Grade 4 Report

City Camp

Term 4 has certainly begun with excitement! 

The Grade 4 city camp was loads of fun and a great first-time experience for most of the students. We could not have asked for more perfect weather as well. 

After we checked in to camp on Thursday, it was the first of four train trips to get to the MCG. We ate lunch, played in the park and then went in for four activities: Game On, Meet an Olympian, the Australian Sports Museum, and a tour of the MCG. 

The Olympian was Dean Pullar, who won bronze in synchronised diving at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. We heard the story of all the years of effort, determination, and resilience that led to this great achievement. 

There are plenty of other interesting sporting stories in the Museum, with great displays, videos and artefacts to view. A tour of the MCG allowed us to go into the rooms where so many sporting greats have been, see the view of the ground from various vantage points and learn the history of that famous stadium. 

After our play in the park, another train trip took us back to camp. Students were keen to find out their cabins and then had some spare time to check out the camp, be with friends, relax and have fun. Dinner was eagerly wolfed down by many hungry students, before they got themselves ready for the evening entertainment. PJs were donned, pillows were grabbed and we settled in for the movie, Turbo. It seems to be a hit, and the hot chocolate interval was well-received. 

The students mostly settled quite well into bed and went to sleep, despite some very noisy construction work nearby. There were a few early risers, but they avoided disrupting others and many were able to get a pretty good sleep (or as good as could be hoped on camp). 

Finding out there were pancakes for breakfast may have been the camp highlight for some. Packing up after breakfast was done fairly well, and we were ready to set off with our packed lunches. Another quick train trip and we were at Melbourne Central, creating a long yellow snake clogging up the escalators to get up to Strike. 

Bowling and laser tag brought out some spirited but very friendly competition, and it appeared everyone was having fun. The lack of sleep saw some start to flag around this point, but many were renewed by a visit to the games arcade. A massive three hours of play indoors had everyone ready to move on to lunch, which was enjoyed in Flagstaff gardens in the blazing sun (we stayed in the shade!). 

Finally, it was time to head back to Preston Primary. We just needed to get through one last train trip and a walk from Regent Station. I’m sure they earned their rest on Friday night. 

The students showed great spirit throughout the camp, and it was a fantastic two days. I’m sure they enjoyed their first camp experience and feel ready to take on more camps in future years. 

Thanks again to the parents who were able to come and volunteer their time. Camp couldn’t happen without the extra hands, and I’m sure your children enjoyed having you there.