3/4 Camp to Malmsbury Doxa Camp – A Journey of Fun, Friendship and Learning

The Year 3/4 Camp to Malmsbury Doxa Camp was a highlight of the school calendar, providing our students with an incredible opportunity to build friendships, develop new skills, and experience the joy of outdoor learning. Over several action-packed days, students embraced a range of activities designed to challenge, excite, and inspire.

From the giant swing and rock climbing to bushwalks, team-building challenges, and disc golf, every activity encouraged students to work collaboratively, problem-solve, and try new things. Many stepped out of their comfort zones, showing courage and determination, whether it was soaring on the giant swing or mastering a tricky disc golf throw.

A strong sense of community was evident throughout the camp as students supported one another, celebrated each other's achievements, and forged stronger bonds. Mealtimes were another highlight—the food was delicious, and there was always plenty to enjoy! Evenings were filled with excitement as students played night games, watched movies, and reflected on their daily adventures.

The natural beauty of Malmsbury added to the experience, giving students the chance to explore and appreciate the outdoors while developing their resilience and independence. The camp also allowed them to grow socially and emotionally, as they navigated being away from home and embraced the challenges of camp life.

A huge thank you goes out to the teachers, staff, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to organise and run the camp. Their dedication ensured the students had a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. The 3/4 Camp was not just about fun but also about learning life skills, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

What the students thought of camp...

"I loved cooking because we made yummy, delicious pizza pockets, it was amazing!" ~ Mackenzie

"I loved how Camp Malmsbury was determined to push us out of our comfort zone and was encouraging us to try new things" ~ Lilly

"I loveed the rock climbing because it was challenging" ~ Shyla

"I liked the giant swing because it was so high" ~ Sid

"I liked the rock climbing because it was extreemly challenging because it was high and I didn't want to fall back" ~ Alex

Grade 2 Sleepover

Last week the Grade 2 had their excursion to Bendigo and their sleepover. We had a fantastic time, and all the students were well behaved. Here are some of the students’ recounts

Last Thursday the 5th of December the Grade Two students stayed at school for one night. First, we went bowling. I got two spares and got 92 points. I came third in my group. Then we went swimming, I went down the big slide, it was fun. There was a big bucket that had water in it and it would splash us. Then we had tea, I had 3 sausages (I was hungry after swimming). Then we went to sleep. I had a good time. – by Tait

I had lots of fun at the Grade Two Sleepover. I went in Ms Wright's car with Mon, Jack and Ralph. We went bowling, it was fun. Then we went to the ‘Water Park’, I played on the slides and then a big bucket would drop water on us. We had the best time at the Water Park. – by Hunter

I liked the Water Park. The big bucket was my favourite part, it was like a big shower. I enjoyed bowling because I got a couple of spares. When we got back to school, we had dinner. We went on a possum hunt, the Carroll Possum jumped out of a tree. I didn’t get scared. I slept well. I had a really good time at the Grade Two sleepover. – by Tom

On the 5th to the 6th the grade 2’s had a sleepover. On the 5th we went to the Bendigo. We played ten games and Juliette won with 93 points and afterwards we went to the waterpark there was a big bucket of water and when it tipped, we quickly sat under it. We all got soaked. And we finished at the waterpark, and we got back to school for dinner. We had a B.B.Q it got dark, so we went for a possum hunt and found a Carrol possum (Mr Carroll) . We came in and did our night routine and went to bed. In the morning, we had breakfast and went on with a normal day. – by Dakota

On Thursday the 5th of December and Friday the 6th of December all the grade 2 students had a sleepover. After we got to school, we did the roll. At 9:15am we left to go bowling. Miss Trickey got the highest score in my group. It was fun bowling. After that we went to the Bendigo Splash Park. First, I went into the little pool, Mia and I played tag. Then we went on slides. There was a big bucket and when it was full it would tip over us. We had fun at the Splash Park. When we got back to school, we had a BBQ and then we had some free play. Later we had a possum hunt. At the end a Carroll Possum jumped out of a tree. We went to bed and in the morning, we had breakfast and then free play. - By Evie

On the 5th of December 2024 the Grade Two Sleepover. First, we went to Bendigo to go Ten Pin bowling. Next, we went to Bendigo to go to a Waterpark. Last we went back to school. For dinner we had a BBQ. Then we went o a possum hunt, we also found a Carroll Possum. We went to bed. For Breakfast we had cereal and toast. – by Lahni

At the grade two sleepover it was my birthday. I went to the water splash park and the bowling alley in Bendigo. I had lots of fun. Have you been to the Bendigo Splash Park or Bowling? It was the best birthday ever. – by Maxwell.

Exploring Civics and Citizenship in Year 3/4

This week, our Year 3/4 students were joined by the grade 5 students and delved into an engaging civics and citizenship learning experience. The focus was to explore the importance of rules and laws, understand rights and responsibilities, and learn how laws are made in Australia. To cap off the day, we hosted our very own "School Parliament," where students drafted, presented, and voted on new school rules. Our most voted proposals were presented to Mrs. Whitford for consideration.

The day began with discussions about rules and laws. Students explored the difference between the two and discussed why both are necessary for fairness and safety. Through a hands-on activity, they created charts listing rules with laws that they knew. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how rules and laws impact their daily lives and ensure a safe environment.

In small groups, students come up with their own school rules, presenting ideas to the whole group, before holding a class vote. Popular proposals included a rule for caring for the school chickens, such as ensuring safe handling, and another suggesting the introduction of a school dog, with ideas like training it as a "reading buddy" and assigning responsibilities for its care. These groups presented their proposals to Mrs. Whitford for consideration and feedback.

All the students did a great job in advocating for changes that could make our school an even better place to learn and grow. Stay tuned for updates on whether any of their proposed rules, like the Chicken Care Rule or School Dog Rule, will be implemented.

Rochester Primary School Newsletter

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility

Term 4 Week 10 · 12 Dec 2024

In this issue