Year 9
It has been a busy start to Term 3 with the Year 9 cohort undertaking the process of subject selection for their transition into the Year 10 academic program. This gives students the option of many varied core and elective subjects, as well as an opportunity for some to consider an accelerated pathway and an early start to their VCE journey in 2026.
To give students ample information before they made their choices, students were given the chance to investigate future career opportunities and pathways to further study or employment. Along with ‘subject selection taster’ information sessions, there have also been many conversations with teachers and parents to gain more knowledge about their future options. The Pathways Expo evening was held to consolidate student choices and give further information about career opportunities.
While it has been a lengthy process, it has given the students the greatest opportunity to consider their subject choices, reflect on their study habits and think about where they might like to be in the future.
To welcome everyone back to Term 3, a year level breakfast was held in the Canteen area during Pastoral time. Everyone gathered to share in some warming toasties and the ever-famous Kilbreda choc-chip muffins which, as always, were a hit. It gave everyone an opportunity to catch up on some class bonding time, as well as a chance for Homeroom teachers to reconnect with their students after the holiday break.
Once the stomachs were full and before the chocolate hit peaked, students moved into Homeroom groups to complete a Spaghetti Tower challenge. Using only a small amount of dried spaghetti, wool and sticky tape, groups of up to four students had to create a tower. It had to be not only free-standing but had to be able to bear the weight of a marshmallow – which they found was easier said than done! Many laughs were had as the spaghetti towers grew in size and leaned and swayed under the weight of the marshmallow as groups vied for the elusive crown of Master Spaghetti Tower Builder (and of course the chocolates as prizes).
Many students in Year 9 have also been involved in the amazing production of 42nd Street. It was a pleasure to be at the opening night performance and to see the results of many months of rehearsals. The talented singers, dancers, musicians and backstage crew (of which many were Year 9 students), ensured that everyone in the audience was taken on a journey back to the Depression years and the story of a young lady who wanted to perform on Broadway. Everyone involved needs to be congratulated on the musical and I am sure we will see some names up in lights in years to come.
Congratulations also to two of our very talented students who are representing Victoria in Field Hockey – Neve H and Zara T. Their dedication, skill and hard work have led them to this exciting opportunity, and we are very proud of their achievements.
Student Reflections
Pastoral
In week 2 of Year 9 Pastoral, the cohort was privileged to be surprised with a commencement to Term 3 breakfast, which included toasties and juice beverages. The Year 9s enjoyed their surprise breakfast whilst socialising with various members in the year level, including teachers, catching up on the experiences they had during the Term 2 holidays. Following this event, they participated in a range of activities that tested their abilities to problem solve, work together and build new connections. These activities included a competition seeing who could build the highest tower made with the materials including: measuring tape, 20 strands of raw spaghetti and a marshmallow, made to specifically sit on top of the infrastructure. The prize to be won made the competition extra worthy of participation as it included the temptation of sugar, chocolate bars and more. This was truly a great event to ease the Year 9s back into the start of what Semester 2 has to offer!
Amy Chapman
Year 9
42nd Street
Being part of 42nd Street this year was been an unforgettable experience. While the show itself was spectacular on stage, it’s the memories, friendships and behind-the-scenes moments during rehearsals that truly made it so special. The bond we shared as a cast is something I’ll always treasure, and I’m incredibly grateful to have gone through the journey with such an amazing group of people. None of this would have been possible without the support of one another, and of course, our wonderful Co-Directors, Ms Mitchell and Ms Everett, along with our Music Director, Ms Rabbetts and our amazing Production Manager, Dom. Their dedication and passion brought the production to life and made the entire experience so meaningful for us all.
Thank you so much to all the cast, crew, teachers and mentors for such a memorable and awesome experience.
Ruby Morrissey
Year 9
Kylie Carroll
Acting Level Leader: Year 9