HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS (2 of 2)
Kinder: V.I.P Morning Tea
By Kirsty Meese (Kinder Director)
Over the last term Team Kinder have been busy scouting teapots for our V.I.P. Morning Tea. On Monday and Wednesday are youngest students prepared the ELC for their very important visitor by placing tablecloths on tables, carrying teapots, filling teapots with juice and carrying cups to tables.
There was such a joyous atmosphere as Kinder students enjoyed a morning tea of Anzac biscuits and juice with their very important person. There were aunties, dad’s, mum’s and grandparents sitting on tiny chairs having fabulous conversations with other members of our Kinder community. It wasn’t long before the students and families moved outside to take advantage of the sunny weather on Monday and the rainy weather on Wednesday.
We’d like to say a very BIG “thank you” to all our V.I.P.’s for joining us.
Book WeeK 2023 - Read, Grow, Inspire
By Anita Little (Discovery Centre Manager)
It’s a jungle in here! Trees, vines, butterflies, snakes and all sorts of critters have been brought to life by our team of Library Leaders and students. Their creativity beautifully reflects this year’s book week theme - Read, Grow, Inspire, which highlights how literature offers opportunities for learning and seeds of inspiration and innovation.
During Book Week students participated in a range of activities including a Big Book Quiz and a Guess Who’s Reading Quiz, students wrote their favourite book on a leaf and added it to the jungle and, of course, lots of reading! Thursday saw imagination run wild with students dressing up as characters from favourite books and the Primary Book Parade in the Gym. Well done students, parents and staff on your fabulous costume!
For the first time this year, Book Week also featured a Parents’ Book Evening with two local authors - Michaela Valentine (previous student and staff member at BHCS) and Elizabeth Fensham (CBCA award winning author and long term English teacher at Mountain District Christian School). The mulled cider and lamp light set a cosy scene for the shared journey through the writers’ stories. Both the authors were inspiring and encouraging as they generously shared their work.
A huge thank you to everyone who got involved as we celebrated all things bookish together!
Year 3: A Golden Ticket to the Yarra Valley Candy Factory
By Ugo Torcasio (Year 3 Teacher)
Young Charlie Bucket dreams of meeting Willy Wonka, the mysterious world-renowned candy maker. When news breaks that his idol is opening the gates of his factory to a lucky few, Charlie is desperate to get his hands on a life-changing golden ticket.
Our Year 3 students also were excited to uncover the mysteries of the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory.
We were immersed in the difference between milk, dark and white chocolate and from their journey through a world of pure imagination with a comically curious assortment of Ruby Chocolate, Polka Dots, Caramel Fudge, Jelly Snakes, marshmallows and a chubby strawberry delight. The Yarra creations come to life in a flurry of colour and confection.
Students also created their own delicious decadent chocolate lolly pop decorated with an assortment of lollies and colours.
This sweet spectacle features the beautiful landscapes of the Yarra Valley and although we saw no Candy Man, we all found a Golden Ticket entry to the factory.
Year 4: Steam-Powered Adventure
By Tracy Whittingham (Year 4 Teacher)
Amidst the lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, a historical marvel roars to life. The rhythmic chug of the steam engine, billowing plumes of white smoke, and the screech of wheels on narrow-gauge tracks, all came together to transport the 50 Year 4 students on a nostalgic journey through time on Puffing Billy on Tuesday. A symphony of excitable squeals, sounds and amazing sights promised an unforgettable adventure from Belgrave to Emerald - Lakeside and return.
The journey linked nicely with our reading of the Highland Falcon Thief: Adventure on Trains, a mystery adventure on a steam train.
Some student highlights of the day...
4TW
- first time on a steam train ever (that we remember) - Indi, Jade, Kaley, Emma, Flynn
- being able to stick our hands out - Lauren
- seeing cool things on the journey - Lucy
- being able to ask the conductor questions - Matilda, Jasper, Tate
- the whole experience - Jude
4AG
- resting on the train - Kenzie, Emma-Lee, Lexi, Ari, D'art
- looking through the visitor's centre - Eleanor
- putting our hands out of the carriage - Phelix
- meeting the volunteers - Ari, Ben, Beau, Daniel, Evie, Paige
- learning about the track that ended up under a landslide - Ivy
Swinging into Fun: Our Exciting New Playground!
By Cathleen Barker (Head of Primary School)
We're thrilled to announce a fantastic new addition to our Primary School Playground!
The eagerly anticipated rings, jungle gym, and turning bars have been successfully installed in our primary school play area. The students had a unanimous wish for "Monkey Bars" to be added to our playground, and after patiently waiting, their dream has now become a reality.
The equipment is in place and being actively enjoyed by our students, who are sporting big smiles all around. Many of them eagerly attempt to beat their personal bests, while others strive for greater speed and agility.
I took the opportunity to ask some of our Year 3 students about their thoughts on the new equipment, and here's what they had to say:
"It's really challenging and exciting!"
"I feel so strong when I make it across the whole length."
"Since a lot of people have been using them, you sometimes have to wait your turn."
"They come in different heights, so even the preppies can give them a try."
"This addition was much needed because we used to have them before the new building was constructed."
"They're awesome and great; I can practice on them because I don't know how to do it yet."
As a Primary Community, we are extremely grateful for this excellent addition to our play space.
So, if you're in the area, come on over and give it a go!