Boronia K-12 College Fete – 30 November 2024

We can’t wait to share in all the fun, games and entertainment with you at our upcoming fete on Saturday, 30th November 11:00am – 4:00pm. 

Make sure to mark it in your calendar! It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to support our college, connect with our vibrant local community and make lasting memories. 

DISCOUNTED RIDE WRISTBANDS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-PURCHASE!

Purchase your unlimited ride wristbands before the day to enjoy our special discounted price.

Pre-purchase now: https://www.trybooking.com/CWIPW

Full-priced wristbands and individual ride tickets will also be available on the day.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Key Dates – Term 4 2024

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Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Families, 

We are now well into Term 4 and the school is buzzing with activity.

Students returned to school this term energised and ready to learn. A lot has been happening in the last month, most notably our school Review at the end of Term 3. The Review was a thorough and positive process that ran over five days. The following table summarises the key findings in terms of college strengths and areas for further development:

Going from Good to Great!

A key part of my presentation to staff on Curriculum Day was to articulate the road map ahead for us to move from Good to Great in every aspect of the work we do to ensure our school is one of first choice for local families. The crucial ingredients to make this happen are:

• Strong Leadership with a clear vision and direction
• Stronger connections with our local community “A great school sits at the heart of a great community”
• High expectations
• Collective Responsibility and Accountability
• Clear Direction, compelling narrative and sequential priorities
• A calm and orderly environment where students are known by staff
• A focus on what matters most – fewer priorities, done well

Our next four-year Strategic Plan (2025 – 2028) outlines our goals, key improvement strategies and key performance targets. Today, I can share with you our goals and improvement strategies, targets are not yet finalised.

Boronia K-12 College Strategic Plan

Goal 1: Improve the learning growth and achievement of every student

Goal 2: Maximise the engagement and wellbeing for every student

Curriculum Day (Friday 18 October)

The focus of our recent curriculum day was to revisit our School Values. Our current values of Community, Achievement, Respect and Life-long Learning were created 12 years ago, and it is timely that we revisit these to assess if they still stand true to what we are today and if they capture our aspirations for the future. Staff participated in numerous workshops unpacking the current values and brainstorming potential other values. We also reviewed our Vision Statement and Motto – Proudly Learning Together. This review process will involve other stakeholder groups including parents/carers and students with the view that we will have an outcome by the end of the term ready to launch in 2025. One of the key activities throughout this process is for these groups to put coloured dots against key words – Green = like, resonates. Yellow = curious, like to explore more. Red = dislike, doesn’t resonate. Here are two of the artefacts of this activity so far.

Embracing Higher Expectations

I want to emphasise the importance of our shared expectations for our school, which are fundamental about creating a positive and productive learning environment. It is crucial that we continuously challenge ourselves as a school community to reach new heights. Together, we can ‘raise the bar’ to improve every aspect of our school programs and service. In practical terms, this means:

School Attendance

Students’ attendance continues to be a high priority for our school. It concerns me that some students are having days off school without a valid reason, especially on Sport Days when they are not part of the sport team. The regular school program always runs on these days so there is no reason for a student to miss school. My staff and I are seeking parents support to make sure every day counts. The best teachers in the world can’t have the impact if students do not attend school. Collectively, let’s ensure that our young people know the importance of attending school for their future opportunities. Evidence shows us that career opportunities and future prosperity decreases for high levels of school absence. Thank you for your support.

Uniform and Learning Resources

I would like to remind families and students of our high expectations regarding being ready to learn daily with the required equipment/materials and wearing the current school uniform. The College has numerous ways to support families and students experiencing hardship to ensure all students have the necessary books and materials for learning and be in school uniform. Please contact the relevant sub school leaders if you would like some support. 

Mobile Phones

We want to acknowledge and applaud the students who diligently follow our Mobile Phone Policy. However, we want to address many instances where mobile phones have been used or placed in pockets. We seek your continued support to ensure that your child’s mobile phone is turned off and stored in their locker while on school grounds. This is a Ministerial policy which we are mandated to follow.  
We truly appreciate your ongoing understanding and cooperation in reinforcing this policy and thank you for your continued support as we maintain a learning environment that encourages focus, engagement, and mutual respect.

Planning for 2025

I am pleased to inform our community that at this stage we are fully staffed meaning all classes have a permanent teacher for the Step-Up period this year and for classes next year. This puts us in a great position moving into next year especially given most schools are still trying to recruit staff to cover classes.

