Student Activities
Medieval Day
On Tuesday 2 June, our Year 8 students stepped back in time and participated in Maid Marian's Medieval Day!
Students enjoyed a range of practical, hands-on activities inspired by the Middle Ages, including weapons and shield-making, coat-of-arms design, alchemy, chainmail-making, medieval cooking, games and archery.
The immersive experience provided a fantastic opportunity for students to bring their History learning to life while exploring the sights, skills and traditions of medieval times.
Gippsland Irrigation Expo and Riversdale Farms Visit
On Wednesday 20 May, the Year 11 and 12 VCE VM Agriculture and Horticulture students attended the Gippsland Irrigation Expo, where they explored the latest innovations and technologies in irrigation and water management.
Throughout the expo, students had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and gain valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and modern agricultural systems. The event provided a firsthand look at how irrigation technology is helping farmers improve productivity while managing water resources more efficiently.
Following the expo, students visited Riversdale Farms, where owner Brad White shared his extensive knowledge and experience in irrigation management. Students were highly engaged as Brad explained the design and operation of the farm’s irrigation systems and discussed the importance of efficiency, sustainability and adapting to changing seasonal conditions.
The visit provided students with a practical understanding of how irrigation systems are used in modern agriculture and highlighted the critical role water management plays in supporting productive and sustainable farming enterprises.
We thank Brad White and the organisers of the Gippsland Irrigation Expo for providing such a valuable and informative learning experience for our students.
Student Reflection – Agriculture Excursion
On 31 March, the Agriculture students from Catholic College Sale visited a robotic dairy and feedlot before travelling to Kate and Peter's dairy farm in Newry.
Visiting the robotic dairy was an incredible experience. We had the opportunity to see how the robotic milking system works, including how the robots milk the cows, determine when each cow can be milked, and manage the movement of cows between paddocks. Alister explained the process of setting up the system and how the cows needed time to learn and adapt to the new technology.
We then visited Alister’s feedlot, located nearby. Students learned about the recent upgrades to the facility, including redesigned pens, a new cattle crush, improved fencing, and a safer loading ramp for trucks. These improvements help make the operation safer and more efficient for both animals and workers.
In the afternoon, we visited Kate and Peter’s dairy farm, where we learned about regenerative farming and the science of soil health. We discovered what helps cows produce high-quality milk, why not all weeds are harmful, and the benefits of different pasture species. Kate and Peter also took us into one of their paddocks to explain what had been planted and why, helping us understand the important relationship between soil, pasture and livestock production.
The excursion was a valuable learning experience and provided a fascinating insight into different approaches to modern dairy farming.
Year 9 History Excursion
On Wednesday 22 April, the Year 9 History students travelled to Briagolong and the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum to learn more about Australia's military history and the impact of war on local communities.
The day began with visits to the Briagolong RSL, the Mechanics Institute, the cenotaph and the local cemetery. Students were split into two groups, with one group visiting the RSL first while the other began at the cenotaph.
At the RSL, students met the President, Mike, who served in East Timor in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2009. He shared stories about his service and explained the important role the RSL plays in supporting veterans and bringing the community together. Students also viewed photographs honouring local service men and women, including Jake Kovco, a Briagolong local who served in Iraq and died in 2006.
The group then visited the historic Mechanics Institute, which once served as a centre for entertainment and social gatherings. Before modern technology, community members would gather there to watch films, play games and enjoy live entertainment.
At the Briagolong cenotaph, students learned about the local men and women who served during the First and Second World Wars. The visit to the cemetery provided an opportunity to hear the story of Annie Whitelaw, whose six sons served in World War I. Tragically, three were killed during the war and another later died from his injuries. Students also learned about the memorial dedicated to local soldiers and the community's efforts to support Annie through her loss.
In the afternoon, students visited the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum. They explored a range of displays, including model aircraft, pilot memorabilia and exhibits highlighting military service throughout Australia's history. Students completed a quiz as they moved through the museum and learned about notable figures such as John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who became famous for carrying wounded soldiers on his donkey during the Gallipoli campaign. They also discovered the important contributions women made on the home front while many men were serving overseas.
The excursion concluded with a group photo in front of one of the museum's aircraft displays before returning to school. It was an informative and engaging day that helped students gain a deeper understanding of Australia's wartime history and the sacrifices made by those who served.
Written by
Izabellah Parkinson-Hall
Year 9 Geography Excursion – Tarra Bulga National Park
Our Year 9 Geography students recently visited Tarra-Bulga National Park, where they explored the natural environment firsthand and deepened their understanding of Australia's unique ecosystems.
Throughout the day, students demonstrated excellent respect for Country, for one another and for the park itself. They embraced every challenge, completing a 1.2-kilometre rainforest hike and crossing the suspension bridge with enthusiasm.
Students also participated in a fungi scavenger hunt, searching for the rare bioluminescent Ghost Fungi, and applied their fieldwork skills by identifying local flora and fauna—including the exciting sighting of a lyrebird.
Despite encountering a few leeches along the way, students showed resilience and maintained a positive attitude, making the experience both memorable and rewarding.
Congratulations to all Year 9 Geography students for representing Catholic College Sale so proudly and making the most of this valuable learning opportunity.
Year 9 Lake Guyatt Field Trip
Our Year 9 Geography students from classes 9A, 9E and 9F recently visited Nakkunbalook and Lake Guyatt in Sale to undertake a hands-on field investigation.
Throughout the excursion, students examined aquatic microinvertebrates and measured water quality to gain a deeper understanding of the health of local ecosystems. They also explored the area's native flora and fauna, investigating how different species are adapted to their environment and contribute to maintaining healthy habitats and preventing erosion.
Students demonstrated excellent fieldwork skills, including detailed note-taking, sketching and data recording, while applying geographical concepts in a real-world setting.
The excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with practical geographical inquiry and develop a greater appreciation for the local environment.
Year 11 VM Industry Visit – Jones Civil Group
Our Year 11 VM students recently participated in an industry visit to Jones Civil Group.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to meet with staff and take part in an informative presentation. They gained valuable insight into the impressive projects being delivered by the company, as well as the wide range of career pathways, job roles and work experience opportunities available within the civil construction industry.
The experience provided students with a greater understanding of the skills, qualifications and opportunities available in the sector, helping them to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
A huge thank you to Jones Civil Group for their time, hospitality and valuable information. We greatly appreciate the opportunity provided to our students and the support shown in helping them explore future career options.
