Buckley House Community

Stella Caruso, Year 6, Buckley House 

This term we’ve been doing something completely different – creating sculptures using coat hangers. At first, we were surprised that we could make a piece of art from something as simple as a coat hanger, but it showed us how anything can be turned into something amazing.

The first step in the process was bending the coat hanger into the shape we wanted. Then we nailed it to a small square block of wood to create a sturdy base and help the shaped hanger stand upright. The next step was stretching a piece of material over the metal hanger. After that, we mixed white paint with plaster and used it as a base. Lastly, we painted our designs – everyone had a different theme for their sculpture.

Everyone’s project turned out different and unique, and they all looked fantastic. This project taught us that anything can be turned into a masterpiece.

Aya Mohammed, Year 6, Buckley House

This month, our school community came together to make a meaningful difference for children in Cambodia.Through our donation drive, we collected pencils and toothbrushes to send to children who need them most.

In some parts of Cambodia, many children don’t have access to basic school supplies, or even something as simple as a toothbrush. That’s why our goal was to help in a small but powerful way by providing tools that support both learning and health.

Thanks to the generosity of our students, teachers, and families, we gathered hundreds of pencils and toothbrushes. These items will be sent to schools and communities where they’ll be used every day.

This project reminded us that even small actions can have a big impact. A pencil can help a child learn to write their name, and a toothbrush can support lifelong health. When we give, we help build a brighter future.

Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this cause. Your kindness means so much to children across the world. Together, we showed that compassion knows no borders.

Aya Mohammed, Year 6, Buckley House 

Our school proudly took part in Reconciliation Week, a special time to learn about and show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. In class, we explored what reconciliation means – coming together, learning from each other, and building a better future side by side. To show our support, we participated in fun and meaningful activities that helped us understand the significance of this week.

One of our favourite activities was creating a reconciliation paper chain. Each link in the chain represented 250 years of history. As we connected the links, we were reminded that we are all part of a shared story and that every voice matters.

We also took part in games, art projects, and group discussions that deepened our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and traditions. These experiences helped us grow in knowledge, empathy, and respect.

Reconciliation Week taught us that small actions – like making a paper chain or sharing kind words – can lead to big change. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels respected, heard, and proud of their culture.

Edward Nation, Year 6, Buckley House

Leadership is about stepping up, taking initiative, and making a difference in our school community.As Year 6 students, we each took on unique projects in small groups, creating activities that engaged, supported, and inspired our peers in different ways.

“This year in Year 6, we focused on a leadership action plan to lead an activity or be a leader to someone else. In my group, we created a History Club, where students from Years 3 to 5 can learn all about history. We aim to create a safe, fun and fulfilling environment where anyone can share their ideas and thoughts.

Usually on Monday afternoons, we run a learning session focused on a specific topic in history. When we have time, we play an exciting and valuable game called Kahoot, a quiz where everyone answers questions based on what we've learnt. Kahoot is an amazing resource because it encourages students to work collaboratively and try their best, while also being fun, with leaderboards and scores for everyone.

Overall, having a leadership action plan is such a positive experience, because it encourages students to take responsibility and step up as leaders.”

– Lucas Ty-Din, Year 6

From history to sport, arts to teamwork, each Year 6 project contributed to strengthening our school community. These leadership plans encouraged responsibility, built confidence. and brought students together in meaningful ways. By stepping into leadership roles, we are learning the value of collaboration, initiative and making a lasting impact

Ava Sun, Year 6, Buckley House 

At Buckley House, we have been collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, and coloured pencils to support children in need in Cambodia. This initiative brings students and families together to donate essential items that help strengthen communities. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of Cambodian children. This campaign reminds us of the importance of helping others in any way we can and shows that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

Olivia Papaevangelou , Year 6, Buckley House

On Monday 5th May at 12.40pm, Buckley House students made their way down to Chelsworth Park to compete in the 2025 Cross Country competition. Even though only students from Years 3 to 6 were competing, the atmosphere was cheerful and the energy levels were sky-high.

As we walked to Chelsworth Park, the crowd of students grew louder with every step. Once we arrived, everyone gathered in their house groups and waited to be called for warm-up. I helped lead the first warm-up, and you could tell from the students’ faces just how nervous they were. Finally, it was time for the races to begin and in an instant, the nerves turned into focus and determination.

Each year level ran a different distance based on their age: Year 6s ran 3km, Years 4 and 5 ran 2km, and Year 3s ran 1km. The ground at Chelsworth Park was dry in the sun and soft in the shade. All students lined up and waited for the beep to start the race. It was difficult running in the bright sunlight, but the cool breeze under the trees made it easier to keep going. During the run, students experienced many different emotions, some focused on achieving personal goals, while others simply battled through the challenge of finishing strong. Personally, my goal was to keep running without walking and to pace myself, and I achieved it.

At the end of the day, after all the races were finished, the results were announced. In fourth place was Lincoln, followed by Thoresby in third, Sherwood in second, and Athelstane taking out first place.

There were many highlights of the Cross Country, from competing and trying your best to cheering on friends, but the most important part was showing up, supporting your team and giving it your all. It turned out to be a fantastic day, and everyone had fun.

Sanoak Thenuwara, Year 6, Buckley House 

The Science Talent Search is a fun and engaging competition which encourages students to develop a broader understanding of science and technology. Each year, students from Ivanhoe Grammar have the opportunity to take part in this program. Entering the competition helps students develop skills and attitudes that will support them in the wider community. 

The Science Talent Search is separated into multiple divisions to make sure that all students get to have a go. Some of the divisions include Lower Primary, Middle Primary and Upper Primary. Each division has different categories, targeting everyone's strengths. Some of these categories include creative writing, games, computer programs, science photography and video production.

Each year, the Science Talent Search has a different theme. This year's theme is "Decoding the Universe - Exploring the Unknown with Nature's Hidden Language". Each student's project will be based on this underlying theme. Students who participate from Buckley House will have their work displayed at the front office in the Innovation Centre. 

Students can win certificates, medals and even a Bursary Award. Schools with a very high standard of entries across all the categories are nominated for the Peter Craig Schools Award and the Hugh McKnight Encouragement Award. 

The Science Talent Search is not only about winning but it's about doing your best.