Carlsruhe Annexe / 

Main Campus - Year 4

Phillip Island Camp

With camp behind us we have done lots of talking, writing and reflecting on what a great time we had! One of the wonderful things about camp is the shared experiences, the laughs and the memories that last long after camp is over and we certainly created many of those. Even sitting in puddles, soaking wet with unrelenting wind and ‘floating seagulls’ waiting for the penguins to come in, has become something we can look back with fondness and pride that we experienced, endured and conquered!

A very grateful thank you to our three parent helpers, Bec Letson, Ben Cumming and Zoe Mullens for giving up their time to come to camp with us. They were a great support and were enthusiastic to the end - from evening adventures to see the shearwater birds to training students in setting and wiping down tables during duty group - we couldn’t have done it without them!

A sincere thank you also to the staff who came on camp. It is a big ask for staff to leave their families and other responsibilities for the week to come to camp so thank you to Jonathan Swain, Zoe Hall, Meghan Anders (who very enthusiastically put her hand up to come at the last minute after Mrs Ireland was unable to attend) and our ‘jack-of-all-trades’, Sue Turner, who not only supervised students but also provided first aid and drove the mini bus. 

Thank you also once again to Richie from Organs who puts his hand up year after year to drive the bus to camp, act as a tour guide and help with camp activities. 

Animal Enclosure Projects

To conclude our study of world biomes and plant and animal adaptations, students have been designing a new zoo enclosure for an animal from another country. They had to choose an animal to research, find out about its environmental and survival needs, graph the differing average temperatures and rainfall in their animals’ country of origin and Melbourne, creature an annotated diagram of their enclosure, write a paragraph to explain the features of the enclosure and finally create the diorama of their enclosure. Students have demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the project and the dioramas are looking great!

Incursion

On Thursday, 14th December, all Year 4 students are having their last whole unit day out at Carlsruhe. Students will particiate in the ‘Pillowcase Project’, an incursion run by the Red Cross looking at how we can stay safe during natural disasters, such as bushfires. Students will also participate in gardening and cooking, culminating in a sit down lunch to share the food we have made. Thank you to those parents who have already volunteered to help. We can always have more helpers if anyone is willing and able!

And on that note, that’s a wrap for the Carlsruhe experience for 2023! Thank you to all of the parents who have supported our program over the year, by assisting at incursions, excursions and activities and helping look after our animals and gardens, including those who have animal duty over the Christmas holidays. 

And finally thank you to the students who have embraced their Carlsruhe year with enthusiasm, commitment and pride!

We wish you all a wonderful and restful Christmas and holiday break!

Year 4 Teachers

Ann Ireland CU1 , Jonathan Swain CU2, Zoe Hall/Louise Safstrom CU3