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Churchill & Morwell Campuses Year 10 Formal
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
NAIDOC Week celebrations that are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Due to the week falling during the school holidays, Kurnai College holds it's official NAIDOC Week Events during week 2 of term 3. BBQ lunches and cultural activities will be held for students across all the campuses, with the main event scheduled at the Morwell Campus for Thursday 21st of July.
As seen on Page 10 in the Latrobe Valley Express: https://issuu.com/lvexpress.com/docs/expresswednesday3august2022
Kurnai College celebrated NAIDOC week on Thursday, 21st July to recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Students, local politicians, members of the Indigenous community and Aboriginal Elders gathered at the Morwell campus to attend the event showcasing this year’s theme “Get Up! Show Up! Stand Up!”.
Koorie Education Support Officer, GunaiKurnai and Monaro Ngarigo woman Hollie Johnson was the emcee alongside her fellow colleague, GunaiKurnai man Tre Moffatt, who conducted a smoking ceremony to welcome the guests as they arrived.
“The smoking ceremony welcomes visitors to our land, it’s not only important to welcome visitors to our lands but to cleanse them of any bad spirits and energies that they may be carrying,” Tre said.
“Smoking ceremonies are used for many things such as, Healings, childbirth, coming of age, initiation ceremonies, speaking to our ancestors and for sorry business (funerals) it is important to cover yourself from head to toe”.
“Our Ancestors are still here amongst the lands. When you walk through country our Ancestors can smell you, smell the smoke and know that you been through their ancient Ceremony”.
“The leaves that I used belong to the land that we are standing on, the trees that our Ancestors spirit birds belong to,” Tre said.
Aunty Dot (Doris Patten) commenced the official proceedings performing a Welcome to Country on behalf of the Brayakaulung clan of the GunaiKurnai Nation, and Year 10 Kurnai College student Jade Hiskins performed an Acknowledgement to Country.
College Principal Anthony Rodaughan addressed the room, and officially unveiled Kurnai College’s new logo. The new logo incorporates Indigenous elements, honouring Djeetgun and Yeerung, the totem wrens representing the men and women of GunaiKurnai, in conjunction with the GunaiKurnai Brayakaulung shield - the land on which we reside.
The logo was designed by Dixon Patten (Bitja), a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man from Bayila Creative.
Labour MP Harriet Shing also addressed the audience speaking of the meaning of NAIDOC and this year’s theme.
“Victoria is the first place in Australia to move towards treaty and towards truth and justice. This is so important because as non-Indigenous people, (I am speaking as a non-Indigenous person), I’ve got so much to learn; I’ve got a lot of listening to do but I’ve also got a lot of talking to do to make sure that Indigenous people are not required to do all the talking without help, love and care and support and people walking along with you” said Harriet Shing.
“This is about making sure governments do the right thing, about making sure we build on work that is happening and schools just like Kurnai College with the Community Campfire, with the garden, with the recognition celebrations that you have, with the school logo that you have and the symbolism that it involves,” said Harriet Shing.
The Dedlee Kultya dancers took stage and performed Naanaa Nukindhere! Nagisa Haddock, introduced the dance explaining “this song reminds us to stay on the dreaming track, and not to veer off in the wrong direction to trouble or crime.” The students had been practicing very hard in the lead up to the NAIDOC event. The dance group enables the students to connect with their heritage and culture.
Kiowa Scott-Hurley, 2015 student graduate, retraced her steps from her time at Kurnai College and more recently Monash University. She shared her story as an Indigenous person navigating her way through schooling and entering the workforce and the process of being able to share her culture with non-Indigenous people.
The college was proud to unveil a commissioned artwork from award-winning artist Ronald Edwards Pepper (who was unfortunately unable to attend).
Ronald is well known locally and across the state for his story telling artwork. In his absence, Hollie spoke about his art journey and creative practice along with his experimenting with non-traditional mediums such as neon and glow in the dark paint.
