Year 9 Students Connect with Culture at Willum Warrain

As part of their Connect program, our Year 9 students recently visited the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings, where they engaged in a meaningful cultural immersion led by local Aboriginal community members.

Stepping beyond the classroom, students had the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal perspectives, traditions, and deep connections to Country. The day included exploring bush tucker plants, listening to cultural stories, and taking part in hands-on workshops focused on caring for the environment and honouring cultural heritage.

This enriching experience encouraged students to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and reconciliation, while deepening their appreciation for First Nations knowledge and the strength of community.

Cracking the Crime Scene – Year 9/10 Forensic Science Excursion

Last week, our Year 9 and Year 10 students enjoyed an immersive excursion to the KIOSC STEM Discovery Centre at Wantirna to participate in the “Discovery: Forensic Science – Major Crime” program. This exciting learning experience challenged our budding forensic investigators to step into the shoes of crime-scene detectives, applying hands-on science and rigorous thinking to solve a complex homicide case.

Under the expert guidance of KIOSC instructors, students began their day in Field Operations, where they examined virtual 360° crime-scene photos, recovered fingerprints, and conducted suspect interviews to build alibis and piece together the timeline of events.

From there they moved into Lab Operations: Biometrics, exploring techniques such as electrophoresis (DNA fingerprinting), blood typing and polygraph/datalogging technologies — all instrumental tools in forensic investigations.

Next, in Lab Operations: Analytical Services, students analysed the collected evidence using advanced methods: UV spectrophotometry, chromatography, weapons analysis and more — turning raw data into meaningful conclusions.

Throughout the day, the emphasis was on developing critical thinking, scientific method, teamwork and communication. Students had to interpret evidence, make justified decisions and present their findings in a mock-case resolution. It was engaging, challenging and highly relevant to real-world science and industry.

Highlights of the excursion included:

• Students witnessing how fingerprints, blood samples and chemical traces can point to suspects.
• Use of virtual reality crime-scene imagery to heighten realism.
• Working collaboratively to build an evidence-based argument for who committed the crime and how.
• Linking classroom science concepts (chemistry, biology, physics, maths) to a dramatic applied scenario.

Congratulations to Our Hiragana Belt Holders!

Last week in Japanese Club, Erica, Ebony, Jake, Vukota, and Chanelle showcased their impressive skills by reading a series of words in hiragana with 100% accuracy. While these aren’t karate belts, their “hiragana belts” represent a significant achievement in their Japanese language learning journey.

We are inspired by their dedication and look forward to cheering them on as they strive for their next belt challenges!