Bell Times 2025

Next year we are moving back to a consistent day structure for all five school days. This supports us to implement a consistent and predictable learning environment. You will notice a ‘Mentor’ Class after period 2 each day. This class will be taught by the same Mentor teacher every day who will teach topics under three pillars: Learning to Learn, Wellbeing and Inclusion and Careers and Pathways. On Fridays, the middle and senior school assemblies will run during this time.

Parents, Friends and Community Group

We have now held three meetings with our Parents, Friends and Community Group. There is a presentation included at each meeting and topics have been NAPLAN, Berry Street Education Model and School Values. We’ve discussed the upcoming Fete, and we welcome more parents and community members to join the group. If you are interested, please email boronia.k12@education.vic.gov.au

Year 12 Celebrations

Our Year 12 students commemorated the end of the school year with a celebration day on Thursday 24 October, starting with a shared sunrise experience at Brighton Beach followed by beach games and a cooked breakfast.  Their hard work was also acknowledged at our Year 12 final assembly in front of their peers and family members, who joined us in honouring their achievements for the conclusion of their Secondary School journey. A special tradition is for our Kinder learners to present a gift to our Year 12s and vice versa. A lovely moment for our school.

World Teachers Day 

Friday 25th October was World Teachers Day. I would like to take a moment to celebrate our teachers and thank them for their tireless dedication to the work they do in educating, inspiring and empowering our students. Thanks to our Wellbeing Team for creating personalised certificates for all staff.

Boronia & The Basin Community News

I would like to acknowledge Matthew Payne, who has been featured in Issue 338 of the November Boronia & The Basin Community News. Matthew has written an insightful and informative article on his experience with the condition, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). An excellent piece, Matthew, well done. Follow this link to view the November Issue to view Matthew’s article. November 2024 – Issue #338 | bbcn.org.au

School Fete

Our Fete is fast approaching. Lots of planning is happening in the background and we are excited for a fantastic day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. Together, let us continue to champion our school in the wider community.

Farewell Year 12

It is with much pleasure that we recognize and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our Year 12 students, who have completed their 13-year educational journey. In their final week, we honoured their contributions with a Whole School Farewell Assembly, a sunrise excursion to Brighton Beach, and a Valedictory Dinner with over 150 students, staff, and family members. Our Year 12s have made lasting memories with friends, peers, and teachers, proving themselves to be a wonderful group of young adults. We wish them all the best in completing their Senior Certificates (including VCE Exams) and wish them good luck in their future endeavours.

Recent Events and Activities

Our first interstate trip (post Covid) to Central Australia was a tremendous success, creating unforgettable experiences for over 40 of our Year 10, 11, and 12 students and six staff members. We thank Dan Camille and his dedicated team for organising and managing the 10-day tour which commenced in the Term 3 holidays.

Additionally, in the first few weeks of Term 4, Year 10 students have participated in excursions to KIOSC, Get Wild Archery and the Party Ready Incursion. 

Both Year 10 and Year 11 students are now focused on completing coursework and preparing for upcoming exams before the Step-Up program begins.

Our Middle School students have also been active, engaging in programs such as KIOSC Forensics, Morrisby profiling, B Active events, as well as helping to create a new mural within the school.

Upcoming Events and Activities

Awards Evening

We will be holding our annual College Awards Evening on Thursday, 12^th of December, at the Karralyka Centre on Mines Road Ringwood East. Award recipients will be notified closer to the event, however parents are asked to “save the date”.

Step-Up Classes and Programs

Our Step-Up program is designed to enable students to begin their new 2025 classes and learn many of the skills necessary to achieve success in their next year of school. Students will complete an assessment task during the program and may also be assigned holiday homework to complete. This work will be essential for preparing all students for the start of the new year. The Step-Up program for current Year 11 students begins on Tuesday 26^th November and Year 7- 10 students Step-Up program begins on Monday 2^nd December.

Gumbuya World Excursion

We are still accepting payments and consent forms for the Gumbuya World excursion happening on Friday 13^th December. This event is open to students in Years 5–9. Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t miss this fun adventure for just $40. Check the Compass Newsfeed for more details or contact the office on (03) 9760 4900 if you need any assistance.

