Term 3

It has been another busy and exciting term in Upper Primary, with students embracing a wide range of learning experiences and opportunities to connect their learning with the world around them.

Across the Upper Primary classrooms, curiosity about Australia has been at the heart of our Discovery learning this term. Our focus on Our Country has provided students with opportunities to explore the places, environments and communities that make Australia unique. Through Our Country, Our Places, some classes have combined Geography and Science to investigate Australia’s diverse landscapes and natural environments. Students have explored places of significance across Victoria, including the Yarra River (Birrarung), Organ Pipes National Park, Hanging Rock, the Dandenong Ranges and the Royal Botanic Gardens, alongside iconic Australian environments such as Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Dividing Range. Through these experiences, students have been learning how landscapes influence the animals that live there, while developing an understanding of the ongoing connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country and our shared responsibility to care for the places around us.

Closer to home, students have also been discovering what makes the places around us special. Through Places Where We Belong, classes have explored the people, places and experiences that help us feel connected to our school and community. Students have investigated familiar environments such as home, school and local community spaces, discovering the features, activities and people that bring these places to life. To bring this learning beyond the classroom, classes have enjoyed excursions to Healesville Sanctuary, as well as exploring local parks and community hubs.

Stories took centre stage during Book Week, with students enjoying the opportunity to explore the shortlisted books throughout the week. The celebrations culminated in a wonderful parade, where students dressed as their favourite book characters. It was fantastic to see their creativity, enthusiasm and love of stories shining through as they proudly shared their costumes with the Upper Primary community.

Building confidence around water was another important focus this term. All Upper Primary classes participated in the Swimming Program at WaterMarc, developing water familiarisation skills and strengthening their understanding of water safety. Students worked hard throughout the program and demonstrated growing confidence as they participated in new and sometimes challenging experiences.

For our Year 6 students, camp to Blackwood provided an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and embrace adventure. Students took part in a variety of outdoor activities, including low ropes, a fossil dig, bush cooking and bush walks. They showed exceptional resilience as they challenged themselves, built confidence and developed greater independence. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, trying new things and celebrating their achievements along the way.

As we reflect on the term, there is much to celebrate. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity, resilience and growth our Upper Primary students have demonstrated. Thank you to our students for making this such a positive term and to our dedicated staff for creating rich and engaging learning experiences. We wish all our families a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to another exciting term of learning together.

Kirsten Telford

Upper Primary Team Leader

UPA

UPB

UPC

UPD

UPE

UPF

UPG

Allied Health

Upper Primary

Issue 3 · 16 Sep 2026

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