Classroom Reports

Foundation and Year 1

Our Boxosauruses are finally finished! We each got to talk about the dinosaur we made with our peers on Thursday and Friday. Now we have had a trial run on public speaking; these budding young palaeontologists are ready to open our museum to the other grades to visit. The next few days will be busy organising the posters and tickets! Our maths and writing skills will be put to the test.  Next week, the Boxosauruses will be going home. I'm sure you'll all have a special place to house them. Next week is also our final week of Semester One. Enjoy the break. Maybe you can make some more dinosaurs. We certainly have learnt a lot about these prehistoric animals. 

Mrs Tanya Chalmers, Teacher

Year 1/2

We have lots of money in our room…. but unfortunately it is not real! We are learning to count small collections of money and give change from $1. Hopefully it will be real one day.

In P.E. we have been doing a variety of balances and with a partner we performed a sequence of three balances. We are aiming for the Tokyo Olympics!

We have also been writing our own information reports and are ready to complete our final, good copy.

Not long until the holidays. The students have improved greatly with their reading so it is important to keep that momentum going so they don’t slip during the holidays. But remember to get outside and have fun too.  

Mrs Deirdre McKenzie, Teacher

Year 5 & 6

Billabong Camp 2021

A Recount by the Students.

Day One of our amazing adventure. It was a Monday......

Most of us arrived early with our embarrassing yet loving families trying to tearily kiss us good bye as if we were leaving on a ship to war. 

When we got on the bus it was an immediate battle ground. The back seat is still a much contested position. Potty humour has not been grown out of as there was much ado about the bus toilet.

The bus trip was verrrrrry long. Although, the excitement mounted as we drew closer to camp. Aihen kept repeating ‘Are we there yet’, ‘there’s horses, is that camp!?’ 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jigsaw followed by Tigger. A briefing was then conducted by Kerri, who was to be our fearless Sargent for the next few days. We were then allocated cabins to unpack supplies. A quick refuelling before low ropes. We were able to refuel at the canteen which delicious lollies and ice-creams and souvenirs.  During orienteering Morgan, Ben, Dylan, Aihen and Riley found the most puddles although that was not technically part of the activity. Afterwards we fed the animals. The Turkeys were aggressive, terrifying Layla, Rhani and Olivia.  The Donkeys were attention seeking, Rodney aka the Texas Long Horn was agitated with the humans. Hamish and Andy the Alpacas were cute. The Water Buffalos were as cuddly as puppies.  The Shetland was true to form, being the naughtiest animal there. The Emu bobbed along in the background. Shower time was then needed and dinner of Lasagne, chips and salad was delectable. We were then required to complete a night mission. This involved viewing the creatures of the night, it was meant to be native creatures but Summer decided she would tag along. On this night walk we also took Apples the goat for a walk. 

We were supposed to go to bed at 9pm…. 

Day Two. Waking with the sun and extra lollies to give us ‘energy’, Jigsaw greeted us trying to find a warm spot every time a door was opened. Breakfast was cereal, toast and juice. After hygiene requirements for people, we groomed and saddled the horses. For some of us this was a first time experience, for others a daily chore.   During rotations, groups were invited to ride horses, play cards, or partake in archery. Mr Forrest made a perfect circle around the target twice. Some argue this was on purpose, some argue Mr Forrest just has no aim. Zac was a master. 

During horse riding Kayla’s horse went ‘rogue’. It trotted into another group and apparently wouldn’t listen. Eleanor’s horse was reportedly extra bouncy. Amelia’s horse wouldn’t move. Being a first time experience Jake and Aurelia were deemed natural horse people. 

We were then fed again. The food was plentiful. Some believe they were trying to ‘fatten’ us up. 

We needed to unsaddle and re groom our noble steeds. 

In the afternoon Bouldering was fun. It was a version of rock climbing. There was mini golf as well. Emily became one with the wall. Ava became a ping pong ball, a great effort.  

We were then awarded recreation time, the café was opened for souvenirs. Dinner was next. Chicken schnitzel veg and chips. Fire twirling was performed by the resident blacksmith. 

We then took some time to wind down watching Finding Dory. For some of us it was more amusing watching Mr Lockhart sleep. He clearly took the wind down time to the extreme. 

This took us to the second night and final night. Most of us slept better. 

Day 3.We woke extra early to pack our stuff, most packing was chaotic, but only one pair of socks was left behind.

The first news we received this morning was the cancellation of our trail ride due to inclement weather. It was too wet and muddy. We participated in extra bouldering, archery, mini golf, bungee trampoline and table tennis. Janice was the table tennis champion. 

Our last lunch was salad sandwiches and then the bus ride home. 

During our adventures Eli was a diligent student and completed extra school work, including 50 math modules. 