House System Mascot Competition

The whole school House Mascot competition launched last week, and we’ve already received several entries! Students are encouraged to design four mascots to represent our house colours. Entries close on Friday 29^th November, after which students will vote on finalists. A panel of staff and students will select the winning design, and a consultant will help digitalize the winning artwork.

Uniform Update

We’re excited to announce that our new blue school shirt is now available for purchase at Spartan. The new shirt was designed in response to feedback about the white shirt, which many felt was too thin and difficult to keep clean. The shirt retails for $38 and can be purchased online and in store. This item is part of the Standard Uniform and can be worn with the college grey trousers, shorts or winter skirt. A reminder to families that Spartan is also fully stocked with our new track pants which are part of the Sports Uniform.

Sincerely, 

Kathryn Middleton

Assistant Principal, Secondary

Term 4

Term 4 is my favourite term, jam packed full of fun and adventure as we celebrate the year we’ve had and look forward to the year that will be!

In the very first week back to school we had a visit from our friends at GoodStart Albert Avenue. The 3- and 4-year-old children along with their educators walked up to the college for a visit. The children were first welcomed by our Foundation students and teachers before getting to experience some of the fantastic learning opportunities and facilities that we have here. They enjoyed some activities in the classroom, shared a story in the library, experienced some games in the gym and finished off with some time to play in the playground. We had a lot of fun, and we know they did too!

As an IB PYP school, we deliver our content (the Victorian Curriculum Outcomes) via concept-based, inquiry driven Units of Inquiry. From Year ELC all the way through to Year 6, our students explore a different Central Idea for each of the 6 Transdisciplinary Themes. For each Unit of Inquiry, students explore lines of inquiry and wondering questions that enable them to have some agency and ownership over their learning. Part of our Units of Inquiry include the opportunity to explore learning outside of the classroom or invite our community in to share our learning. Already, we have had explorations in the community and opportunities for community to venture in!

Foundation: Sharing The Planet – “People and animals rely on each other.”

On Wednesday 23^rd of October, the Foundation students, teachers and parent helpers ventured out to Healesville Sanctuary as a celebration of all the wonderful learning they had worked on over the end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4. They have explored the following lines of inquiry:

• How different animals play different roles in our lives.
• Our responsibility for the well-being of many animals.
• How different animals are suited for different purposes

They were able to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat and connect to how the Sanctuary cares for and supports the different animals in their care.

Year 1/2: How The World Works – “Materials behave and interact in certain ways.”

After the unrivalled success of their Career Expo for their previous unit, students chose to highlight their inquiry into the purpose of materials and how they are used, changes in the properties of materials and manipulating materials and applying them to a new purpose by hosting a “Garbage Gallery”. They challenged themselves to transform recycled materials into innovative, useful objects.

Year 2/3/4: How the World Works – “The Earth undergoes natural changes that impact on people’s lives.”

The Year 2/3/4s have really delved deeply into this Central Idea, completing wonderful projects and dioramas that displayed their exploration of:

• The physical characteristics of Earth
• Natural disasters that affect the Earth and its atmosphere
• Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions that guide our response to natural disasters.

Students had agency to choose a natural disaster they were interested in and share their knowledge of the above lines of inquiry, creating intricate dioramas and excellent reports to go alongside them. Thank you once again to those parents, carers, family, and friends that came to see these projects on display at our Open Afternoon.

Year 5/6: How The World Works – “The earth is part of a vast universe much of which is still unknown.”

After a very heavy unit on Government Systems, Year 5/6 went back to KIOSC on the 29^th of October to use their fantastic equipment and inspire the students to begin exploring these lines of inquiry:

• The origins and compositions of our Solar System and the Universe.
• The history and impact of space exploration
• Our imagination of a vast universe. 

They used the VR headsets and drones to ‘land on Mars’ and the Space Sphero’s for a coding challenge.

Whilst KIOSC visits are normally reserved for the local Knox Secondary Schools Network, as a K-12 we are privileged to get this amazing opportunity that no other Primary Schools get. We are very appreciative that KIOSC has let us explore what they have to offer and look forward to continuing to inspire our Year 5/6’s through their programs.

