Beyond the Bell

It’s a wrap... but there’s always something to learn, even during the holidays.

As the year ends, it’s a nice chance to pause and reflect on just how much students have taken part in throughout the year. Many students challenged themselves through opportunities such as ICAS, Science Talent Search (STS), Mathematics Talent Quest (MTQ), the Year Five Maths Games Day at PEGS, and Year Five and Six VHAP programs, showing curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to have-a-go. These experiences encourage students to think independently, solve problems creatively and persist with tricky tasks - and it has been great to see students engage so positively with them. We are proud of the effort students have shown and grateful for the ongoing support from our school community. 

The holidays are a great time to slow down, rest and enjoy time together, but you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, if the weather is too hot, wet or windy (who knows - it is Melbourne!), or you’re simply looking for something to do at home, there are lots of excellent ways to keep curious minds engaged.

Holiday Activities Around Melbourne

Scienceworks – hands-on science workshops, engineering challenges, tinkering spaces and planetarium shows https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/school-holidays/

Melbourne Museum – interactive exhibitions and holiday workshops exploring science, history, and culture https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/school-holidays/

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – free, artist-led creative workshops during school holidays https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/programs/school-holidays/

NGV Kids on Tour – free art workshops delivered across community locations around Melbourne https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/kids-on-tour/

State Library Victoria – free holiday programs including making, puzzles, storytelling, and exhibitions https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/kids

Fizz Kidz – hands-on science and STEM holiday programs for primary-aged children https://www.fizzkidz.com.au/holiday-programs/

Inspiring Minds Studio (Essendon) – creative and STEM-focused workshops in small-group settings https://inspiringmindsstudio.com.au/school-holiday-program/

The Art Factory – structured art workshops in drawing, painting, and mixed media https://www.theartfactory.com.au/holiday-workshops

YMCA Victoria – school holiday programs combining creative activities, games, challenges, and excursions https://childrensprograms.ymca.org.au/school-holiday-programs

Holiday Activities at Home

Bright Star Kids – Educational Website Links – a curated collection of quality learning and activity websites https://www.brightstarkids.com.au/free-educational-websites/

FunFox – interactive learning activities, worksheets, and games across key learning areas https://www.funfoxprogram.com.au

Krokotak – creative art and craft ideas with printable templates and hands-on projects https://krokotak.com

DLTK’s Crafts for Kids – simple craft ideas and printable activities using everyday materials https://www.dltk-kids.com

Arty Crafty Kids – art-focused activities supporting creativity and self-expression https://www.artycraftykids.com

The Best Ideas for Kids – a wide range of crafts, science experiments, games, and activities https://www.thebestideasforkids.com

ABC Education – Australian-based videos, games, and interactive learning resources https://education.abc.net.au

Scratch (MIT) – beginner-friendly coding platform for creating games and animations https://scratch.mit.edu

National Geographic Kids – articles, videos and quizzes that build curiosity about the world https://www.natgeokids.com

Kind regards,

Carole Upton

Learning Enrichment Leader