Special guest and Black Satin band member, Uncle Nicky Moffatt took to the stage to share an acoustic piece. He shared stories about his upbringing and the influence music has had during his life. Nicky Moffatt and his band Black Satin performed several original songs after the formal proceedings when everyone sat down for lunch.
“Black Satin was originally formed in 1976 by cousins Nicky, Ricky Harrison, Wayne Thorpe, and Tony Hood. They have performed over the years with many well-known acts and have been added to the National Indigenous Music “Hall of Fame.” They were the first Aboriginal band to travel interstate as well as overseas” said Tre as he introduced the band.
At the conclusion of the formal proceedings, the guests were invited to tour the Indigenous Garden, as part of its official opening. The garden includes a variety of local native plants that are signposted to educate students about their use and significance for medicinal purposes and nourishment.
The Indigenous Garden was overseen by Hands on Learning (HOL) Coordinator, Michael Stubbe who consulted with the Indigenous students within the program about the components that they wished to include in the garden.
“Our main aim was to have an Indigenous Garden within the school where we could teach Indigenous culture” Mr Stubbe said.
“The garden will not only be used for now, but in later years it will continue to be utilised as a learning centre for new generations of students that come into our school.”
Hollie Johnson was enlisted to assist in the designing and painting of the mural that spreads across the back wall, where the water feature runs alongside it.
“The mural tells the story of Borun the Pelican and Tuk the Musk Duck, they are the mother and father of all GunaiKurnai People,” said Hollie.
“The waterways that were created represent the river in part of the Creation Story”.
A metal sculpture of Borun the Pelican and Tuk the Musk Duck created by Technology teacher Dave Frendo accompany the mural.
The garden also features totem poles that were painted by Aunty Christine Johnson and the Indigenous students. A fire pit also sits within that garden, that has already been utilised for a number of Community Campfires. These sessions involve having the local Indigenous community come into the school, have their voice heard and continue to advise the school in local Indigenous and cultural matters.
Kurnai College is currently working on their Reconciliation Action Plan. It will continue to promote and facilitate reconciliation by its continuous approach to building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Written by Caitlin Johnson
Photography by Autumn Lace Photography
Yr. 7 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find out about uniform, computers, times of the day and other questions that I have about the day-to-day running of the school?
This information can be found on our website under the Policy section. The link is http://kurnai.co/policies
Kurnai’s Policy Documents include; Child Safety and Mandatory Reporting, Medical Information, Medication and First Aid, Bullying and Harassment, Behaviour Management, Camps, Canteen, Child Safe Code of Conduct, Communication, ICT and Mobile Device, BYOD, Financial Management and Control etc.
2. What are the class times?
Morwell Campus Churchill Campus
Warning Bell 8.35 am 8.25 am
Period 1 8.40 - 9.40 am 8.30 – 9.30 am
Period 2 9.40 - 10.40 am 9.30 – 10.30 am
RECESS 10.40 – 11.00 am 10.30 – 11.00 am
Warning Bell 11.00 am 10.55 am
Period 3 11.05 - 12.05 pm 11.00 – 12.00 pm
Period 4 12.05 - 1.05 pm 12.00 – 1.00 pm
LUNCH 1.05 - 1.45 pm 1.00 – 1.45 pm
Warning Bell 1.45 pm 1.40 pm
Period 5 1.50 - 2.50 pm 1.45 – 2.45 pm
3. What is Compass?
Compass is the College online School Management System. This is accessible for College staff, parents and students. Items that are managed via Compass include timetables, learning tasks, attendance, news articles, student notes, learning behaviour reports and semester reports.
Log-in details are mailed out to families prior to the student's commencement or assistance is available from your campus reception during the school year.
4. When do we have to pay school fees and how much are they?
Currently there are no school fees payable. However, there may be additional charges dependent on your elective choices or camps. Accounts are sent out in the mail each term and payments can be made at any campus office by cash, Eftpos, Bpay, direct deposit or Centrepay.
5. Can my child catch a Kurnai school bus?
Students who reside further than 4.8 kms from their closest Kurnai College campus and are attending their closest school can access the school bus network. Students who travel from neighboring towns would require financing their own travel by using local town network and by personal Myki cards.