Some exciting events happening in term 4 include:

11^th November – 15^th November: F-4 Swimming Program

15^th November – Term 4 PBE Community Lesson (from 2:00pm)

25^th November – Curriculum Day

26^th November – Children’s University Graduation

27^th – 29^th November – Year 3-6 Camp

30^th November – School Fete

5^th December – Christmas Concert

13^th December – Year 5 – 8 Gumbuya World Excursion

17^th December – Year 6 Graduation

20^th December – Final Day (1.30pm dismissal)

Sincerely, 

Cassandra Wright

Assistant Principal, Primary

In my August Newsletter article, I spoke about my focus and responsibility as the Assistant Principal of Wellbeing and Inclusion towards supporting students, staff and families of neurodiverse students. We believe that all students have the potential to learn and the right to access and participate in a learning environment that is committed to supporting their educational development and genuine participation no matter where they are on the learning continuum. In this Newsletter article I want to provide some tools and adjustments that we use, and that you can use to support your child with ADHD.

Supporting Neurodiversity

Topic Two: Supporting students with ADHD

ADHD is common, affecting one in twenty Australians

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects both children and adults.  ADHD is often misunderstood. Many students with ADHD describe being told they are not listening, ‘lazy’, oppositional or ‘naughty’.

ADHD affects your brain’s higher-level thinking (or executive functioning) and can affect attention and the ability to self-regulate behaviour, thoughts and emotions. This can lead to difficulties at school and/or with academic progress.

ADHD has a spectrum of symptoms, with severity levels mild, moderate and severe. Symptoms can differ for each person. ADHD can present in different ways:

• Inattention: Trouble focusing and concentrating, easily distracted, being forgetful or losing track of belongings, missing important details or not finishing tasks.
• Hyperactive-impulsive: Fidgety, restless, easily bored, impulsive, trouble regulating emotions, excessive talking or talking over the top of others.
• Combined: A person has a mixture of symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

To support our students with ADHD we can provide adjustments that support their Executive Functioning and focusing techniques. Many of these adjustments can be modified for use at home.

Making Adjustments to Planning:

1. Obtain the students attention first by calling their name and making eye contact.
2. Minimise potential distractions and develop and adhere to a classroom routine.
3. Visually display information in the classroom.
4. Include movement/brain breaks. 
5. Reinforce instructions with visual cues, instructions, or checklists.
6. Start lessons with a task that the student is able to complete successfully then increase the task demands incrementally. Schedule important tasks first. Provide targeted feedback and reinforce improvements
7. Provide concrete manipulative materials.
8. Provide direct instructions
9. Teacher talk should be limited to no longer than 3min before checking for understanding

Making adjustments to assessments:

• Divide assignments into manageable parts.
• Provide notes
• Alternative room/seating to minimise distractions
• Alternative assessment options e.g. oral presentation of information, individual rather than group, practical demonstration of skills where appropriate.

Social and Emotional Learning (Respectful Relationships)

This term we have acknowledged Mental Health week with healthy activities being offered across the school across the whole week.  The last day saw key community stakeholders setting up stations that students were able to come along and engage with.  Headspace, VicPol, Orange Door, Knox City Council were all there, speaking to our students with a consistent message around the importance of managing our personal physical, mental, social health.  The Wellbeing team provided a healthy lunch of burgers and salad.  Thank you to the large number of students who came down and actively engaged in the Event. Below are some photos from our Community Services Expo and Healthy BBQ Lunch held on Friday 11th October. 

Boronia K-12 College will be hosting schools in the region for the release of the new Respectful Relationship curriculum. The continued focus of the Respectful Relationship framework is the want or four children to have an education that gives them the best start to a happy, healthy and prosperous life. Respectful Relationships supports students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage safe and respectful relationships. In November we will touch on the 16 Days of Activism from 25^th November to 10^th December.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. Three decades on, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against Gender-Based Violence is a widely recognised global campaign that encourages action to end gender-based violence. Across the 16 days we encourage you to engage in the messaging we send out and acknowledge the Key Dates:

• 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• 3 December: International Day of People with Disabilities
• 10 December: International Human Rights Day

The conversations around this movement are difficult but highly valuable if we want to “Change the Story” – change the story video – Search

Kind regards

Adrienne Tanner

Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Inclusion

Welcome to our new Attendance Officer / Administration Support Officer, Laura Higgins!

“Hello, I’m Laura Higgins!

I’m thrilled to be the new face at the Primary School reception here at Boronia K-12 College and to also take on the role of Attendance Officer for the whole school. I’ll be the one greeting you when you walk through the door and helping with any questions or needs you might have throughout the day.

