Learning and Teaching

Green Team News

Our Green Team meeting on Friday, 15th May was a little shorter than usual due to the whole school liturgy held at 2:30pm to celebrate St Brendan’s Feast Day.

Fortunately, it was a glorious sunny afternoon and everyone was excited to get outside and work in the garden. Firstly, we took time to admire the kalanchoe succulent cuttings we planted in small pots at the beginning of March. It was amazing to see how, in just two months, the tiny cuttings had developed strong roots and produced healthy new shoots.

The main task for the session was planting seeds for our winter crop. The students planted brussel sprouts and snap peas using compostable pots. We have found these pots very successful, as they make it easy to transfer the seedlings into the garden beds without disturbing the young roots.

After planting, there was just enough time to harvest some tomatoes and snow peas. Several team members especially enjoyed tasting the fresh snow peas straight from the vine! Soon after, it was time to return to classrooms and prepare for the school liturgy.

After the Green Team session, Mrs Coggin, Jess and Christine planted the kalanchoe seedlings in the centre garden bed. Over the next few months, these plants will spread and grow to cover the soil, which is why they are known as ground cover plants. In late winter and spring, they will also produce dainty pink flowers, adding beautiful colour to the garden.

Isea icare Workshop 2

On Thursday, 21st May, the iSea iCare Marine Ambassadors participated in their second workshop titled Peer Teaching. Marine Ambassadors from St Jude’s, Woodleigh, Rye Primary School and Moorooduc Primary School joined us at St Brendan’s. It was wonderful to connect with students from other schools and learn how to educate others within our own school communities.

The focus of the morning session was preparing the Ambassadors for what they would be teaching. Students explored some of the fascinating marine life found in our bays, including their adaptations for survival and their diets. Some of the creatures studied included the Australian fur seal, decorated crab, eagle ray, eleven-armed sea star and moon snail eggs.

They also examined items commonly found on our beaches such as sea glass, a fan sponge, shells with holes and plastic bottles. This led into a discussion about ocean pollution and the impact it can have on marine life, including dolphins and other sea creatures. Students investigated how rubbish enters the ocean and brainstormed ways to prevent this from happening. A final activity focused on reducing single-use plastics, particularly straws and balloons, and exploring safer alternatives to help protect our oceans.

After recess, it was time for the Ambassadors to put their learning into action. They taught Foundation C and Year 1/2T students about everything they had discovered. Although many felt nervous about speaking in front of an audience, they were well prepared and spoke clearly and confidently. It was fantastic to see their growth as leaders, and they should be extremely proud of the way they represented themselves and their school.