Around the School (1 of 2)
YEAR 7 OES OVERNIGHT CAMP
By Francis Best (Year 7 Team Leader)
On Thursday 10th of November, the school bell rang at the end of period 4 and students rushed to depart. Except for the brave elective groups that were staying at school for the overnight camp & hike. Students had planned and prepared to cook their dinner on Trangias. Some meals looked delicious, others, not so much. With the possibility of the oval flooding, we set up tents in the gym and called it a night.
With rain clouds building the next morning, two groups set out for a hike through Sherbrooke Forrest. Leeches, mud & rain weren't enough to dampen the spirits of the groups and they demonstrated tenacity, courage & joy on the hike. Students took turns leading the group and successfully navigated the group to lunch, then eventually to the bus. A fantastic effort for the students involved!
A DAY AT MELBOURNE ZOO
By Rachael D'Monte (Biology Teacher)
As part of our Unit 2, VCE Biology course we have been studying the Adaptations of Organisms and what a better way than to visit our very own Melbourne Zoo. Our students took part in the Adaptations for Survival Program which was run by the staff at Melbourne Zoo.
They used real-world examples to explore animal adaptations and interactions within their ecosystem.
Students got to learn about the structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations of the Southern Corroboree Frog.
They learnt about the threats it faces, including a global fungal infection, and the bioethics that are considered in their captive breeding programs.
Students also got to use their key science skills to collect and analyse data related to the behaviours of butterflies in the Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House. As part of the visit we were able to witness a lion feeding session which was scary and cool at the same time.
We were also serenaded by the Siamangs (monkey) as they sang their morning song.
It was a lovely way to end the topic and unit and have a day out together.
YEAR 8 PUSH EXCURSION: BOXING
By Andrew Lockrey (Physical Education Coordinator)
On Thursday 3rd and 10th November all the Year 8 students went on separate boys and girls excursions to a local boxing gym in Ferntree Gully.
For PUSH this year, each of the four groups have spent some time with Mr Lockrey learning about boxing fitness in the studio above the gym every Tuesday and Thursday morning. As a way to show them where this skill and fitness could take them if they wanted to pursue it further they all had the opportunity to visit Fit Life Boxing gym.
The gym felt like a 'real' boxing gym. As you walked into it you were greeted with boxing match posters covering every wall of the gym. Students were warmed up and there were enough boxing bags for each male student to have their own to work with. Tommy, our instructor and coach pushed everyone more than they have been pushed before. We learnt new skills, had longer work periods and shorter rests and then worked some more. Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Now we all know why boxers are so fit!
