Learning & Teaching

Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools School Improvement Survey (MACSSIS)

Monday 1 September – Friday 19 September 2025

Check your email from ORIMA Research for log in details. Survey closes On Friday 19th! Don't miss out on the opportunity to give us effective feedback.

Once you've completed the survey, please take a screenshot of the confirmation page and email it to jreeder@olacheltenham.catholic.edu.au. You'll go into the draw to win a $50 book voucher! 

Term 3 Sustainability Workshop

This week we (Sustainability Leaders) went on an excursion to the Chelsea Foreshore and Yacht club as Ambassadors for the iSea iCare Program. Firstly we were thrilled to help care for our environment by weeding out the invasive species on the foreshore and then we planted in new natives. This way the plants can thrive without any other invasive species near them. 

We next did a sand sort in which we had to find and identify pieces of litter that are commonly found on the beach, most of which were tiny and very hard to identify. We found that there can be a lot of litter in a small amount of sand, which shows just how much rubbish can appear from being washed up. This proves the importance of always picking up our rubbish and putting it in a bin. 

Then we took part in an Indigenous workshop, where we had Hudson from ‘Living Culture’ teach us about traditional ways of hunting using boomerangs. We then got to learn about how the Indigenous people used to make knives and other sharp implements, with obsidian (worlds sharpest rock) and basalt (a very common rock). We then got to learn about and feel the animal skin of a possum and a kangaroo in which the traditional owners use. Finally we had a go at making a fire in a traditional way using the dry flower stalk of a grass tree as a base and then putting a mulberry stick into holes. We then had to twirl the stick around until an ember was made. This took a lot of effort and precise technique.

Today we learned that the beaches and foreshores play an important part in the earth’s ecosystem. We also learned the actions we make far away from the beaches play a big part in the health and welfare of our waterways and beaches. We want to continue looking after our earth in the same ways that the aboriginal people have taught us.                                                                                                             

The Sustainability Leaders - (Emma, Joselyn, Christian.M & Lachie )

Junior School Excursion 

Today, our Grade 1 and 2 students enjoyed an exciting excursion to Melbourne’s CBD. Travelling by train, the students visited the Eureka Skydeck and took part in an exploratory walking tour of the city.

This hands on experience supported our Inquiry Unit, ‘My Melbourne’, as students deepened their understanding of iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the MCG. Throughout the day, they reflected on how these places bring people together, shape our lifestyle, and contribute to our shared identity. The excursion encouraged students to think about the significance of place, the meaning behind well-known landmarks, and how we connect to and care for the spaces that matter to us.

It was a fantastic day of learning and discovery in our vibrant city!

Prep at PMP (Perceptual Motor Program)

Our Preps enjoy weekly PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) lessons which help them develop the important foundation skills they need for learning. Through fun and engaging physical activities, children build coordination, balance, body and spatial awareness, fitness, eye–hand/eye–foot control and listening skills.

These movement experiences support children’s confidence, concentration and ability to follow instructions, which in turn enhance their readiness for classroom learning such as reading, writing and problem solving.

Excellence at OLA

We celebrate achievements at OLA every day in the classroom. Outstanding achievement is celebrated at every assembly in the front of the school. Congratulations to all the students who received an award last week. 

Josy Reeder

Learning & Teaching Leader