Grade 5&6 Virtual Camp

Over the first week of this term the Grade 5/6 students took part in Great Ryrie's first ever virtual camp. Instead of the usual separate Google Classrooms that we have had during remote learning, all the children were put into one enormous class and our first video meeting on Monday had a whopping 99 participants. As you can see in the photo above, it was quite a sight!

 

One of the first camp tasks was to set up a campsite. Through the use of a range of technologies students were able to share their constructions. Here is a collage of photos created on a padlet, a free website students could add to easily. 

Over the week students took part in a range of activities, some live and teacher-led, such as cooking, escape rooms and a 'minute to win it' games night. They could also choose from a selection of activities such as fitness videos, online board games and movies for their families to watch on movie night. Of course there was the traditional paper-and-pencil camp journal and a variety of maths activities, such as designing and mapping a camp - except this time in Minecraft!

Other highlights included an incursion from the staff of the Heide Gallery in Bulleen, who shared some interesting Australian art and led an in-depth discussion of the ways in which artworks could be interpreted. We also made origami, went for a night walk, did some photography and Mrs Murray put together a video of the camp talent show!

origami dogs and turtles!
origami dogs and turtles!

While it may not have been the camp we anticipated at the start of the year, it was certainly a huge success and came with certain benefits - no one got sick on the bus there and back and we all slept very well every night!

 

The camp turned out to be a great way to usher in a jam-packed final term of 2020 and teachers and students are looking forward to making the most of our time together.  A huge thank to all the families who supported this event, we appreciate your efforts!