Student Voice

Year 5 Excursion 

On Monday, the grade 5’s went to the city to see the old Melbourne goal and the old treasury building. We caught the train to Melbourne central and as we stepped outside of the train station, the city was a flurry of activity and excitement with thousands of bustling people. We stopped for a snack near the state library, then continued our journey to the Old Melbourne Gaol. 

 As we neared the building, a chill ran down our spines. We were greeted warmly by Audrey who made us feel very welcome. She entertained us with exciting stories, which left us all with our jaws dropped. Then, it was time to explore the gaol cells. We were amazed how anyone had survived in those cells of torture. We learned that the government at the time was interested in phrenology, which is the study of fortune telling through human heads. They made copies of their heads to figure out the ‘criminal head.’ Later, we were shown to the gaol’s gallows, where thousands of people lost their lives to the hangman. As we trooped out of the gaol, the scars of the horrible memories were still etched into our minds.  

The swirl of busy city-goers twirled around our group as we sauntered toward the old treasury building, imagining what it was like to be inside. We went around the back to have a picnic lunch for about ten minutes. After our short lunch break, we were pumped and ready to venture into the old treasury building. We were met with a friendly lady called Kieren who showed us so much, we couldn’t even remember all the information she showed us! We learnt all about the Gold Rush and how people lived in that period.  

At last, it was time to go, and the adventure was over. This was one of the most memorable excursions we have ever been on.  

Diva and Alexander, 5L 

We’re the 5M Junior School Councillor representatives today we will talk about the History Excursion that the Year 5s experienced. We first went to the Melbourne gaol. The tour guide showed us a diorama of the whole Melbourne Gaol before it was destroyed. The tour guide talked about the life in gaols and how they changed the bath water after 7 inmates had bathed in it. We learnt about the life of Ned Kelly. There were dead bodies under the newly made basketball court. But then they unfortunately took them out. We had a chance to look around in the cells and saw the dead masks.

There were 2 jail blocks, each with about 2 or 3 floors. The youngest inmate was 6 months old they were imprisoned because he needed his mother to survive. Jeremy Bentham designed the gaol. More than 80% of the inmates were imprisoned by vagorancy. Which means a crime to be a homeless person. Gaol is spelt GAOL because people thought it was fancy. Jeremy Bentham’s last request was to be mummified and be displayed in the University of England. His head was kicked around like a soccer ball several days after it was displayed.

After all that, we walked to the Old Melbourne Treasury Building Garden, and had lunch there. We then went inside and discovered different rooms. We had a great time learning about how gold was transported into Australia and what it was used for in Melbourne. Overall it was amazing.

By Aaron and Noa

“Now arriving at Parliament station” 5SB’s ears were filled with the sound of feet shuffling and busy workers as they entered the city. The curious children were awe-struck as they admired the beauty of the Melbourne city. After ten minutes of exhilarating walking and a quick break at the treasury garden, we arrived at the one and only… TREASURY BUILDING!!

As 5SB entered the treasury building, we admired the ancient marvels of Victorian history. We were led by two knowledgeable guides, Kieran and Lynn. We learnt about the Australian gold rush, the Eureka Stockade, and we even saw a replica of the world’s biggest gold nugget, the ‘Welcome Stranger’ standing at a whopping 4 feet tall and weighed 71 KG.

The walk to the old Melbourne gaol felt like hours, and finally we were greeted by the humorous Jack. He told us gruesome jokes and stories about death and great escapes, even one about a dead husband as a shop mascot. We learnt many things like Ned Kelly, the cesspits, the hanging post and the cat-o-nine tails. We also learnt that cell 17 was quote-un-quote “haunted” Enter if you dare…

After an action packed and adventurous day, we got back on the train and headed back to school. 

By Caleb Y, Daniel L and Zoya M

Foundation 100 Days of School!

Last Thursday, our Foundation classes had a FABULOUS day celebrating their 100th Day of School. The celebrations took place all week, with students completing a range of activities focusing on the number 100. Some of our favourites included skip counting to 100, creating a sparkly crown, imagining what our world would look like in 100 years’ time, and writing about what we would buy if we had $100 to spend! Thursday kicked off with a parade of all the amazing dress ups, including walking sticks, hair rollers, wigs and facial hair. Thanks to all of the families at home who helped make this day super special for their little people.

The Foundation teachers are all so proud of each and every student. Let’s see what the next 100 days of school brings!

The Foundation Teachers

Year 5 Little Voices Loud Futures 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 

This year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’ fires that ambition. We are raising awareness for the bright futures of our children and the potential for their voices to pave a new path for our nation. 

Download the document to read all the Year 4 "Little Voices"

As always, we support the voices of our children in calling for a future where they are proud and empowered by their culture to speak their truth and be listened to by all Australians.  

Rondelle (4F) talks about how children can change the world.