Primary Happenings
Year 4: Polly Woodside & Fitzroy Gardens Excursion
Helen Reid, Year 6 Teacher
Ahoy there! The Year 4s went aboard the Polly Woodside on Monday as an introduction to the “Age of Exploration” Inquiry. The guided tour through the ship was interactive and informative. Students used their muscles to turn the big wheel to the Port or Starboard and then to scrub the decks. Exploring the sleeping quarters and the cargo hold demonstrated how cramped the conditions were on old ships. They learned how sailors would balance on the yard arm to unfurl the sails. Students were able to experience this safely, low to the ground. Ringing the bell to signal dangers ahead was loud. All students passed their sailor competency and are ready for setting sail.
During the second half of the day, the students were able to explore the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. They counted the buildings in the Tudor village, sketched their favourite carving on the Fairy Tree and delighted in beautiful flowers in the conservatory.
Being able to picture life on a large sailing ship will enhance the students’ understanding as they put together information about early exploration in the weeks ahead.
Year 2 & Year 6 Buddies
Peter Evans, Year 6 Team Leader
During 2026, Year 6 students have the privilege of being partnered with a Year 2 ‘buddy’!
A few times a term, each class meets up with it’s partnered class to do special activities. Whether it be sharing memorable writing tasks and stories, Inquiry projects or just sharing a meal together, all students, young and old, greatly look forward to each moment they get to spend alongside each other.
The special times together build important leadership skills with our Year 6 students, often revealing a beautiful, caring aspect of their character. Year 2s love being with their ‘big brother or sister’, sharing their interests, school year and lives.
Buddies is one of the more meaningful connection points in the school year and a great way to instill and grow the values that we hold dear at DCC.