I also manage the attendance for all of our students, so if you need to report an absence, have any questions, or need help with anything attendance related, I’m the person to speak to!

In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball and spending time with my family and friends. I’m really excited to be part of the school and look forward to meeting all the students, parents, and staff!

Feel free to stop by anytime—I’m here to help with both reception and attendance, and I’m always happy to chat!”

Knox Council Minor Grants Program

Boronia K-12 College would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Knox Council for their support of our upcoming Fete. Our Parents, Friends and Community Group successfully applied for the Knox Council Minor Grants Program. The funding has contributed to the face painting and the farm animal / reptile displays that will be an exciting and engaging feature at our fete. With the help of Knox Council funding, we will be able to offer these experiences entirely free of charge on the day for everyone’s enjoyment and participation.  

We are truly grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration in the future. Please join us in thanking Knox Council or their support!

Student Details – Keeping Us Updated 

A reminder to all parents and carers to ensure that we have correct and up-to-date parent/carer/student details. 

Your prompt attention to this matter helps us maintain clear communication and ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times while they are on school grounds.

In order to ensure that we have your correct details, we kindly ask you to review your details on Compass, including:

1. Email Address
2. Phone Number
3. Residential Address
4. Court Orders / Parenting Plans
5. Medical Details (including any medical conditions / medication / allergies).

If any of your details need to be updated, please contact the General Office on (03) 9760 4900 or email us at boronia.k12@education.vic.gov.au

Please note, your email address must be correct in order to receive information and prompts pertaining to the $400 School Saving Bonus. For further information regarding the School Saving Bonus, please see below:

Thank you for your ongoing support as we endeavour to continue providing timely and friendly assistance to our staff, students and families. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss any administrative matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me on (03) 9760 4900 or via email at maria.jansen@education.vic.gov.au

Sincerely, 

Maria Jansen

Business Manager

4-Year-Old Kinder

The start of Term 4 has seen us taking several walks to the heart of our local community. These outings provided a firsthand glimpse into the various roles and spaces that make our community vibrant and functional. It tied in perfectly with our ongoing inquiry into the Transdisciplinary theme, “HOW WE ORGANISE OURSELVES” and supported the Central Idea that “WE ARE ALL PART OF A COMMUNITY”.

At the Post Office we were able to connect our in-class discussions to real-world applications and understand the importance of the Post Office in our daily lives.

During our visit to the Aussie Veterans Op Shop, we ventured into the toy isle and discovered numerous toys that had the potential to be reused and repurposed for our kinder activities. This experience echoed our previous discussions on sustainability and the value of reducing waste—a critical conversation from Term 3.

During our visit to the Music Garden (located next to the Boronia Police Station) we were captivated by large-scale musical instruments, offering an interactive and fun experience. Taking advantage of the tables available at the garden, we brought along table tennis bats and balls which added an element of fun, playful and engaging exercise to our trip.

Our adventures continued with a visit to the Boronia Police Station. Greeted warmly, we received permission from the Sergeant to take a group photo in the reception area. The door then opened to reveal an unexpected treat – a tour of the station! The tour included a look into the police offices where police men and women work and a peek into the cell, offering a unique insight into their daily duties.

The day reached its pinnacle when the police van drove up the driveway. The children were thrilled to explore inside the van and even more thrilled when they were allowed to press the button to turn on the lights and sirens.

Our community excursions reinforced our understanding of community roles and the importance of recycling and sustainability, while also fostering personal awareness and responsibility within our local settings.

3-Year-Old Kinder

We were very excited for our Boronia K-12 College Discovery Day where we got to meet the Foundation students and their teachers. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover and explore our school community. We walked together to the Foundation classroom, and after brief introductions, the children had fun exploring the different types of activities on offer at school with our new Foundation friends.  

Next, we were off to the library, where Ms. Hopkin read a book called “Jump for the Stars” by Vogue Williams. Ms. Hopkin engaged the children while reading this book and were excited to be selected from the group to get up and spot particular items located on the pages. It was great to see the children interacting and embracing this experience, listening carefully to the questions asked and responding enthusiastically.

Our next stop was the playground located at the front of the school. We had fun exploring all the different equipment the school playground has to offer. We had a turn on the slide, climbing frame, monkey bars, and balance beam and played tag with some of the Foundation students. On our way back to the Foundation classroom we saw our Assistant Principal, Ms. Wright, and the children excitedly shared some of their experiences.

