Year 9 Connect Safe Parties Program: “Party Ready”

We are thrilled to share that our Year 9 students recently participated in the Safe Parties Program – Party Ready, a full-day initiative designed to empower young people with the skills and confidence to stay safe at social events and support others in times of need.

What Is Party Ready?

Party Ready is a first aid education program tailored specifically for teenagers, with a strong focus on party safety. The program blends both physical first aid and mental health first aid, helping students develop a well-rounded understanding of how to manage a range of situations that might arise in social settings. From supporting a friend experiencing distress to responding to physical emergencies, this program gives students the knowledge and confidence to act before professional help arrives.

How It Was Delivered?

Delivered over a full school day during Year 9 Connect, Party Ready included approximately five hours of engaging, interactive content. Students enjoyed their regular recess and lunch breaks, ensuring a balanced and comfortable learning environment.

The program was delivered through a mix of group and individual activities, practical exercises, and video-based scenarios—making it both educational and enjoyable. Students were actively involved in hands-on experiences such as practicing CPR on manikins, learning how to use a defibrillator, and role-playing psychological first aid responses.

Topics Covered Included:

• Staying Safe at Parties – Planning ahead, managing risks during the event, and making safe decisions as the party ends
• Drink Spiking & Binge Drinking – Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs
• Drugs & Alcohol – Exploring effects on the body and decision-making, including myths and facts
• Tobacco & E-Cigarettes – Their impacts on physical and mental health
• First Aid Skills – DRSABCD action plan, recovery positions, CPR, and calling Triple Zero
• Mental Health & Substance Use – Understanding how drugs and alcohol impact mental health
• Psychological First Aid – What to do in a mental health crisis and how to help someone in distress
• Resources & Support – Where to go for further help and information

The Party Ready program is not just about safety—it’s about empowering our students to make informed decisions, look out for one another, and develop into responsible, confident young adults. We’re incredibly proud of how our Year 9 students engaged with the content and embraced the opportunity to grow their knowledge and leadership in real-world scenarios.
A big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this important program to life!
— The Year 9 Connect Team

Year 11 VM – Storytime Project

Year 11 Vocational Major students have been working on a Storytime Project. The aim of the project was to create a picture story book which linked to the Personal Development skills. The books enable students to teach others about the skills as well as demonstrate their own understanding of the skills.

Students then visited Knox Park Primary school to read their books to students in Grade 1 and 2. Students demonstrated the Fairhills School values and were able to engage in a very positive manner with younger students. Well done to all involved.

VCE Biology Masterclass – Photosynthesis & Biochemical Pathways at KIOSC

Our VCE Biology students recently participated in an enriching full-day Masterclass at KIOSC (Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre), delving deep into the world of photosynthesis and biochemical pathways. This hands-on program offered students the opportunity to explore how cells capture and transform energy—key concepts from their Unit 3 studies.

Working in KIOSC’s advanced laboratory spaces, students conducted investigations into the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis, using a range of scientific tools and techniques. They also examined how biochemical pathways are regulated within living organisms, helping them connect classroom theory to real-world biological processes.

The experience not only reinforced their theoretical learning but also sparked curiosity, scientific thinking, and a greater appreciation for the complexity of life at a molecular level. We thank KIOSC for providing such a valuable extension to our VCE program.

Year 9 and 10 – Forensic Science: Major Crime

Year 9 and 10 students had the exciting opportunity to become crime scene investigators for a day as part of the Discovery: Forensic Science – Major Crime program at KIOSC. The day revolved around a simulated criminal case where students had to solve a mystery using real forensic science techniques.

Students collected and analysed evidence including fingerprints, blood types, fibres, and DNA samples to identify suspects and piece together what happened at the mock crime scene. The hands-on activities encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are essential in both science and real-world situations.

This program gave students a fascinating insight into the world of forensic science and how STEM is applied in law enforcement. It was an engaging and memorable learning experience that connected science to potential future careers in an exciting and meaningful way.