Primary School

Years 5/6 Camp Sovereign Hill

Our Year 5 and 6 students recently enjoyed a fantastic three-day camp experience at Log Cabin Camp, with a special highlight being our visit to Sovereign Hill. The camp was designed to support our Integrated Studies unit, True Blue, bringing Australian history to life through rich, hands-on learning experiences.

Students began their journey with a stop at Lake Wendouree before arriving at Log Cabin Camp, where they were welcomed with a range of outdoor activities, team challenges and group rotations. The first evening included a night walk followed by damper and billy tea around the fire, providing a memorable opportunity for students to connect and reflect together.

On Thursday, students travelled to Sovereign Hill where they stepped back in time to the Gold Rush era. Through guided tours and immersive sessions such as the Goldrush Immigration experience, the Labyrinth of Gold, gold panning, mine tours and the Gold Pour demonstration, students deepened their understanding of life during this significant period in Australian history.

Evenings at camp included shared meals, group activities, and a time of devotion and reflection, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Students demonstrated resilience, independence and teamwork as they participated in all aspects of camp life.

The final day included additional activity rotations and a chance to consolidate friendships before returning to school. This camp was a valuable and memorable experience, supporting both the academic and social development of our students.

Mr Jordan Partridge, 5/6 Teacher

1/2TC and Year 11 VM Planting

Mrs Penwarden and some Year 11 students brought some colourful pots, succulents, soil, stickers, pipe cleaners and mini chicks for us to decorate and plant our own pots in the beautiful sunshine. 

First we chose our pot. There were red, purple, teal, green and blue.  Max chose red, Paige chose green and Indie chose teal. Next we decorated the pots with stickers. After that we added soil to the pot and planted our plants in the soil. We added the pipecleaners and baby chicks and Mrs Chester wrote our names. 

Finally, we watered the plants and now they are living on our desks so we can take care of them. They bring some much joy to our classroom! Thank you Mrs Penwarden, Mrs Chester and Year 11 students for helping us to learn about gardening and being so kind and helpful.  

Maximus Barnes, Paige Short and Indie Woods - Year 1/2TC 

Gateways Visit – Hidden Figures Revealed

On Thursday, 26 February, Bayside was fortunate to welcome Gateways, who took nominated students from Years 1–6 on a wonderful learning journey. Gateways has been providing captivating and enriching learning experiences for students for well over a decade, and this visit was no exception.

The theme for the day, Hidden Figures Revealed, centred on mathematical inquiry. Students immersed themselves in problem-solving and logical thinking through a variety of engaging number and logic puzzles, including Futoshiki, Slitherlink, Hitori, Kakuro, Masyu and Fillomino. Sudoku was another popular challenge that required careful reasoning and persistence.

Students also creatively explored mathematical thinking using a Splat – a 2D mathematical drawing tool used to create 3D objects. The accuracy and precision of the finished drawings were truly impressive.

By the end of the day, students were certainly tired, but it was clear that much joy and deep learning had taken place. One student described the experience as “amazing,” while others excitedly asked, “When is Gateways coming back?”

We certainly hope to welcome Gateways again in the future – perhaps with a brand-new theme to inspire another day of curiosity, challenge and discovery.

Mr Ugo Torcasio, Years 3/4 Teacher

It's Okay Not To Be OK

On Monday 2 March, we were delighted to host Georgia and Hayleigh from the It’s Okay Not To Be Okay team. These two incredible women have led this charity for over 10 years and have developed a range of programs and presentations designed to educate and equip young people with a greater understanding of mental health.

Hayleigh and Georgia presented to our Years 5 and 6 students on the topic of What is mental health? and What is a mental health issue? They also explored practical ways students can care for their mental health, including the importance of sleep, exercise, healthy eating, connection with others, and having goals and a sense of purpose.

This was a highly engaging and informative session for all three of our Years 5 and 6 classes. Students participated in activities, question-and-answer discussions, reflection, and group conversations, all while being equipped with their very own ‘Backpack for Life’. This ‘Backpack’ is a tool students can use to reflect on what brings them joy, how they best connect with others, what they can look forward to, and who they can reach out to for support when challenges arise.

We are excited to continue partnering with Hayleigh, Georgia, and their team. It is our hope and prayer that these important conversations continue for weeks, months, and years to come with your children—not only in the classroom but also within your homes.

Mr Samuel Green, Student Wellbeing Mentor

Jogging Club

Our Jogging Club continues to be a great way for students to build fitness, perseverance, and healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment.

When:

• Monday lunchtimes – 12:50pm–1:12pm (on the oval)
• Friday mornings – 8:15am–8:45am (on the oval)

Students are encouraged to come along, set personal goals, and challenge themselves to improve each week. Whether they choose to jog, run, or walk, everyone is welcome… it’s all about participation and doing their best.

Parents are warmly invited to join us on Friday mornings for a great start to the day!

We look forward to seeing lots of students (and parents) out on the oval soon. Jogging Club is a fantastic way to stay active, build resilience, and have some fun with friends. 

Mr Zacc Klan, Primary PE Coordinator

Primary Athletics Carnival

Our Primary Athletics Day, held on Thursday, March 5th, was a fantastic celebration of energy, participation, and school spirit.

The day began with our Prep to Year 2 students taking part in a range of fun novelty events from 9:00am through to recess. There were smiles all around as students rotated through activities, giving everything a go and enjoying the excitement of the day.

Our Year 3 to 6 students participated in a full day of athletics events, including sprints, relays, long jump, high jump, hurdles, 200m, and the challenging 800m. Throughout the day, students demonstrated great effort, determination, and sportsmanship across all events.

It truly was a fun day in the sun, filled with cheers, encouragement, and excitement from start to finish. At one point, someone was even heard saying, “What a time to be alive!”, a fitting reflection of the atmosphere and enjoyment across the whole event.

A massive thank you goes to all of our staff who worked tirelessly to organise and run the day, as well as our wonderful parent helpers who supported events and students throughout. Days like this simply wouldn’t be possible without their time, effort, and commitment.

Well done to all students for their participation and enthusiasm, it was a fantastic day for our school community!

 Some students have been wondering which House won the day!!! Was it Believers (Green), Conquerors (Yellow) or Overcomers (Red)?

The Winning House will be announced at the next Primary Assembly! 

Primary Swimming Carnival

Upcoming Dates