Koonung Secondary College Alumni

We recently heard from Jasmine Missen from the Class of 2025.

What subjects did you study in Year 12?

“In Year 12 I studied English, General Maths, Environmental Science and Psychology. My fifth subject was taken through the Centre for Higher Educational Studies (CHES), and allowed me to undertake The University of Melbourne's Extension Program (which allowed Year 12 students to take a university course alongside VCE). I studied Psychology at The University of Melbourne alongside VCE Psychology, and it was both challenging and very rewarding! I had also completed Art Creative Practice 3/4 in Year 11 which was really enjoyable.”

What are you studying or doing for work this year?

“I am currently undertaking a 5-year Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching graduate pathway at The University of Melbourne, hoping to go into primary or secondary education following the 3-year Bachelor of Arts course. I also currently work a Casual position at a frozen yoghurt store.”

Class of 2014 when they went on Year 7 camp

James ‘Bond’ Azzato graduated from Koonung in 2024. He is pictured here with his pug ‘James Junior’.

“In year 12 I studied Art, food studies, wood technology, english and did a VET course for game design in Ringwood.

After graduating from Koonung, I studied at Box Hill institute to do a pre-apprenticeship for carpentry and plumbing and as of now I am an plumbing apprentice.

My favourite moment at Koonung has got to be spending recess and lunch with the boys at that one bench in front of room 3. Also Year 11/12 food studies with Ms Buzzi; I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during school ever.”

We recently asked Yannuo Zou from the Class of 2024, three questions.

Subjects in Year 12?
“I went all-in on maths. Did General, Methods, and Specialist. Plus EAL and Product Design. So yeah, lots of numbers and a bit of creativity thrown in.”

What I’m up to now?
“Right now I’m at University of Melbourne, doing a Science degree majoring in Maths and Stats. On the side, I’ve been working for my mum’s business for about four years; we run a bottle shop with a convenience store attached. I’m basically the manager for the whole store and mainly in charge of the convenience side, so I look after pretty much everything there. I’m studying full-time and fitting work in between, so it keeps me busy, but I like it.”

Favourite memory from Koonung?
“Honestly, I loved my whole time there, but if I had to pick probably the VCE prep period and the valedictory night. Just that whole buzz of getting ready for exams with everyone, and then celebrating together at the end. The staff and students made it such a great place. And fun fact; I actually want to be a teacher one day, so hopefully I’ll get to come back to Koonung in the future!”

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Lachlan Tolliday back to Koonung to talk about his pathway since graduating from Koonung in 2023.

Lachlan has embraced a wide range of opportunities since graduating. Alongside studying a Bachelor of International Studies (Global Politics) at RMIT University, he has performed in community theatre, built his YouTube and Twitch channels, worked in hospitality, completed a range of industry qualifications, and continued developing his career as a basketball referee and court supervisor.

During his visit, Lachlan shared how following his interests, staying open to new experiences, and continually building his skills has shaped his journey since leaving Koonung. He also reflected on his favourite school memories, from performing in school musicals and celebrating at formal and valedictory to lockdown "Among Us" game nights. He shared some valuable advice with students: don't take life too seriously, listen to those with experience, and stay organised because school goes by faster than you think.

Last week we welcomed Davor Stanic (Class of 1993), Daniel Della Gatta (Class of 2012) and Dimitri Jayaratne (Class of 2004) back to the college to discuss their pathways with the Year 9 students on Year 9 Connect Day.

- Daniel is a software engineer
- Dimitri is a business owner
- Davor has a comprehensive background in science and is currently working for FightMND

We are incredibly grateful to our alumni for sparing the time to return to the college and to share their pathways with our students.

We are seeking Koonung alumni to return to the college to talk to our students about the pathway they have taken since graduating from Koonung. If interested, please email [email protected]

25th August - Year 7 Assembly
• One alumni required
• Arrive 8.30am / Depart approximately 9.30/9.45am
• Run as a 10-minute Q&A

3rd September - Year 9 Assembly
• One alumni required
• Arrive 11am
• Depart approximately 12.00/12.15pm
• Run as a 10-minute Q&A

15th September – Middle School Assembly (Year 7, 8 & 9)
• One alumni required
• Keynote speaker opportunity
• Arrive 12pm / Depart approximately 12.45/1pm
• Run as a 10-minute Q&A
• This is a 10 minute keynote speech about your pathway since graduating from Koonung.

2014 VCE Art Exhibition

We recently caught up with Louise Cridland from the Class of 2024.

“In Year 12 I studied English language, PE, French, history and ancient history.

I’m currently studying ancient world with ancient languages such as Egyptian and Akkadian at the University of Melbourne.

On the side I work in construction as a project coordinator for DFX Construction Consultants and also referee ice hockey from recreational leagues to competitive juniors and national level games.

I’m also currently representing Victoria and Australia in solo ice dance.

My favourite memory from my time at Koonung Secondary College would be the Year 11 formal, and Year 11 and 12 Physical Education (P.E.).”

Rebuild Koonung. A community led project for better facilities for the students in our community. Discover more...
https://cdn.rebuildkoonung.com/pdf/rebuild-koonung-brochure.pdf