Teaching and Learning 

Ballarat Young Authors’ Program

Last Thursday we held a celebration day in Melbourne for our students that participated in the Young Authors’ Program this year. Along with six other schools across Ballarat, students from both the Buninyong and Scotsburn campus headed to Melbourne by train and participated in a literature tour of Melbourne central as well as a tour of the State Library. Both tours were amazing and provided lots of fascinating information to inspire our Young Authors. Here are some brief recounts from our Young Authors’ Program participants about their day, as well as their overall experience of the Young Authors’ Program.  

Coco - Young Authors’ has been amazing and I am so lucky to have participated two years in a row. I had a great time in Melbourne and loved seeing all the collections at the State Library, including Ned Kelly’s original armour, boots and gun. 

Navara - I really enjoyed the Young Authors’ Program this year because it has helped me learn new techniques and I have started writing cool new stories. I loved going on the walk around Melbourne and learning new historical stuff! It was also fun going to the Sugar Station! 

Jackson - I loved the Young Authors’ Program, and it was very inspiring. I also loved seeing the State Library.

Bronte - This year I was part of the Young Authors’ Program. My favourite was seeing the Ned Kelly armour, and I wish I could do the program again. 

Carter - I really enjoyed the Young Authors’ Program and I recommend it to everyone because of the skills I have learnt. We went to Melbourne and my favourite part was the State Library and the Lego model of it. 

Jake - I enjoyed walking around the centre of Melbourne and learning all the amazing facts. The Young Authors’ was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to everyone. 

Neve - This year’s Young Authors’ was a blast! Going down the graffiti laneway, the library, everything seemed just too good to be true. It has expanded my mind and persuaded me to become an author!

Samuel - My favourite was the celebration day but the workshop at Scotsburn taught me how to use talking marks properly. My favourite part in Melbourne was the train ride. 

Clancy - I was part of the Young Authors’ Program in 2024. Young Authors’ has helped me with my writing by meeting inspiring authors. My favourite part was seeing Ned Kelly’s armour. 

Edie - I am part of the Young Authors’ Program. Throughout the year we have participated in 3 workshops and a celebration day. The Young Authors’ program has inspired me to write with more detail and use imagination in text.

Marley - Young Authors’ was an exceptional experience. Melbourne was phenomenal, I loved learning about the past and Ned Kelly. Did you know his suit was made from farming machinery? It was a heartwarming experience, and I recommend it. 

Jessica - During my time in the Young Authors’ Program, my favourite part of all the adventures I personally went on was visiting the ‘Shhhhers’ desk at the State Library. As scary as the ‘Shhhhers’ sound I honestly wish we went there when she was alive. 

Archie - I am part of the Young Authors’ Program in 2024. This was a great experience and a fun journey throughout the 3 workshops. It was amazing sharing new ideas and expanding our minds to new thoughts. I loved the program, and I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Anderson. I would also like to say thanks to the other schools and the authors. 

Assessment and Reporting

As part of our assessment and reporting process, an end of year report will be prepared for each student by classroom and specialist teachers.  These reports will be made available to parents and carers via Compass on Friday, December 6th.

In addition to a written report, a Parent Teacher Interview is also offered in Term 4 for any parents or carers who wish to discuss their child’s report in greater detail. Parent Teacher Interviews will be offered on Monday, December 9th (1:30-5:00pm) and Wednesday, December 11th (4:00-6:00pm). Further details will be communicated via Compass and the school newsletter regarding making a booking for these interviews, should you wish to make a time with a classroom or specialist teacher.

Swimming Dates/Reminders

The swimming program continues this week for 4NG and 4JD.  In week 4, all Year 5/6 classes and 4AC will participate.

The cost of the program (including transport) is $57.00.  The event requires consent and payment via Compass and is currently visible for all families. 

Any families that have a CSEF credit, may use your credit to pay for swimming.  A reminder to any families who may require a payment plan to pay for swimming, to please contact the school office to make arrangements.