Primary Happenings
Year 5: Marysville Excursion
Sulari Nielsen, Year 5 Teacher
What a great start to Term 3! With coats, beanies, and umbrellas at the ready, we set off to Marysville to launch our Inquiry topic on Natural Disasters, beginning with a focus on bushfires.
It was a truly engaging day of learning and fun. Our first stop was Steavenson Falls. We walked up to the viewing area to witness the majestic waterfall—an awe-inspiring reminder of God’s beauty. It also powerfully illustrated the regeneration of the forest after the devastating Black Saturday fires in 2009.
We then travelled to Gallipoli Park where Ben demonstrated how fire spreads using a fire table, and explained the impact of bushfires on animals. Brian and Matt brought along two forest fire management vehicles, shared insights into their work, and answered students’ questions. Students also had the chance to observe and use a fire hose.
Tom and Cas introduced us to a range of Australian animals affected by fire. Tom used vivid images, camera trapping techniques, and stories from recent local fires to deepen our understanding. All of our Forest Fire Management presenters answered many questions with patience and enthusiasm, enriching our knowledge of fire management.
A highlight for many was visiting the local lolly shop, where we supported the community by purchasing some sweet treats.
Staff and volunteers also supported a delightful local business, Fraga’s Café, enjoying an exceptional lunch and morning tea.
What an incredible experience to kick off the term and our Inquiry topic!
Year 6: 100 Days Left
AnnMarie Huddleston, Year 6 Teacher
As the fog slowly lifted on Friday 1st of August, the Year 6 class of 2025 emerged dressed in their finest attire to match the theme of 100 days left in Primary School. As age seemed to become them, they appeared with grey and white hair, glasses with thick lens and walking sticks to aid their frail bodies. It was a day filled with activities including tree planting, old fashion games, weaving bracelets and legacy rocks.
The cold weather did not stop us, especially with hot chocolates and donuts thoughtfully provided by FOD to add some warmth to our thrilling day. It was truly a wonderful day to remember what has happened so far and what is still to come for this enthusiastic and bright cohort of students.
Prep: Day 100
Helen Reid, Prep Team Leader
“1, 2, 3, …..98, 99, 100!”
Each school day this year the Preps have been counting the days until Day 100. Along the way they have been learning to count by 10s, recognise odd and even numbers and say how many tens and ones each number contains. All this learning culminated in our special Day 100 celebrations on Wednesday 6th August. The whole day was given over to celebrating maths.
Preps (and teachers) came to school dressed up. We saw lots of students looking very old as 100 year old men or women. There were 100 themed t-shirts decorated with buttons, pom poms and stickers. Thanks to parents who helped prepare these amazing costumes.
We gathered together to give thanks for our first 100 days of school and learned of God’s faithfulness as we read Psalm 100. Mrs Vaughan gave a 100 word speech and we stood in silence for 100 seconds. We enjoyed seeing our Buddies as they helped make Day 100 crowns. They also told the current preps about their Prep Day 100, which was during lock down! A special Day 100 cake was shared and certificates handed out. During the afternoon students worked together to build something out of 100 pieces of lego or towers using 100 cups or made various Day 100 related crafts.
We continue to count the days of school, 101, 102, 103… We wonder how many days until the end of Prep and what we will learn in the coming weeks.
