Secondary School
Year 8
Year 8 Inquiry and Explore Sessions at Little Tree
This week, our Year 8 students began their Inquiry and Explore program at Little Tree Echuca as part of their Term 3 curriculum.
In their first session, students immersed themselves in a range of hands-on activities, including canvas art, bread making, creating sustainable vegetable garden beds, planting vegetables and spending time with animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and golden retriever puppies.
The sessions follow a Steiner-inspired approach to education, encouraging students to find balance, rhythm, and connection through a series of repeated cycles of creative, practical and nurturing activities.
"Last Monday, the Year 8 Inquiry and Explore class went to Little Tree for the first part of the day. We loved playing with the guinea pigs and a game of the big uno. We really enjoyed learning how to make the bread and especially eating it. Little Tree is a wonderful and fun place to go for some fun and to make friends."
Written by Nate Murphy and Charlie Flanigan
"Our first session at Little Tree in Echuca was a really fun experience. Everyone got the chance to make bread. We only kneaded the dough a little, but the best part was eating the bread together afterwards.
We also did other activities. Some people played Uno and other board games, while others spent time with the guinea pigs, which were very soft and warm in their hands. There were also dogs running around, which made the day even more enjoyable. There were also wood planks to build a small hut, which some people did.
Overall, our first session was very good and enjoyable. It was exciting to try different activities, spend time with animals, and share the bread we had made. I’m looking forward to the next visit."
Written by Zaeem Ishola and Ashton Haw
Eco-Friendly Project – Wool, String and Yarn Donations Needed
My name is Lyla Harris, and together with my Year 8 elective class partner, Lila Courts, we are working on an eco-friendly project as part of our Inquiry and Explore Unit. We have decided to wrap yarn around the trees near the sports shed to bring colour and life to the area.
We are requesting the school community’s support by donating any old or unused wool, string or yarn that we can repurpose for this project. Clearly labelled collection boxes have been placed in both the Primary and Secondary Offices, and donations will be accepted until the end of term.
Thank you in advance for helping us brighten up our school grounds in an eco-friendly way.
Eco-Friendly Project – Wooden Spoon Donations Needed
My name is Monique Johnson, and together with my Year 8 Inquiry and Explore partner, Paige Patten, we are working on our first eco-friendly project. We have chosen to create a Wooden Spoon Garden as part of our display.
To help bring this idea to life, we are seeking donations of 10–15 wooden spoons from our school community. A clearly labelled collection box will be available at the Main Reception for donations.
We will be collecting wooden spoons over the next fortnight and would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you for helping us make our eco-friendly project possible!
Year 9
Year 9 Accelerated Science Students Build DNA Models with Lollies
This term, our Year 9 Accelerated Science students explored the structure of DNA in a hands-on (and tasty) way. To bring this important biological molecule to life, they used lollies and skewers to create colourful 3D models of the famous double helix.
Year 9 Science – Exploring Earth’s Cycles
Our Year 9 students recently showcased their knowledge in an engaging presentation on the different cycles of nature. Each group explored one of Earth’s key systems, including the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle and phosphorus cycle.
The students impressed their peers with detailed explanations, creative visuals and real-world examples of how these cycles connect and impact everyday life. They were also asked to grade other presentations, which proved to be quite an interesting task for them.
This event was a wonderful opportunity for students to develop confidence in public speaking and teamwork.
Shaping Future Pathways – Year 9 Real Industry Job Interviews Experience
On Tuesday 26 August 2025, our Year 9 students took part in the Beacon Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI) – a program designed to prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. Students sat across from real employers from our local community in a simulated interview setting, gaining valuable practice, feedback, and insight into what employers look for when hiring.
In preparation, students had attended workshops on interview techniques, professional presentation, and worked on preparing a resume and cover letter; all of which helped them approach the day with confidence.
The feedback from industry leaders was overwhelmingly positive. Interviewers commented on how prepared, professional, and articulate our students were, noting that they represented both themselves and our school with pride.
The event, held in the Multi-Purpose Hall, was a fantastic opportunity for students to practise key employability skills and better understand workplace expectations.
Experiences like these play an important role in supporting our students as they begin to shape their future career pathways.
Year 10
Year 10 English: Bringing Macbeth to Life!
Shakespeare isn’t just something we read – in Ms Patten’s Year 10 English class, it’s something we perform, debate and explore. Students took on the challenge of becoming Macbeth Scene Experts, bringing key moments of the play to life through creative presentations – from dramatic performances and talk shows to podcasts and storyboards.
The classroom has been buzzing with energy, laughter and collaboration as every student took a role in exploring characters, themes, and plot. This project shows that English isn’t just about essays; it’s about creativity, teamwork and a deeper understanding of the stories that shape us.
Year 11
Year 11 V.E.T. Primary Industries
Students have enjoyed fencing at school, practising termination and figure-eight knots, running wires, driving in steel posts, attaching droppers, and tensioning wires using gripples.
It Takes a Village
Over the past few weeks, our Year 7 & 8 students have been immersed in the Black Dog Institute's 'Teens and Screens' Program. They have undertaken a workshop with our Wellbeing Team Leaders, Mrs Emily Flanigan and Mrs Liz Smith, at their recent B+ Days.
In their Tutor Groups, they have been learning about the new social media ban that will take effect on 10 December of this year. This week has been fortunate to have Senior Constable Shane Roberts from Echuca Police come and work with our Grade 5 & 6 students, as well as our Year 7 & 8 students.
In the next couple of weeks, students will undertake some goal-setting tasks, using the information and skills shared with them during our school's Teens and Screens program, to set goals about making informed choices about their screen time and phone use.
In our communication with Year 7 & 8 parents at the start of the program, we mentioned a parent information evening that we intended to host in the latter weeks of August. Since this communication, it has come to our attention that a community event with the same purpose and intended outcomes is being offered by The Phone Pledge and is sponsored by a range of local businesses and community organisations. We will no longer host the Teens and Screens evening at MAG. Instead, we would like to recommend the 'conversation' that will be held at the Moama Bowling Club on Wednesday, 10th September, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Please refer to the flyer for further details.
2025 Creative Currents
A Performing, Visual & Digital Arts Showcase
Join us for an inspiring celebration of student creativity, featuring artworks, design projects and live performances in music, drama and dance.
This year’s event features a special focus on our HSC (Higher School Certificate) practical subjects: Industrial Technology (Multimedia), Design and Technology, Visual Arts, and Music, presenting the impressive work produced by Year 12 students in their final year of high school.
Date: Monday 1 September
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: TAS Centre (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) & MPH (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Official Opening: 5:30 pm in TAS Centre
Complimentary refreshments provided.
