Forest School

The much-anticipated Macedon Primary Winter Solstice event is happening this Friday from 5pm! Students will be taking their lanterns home just before the end of the day, with classroom teachers handing them out. If your child is attending the Solstice, please remember to bring their lantern along. Tea lights will be available for collection once the event begins around 5pm.

Thanks to some much-needed rain, Middle Gully has sprung to life! Fungi have begun popping up in all sorts of interesting shapes and colours, and many students have been on the lookout, excited to spot different varieties. If any families have knowledge about local fungi, we’d love to hear from you and learn more about these mysterious and fascinating organisms.

This week it was Foundation to Year 4’s turn to make handmade paper from shredded school paper. We learned that the more the paper breaks down into fine, pulpy fibres, the better it binds together, making stronger, more durable sheets. Students also discovered that creating intricate shapes like animals is trickier than sticking with classic shapes like circles, rectangles, or hearts. Hats off to our young makers for showing such resilience as they dipped their hands into icy water to scoop and press the pulp!

In preparation for the Solstice, students across all year levels have been busy helping get Middle Gully ready. The Year 5 and 6’s worked together to build two impressive new bush cubbies, which can be explored on the night. Some of our younger students were blown away by their efforts, exclaiming, “This is the best den yet!”. Other students pitched in by helping plan and organise the bonfire, ensuring it was safely sized with enough space for seating around it. Many also took care to clear sticks and bark from the walking tracks to keep paths safe and tidy for the evening. It’s been heart-warming to see such teamwork, responsibility and pride in their school and natural surroundings.

We can’t wait to come together for this special evening, celebrating the Winter Solstice and the slow return of longer days!

Cheers,

Lisa Pickles

Forest School Science Specialist Teacher