School bus routes, to and from Kurnai, are updated yearly dependent on passenger numbers.
Paperwork will need to be completed before students access the school bus network.
6. When will I get my timetable?
Draft timetables for the 2021 school year will be handed out to Year 7 students on Orientation Week and visible on Compass in 2021.
7. What would my timetable look like?
Each student will participate weekly in 3 hours of English, 3 hours of Math, 3 hours of Science, 4 hours of targeted reading intervention (Kurnai’s very successful TR@K program), 2 hours of either LOTE or Culture Studies which rotate each semester, and allocated non-core subjects which rotate each semester.
8. What is Tr@k?
Tr@k is the Targeted Reading at Kurnai Program. All students in Year 7,8 and 9 participate in Tr@k. This is a timetabled program that supports the reading growth for all students. Tr@k gives each student the best possible reading and comprehension skills they can achieve. The groupings for Tr@k are not the same as normal class groupings and is fluid depending on individual students demonstrated growth.
9. Do new Year 7 students need a computer?
Yes, all students are required to have a computer for the start of the school year. Details of the recommended computer can be found at http://ict.kurnai.co/byod-kurnai-0 or by contacting the IT department. Computers can be purchased from the school to ease the burden on parents, and a CentrePay option is available for this also. We do, however, support any computer that is within our minimum specifications.
10. Do we need to purchase any textbooks?
Year 7 students do NOT need to purchase any textbooks, only class stationery.
11. What do Kurnai students wear to school?
All junior campus students are required to wear a school uniform. There is also a sports uniform requirement. Failure to wear the required uniform will lead to the student being provided with a temporary one while at school. A note is required if your student is unable to wear their uniform for some reason.
This is the link to Kurnai’s on-line store at Lowes: https://www.lowes.com.au/schools-online/kurnai-college
12. Do you hold Parent Teacher Conversations?
Kurnai College holds Parent Teacher Conversations at each campus twice a year. This is an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet with teachers and discuss your child’s progress. These are held the last two days of Term 1 and 3. Appointment times are booked via Compass, the school management system. Both day and evening times are available.
13. What are Learning Behaviour Reports?
Learning Behaviour Reports are produced every 5 weeks. These reports give parents/guardians regular updates on your students' progress in five categories – Submits tasks on time, Task completed, On time to class, Class preparation, Works respectfully with others.
14. Do we get a newsletter?
Each campus produces a newsletter every fortnight. These are distributed via Compass with hard copies available to collect from each relevant office reception upon request.
15. Do Year 7 students go on camp?
Yes. All Year 7 students attend Camp Coolamatong, 15 minutes out of Bairnsdale on the Gippsland Lakes. The camp goes for 4 days/3 nights costing approximately $300 with payment plans starting in February if required.
You may be eligible for the State Government Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund of $225 per annum per student to partially offset this camp. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. A Special Consideration category also exists.
16. Can my child have their mobile phone at school?
Recent state legislations do NOT allow students to have mobile phones on them during the school day. Phones are discouraged to be brought to school, however, if they are with a student they should be kept in their locker turned off. If they are found with a phone during school hours it will be confiscated and returned at the discretion of staff.
17. What is ALPs?
This initiative is a College-wide program and teachers at Morwell and Churchill campuses work together to develop curriculum suited to students wanting to advance in their learning. Three to four teachers who are committed to supporting students in this way teach the core subjects and they develop strong relationships with their students to maximise their learning potential.
Testing dates will be advised later in the year via our local primary schools or on our website.
18. What is the Enhanced Numeracy and Literacy Program
In Year 7, every English and Math class has two teachers, better allowing us to target the learning of every student.
19. Is there a school canteen?
All campuses have a canteen that open for recess and lunch time.
20. Do the students get allocated a locker?
All students are allocated a locker and must use this. No school bags are to be taken into the classrooms and students are expected to have the everything require with them to fully participate in their class. The school provides locks and these must be used.
