AROUND THE SCHOOL (2 of 2)

YEAR 6 STUDENTS EXPLORE IMMIGRATION STORIES AT MELBOURNE'S IMMIGRATION MUSEUM

BY DARREN HORTON (YEAR 6 TEACHER)

A group of enthusiastic Year 6 students recently visited the Immigration Museum in Melbourne to delve into the diverse stories of migration that have shaped Australia. The museum's "Many Stories" program provided an engaging, hands-on experience, allowing students to interact with authentic artefacts and learn about the journeys of various migrants.

Exploring Personal Migration Stories

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by museum educators and introduced to the "Many Stories" program, which aligns with the Victorian Curriculum and focuses on exploring immigration through objects and artefacts. The students were divided into small groups, each tasked with investigating a set of items related to an individual's migration experience.

Here are some of the stories the students uncovered:

Hasegawa from Japan: In the 1890s, Hasegawa migrated to Australia due to war and to improve his English. He settled in Geelong, purchasing a house and a laundromat to support his family. His story highlighted the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of early migrants. Ariana, 6A
Bulbuhoch from South Sudan: Fleeing war, Bulbuhoch carried a water bottle that saved his life twice during his journey. His story underscored the hardships faced by refugees and the importance of perseverance. Elliott, 6B
A Migrant from Indonesia: Arriving on an educational scholarship, this individual later opened a clothing shop, contributing to Australia's multicultural fabric. Her story illustrated the opportunities and challenges of skilled migration. Kayley, 6B
Rebecca Greaves from England: During the Gold Rush era, Rebecca migrated with her three brothers. While her brothers sought fortune on the goldfields, she worked as a maid, showcasing the diverse roles women played in early Australian society. Lexi, 6A
A Japanese Artist: Interned as an "enemy alien" during World War II, this individual later became a painter, reflecting the complex experiences of Japanese migrants during wartime. Tilly, 6A

Interactive Learning and Reflection

After analysing the artefacts, students gathered to share their insights, discussing both the obstacles and successes experienced by the migrants they studied. This collaborative process encouraged critical thinking and fostered empathy, as students came to understand the varied reasons and experiences behind each migration journey.

The visit to the Immigration Museum provided Year 6 students with a deeper understanding of Australia's rich cultural tapestry. By engaging with real-life stories and artefacts, students gained insights into the complexities of migration and the contributions of migrants to Australian society. The experience not only enhanced their historical knowledge but also promoted values of empathy and cultural appreciation.

COLD WATER AND WARM MEMORIES

BY ANDREW LOCKREY (YEAR 8 COORDINATOR)

Last week, Year 8 Outdoor Ed threw caution - and possibly sanity to the wind as they launched themselves enthusiastically into the wild (or gently bubbling) rapids of the Yarra River. Armed only with paddles, wetsuits, their helmets, and varying degrees of optimism, these adventure-seekers navigated their rafts through swirling waters, sneaky rocks, and questionable steering ability, what could go wrong?

Buckle up and tighten your life jackets, because chaos ensued! Rafts zigged when they should have zagged, paddles turned into accidental splash machines, and laughter reached ear-shattering levels.

The undisputed legend of the day was one fearless Year 8, who boldly (or accidentally, details remain sketchy) flung themselves into the icy embrace of the Yarra (more than once!). Onlookers confirm it was a performance worthy of Olympic diving, minus the elegance and grace. Result? The water was absolutely freezing, somewhere between "ice bath soak" and "brain freeze from drinking a slushie too fast."

Shouts of encouragement, bursts of laughter, and screams of mild panic echoed along the riverbanks throughout the day, proving that team bonding truly reaches new heights (and depths!) when your raft is spinning uncontrollably towards a suspicious-looking rock.

A huge shout-out goes to all the students who kept smiling despite numb fingers and toes, and occasionally questionable paddling techniques. Extra thanks to the incredible Claire Wan and Emily Fraanje for keeping everyone (mostly) aboard their vessels, doubling up with two trips down the Yarra and reminding us repeatedly that rivers are meant to be enjoyed from inside the raft.

OUTSTANDING EFFORT- GLOBAL LANGUAGENUT COMPETITION

BY ELENA AGACHE (FRENCH TEACHER)

During May our talented Year 4–6 students enthusiastically rose to the challenge of the French Global Languagenut Primary Competition.

This exciting event offered a wonderful opportunity for students learning French to explore, practise, and showcase their language skills through a range of fun, interactive activities—all at their own pace.

Over the course of two weeks, our students competed against peers from around the world and proudly secured 8th place overall—a remarkable achievement that reflects their hard work and enthusiasm!

A special shout-out goes to Fredrik C (5B) and Archer S (5A), who placed 14th and 24th respectively on the global leaderboard. Félicitations à tous—what a brilliant accomplishment!

This success is a wonderful reminder of the rich and diverse learning experiences our school offers. From language learning to global engagement, our students continue to thrive and shine. La vie est belle!