Learning & Teaching

iSea iCare Report

This term, we as iSea iCare Ambassadors, ventured to Tooradin to learn more about local environments and how we can help protect them. Our first activity was planting little saplings. Firstly, we used a planting tool to dig holes in the ground for the saplings. We then placed a protective cage around each one to prevent them from being damaged by rabbits and other wildlife as they grow. Finally, we carefully watered our saplings and made sure they had everything they needed to get started.

Our second activity was a walk along the inlet with a nature guide. During our walk, we saw mangrove trees growing in the water. We learnt that mangroves are important because they help prevent the land from eroding over time. We also discovered bracken ferns and learnt that many of them are connected through their roots. As we continued along the path, we noticed many different types of plants, each playing an important role in supporting and protecting the environment.

For our third activity, we learnt about Indigenous culture and knowledge from an Indigenous man named Lionel. He taught us about how Indigenous Australians have hunted and lived sustainably on Country for thousands of years. We learnt about a range of traditional tools and objects and discovered how they were used. Lionel also taught us about different plants that have been used as medicine and shared knowledge about traditional activities that have been passed down through generations. We had the opportunity to handle and learn how to use boomerangs and animal skins, as well as learning about traditional ways of starting a fire.

For our final activity, we investigated the amount of rubbish that can be found in sand. We were given tubs of sand and used sieves to carefully search through them to see what we could find. Surprisingly, some of the most common items we found were pieces of fabric and plastic. We recorded our findings and then shared them with the other iSea iCare Ambassadors. Even though the tubs of sand seemed quite small, there was a surprising amount of rubbish hidden inside them. This showed us just how important it is for everyone to work together to protect the health of our environment. We want to use this experience as a reminder to make sure we put our rubbish in the bin and never leave wrappers or rubbish behind when we are outside.

Avacyn, Ava, Annabelle & Sam

Grade 1/2 Excursion to Ripponlea

We have examined the similarities and differences between our lives and that of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Grade 5/6 Expo

Our Grade 5/6 students proudly showcased their learning at an inspiring Immigration Expo! Through research, creativity and thoughtful presentations, students explored the diverse stories, journeys and experiences of people who have migrated to Australia.

It was wonderful to see students sharing their knowledge, asking meaningful questions and celebrating the many cultures and backgrounds that help make our community so vibrant. A fantastic celebration of learning, empathy and diversity! 

Grade 3/4 Expo

This term, our Grade 3/4 students have been exploring the fascinating topic of ‘Space’ as part of our Literacy learning. Throughout the term, students have developed their informative writing skills by planning, drafting, editing and publishing information reports about planets. They have worked hard to research, organise facts and present their learning in engaging and informative ways. As part of their learning, students have also created digital presentations to share interesting facts about their chosen planet.

OLA Talent Quest

We are excited to announce the return of our OLA Talent Quest at this year’s Fete! This event gives our students a platform to showcase their creativity, skills and stage presence. Students are invited to enter as solo acts or form groups with peers in their year level. Entries can fall into dance, vocal, drama, instrumental, magic, comedy or any other performing art. 

The competition kicks off in Term 4 Week 2 with our Classroom Heats, where each class will select its top three acts to advance to the Level Heats. From there, the top three winners from each level will be selected to perform at the Whole School Talent Quest and at the OLA Fete.

Please refer to the following timeline:

• Classroom Heats - Term 4 Week 2 (Beginning 12th October)
• Level Heats - Term 4 Week 3 (Beginning 19th October)  - winners announced Friday 23rd October afternoon
• OLA Whole School Talent Quest - Friday 30 October 2:30pm
• OLA Fete - Saturday 7 November

Parents are welcome to attend the Whole School Talent Quest on Friday 30 October 2:30pm.

Before taking the stage, all song choices, lyrics, and jokes must be approved by a teacher. Please submit a printed copy or email your song lyrics to your classroom teacher by the end of Week 1. 

We encourage students from every year level to take part and cannot wait to see all the incredible talent our OLA community has to share!

Fire Education for Preps

Fired Ed visited PREPS to talk to us about fire safety.

Students learned important information about what to do if there is a fire, how to stay safe, and why it is important to follow safety rules. 

It was a valuable and informative visit, and we would like to thank Fired Ed for coming to PREPS and helping us learn how to stay safe around fire.

District Athletics

Congratulations to all our students who competed at District Athletics!

We are so proud of the way you represented OLA! Your hard work, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship were fantastic to see.

Well done to each and every one of you for giving your best and having a go. You should all be very proud of your efforts!

Excellence at OLA

We celebrate achievements at OLA every day in the classroom. Outstanding achievement is celebrated at every assembly in the front of the school. Congratulations to all the students who received an award last week. 

Josy Reeder

Learning and Teaching Leader