VCAL VIBES

Barwon River Bike Ride

As a reward for their efforts in assisting local primary schools with their Bike Education courses, Ms Elkin’s VCAL class took part in their own bike ride along the Barwon River.

Rather than checking young people’s helmets and seat heights, they checked their own and then headed off from Balyang Sanctuary towards Fyansford Common, crossed over the small bridge and headed back to Queens Park bridge for a rest stop. Here the group met up with Ms Elkin who was making sure Fatima developed her bike riding skills. The whole group then headed back to Balyang Sanctuary and on to the mountain bike riding area known as The Hill. Fatima needs to be congratulated for her perseverance and the great improvement she showed on the way back.

Most students (plus Mr Wright and Ms Elkin) took on the large loop of the track, covering sharp curves, numerous mounds and uphill and downhill sections. Some managed to cover the loop twice – though Ms Elkin did not master the sharp turn on the first bend and ended up on her bottom!

The group then made their way back to Balyang Sanctuary to pack up the bikes and head back to school.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child has launched! Students from Ms Elkin’s VCAL class have packed boxes to send overseas to children who may not receive a gift at Christmas. The project is run by the Good Samaritan organisation. The students investigated the story of the Good Samaritan and adapted it to a modern-day setting. They wrote letters to various businesses seeking donations; planned the contents of the box; checked bus timetables and then went into town to buy their gifts. Students had to put in something:

To wear
To play with
Educational
For personal hygiene
To love and
Special

Students were grateful to receive some donations from Community Care Chemist, Discount Stationers, Smile Studios and K-Mart Belmont. Other gifts were purchased by the students, demonstrating their willingness to spread the spirit of Christmas to those less fortunate.