Sincerely,

Michelle Buchanan

Director of the Early Learning Centre

The first half of Term 4 is moving quickly, with our Year 7-9 learning programs running smoothly. Walking through our learning spaces, it’s evident that there is a calm and focused atmosphere across the cohort—a testament to the dedication our students and staff bring each day.

2025 Year 7, 8 & 9 Classes

As we prepare for the 2025 school year, we’d like to provide information about the process of creating class lists for Years 7, 8, and 9. Please note that, for Years 10 and above, class lists are determined by students’ subject selections, which follows a different process than the one outlined below.

Our goal is to foster classroom environments where each child can thrive academically and socially. To support this, students will have the opportunity to identify up to four peers with whom they feel they learn well. We encourage them to make these choices thoughtfully, prioritizing peers who positively influence their learning and social experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Please understand that the process of formulating class lists is complex and time-consuming. We use a program that incorporates input from staff members and considers each student’s learning abilities, behaviours, friendship preferences, and the compatibility of students who do or do not work well together. Our objective is to achieve an equitable balance for each student; however, given the complexities involved, there may be some limitations.

We kindly ask that families help foster resilience in their child by encouraging a growth mindset, flexibility, and adaptability during the transition to their new class for the ‘Step-Up’ period and as we begin the 2025 school year.

The ability to adapt to new circumstances is essential not only for academic success but also for personal growth. It empowers students to face challenges confidently, integrate smoothly into new classrooms, expand their peer networks, and navigate the next stage of their learning. Building resilience and adaptability lays a strong foundation for the future, developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence that will benefit them both academically and personally.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this process. Together, we can create a successful learning journey for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Lyle D’Rozario, Director of Middle School              

Riana Baensch, Director of Teaching and Learning

Celebrating Our Year 12 Students

We are delighted to share the highlights of several special events held recently to celebrate our Year 12 students as they conclude their schooling journey at Boronia K-12 College.

Year 12 Valedictory Evening

The Year 12 Valedictory Evening held on Thursday 17^th October was a tremendous success, bringing together students, parents, carers, family, friends and staff to celebrate this important milestone. It was an evening filled with reflection, joy and pride as we acknowledged the achievements of our graduating class of 2024. The evening also provided the opportunity to present Subject Excellence Awards to the highest-achieving student in each Year 12 subject. We congratulate all recipients of these awards for their outstanding dedication and academic achievements – these awards are listed below.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, making it a truly memorable night. Special thanks go to the members of Senior Sub-School Team for their impeccable organisation, ensuring the smooth running of the event. Their efforts ensured that this important evening was a fitting farewell for our Year 12 cohort.

We wish the Graduating Class of 2024 all the very best in their future endeavours. May they take the lessons learned and friendships made here at Boronia K-12 College into the exciting journeys that lay ahead.

Whole School Year 12 Celebration Assembly – Monday, 21st October

On Monday, 21st October, the entire school community gathered for the Whole School Year 12 Celebration Assembly. A highlight of the event was the involvement of our Kindergarten students, who are just beginning their educational journey. In a touching moment that symbolised the circle of learning, the kindergarten children presented our Year 12 students with a small gift to honour the completion of their schooling journey.

We extend a big thank you to the kindergarten children and their dedicated staff for their beautiful contribution to this event. This thoughtful gesture reminded us all of the significance of lifelong learning and the importance of beginnings and endings in our lives.

Senior Sunrise Event – Thursday, 24th October

The Senior Sunrise event was a wonderful way for our Year 12 students to reflect on their schooling journey and mark the start of a new chapter. On Thursday, 24th October, the students travelled to Brighton Beach to witness the sunrise over Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. The sunrise served as a symbolic moment—an opportunity to look forward to the future and reflect on their past achievements.

Following the sunrise, students enjoyed a BBQ breakfast and participated in games and activities that fostered camaraderie and joy. It was a relaxed and meaningful event that provided the students with a lasting memory as they conclude their time at Boronia K-12 College.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and wish them all the best as they undertake their final exams and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these special events, helping to make them such memorable and significant occasions.

Year 10 Party Ready Program

On Wednesday, 23rd October, Year 10 students participated in the “Party Ready” program, an initiative

of St Johns Ambulance Service, aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence to stay safe in social situations, especially at parties. This program focused on proactive measures, first aid, and harm minimization, emphasizing personal safety and the well-being of peers in various situations that might arise during or after social gatherings.

