Primary Happenings
Prep Students Explore Amazing Animals with Wild Action Incursion
Orlagh Doyle, Prep Teacher
As part of our Inquiry topic this term, Amazing Animals, our Prep students were thrilled to welcome Wild Action for a hands-on wildlife experience. The students had the opportunity to meet and learn about a range of fascinating native animals, including the green tree frog, monitor lizard, gang-gang cockatoo, and eastern long-neck turtle.
They discovered some incredible facts - like how the green tree frog drinks and breathes through its skin and even uses its eyeballs to swallow food! The monitor lizard amazed everyone with its snake-eating abilities and long, flicking tongue used to smell, while the turtle’s strong shell and webbed feet were a highlight. The gang-gang cockatoo’s bright red head and squeaky call delighted the students as it called ‘hello’ to them and they enjoyed learning that only the males have the red feathers.
The students especially loved being able to gently hold and touch some of the animals, asking lots of thoughtful questions as they learned more about each creature. There were plenty of laughs when it turned out that some of the Preps were braver than their teachers - especially when it came to handling the reptiles!
This special visit reminded us how wonderfully diverse God’s creation is, and how blessed we are in Australia to be surrounded by such amazing wildlife. It was a joyful and inspiring day of learning and wonder that the Preps won’t soon forget.
Year 2 'Old School' Inquiry Immersion Day
Anna Starchenko, Year 2 Team Leader
Year Two recently had the pleasure of embarking on a journey back in time, all thanks to a special visit from Mrs. Sargood, a historical figure who resided in the Rippon Lea estate in Melbourne more than 150 years ago. Students and teachers came to school in costume, prepared to be immersed into the past and experience a day in the life of students from yesteryears.
Mrs. Sargood, with her kind, but firm manner and wealth of knowledge, guided us through a time portal to an olden-day classroom. After passing a clean hand inspection, we learned the importance of manners and about what would happen if we didn’t have them! Students considered the similarities and differences between school in the past and present and attempted to complete some cursive handwriting using ink and a quill pen.
The Year 2 students also rotated through workshops during the day – looking at traditional games that were popular among children of the past, including hoops, skipping ropes, marbles and pick up sticks. They were also challenged to create their own pom poms out of wool and string.
In an age dominated by technology and screens, our incursion with Mrs. Sargood served as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing simplicity and reconnecting with the past. We learned that history isn't just in books – it's in the toys, games and stories from long ago that still bring joy and wonder today.
Cross Country
Ingrid Briggs, Sport Coordinator
House colours shone brightly on Friday, amid the brilliant sunshine and blue skies, as our Primary students embarked on their annual Cross Country race from the Top Oval. Navigating the hilly course at DCC can be a challenge, but with steely grit and determination, students were proud and relieved to cross the finish line and earn points for their respective houses.
There was a genuine buzz of excitement both in celebrations at the Top Oval, but also along the course, as parent volunteers supported and directed our runners, and Secondary students stepped out of their classrooms to actively cheer and encourage our competitors along the way too. What a privilege it is at DCC to have events like this where the whole school can contribute to a wonderful, festive day.
An enormous thank you to our many parent volunteers, Primary staff, Year 7 students and our Primary leaders who enabled almost 700 students to actively participate in the day. We thank God for the safety of all our students, and for special days like this when we can glorify His name.
House winners will be announced at our upcoming assembly!
