Around the classrooms

2/3G & 2/3H

What a wonderful start to the year we have had in 2/3! We have had a big focus in both classroom on our school values, we have unpacked what each value means including what it looks and sounds like. Then we have used these to develop our own classroom contracts that as a grade we agree to.

Following on from our work on our school values we have unpacked a variety of emotions including what they might look, sound and feel like and what we can do to help ourselves to feel happy and calm. In small groups we created our own versions of some Inside Out characters (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Embarrassment, Disgust & Anxiety).

In writing, we have been looking at a variety of new vocabulary and using our new words to describe things around us. In a recent narrative piece, the children planned a beginning, middle and end and then were brave enough to use some of our new vocab in their writing. Using a wider range of vocabulary has helped make their writing more detailed, interesting, and engaging for the reader.

5/6 Team

CAMP - Campaspe Downs

After returning from our 2026 camp, we have had time to reflect on our experience over the two nights and three days we spent away. Most students arrived feeling energetic and excited for the opportunity to spend time with their friends, teachers and the camp organisers. This journal provides an honest and thoughtful reflection on what happened during our time away and the experiences we shared.

During camp, students had the opportunity to participate in eight different activities: raft building, aeroball, the flying fox, the sensory trail, the rock climbing wall, the centipede tall climbing challenge, laser tag and orienteering. Each activity challenged students in different ways and encouraged teamwork, resilience and plenty of enthusiasm.

There were also scheduled meal times throughout the camp, and the menu was excellent. The camp staff did a fantastic job catering for all dietary requirements. On the first night, dinner was penne pasta served with bolognese sauce and garlic bread, along with a very generous salad bar where students could return for extra helpings. On the second night, tacos were on the menu, with each student receiving four tacos — a serving size that was certainly appreciated after a busy day of activities.

Breakfast each morning included both a hot option and a generous buffet. Students could choose from fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola, toast and a range of cereals. The hot breakfast options included scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages and grilled tomato. Lunch was also well received, with salad rolls served during the day and a sausage roll enjoyed right before we boarded the bus for the journey home.

Like most camps, there were also a few emotional moments along the way. Some students experienced tears at different times, often due to a combination of homesickness, exhaustion, frustration and the effects of two very big days in warm conditions. Thankfully, staff were able to support students through these moments and help them get back to enjoying the camp experience.

Whilst this journal provides a snapshot of what school camp was like, we also want parents to know that the camp organisers spoke very highly of the students and described Ballan Primary School students as lovely and well mannered. We certainly heard those manners ourselves throughout the camp — whether it was while helping students collect their cutlery, serving food, clearing dishes, fitting life jackets and harnesses, or assisting with the occasional sleeping bag challenge.

Of course, no camp would be complete without a few memorable moments — including a couple of evening vomits that staff calmly assisted with (an unofficial but very real part of camp life!). Alongside these moments, staff also noticed many positive qualities in the students, including their willingness to work with others, the kindness and support they showed their peers, and the overall tidiness and organisation demonstrated by many individuals.

All in all, camp was fantastic and well done. A special thank you to the students and their parents who personally came over and thanked their teacher, got their name marked off and said bye.