Year 6

Overnight Sleepover

Year 6 students will have an Overnight Sleepover in the Banksia Building commencing at 3.30pm next Wednesday, 2 November,  and concluding at 8.50am on Thursday. 

Event information has been published on Compass. Payment of $10 is due now and not later than 4 November.

Year 6 Epidemiologists - Recommendations for reducing possible exposure to microorganisms (bacteria and mould)

This is another fine example of Student Voice at EHPS. The Year 6 students, working with Deakin University, have conducted group investigations on Mysterious Microorganisms in our school. The students selected areas to investigate, using agar plate cultures. Alana, Alysha and India’s Lost Property Box Investigation revealed the presence of bacteria and mould. This led to the entire year level further investigating the girls’ idea, and trialling different possible ‘interventions’ to reduce microorganisms. The girls wanted to make a difference in the school and help reduce any possible risk to students. All the students investigated different interventions (e.g. ventilation, lemon juice, Glen20, Vinegar, Soap), using agar plate cultures to draw reasoned conclusions. Acting as Epidemiologists, the students in groups devised ways of reducing the possible health risk, accessing the Lost Property Box.

All the students in Year 6 made posters or PowerPoints to report their findings.  Alana, India and Alysha wrote a letter to Mr Perini outlining possible microorganism presence in the Lost Property Box, and ways to help curb the spread of germs, bacteria. These are some of the recommendations the students in Year 6 came up with:

1. Wash your hands before and after using the Lost Property Box OR Hand sanitiser before and after use.
2. If you find your missing clothing, ensure you wash it well before wearing it.
3. Clean the box with water, white vinegar and borax once a week every week. 
4. Wear disposable gloves when using the box and dispose the gloves in the nearby bin. 
5. All students, to avoid playing in or near the Lost Property Box.
6. Keep the Lost Property Box open for ventilation.
7. Ideally the Lost Property Box should be ventilated with openings on either side.
8. Install an Air purifier close to the lost property box (investigations showed they work).
9. Wipe the Lost Property Box with alcoholic wipes every week.
10. Spray disinfectants on the Lost Property Box to kill any existing bacteria.

It is important to note the health risks using the Lost Property Box are minimal, and the students have also learnt that not all microorganisms are harmful, in fact some are the source of cures, e.g. Penicillin mould. The Year 6s have also been enjoying eating some food made with microorganisms at their ‘Scientists for Solutions Seminar Luncheon’; probiotic yogurt, Cheeses, Bread (yeast) and Gurbuchi (indigenous Australian Kombucha).

We look forward to displaying the student posters across the school, at the Lost Property Boxes, and thank Mr Perini and the school community for considering the Year 6 recommendations. 

Graduation Photo

Year 6 students will have their graduation photo taken on Tuesday 8 November (please note rescheduled date).

Graduation Fundraising

The Essex Heights Primary School Hall is a polling location for the upcoming Victorian State Election on Saturday 26 November. 

The Year 6 Graduation Committee will be holding a fundraising BBQ and Bake Sale from 9am until 5pm (or until sold out). All profits will go towards the Year 6 Graduation. 

We'll be looking for lots of yummy contributions for the Bake Sale - and lots of volunteers!! 

More details to follow ...