21. When is Orientation Day?
All Grade 6 students will visit their new secondary schools in December and enjoy being a student at their new schools for the day. Kurnai College extends this experience, operating a three day program instead of just the one. Parents do not attend this day. Detailed information on start and finishing times, lunch, what to wear, where to drop them off etc will be supplied to parents/guardians closer to the date.
22. What are the dates of the Community information evenings?
Dates for the Community Information Evenings will be December following the Orientation Day. Information covered on this evening includes BYOD (Bring your own device) and Cybersafety, dress code, camp, important dates, introduction of wellbeing team, timetables, and subject selection.
23. Who do I contact if I need to speak to someone about my child?
In order to get to know our future students, our Leadership Team will be visiting them at their primary schools to meet with the students and their teachers. This will occur in term 4. If you have any concerns or information on your child that you would like to share, you can contact their Year Level Leading Teacher.
Key staff contact details are available at http://kurnai.co/key-contacts
24. When can I meet my child's teachers?
Every year there is a Year 7 BBQ for families to attend their campus and meet the teachers at each site. This is normally held within in the first 4 weeks of each year.
25. What House group will I be in?
Students will be grouped into house groups according to the groups of their siblings. If no siblings have been at the school before, then house colours are distributed evenly. These groups are used to mix campus students for participation of College events, such as swimming and athletics days. Students are encouraged to dress up in their house colour at these events.
Kurnai House Groups
Forsyth – Blue
Freeman – Green
Siddle – Yellow
Thorpe – Red
26. 2021 School Dates
All DET school dates can be found on the DET website. Campus and Excursion reminder dates can be found on our website calendar.
Term 1: 27 January (staff) to 1 April
Term 2: 19 April to 25 June
Term 3: 12 July to 17 September
Term 4: 4 October to 17 December
More information:
Year 7 Program – details http://kurnai.co/year-7
College Principal Welcome
Thank you for your interest in our College.
Kurnai College is a multi-campus College in the Morwell-Churchill area of the Latrobe Valley, about 150 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. There are two Year 7 to 10 campuses; a campus in Morwell and a campus in Churchill. The senior campus caters for students in Years 11 and 12 and is located within the grounds of Federation University Australia.
Kurnai College is a Learning Community. We all commit to develop our own learning and we likewise commit to support the learning of others in our community.
Work Ethic, Engagement, Excellence and Relationships are the foundations of our Learning Community. These four simple values are the cornerstone of how we operate as an organisation. These pillars provide us with the drive to achieve our motto, Pathways to Success.
We have worked to create a Culture of Community within our College. We strive to be a part of our Latrobe Valley Community and we embrace the challenge of improving the learning of our students. We are implementing a College-wide Positive Behaviour Support system to provide a caring, proactive framework where we explicitly teach specific behaviours, focus on the good things students do and acknowledge them in a supportive environment. We embrace restorative practices as our preferred means of conflict resolution. We aim to provide a fair and supportive learning environment for all.
Through building our staff and students’ knowledge and skill at every opportunity, we build our community’s strength. We support learning through learning resources and technology. We know that students learn in different ways and at different paces; we aim to take this into account through Individual Learning Plans and a differentiated curriculum.
Our College has worked hard to welcome Koorie students into our community and to walk side by side with their families and elders to ensure an inclusive and culturally supportive learning environment for them.
We promote intercultural learning and global perspectives in our community. We have a sister school in China, Kou’an Middle School in Taizhou. We deliver language, culture classes and participate in global forums providing opportunities for our students and staff to learn about other cultures and global issues through student forums and international trips and exchanges.
If you are a student, a teacher, a parent or carer who:
- is interested in learning
- values relationships
- believes in working hard
- aims for excellence
- and is prepared to have a go.
We are the school for you.
We look forward to supporting you on your child’s next step in their Learning Journey. If you have any additional enquires please contact our College.
Stay Safe,
Anthony Rodaughan
College Principal
Morwell Campus: 5165 0600
Churchill Campus: 5132 3700
University Campus: 5132 3800