Welcome back to Term 3
Welcome back to all students and families for Term 3. I am working on the Junior Campus as Campus Principal this term, while Mr Matt Sheehan is Acting College Principal.
Term 3 always proves to be a busy one, with sport, excursions and the school production just some of the highlights ahead. Year 8 students will also start looking towards next year, with the subject selection process getting underway early in the term. We encourage families to support their child in thinking carefully about the options available to them.
As always, it promises to be a busy and rewarding term, both inside and outside the classroom, and we look forward to seeing our students make the most of everything on offer.
Term 3 PE Program
The year 8 students are currently enjoying their self-defence unit in conjunction with Melbourne Taekwondo Club. Likewise, the year 7s have been heading to aquatic centres in Monash for their swimming lessons. Later in the term our year 8s will attend Flip Out, while the year 7s will be completing a gymnastics unit. These programs are a great addition to the PE curriculum, teaching our students valuable life skills.
Languages Day
On Wednesday 22 July the Junior Campus held our annual Languages Day, where we celebrate the cultures of Japan and Germany. We held our traditional assembly in the morning, where we were treated to some German poetry recitals, and a great Japanese dance by our Year 7s. The Year 8s then took part in either a German Oompah band, or a Japanese comedy performance. Finally, students and staff enjoyed some delicious Obento boxes and German Bretzels for lunch, while watching the traditional Japan vs German soccer game. It was great to see our students celebrating a love of languages. Well done to the Languages Faculty for their organisation.
Year 9 2027 Subject Selection
Next week our Year 8s will participate in the Year 9 2027 Subject Information Evening. This is an exciting time for students as they start to think about their transition to the Senior Campus, and all the new academic opportunities on offer. I would encourage all families to discuss the options and check the website for more information before submitting selections in the coming weeks. We are organising a range of activities at school to support student transitions over the coming months.
Signing in and out of school
This is a reminder to all families that, where possible, all appointments etc. should be arranged outside of school hours. When this is not possible, it is important that you keep us informed via Compass. When collecting your child early, please inform us beforehand so that we can make for a smoother exit from school. At Year 7 and 8, it is compulsory that an approved adult collects the student from the office. We will not allow any student to make their own way off campus before the end of the school day.
House Athletics Carnival
Nearly 1000 students attended House Athletics at the Knox Athletics track on Friday 24 July. Running, jumping and throwing events took place throughout the day, with students participating with great energy and enthusiasm.
Well done to Mr Danny Gwynne and Mr Jay Newport, our Sports Leaders, for their excellent work organising this whole-school event. Thank you to all the staff who helped make the day such a success for our students. We now look forward to District Athletics later in the term.
AusAlert and the National Test
We’ve been advised that a national test of AusAlert will happen across Australia on Monday 27 July at 2 pm.
AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026.
On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test.
To minimise disruption, student phones and smart devices should always be switched off and stored securely in lockers or bags during the school day. Students who use their mobile phone as part of a documented exception can continue to do so. If appropriate, they can turn their phone off during the test.
You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens. Information is also available in other languages.
Safe Phones
AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.
If you or someone you know has a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during the test is to:
- turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
Silent mode and do not disturb will not stop the alert.
For more information, please refer to the Staying safe with AusAlert page.
Mr Ian MacLeod
Acting Campus Principal – Junior School