Hello, from our students and teachers.
Hello from Grade 2 / 3 and Mr. Seb Smith,
“The caves formed on the rocky hillside were used by Melville as his headquarters when he preyed on the gold escorts of 90 years ago. Here nature provided amply for him. From the top of "Melville's Caves," "Melville's Lookout," a grand and, for the bushranger, very useful view of the surrounding countryside is obtained. And just above again are the rocks which formed his stables." – The Argus, Melbourne VIC 28 Nov 1942.
Melvill's Cave. Mt. Kooyoora, formerly the haunt of the notorious bushranger Captain Melville, c 1860 - 1869.Source: State Library of Victoria
On Monday June 5th 2023 grade 2/3 students embarked on an excursion to Melville Caves. This term students have been studying Australian geographical features and landforms as part of our inquiry research unit. Students have been hard at work discovering Australia has a range of diverse and unique landscapes across the continent. In groups students selected a specific landform or landmark of Australia to replicate as a model along with creating a poster containing facts and images.
The focus of our excursion was to experience a local area featuring caves, boulders, bush tracks, lookouts, hiking trails and how these features give Australia its wonderous and unique landscape.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their time in the wilderness with their friends and teachers roaming large open spaces, exploring caves and climbing hills, rocks and boulders. When hiking up hill, students traversed tiring and difficult terrain with poise and dedication determined to reach the top and see the magnificent view of the Kooyoora state park view.
After much walking, climbing and exploring our young bushrangers needed some much-deserved lunch. Sausages and bread along with juice boxes were on the menu.
After lunch students were eager to once again set out to explore one final track in the rain in search of extravagant views, boulders to climb and caves to explore. The rain tried its best to damped the spirits of our courageous Bushrangers but it was no match for their will and determination for exploration!
The rain had stopped and our adventures to Melville Caves were drawing to a close. We carefully made our way back to our meeting site to gather our things but not before we managed to roast some marshmallows before getting back on the bus back to school!
A huge thank you to all staff and students who made the day a great success. We hope to visit Melville caves again soon and cannot wait to return. Rumour has it that Captain Melville left many of his treasures buried in the caves, we’ll have to keep a look out on our next visit!
Staff Members – David, Di, Louise, Julie & Seb