Program Highlights
Celebrating First Term Together
There was much excitement on the last day of term as the Magenta and Magnolia children arrived in ‘free dress’ to celebrate the end of term. Both the four-year-old groups joined together to enjoy new experiences, including large group games, outdoor hunts, and cooking and sampling delicious hot cross buns.
MaryAnn Leembruggen, Magnolia Group Teacher
Canberra Camp 2017
Students from Years 5 and 6 recently went on an educational camp to the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognizes the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government has contributed funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is to be paid directly to the school at the completion of the camp.
Student Highlights!
WOOHOO! The day finally arrived, Years 5 and 6 students were going to Canberra for a five-day camp!
We left School on 27 of March at 7:00am, stopping at Euroa, Holbrook and Gundagai along the way to Canberra.
During our trip, we visited many interesting places including the national science and technology centre (Questacon), AMF bowling, Parliament House and the War Memorial.
The biggest highlight for me was visiting the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - mainly because there were many fun activities for us to try. You could kick the ball and try to score against the keeper with the soccer simulator or play basketball like a Paralympian using a wheelchair!
Each group got the chance to play three sports. My group played sock wrestling, soccer and European handball. Our host Tristan showed us some other sections of the facility such as the swimming pool, gymnastics gym and more. The AIS was the best place I have ever visited.
Another amazing highlight was the Questacon. My mind was blown when I stepped inside the building. There were so many different sections that offered fun games!
I scored against an ice hockey robot that was apparently unbeatable. My puck came off the side, hit the back of the robot and went in. At this, everyone started jumping up and down. In other words, they went CRAZY!
Other people were more excited about the super STEEP free-for-all slide. We weren’t allowed to let go of the metal bar on the slide until given the signal by a staff member. Then we just slid down…weeeehhhhhhh....it felt like a G-force.
The last exciting place for me was Parliament House. It was huge and we got to visit the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives room is green and the Senate is red. We learnt a lot about Parliament House including how it works and what jobs various people have – such as the Sergeant of Arms who carries heavy mace with him. We met Tim Wilson, the MP for Goldstein. It was nice of Tim Wilson to spend his time to talk to us. We also saw the Australian Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull, but he didn't see us.
Finally, we took a Qantas plane back to Melbourne. I saw my mum when we reached Kilvington. She was so excited to see me. Canberra Camp was the best experience ever - one I will definitely never forget!
Sam Pai, Year 5
This year’s camp was part of our inquiry topic - Australia's Government. In Canberra we went to many different places but my four favourite places were: the Governor General's House, Old Parliament House, AMF Bowling and the Royal Australian Mint.
At the Governor General's House we learned what the Governor General does and how he becomes the Governor General. We got to meet him, and went on a tour through some of his House. The tour was really interesting as we got to see the Governor General's 1900 Rolls Royce.
One place I also really enjoyed was Old Parliament House as not only was it really fun but it was also really educational. My favourite activity was the digital information hunt. We were put into groups of three and four, and using iPad-like devices, had to answer questions about the Australian Government. The thing I learnt was that Australia was the first country to introduce the secret ballot. In Old Parliament House we were allowed to sit in the House of Representatives and a few people were also included in a role play on the history of immigration in Australia.
Another place I really enjoyed was AMF Bowling. At the end of a fun-filled night I had scored a total of one hundred and twenty-six!
My fourth favourite place was the Royal Australian Mint. I learnt about the evolution of Australian coins, the different designs of coins, and how they were made. At the end of the tour we went to the gift shop and I bought a 2005 penny which celebrates my birthday.
The Canberra camp was a week that included fun and many learning experiences throughout the entire trip.
Jimmy Feng, Year 6
Y8 Geography Fieldwork Excursion
All Year 8 students had the opportunity to visit the local beach environment as part of their study of Coastal Landforms and Landscapes. Students travelled to Brighton Beach Green Point, walked along the coastal path to Hampton Beach and viewed Sandringham Harbour and the Red Bluff Cliffs before returning to School.
As part of their fieldwork, students observed, listened, took notes and drew annotated field sketches of the coastal environment. They appreciated seeing coastal management structures such as rock groynes and sea walls in action, and observing the usage of the coastal area by humans. They also learnt about the ways the local councils are managing this fragile ecosystem and landscape whilst making it available to a wide range of people and activities, from walkers to kite surfers.
Overall, an enjoyable time was had by both students and staff.
This fieldwork will be part of the assessment task for Year 8 Geography.
Jane Viner, Geography Teacher