From Year 9
Year 9 is an important stage of students' development, as they begin to take greater responsibility for their learning, relationships and future pathways. One of the most valuable ways we can support this growth is by providing opportunities for students to learn beyond the traditional classroom through excursions
Excursions give students the opportunity to experience new environments, connect their learning to the real world and develop skills that cannot always be replicated within the classroom. Whether visiting a museum, participating in an outdoor education experience, attending a sporting event or exploring a workplace, these experiences encourage students to ask questions, make connections and see how their learning applies beyond school.
- As part of their Year 9 STEM elective, last semester on the 6th July, Year 9 students visited the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne for the day and participated in the Get Your Motor Running workshop. This was built around the Formula E. The workshop allowed students to take on the role of engineers, applying their knowledge of electric motors and aerodynamics to design and build a battery-operated vehicle from a selection of materials. At the end of the day, students got to test their cars by racing them along a drag strip.
- On the 11th August a group of Year 9 students participated in an Amazing-Race style series of challenges around the city, organised by the Alliance Française. This involved forming 2 teams and versing each other in challenges of vocabulary, geography, memory & comprehension. After close competition all day and scores consistently neck and neck the winning team won by 2 seconds and 3 points. All students competing demonstrated excellent French comprehension skills, teamwork and participation and were rewarded with a French morning tea with brioche and pain au chocolat and won some pins and carambars.
- The 2026 Tournament of Minds was held at Deakin University on Saturday the 15th August. The tournament is a problem-solving program for teams of students from both primary and secondary years. A handful of Year 9 students who are involved in the SAGE program went and competed with St Aloysius students from Years 7-10.
- Upcoming on the 28th August students from Year 9 Foods around the world will visit the Italian Food hall in the City, il Mercato Centrale, to explore a variety of foods and stalls on offer. This will complement their studies in Italian Food
As we continue through the year, we encourage all Year 9 students to approach excursions with an open mind and a willingness to participate. The greatest value comes when students actively engage, ask questions, try something new and reflect on what they have learned.
Dan Sullivan
Year 9 Leader