Grade 5/6T News
Our Oceans - Integrated Studies Unit
This term students have been exploring our Integrated Studies unit, “Our Oceans.” Throughout the term, they have investigated the world’s oceans, learning about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the environmental issues currently affecting them such as pollution, climate change, overfishing and habitat loss.
As part of this learning, students attended an information session at the Marine Discovery Centre before heading out on a cruise across Port Phillip Bay. During the trip, they explored marine life found both above and below the water. Using an eco-sampler, students sorted and identified creatures such as crabs, sea stars, seahorses, sponges, fish and seaweeds. The cruise also took them to see a colony of Australian Fur Seals and the Gannets at Popes Eye. This experience helped students connect their classroom learning to real marine environments and better understand the biodiversity and human impacts affecting our local waters. 🌊🐠🦀
To conclude the unit, students have been working on a project where they researched an issue affecting the oceans and created an art piece to represent their chosen issue in action. Through their artwork and presentations, students demonstrate their understanding of the impact these issues have on marine environments and share ideas for how people can help protect our oceans.
Families are warmly invited to attend our “Our Oceans Expo” on Wednesday 1st April at 2:15pm, where students will proudly showcase their projects and share what they have learned throughout the term. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌊🐬🐟
Year 2 News
Term One has been filled with energy, fun and a drive to succeed. In Year 2, we each have a goal book. Throughout the day, we get time to work on our English, Maths and Personal goals. Once we have achieved our goal, we get a certificate and a new goal. Here's why we believe goals are important!
"You need to practise things so you can get better and better." - Olivia & Fred
"Goals help us learn." - Sophia
Science News
Our Science classes have been a busy and engaging place to be this term. The focus has been on Physical Science, where students thought about how things are built, how they move and how they change.
Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students investigated push and pull forces. They experimented with cars rolling down ramps, using different sized balls to learn how objects move, flying kites and floating and sinking. They explored how materials react to light and discovered the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque. Using instruments and household items they learnt about how sound travels.
Year 1 and 2 students were also lucky enough to have Naomi from the Bellarine Catchment Network take them for a local environmental walk. Naomi shared her knowledge of plants and animals in our community along the rail trail and around the Yacht Club.
Year 3/4 students explored the concepts of motion and friction by testing different materials to see how much friction is created. They tested different surfaces in the playground to investigate how friction would speed up or slow down a rolling car. Next they learnt about simple machines. They worked together to design and make a marble run (inclined plane), a lever, a mini ski lift (pulley) and a car (wheel and axle). Students then thought about heat conduction and insulation by experimenting with wrapped ice in different materials and using thermometers to test different water temperatures.
In Year 5/6 students were lucky enough to borrow some educational kits from Science Play Kids. They investigated energy and electricity using energy sticks to find the difference between a conductor and an insulator. They seemed to quite enjoy learning more about coding and circuits while playing with little sensor robots called ‘Ozobots’. They learnt the basic elements of an electric circuit and made one with an attached thaumatrope. Students investigated how light behaves with different materials and the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque as well as experiments involving reflection, refraction and absorption.
Next Term we look forward to our Biology Unit and discovering more about plants and animals.
Until then, enjoy your Easter break and stay curious!
Mrs Vistarini
Art News
Excursion to the Museum – A Memorable Morning of Learning
On Tuesday 24 March, Year 3/4 students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the museum, where they were immersed in a rich and engaging learning experience connected to local maritime history.
Throughout the morning, students learned about the important role of pilot boats and explored the history of mariners in Queenscliff. They also discovered how lighthouses operate, including the different types of lights used to guide ships safely, and investigated the wide range of watercraft that have been used in the Queenscliff area since European settlement.
A highlight of the visit was the storytelling session, where students were captivated by stories shared with great passion and skill. It was a valuable reminder of the power of storytelling in bringing history to life, and students were highly engaged throughout.
Upon returning to school, students eagerly reflected on their learning, recording new knowledge and developing creative ideas inspired by the excursion. These ideas will continue to be explored in the classroom, with students beginning to create art pieces that reflect their learning.
We are excited to share that these artworks will be showcased at our school Art Show in Term 3, celebrating the students’ creativity and the inspiration they gained from this experience.
Overall, the excursion was a fantastic opportunity for students and we wish to thank our fabulous parent helpers; Kelly Clifford, Maddy Serong and Jeanne Hendry for taking time out of their day to come with us.
Kelly Caldwell
