Hands on Learning

It's been an eventful month here at the Hands on Learning shed as we approach the end of Term 1. The students have been busy on a number of projects, both around the school and in the HOL Precinct.  The culture in the groups that the students have developed is extremely positive and a testament to their efforts from an engagement perspective and also from a social perspective. This culture that we have all worked hard to create will not only benefit the outcomes of existing students, but also for the new students who will join next term. 

Projects around the School  

Art Installations for Wellbeing Office Fencing  

Students have completed the installation and the result is amazing and has added greatly to the physical environment of the school. What once was an industrial looking corner has been transformed into a visually uplifting space. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the project was seeing the students stamp their individuality on their personal flowers through creativity and then adding depth to the scene by adding birds, caterpillars, butterflies and leaves all made from recycled pallet timber. The development of the scene from just flowers to everything that can be seen in the photos was student led and as a result the sense of ownership and pride from the students is evident to see.

Planting and Mulching  

Students helped to plant out the beds at the front of A-Wing prior to the College Open night this week.  Along with the planting, HOL students mulched that area as well as other areas around the school. It is always a joy to witness students getting their hands in the dirt and seeing the sense of accomplishment when an area has been transformed.

Projects in HOL Area  

Students also dedicated their efforts to maintaining and developing the Hands on Learning space. They have been busy starting a red brick garden edging project, as well as making great strides towards completing the cladding of the roof in HOL shed. Some students also finished their personal mosaic tiles which will be added to the existing ones. Each student that comes through HOL completes a mosaic tile which will be a physical legacy to their time in HOL. These pavers are then used as edging to line the entrance to the hut. 

Tales from the HOL Kitchen  

As always, students continued to cook and eat together around our HOL built table.  As the students often say, this is one of their favourite aspects of the program.  Some meals from the last month have been burgers, chicken tender wraps and bush pizzas (cooked on the coals of an open fire!), as well as the breakfast staple of pancakes, all cooked by the students. Our best group discussion often happens around the table as we share food together.

Finally let have a few words from the Hands on Learning students on what they’re loving at HOL:

“I enjoy the hands on tasks with the physical building and learning how to use different tools”.  Ryan.

“I enjoy hanging out with the different members, doing woodwork tasks and using different tools.  I liked building a flower to go outside the Wellbeing Office”.  Will.

“I have enjoyed making new friends”.  Ella.

“I have enjoyed building different things and teaching others how to use tools”.  Nate.

“I enjoy seeing things that I have made, such as the flower display near the Wellbeing Office”.  Deng.

“I have enjoyed meeting new people and the exciting things we do”.  Boston.

Enjoy the upcoming term break and we look forward to sharing our successes when we return next term!

The Hands on Learning Crew