As a whole Billabong Ranch was a great experience and would recommend to every school and every year level. 

Mrs Annita Steel, Teacher

Maths Pathway

Congratulations to this fortnights Maths Pathway champions. 

Just a reminder that students achieving 100% growth rate each cycle is equivalent to one year’s growth achieved in the Mathematics curriculum. 

Cycle 7 is proving to be a closely contested for the highest average growth for the classes. Year 5A are currently leading with 150% with a couple of classes still to finish for start their Cycle 7 test. 

Thank you to all those students who are regularly completing their assigned modules. It is important that all students finish their assigned modules, at the latest, the day before the test.

Miss Emma Milne 

Maths Teacher

Year 11 Business Studies 

Due to the current Covid restrictions in place in Victoria, a decision has been made to postpone E&C’s Pop-Up-Shop until Term 3 (date to be confirmed). Please note: A new date regarding the final day orders will be accepted is still to be confirmed. In the meantime, order forms and money can be returned in an envelope to the front office when school reopens.

E&C’s Pop-Up-Shop is a short-term business activity being organised by Year 11 Business Management students. It is a fundraising initiative and all profits from the day will be donated to the Parents Association. The theme of the day will be

“D is for Doughnut Day”. Items available to purchase are Krispy Kreme doughnuts (both individually and by the dozen), toasted sandwiches, jelly, hot chocolates and coffee. Krispy Kreme doughnuts and toasted sandwiches will need to be pre-ordered but jelly, hot chocolates and coffee can be bought on the day. Coffee can only be sold to high school students and staff. 

* Pre-ordered boxes of doughnuts can be collected at the end of the day.

Ms Steptoe

Business Management Teacher

VCAL & VCE

Although it seems as though we have just gotten into the swing of things, the end of Term 2 is only one week away. 

With the upcoming term break, it is timely to remind our senior students of setting some good study and revision habits now before moving into the quicker half of the year. Our Year 12 students will particularly want to ensure that they remain on track and motivated for when they return in Term 3. Using a study timetable or priority list (that is updated regularly) are a couple of ways to make sure you can stay on track! 

As winter is now here some coughs and colds will start to make their presence. Please remember that we strongly encourage students to continue taking responsibility for their own personal hygiene and safety by regularly washing their hands and using sanitiser. Any student who feels unwell, has a temperature, runny nose, cough etc is asked to stay at home until they have recovered fully. It is important to consider getting fresh air when possible and maintaining a safe distance from others where appropriate. We are all responsible for the good health of ourselves and those around us. 

Careers:

Year 12 students are encouraged to actively begin researching their intended 2022 study options and attend online information sessions where available. A detailed list of these is available in our Career News section of the newsletter. 

All senior students are encouraged to touch base with Mrs Barker or Mrs Woodman to make a Careers appointment in the near future. All Year 11 and 12 students should particularly aim to make an appointment before the end of Term 3. 

At our College we are lucky enough to have both Mrs Barker and Sue Clay who can provide career counselling sessions for students. These sessions are focussed around future pathways, potential career paths, TAFE and university courses and requirements etc. Meeting with a Career Counsellor enables students to identify and explore future pathways and plan for their future outside of secondary school. 

LaTrobe Open Day: Bendigo Campus Talk & Tours

Bookings are now open for talk and tours of the Bendigo Campus in the upcoming school holidays!

Open between Monday 28 June and Friday 2 July, students and their families are given the opportunity to meet a course expert and our student ambassadors. 

Students will take tour of the Bendigo campus, check out the facilities and get a feel for our on-campus accommodation. We will also be providing Aspire application support. 

This event will run again 27 September – 1 October.

Open Day - La Trobe will host a Virtual Open Day on Sunday 1 August. 

A range of on campus events will also take place through August including the Bendigo Campus on Sunday 29 August. 

Registrations are essential and places are limited – register now!

LaTrobe ASPIRE:

As many of our students choose to study in Bendigo, please remember that Latrobe University’s Early Entry ASPIRE Program Applications are open now, and close 17 September. Further information can be found at: www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire/how-to-apply

Reminder: upcoming examination dates for students undertaking a Unit 3/4 class: 

General Achievement Test (GAT) – TBA 

Mrs. Lauren Barker and Mrs. Carol Woodman

VCE & VCAL Coordinators 

Artwork on Display

The hallway walls are a splash of colour featuring art work by the students. Here are some samples of their work.

Compass

Don't wait for the end of semester to view your child's progress. Log in to Compass and view teacher feedback and feed forward at any time by checking out your child's Learning Tasks. Children also received regular (every 5 weeks) progress reports on their Organisation, Behaviour, Attitude to Learning and Work Completion. Learning Tasks and Reports can be found on you child's profile page.