Adding to this, I have been able to understand that the major issue which leaves people in a state of destitution is domestic violence, which further aids in my understanding that most people living rough, have undergone extreme circumstances. 

Moreover, through City Cite, we explored the different ways in which we can help these people, so that we, as individuals, can aid in making small changes in people’s lives. 

Natasha Mevasia (9.19)

From travelling into the city each day; to buying lunch and roaming the city; even to group work in the office spaces; City Cite has been without a doubt, one of the best experiences for our year level. Being able to make so many new friendships and memories ‑ alongside the knowledge and skills we’ve gained ‑ is something that will stick with us for many years to come. 

Seeing friends and classmates smiling and laughing, despite the stress and pressure of not only project work, but COVID, is something that speaks to how much we’ve matured. A highlight for me, has been travelling with friends on the train, bus and tram, both within as well as, to and from the city. This final week of City Cite, provided us with lots of excitement for more excursion, presentations, and personal stories!

Rohan Mishra (9.20)

City Cite has been a tremendous time for myself and all Year 9 students. We have had many experiences like taking public transport, knowing the right train to catch, and exploring the city on our quest for information. The guest speakers brought their perspective on common issues found in the community, like talking to us about addiction and giving back to the community. City Cite has also taught us about teamwork, most importantly how to manage time and including everyone, all while having fun at the same time.

Jett Schaeche (9.21)