The program included a series of interactive workshops and presentations covering a wide range of essential topics including:

1. Party Safety Planning: Students were guided on how to plan for a safe party experience, including advice on what steps to take before, during, and after the event. This included identifying a safe way home and setting personal boundaries. By understanding these strategies, students can better navigate social settings, make informed decisions, and prepare for potential risks.
2. Drink Spiking Awareness: Students learned about the risks of drink spiking, how to recognize it, and steps to take if they or someone else is affected. This session helped raise awareness and empowered students to recognize the importance of vigilance in party settings.
3. Binge Drinking and Alcohol Education: Focused on the physiological and psychological impacts of binge drinking, this workshop helped students understand how alcohol affects decision-making and behaviour.
4. Drug Awareness and Impact: Covering various substances, students explored the immediate and long-term effects of drugs on the body and mind, reinforcing informed decision-making and risk avoidance.
5. Tobacco and E-cigarettes Education: This session dispelled myths about smoking and vaping, discussing health impacts and the addictive nature of nicotine products.
6. Myth-Busting on Drugs and Alcohol: By addressing common misconceptions, students were encouraged to critically evaluate media, social, and peer narratives around drugs and alcohol.
7. First Aid Action Plan – DRSABCD: One of the program’s highlights was the practical first aid workshop, where students learned the DRSABCD action plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation). Students practiced CPR on manikins, placed each other in the recovery position, and engaged in defibrillator training, equipping them with potentially life-saving skills.
8. Emergency Calling Protocols (Triple Zero): Students learned how to effectively communicate with emergency services, understanding what to expect during a Triple Zero call and how to stay calm and provide relevant information.
9. Mental Health and Psychological First Aid: Recognizing that parties can sometimes lead to distressing situations, the program included a session on mental health, discussing common mental health conditions and the impact drugs and alcohol can have on these conditions. Students learned about psychological first aid and how to use an Action Plan to assist peers experiencing a mental health crisis.
10. Supporting Peers in Distress – Do’s and Don’ts: This segment provided actionable guidance on how best to offer support, avoid exacerbating the situation, and direct friends to the appropriate help resources.
11. Resource Awareness: Additional resources for emergency help, support, and further information were made available to students, helping them build a network of support options they can access anytime.

Through these varied sessions, the Party Ready program prepared students not only to handle immediate issues but also to guide friends toward appropriate support and interventions. By developing their first aid knowledge, mental health awareness, and harm reduction skills, students left with increased confidence in their ability to safely manage challenging situations that may arise during parties.

A big thank you to our School Nurse, Bronwyn Vaughan, for coordinating the delivery of this program to our Year 10 students and to the staff who supported its delivery on the day.

Sincerely,

Wayne Judge

Director of Senior School

Central Australia Camp

During the second week of the school holidays, 40 of our senior students and 6 dedicated staff members gathered in the early hours of the morning, ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the centre of Australia.

Highlights of our trip included:

• Sunset Swim in Adelaide: After a 10-hour bus ride, we rewarded ourselves with a refreshing swim at the beach, basking in the beautiful sunset.
• Exploring Coober Pedy: We toured the quirky town of Coober Pedy, experiencing the unique underground accommodations.
• Uluru’s Splendour: Watching the sunset at Uluru and walking the Mala Trail at its base was a breathtaking experience.
• Hiking Challenges: We braved the 35°C heat to hike the Valley of the Winds trail at Kata Tjuta and the Kings Canyon Rim Trail.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: Our visit to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs was a perfect end to our journey.

On behalf of all the staff who attended, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the students for their exemplary conduct, resilience, and the pride they showed in representing our school.

This trip will be etched in our memories forever, and we are thrilled to have shared it with such an amazing group. Here’s to many more successful adventures ahead!

Sincerely,

Dan Camille

Senior School Coordinator

Term 4 has been packed with exciting activities and learning experiences in our Health and PE classes.

In Year 10 Outdoor Education, students have been taking on archery and geocaching, building outdoor skills and confidence. We’re all eagerly looking forward to wrapping up the term with orienteering and a surfing adventure at Mornington!

In Health classes, Year 7 students have been learning about Cyber Safety, Year 8’s have been focused on Nutrition, and Year 9’s have been examining Risky Behaviours. The hands-on activities have sparked engagement and meaningful discussions across the year levels.

