Specialist News
STEM in Term 1
Prep
In recent STEM lessons, Prep students have continued exploring materials and their properties through a range of hands-on activities. A few weeks ago, they completed the Apple Tree STEM Challenge, using materials like cardboard rolls, icy pole sticks and cotton balls to design and build a tree that could hold “apples,” while discussing which materials were strong or soft. More recently, students designed and tested their own zipline riders, learning how materials such as cardboard and string have properties like smoothness and strength that help objects move. They investigated a fizzy lemon experiment, observing how materials can change when mixed together and describing what they could see, hear and feel. It has been wonderful to see students working collaboratively, testing their ideas, and building confidence in using scientific vocabulary to describe materials and their properties.
Year 1/2
In STEM, our Year 1/2 students have been working as young engineers through a bridge design challenge inspired by the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Students were tasked with designing and building a bridge strong enough to help the goats safely cross the river, with three different weighted containers representing the small, medium and large goats. Using recyclable materials and different joining techniques, students explored how physically changing materials—by folding, bending and structuring them—can make their designs stronger. They tested their bridges using fair testing methods, observed how much weight each bridge could hold, and recorded their results. It has been wonderful to see students applying their understanding of structure and materials while developing their creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence in thinking like both scientists and designers.
Year 5/6
Our Year 5/6 students explored how materials are chosen for packaging and the importance of sustainability. They analysed supermarket packaging using data and graphs, then planned and conducted a fair test comparing polystyrene and biodegradable packing peanuts. Using their results, students evaluated the environmental impact of different materials and discussed packaging choices from both producer and consumer perspectives. The unit concluded with students designing their own sustainable packaging solutions, applying their understanding of material properties and environmental impact.
CPS Sport Update
Cross Country Carnival – Year 3–6
On Thursday 27th March, our Year 3–6 students participated in the Cross Country Carnival at Princes Park. It was fantastic to see so many students proudly representing their house and giving their best effort out on the course.
Despite challenging weather conditions, students showed great resilience, determination and sportsmanship throughout the event. We were incredibly proud of the way they supported one another and embraced the experience.
A big congratulations to all students who participated, and a special mention to our ribbon holders for their outstanding performances on the day.
Well done to everyone involved!
Ms. Molloy
