We would like to welcome back all of our students and families for what will be a jam packed term in Grades 5 and 6. We have already started the term with many different events happening in our community and around our amazing school. Sit back and read all about it below. Please note you can also access important camp information below.

Col Pearse Visit - Paralympian

On Thursday, both Col Pearse and his Mum came to visit our school to talk about his disability and his dream to become a Paralympian. His disability is that he has only one foot after losing his other foot at the age of two in a lawnmower accident. Col has no memory of the accident. Col spent 6 days in hospital and then adjusted his life to with having one foot. He talked about this as his 'normal' as he can only remember ever having one foot. Col shared his prosthetic legs with us (he has two, one for everyday and one for running) and we all got to pass them around and look at them. Col then told us at the age of 10, he met another Paralympian and this sparked his dream to do the same. He wrote down this goal and spent the next 8 years training over 40 hours a week in the pool to achieve it. He also told us the advertisement on TV showing him training in his dairy farm dam in Lockington was true. He did this during Covid when all of the restrictions locked him at home and the public swimming pools were closed. Col shared his three greatest achievements and medals with us. He won Bronze in the Tokyo Olympics, Gold in the Commonwealth Games and recently Silver in the Paris Olympics.

Hands On Learning

Today in Hands On Learning, we did so much work! (I am so exhausted). We had to finish the garden to make sure the plants get the best life. Oh and we had burgers with cheese, bacon and tomato sauce for lunch. Yummy! It was so good. Then we had to install some sprinklers and a timer. That was a little bit hard but we got the work done. The timer also needed new batteries so both me and Amber went to get some new ones but they didn't work so we got some other ones and it finally worked. We were all happy! Then we planted some tomatoes and had some more fun before we went back to our classes. Thank you Brett for helping us with Hands on Learning. We always have lots of fun and learn a lot!

Written by Kaylee K

Empowered Girls

Today we embarked on a long journey to the hot, sizzling Echuca.

We all gathered in the van to head to our destination when we came across a problem with the seating. After a while we managed to fix the problem and drove to our very handy martial arts class. When we got there, we met Dai and Janell who work at Wickham’s, the organisation that allows us to take these classes and teaches us how to defend ourselves from unwanted danger.

We learnt all types of things like how to trust your gut and avoid possibly dangerous scenarios. My favourite part was when we all did push-ups and sit-ups to help build our upper body strength which is important when it comes to defending yourself.

After a long class we stopped at Maccas to pick up a very delicious lunch which we all enjoyed at a park somewhere in Echuca. Also, because it was Kaylee’s birthday, we got a special treat and went to the Port and got ice cream.

It was a long day but I'm glad I went as I enjoyed it with such great people and thank you to Mrs Pearce who organised this whole thing and drove us there.

Written by Ashlee A

Melbourne Camp

Camp Packing List

Please see the packing list and camp itinerary at the bottom of this newsletter. The packing list was previously sent out on Compass as well for you to refer to. Please note there is a high chance of rain while we are in Melbourne so packing a rain coat is highly recommended. We encourage you to pack your child's bags with them so they are aware of what they are taking and talk about how to manage their belongings/clothes over the three days with them. Finally, please clearly name all items so if they are misplaced we can promptly return them to your child.

Spending Money - Queen Victoria Markets

We have told students they can bring up to $20 in a sealed envelope or snap lock bag, clearly named with them on the morning of camp. We ask that they hand the money to their classroom teacher before getting on the bus for safekeeping and it will be given back to them on Friday morning when we go to the Queen Victoria Markets. This is optional.

Medication

All medication needs to be in a snap lock bag with a pharmacy sticker with your child's name. We are unable to administer medication unless there is a printed pharmacy label attached to it, this includes Panadol, travel sickness or any hay fever medication that may be required. Your local pharmacy will be able to do this for you.

Technology

We have asked that students do not bring any technology with them while on camp. This include phones, cameras, electronic games and any devices. Please have this discussion with your child and discourage them from bringing it to support this.

Lollies

We have asked that students do not bring any lollies with them while on camp. Please also have this discussion with your child and discourage them from bringing them in support of this.

Arrival and Departure information

Students need to be at school no later than 8.40am. Medication and money needs to be easily accessible and given to classrooms teachers. Students will need a backpack for the bus with their morning tea, lunch and a refillable water bottle for the first day. Arrival back to school will be communicated via Facebook and Compass however we are predicting it will be by 3.15pm or earlier.

5/6 General News and Reminders

Wednesday 16th Oct - Melbourne Camp Departure

Friday 18th Oct - Melbourne Camp Return

Mon 4th Nov - Pupil Free Day

Tues 5th Nov - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Tues, 17 Dec - Year 6 Graduation

Just a reminder school hats are now compulsory, if students are wearing a non-school cap they will be asked to put them in their bags. If students are not wearing school hats they will be required to stay in the under cover area during recess and lunch times. School hats can be purchased from our school office for $15.

From the 5/6 Team

Deena, Jam and Maree

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