National Science Week

Students and staff enjoyed an exciting and enriching National Science Week in August, with a range of activities designed to celebrate curiosity, innovation, and discovery.

The week began with a thought-provoking presentation at the Secondary School Assembly from guest speaker Daniel Lowe representing ISCAST, who explored the topic 'Can Science and Faith be Friends?'. Students were challenged to consider the relationship between scientific inquiry and Christian faith, leading to meaningful reflection upon how science actually complements Christianity, instead of contradicting it.

Years 5 and 6 students, visiting the Secondary School laboratories, took part in a STEM Challenge, working in teams to build a tower from drinking straws that was both as tall as possible and capable of holding a tennis ball for at least three seconds. Led by our Science Faculty Captains, Luana D (11.15) and Jasmine L (11.15), students demonstrated excellent teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

The guest speakers led insightful conversations that intrigued me, such as sickle cell disease. Jasmine and I also enjoyed hosting the Year 5s and 6's in a tower building competition, where they had to build a tower that could hold a tennis ball for 3 seconds using straws, tape and paper. Luana D (11.15)

This week in Science Week was both insightful and fun. From having Years 5 and 6 join in a challenging straw tower challenge, to having thoughtful conversations from ISCAST about faith and science, the role of science in our day-to-day lives has definitely been reinforced!

Jasmine L (11.15)

Wednesday lunchtime saw the Middle School Theatrette come alive with Year 7 Science Trivia. The event was competitive, and often quite loud, particularly when contestants raced to beat each other on the buzzers. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm for science knowledge and friendly competition.

On Thursday, Senior Biology students attended a special presentation by a guest speaker from Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia. Students gained valuable insights into the genetics, inheritance patterns, and everyday realities of living with thalassaemia and sickle cell disorders. The session provided an authentic connection between classroom learning and real-world health challenges.

The week concluded with an exciting Science Zoo excursion for the entire Year 7 cohort— please read on in the next article to find out more.

National Science Week was a fantastic celebration of science across the College, providing students with opportunities to explore, question, create, and learn. Thank you to all staff, student leaders, guest speakers, and participants who helped make this year's Science Week such a memorable success.

Mrs Pauline Steele

Secondary School Teacher

Year 7 Science Excursion to Melbourne Zoo – 2026

On Friday 21 August 2026, our Year 7 students exchanged the classroom for the vibrant learning environment of Melbourne Zoo, embarking on an engaging Science excursion that brought their studies of Classification, Ecosystems and Sustainability to life.

Throughout the day, students became young scientists, observing animals closely and gathering information for their Science research task. They explored a variety of species, identifying distinguishing characteristics and considering how these features can be used to classify organisms. Seeing animals firsthand provided students with a valuable opportunity to move beyond textbook descriptions and recognise the remarkable diversity within the animal kingdom.

A particularly valuable aspect of the excursion was observing the structural and behavioural adaptations that enable animals to survive in their environments. Students considered how features such as body structures, movement, feeding behaviours and interactions with their surroundings contribute to survival. These observations strengthened their understanding of how organisms are uniquely suited to particular habitats and ecological niches.

The Zoo’s educational program further extended students’ learning about ecosystems and sustainability. Students explored the interconnected relationships between organisms and their environments, considering the influence of both biotic and abiotic factors and the importance of maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. They were encouraged to think critically about biodiversity, threats to species and habitats, and the important role conservation and sustainable practices play in protecting our natural world for future generations.

Importantly, the excursion provided an authentic connection between classroom learning and real-world Science. Concepts that students had studied throughout the term became tangible as they observed living organisms, collected evidence, asked questions and applied their scientific knowledge in a meaningful context. The experience encouraged curiosity, careful observation and a deeper appreciation of the responsibility we share in caring for the environment.

The day also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect upon God’s truth, goodness and beauty evident throughout creation. As Psalm 104:24 reminds us:

'How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.'

The extraordinary diversity of animals, their unique adaptations and the intricate relationships that sustain ecosystems provided a powerful reminder of the complexity, order and beauty of God’s creation. Our learning about sustainability also encouraged students to consider their responsibility as thoughtful stewards of the world entrusted to our care.

The Melbourne Zoo excursion was a captivating and enriching learning experience for our Year 7 cohort. Students returned to school with strengthened scientific knowledge, valuable information for their research tasks, and a greater appreciation of biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainability. Most importantly, the experience demonstrated that some of the most memorable learning occurs when students have the opportunity to observe, explore, question and discover Science in the world around them.

This experience enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the existing food webs around us. During this excursion, we participated in educational workshops that helped us understand the features and characteristics animals use to survive. We are all very grateful that Mrs Seago organised this event for us, as we all had a fun and enjoyable time at the zoo.

Grace S (7.1) and Iluka S (7.3)

Mrs Vinita Seago

Year 7 Coordinator