This term at Ormiston we have had some outstanding achievements in sport at both the state and national levels. One student in Year 6 Ivy X had the incredible opportunity to participate in the FUSE CUP Victorian State E-Sports Finals for the Just Dance video game on the Gold Coast. Ivy said that it was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event and to compete against the most talented players from across Melbourne. The competition was fierce, and the results were incredibly close. In the end, Ivy won the Victorian State E-Sport Final for Just Dance. I know Ivy was thrilled to win this competition and advance to the National the following day. This competition was extremely competitive, and Ivy finished in 3rd position, earning both a trophy and a prize. At our Junior School assembly this week, Ivy said she felt very fortunate to have had the chance to compete with some of the best players nationally, and currently, Ivy is the 3rd best player in Australia in Just Dance.
Paul Donohue
Head of Junior School
It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic participants and hear musically engaging performances in our second Music Mountfield Maestro Performance for 2024. Our Foundation – Year 6 students celebrated the opportunity to share and showcase their performances to a very appreciative audience of staff, family and friends. The wide range of presentations in each of the concerts highlighted the many and varied talents of our student musicians. Our hearts, minds and spirits were lifted through the afternoon as each student successfully conveyed their enjoyment of performing. We congratulate our young performers for demonstrating the courage and confidence required to perform in public. We also thank the many staff involved who worked hard behind the scenes to support the students on their musical journey. A special thank you to the Music Leaders for hosting the concert, as well as the guidance from our Music teachers, Nichole Adams, Davina McClure, Julia Piggin and the beautiful piano accompaniment from Moon- Hwei Cheah. Additional thanks to Vicki Ibbott for assisting us with the program, and our Directors of Music, Kate Savige and Rohan Mack for their support.
Nichole Adams
Junior School Music Teacher
A spontaneous inquiry-based learning opportunity arose when one of our students, Jocelyn brought in silkworm eggs for her classmates to observe. This tangible learning experience immediately sparked curiosity as the children gathered around the eggs, eager to watch what happens next. Jocelyn shared her knowledge about silkworms with her peers, explaining what will happen to them and how we can care for them to ensure they can thrive and grow.
Jocelyn It’s a little egg. And there’s a silkworm in there. It’ll get bigger and bigger. They only eat mulberry leaf.
As the days passed, the silkworms began to hatch out of the egg and grow under the children’s observant gaze. Each morning, the children greeted the silkworms with enthusiasm, quietly chatting as they debated, questioned and wondered alongside each other.
Jeslyn It’s so tiny.
Charlotte They will hatch out of the eggs.
Xena Bite out.
Observational drawings were offered as an opportunity to document what they can see, and the rapid changes take place. With the caterpillars beginning to grow rapidly, the children have become responsible for sourcing the mulberry leaves from the mulberry tree in the garden to ensure they are fed and have adequate food for their survival. Through these actions children develop their skills to care for living things, sharing in the responsibilities, and encouraging autonomy and independence.
Tashi They are going to become to a moth.
Liam They eat the leaves. Then they climb up into the tree. Then they build a cocoon. Then they become a cocoon.
The silkworms outgrew their home quickly and together we formed a bigger and more adequate space for the caterpillars as they begin the process of metamorphosis. Over the space of 12 hours, we watched the caterpillars delicately spin their cocoon of silk where they stayed for just over two weeks.
We have been delighted to observe moths emerge out of the cocoons this week and already begin the process of creating a new life cycle, laying eggs and beginning the continuous life cycle again.
Thank you to Jocelyn and her family who provided us with this rich learning opportunity this term.
Jacqui Laird
Early Learning Teacher
Year 2 students participated in an extended day at school. The aim was for students to experience a longer day together in a step towards attending camp in Year 3. Once the school day had finished, the Year 2 students played a game of Poison Ball with Mr Donohue. There was plenty of dodging, ducking, dipping and diving with Mr Donohue.
The students were then introduced to some circus activities with Mrs Robottom. They practiced juggling with scarves, juggling with rubber balls, walking on stilts and spinning plates. These new skills proved challenging and plenty of mistakes were made, but perseverance and patience was demonstrated by all students.
We all ventured over to the Secondary School’s Cafe for dinner. Students ate chicken burgers and gnocchi and washed it down with fruit juice. This peaceful time was appreciated by myself, Mr Donohue and Mrs Robottom.
The final activity was a movie in the Junior School Hall. Farmageddon, a Shaun the Sheep movie, was laughed at and loved by all students. They enjoyed watching the movie with their friends, and everyone remembered to bring along their pillows, blankets and cuddly toys. Half time Zooper Doopers were the final piece in an otherwise unforgettable afternoon and evening. There were plenty of tired eyes by the end of the night even though each student thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thank you to Mrs Robottom, Mr Donohue and Ms Vicki for all their help and organisation.
Peter Sartori
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
Recently, Year 4 students had a fantastic day at the Seaford/Edithvale Wetlands despite a touch of rain. The excursion provided a wonderful opportunity to explore the wetlands’ natural beauty and learn more about their ecological importance.
The day began with an introduction to the wetlands’ history and the changes it has undergone over time, which helped students understand how human activity and conservation efforts have shaped the area.
A highlight of the excursion was the visit to the bird hide, where students used binoculars to observe a variety of wildlife. They were excited to spot different bird species and gain a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity of the wetlands.
We were fortunate to have three engaging presenters who shared fascinating insights into the wetlands’ ecosystem and conservation. The students also explored the education centre, where they interacted with hands-on exhibits that reinforced their learning.
Although it rained lightly, the students showed great enthusiasm and made the most of their day, gaining valuable knowledge about the importance of wetlands in preserving biodiversity. It was an enriching experience that brought environmental science to life!
Anjali de Quadros
Year 4 Classroom Teacher
This term, Year 1 students are investigating the farm to plate process and different types of farms in their Inquiry unit. To further develop their skills and understanding, they took part in an excursion to Myuna Farm. Throughout the day, students participated in several hands-on experiences and had the chance to see many aspects of a farm. For most students, this was their first excursion and for many, their first experience on a bus, so understandably excitement levels were high!
Some of the activities they took part in were, seeing baby animals in the nursery, learning how to milk a goat, looking at poultry and comparing egg sizes, feeding animals in the paddocks, grinding buckwheat into flour, travelling on the farm train and seeing a colony of fruit bats in the wetlands.
The students were able to use some of the new vocabulary they have learnt this term, and they made many connections with the learning that has already taken place in the classroom.
The following students were keen to share their thoughts on the day:
Chloe – I loved feeding the animals and I learnt about the third eye on the lizard.
Lilian – Today I learnt not to get too close to the buffalo because if you get into their territory, they might use their horns to push you.
Lyra – My favourite thing was petting the kid goats because they were really soft and cute.
Tiffany – My favourite thing was patting the rabbits because they were soft. I also liked holding the lizard.
Elliana – I learnt that lots of different animals can be milked.
Avery – I liked watching the bats fly to different trees. I learnt what bats look like, as I didn’t know before because I am usually in bed. Bats are really interesting.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to our fabulous parent helpers on the day and congratulate the Year 1 students on their enthusiasm and curiosity.
Angela Columbine
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
