Classroom connection

Aviation Project

Throughout this year, a very enthusiastic group of students selected from Years 4-6 participated in a special aviation project, thanks to the support of our school leadership team and a grant from Immersive Education. Participants learnt about the history of flight, the physical features of planes that help them to fly, and the forces that allow planes to take off, cruise and land. They then progressed to studying the measurements of plane features and how even the smallest adjustments can alter performance. There was a lot of work done on converting units of measurement and finding efficient methods to solve calculations.

The students were privileged to have a visit from Dr Noam Olshina, who explained how autopilot systems function, which helped with understanding some of the mechanical engineering aspects of flight. Then it was onto the practical tasks. In pairs, the students constructed simple balsa planes by following a process that was provided for them. They then flew their planes using a CTG (centripetal thrust generator) – this is a device that powers the plane whilst keeping it tethered for safety purposes. With this first practical stage having been successful, the students set about modifying the original design to create their own unique planes that could hopefully fly using the CTG. There was a lot of drawing, measuring, and experimenting with a lightweight foam plane to help with this process. It was very exciting when the modified planes were finally complete! Whilst there were a few that struggled to take off, most of the modified planes flew successfully, demonstrating that the students have developed a good understanding of the principles of flight whilst applying their mathematical and scientific knowledge, as well as their own creative ideas.

Congratulations to all our participants on a fantastic year of learning throughout this exciting project!

Here are some comments from students involved in the project:

It was a really fun experience where I got to learn how planes function.

Alfie

I loved the fact that we could design our own planes.

Archie

It was a great tutorial on how to, and NOT to, design a plane.

It was full of problem solving to see how we could make it better.

Noah M

It introduced us to the world of aerodynamics.

Neal

I really like how we failed but it was really fun.

Calvin

We learnt how not many things work on the first try, and how you have to be resilient and keep trying.

Myles

I got to use my intellect, maths skills and creativity, and it really got my brain to work.

I like how we got to fly our planes in the end, but the food service was really bad 😉

Liora

Victorian Marine Ambassadors Program

Congratulations to Hugo, Fleur, Amaya and Jaden for representing CJC in the Victorian Marine Ambassadors Program this year.

These four students attended workshops throughout the year, learning about our fragile marine environment, the creatures that live within it, and how to care for it. They conveyed what they had learnt to younger students so that they too can care for our beaches and waterways. These students have shown respect, responsibility and integrity in their duties as ambassadors, and we are proud to have had them represent our school in 2025.