A highlight for our Year 9 B Active students this term is preparing for the Grade 3/4 Hoop Time competition—a fantastic initiative where our Year 9 students organize and facilitate a basketball experience for our Grade 3/4 students. The Year 9s are managing fixtures, building their coaching skills, and learning the basics of officiating, aiming to create an exciting, supportive experience for the younger students.

We’re also thrilled to announce that 22 mountain bikes have just arrived at the College, laying the groundwork for our new Bike Program starting in 2025. These bikes, expertly assembled and stored by John Forbes, will expand our PE curriculum with cycling activities and be used in outdoor education excursions and camps.

Lastly, stay tuned for an exciting initiative launching in 2025— The Boronia K-12 College Basketball Program. More details are coming in Term 4!

Thanks to all students and staff for a great start to Term 4.

Sincerely,

Luke Groves

Secondary Sport Coordinator

Health and Physical Education KLA Leader

Our Year 2 VCE VET Music students recently completed their 2024 VCAA Performance Exam at Aquinas College, performing a 35-minute “party band” set they had worked on all year. The students had a blast, impressing assessors with their hard work. Huge congrats to Ais, Madyn, Andrew, Annabelle, and Miranda, and thanks to Miss Wells and Rod for their assistance alongside Miss Cumming and the students on the day.

Students performed the following ‘Party’ set:

• Supermassive Blackhole – Muse
• Gimme Gimme Gimme – ABBA
• I Kissed A Girl – Katy Perry
• The Less I Know the Better – Tame Impala
• Burnout – The Warning
• Take Me Away – Lash
• Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet

Upcoming Performances…

We are excited to announce both the Year 1 and Year 2 VCE VET Music bands will be performing at the BK12 Fete on the Saturday, 30^th November!

Stay tuned to the school website for further information on set times.

Sincerely,

Amy Cumming (She/Her)

Classroom Music

VCE VET Music Industry (Performance)

Classroom Music Update

Year 7 Music
Our Year 7 students are well underway in their journey toward group performances! They’re learning contemporary pop instruments, honing their skills, and getting ready to showcase their talent as part of a group.

Year 9 Music
Our Year 9s recently completed their Live Performance CAT, choosing songs to rehearse and present with their own lighting, sound, and backdrop to bring their performances to life.

Instrumental Music – Spring Soiree
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Instrumental Music Spring Soiree on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024! Join us for an evening that celebrates our students’ dedication and hard work. This evening is an optional event in which students are presenting solos and duos in a small informal concert session. We’re excited to see our musicians ready to share their favourite songs with you.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Boronia K-12 College PAC Theatre

Sincerely,

Celeste Wells

Instrumental Music Coordinator

Probability Carnival Year 5/6

In order to explore the mathematical concept of chance/probability, the 5/6 cohort created games (some games included traditional board games, card games, ping pong games etc.). The classroom was open to parents/carers on the 23^rd of October and the students showcased their games. Later in the day our ELC buddies came to play our games. It was so much fun and a great experience for the 5/6 cohort. Well done to all involved!

Sincerely, 

Tania Carlos

Year 5/6 Teacher

Swinburne University KIOSC Year 5/6 Excursion

Swinburne University graciously hosted the 5/6 cohort in their second Kiosk experience for 2024. The students experienced an immersion into Space and the Unknown through different (and fun) technologies. Students learnt how to code for a flying drone, explore and fix technology on Mars through the aid of Virtual Reality (VR) and then code sphere bots through the galaxy.

All students thoroughly enjoyed their time, and the 5/6 team would like to thank Swinburne University for this awesome experience, and we hope to continue this partnership in the years to come!

Sincerely, 

Tania Carlos

Year 5/6 Teacher

Healesville Sanctuary Excursion – Foundation

The Foundation students have been exploring the central idea ‘People and animals rely on each other’. Students have been learning about habitats and animal features, with a focus on farm animals and Australian animals. 

On Wednesday the 23rd of October, the Foundation students went on a bus to Healesville Sanctuary see all of the Australian animals they have been learning about. They saw Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus, Echidnas and many more! We all had a terrific day with our parent-helpers and learnt a lot of interesting information. 

Sincerely, 

Hayley Spark

Foundation Teacher

Pen Licence 

Congratulations to Kaden V, Ryan S & Dillon S who were awarded their pen licence! 

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