Please read the attached letter from our Head of Campus Luke Swain

Over the past few terms, Year 5 and 6 students have participated in a Citizen Science Project in collaboration with Birds in Schools and the Mornington Council. As part of the program, the students have been conducting surveys in a small section of the Flinders site, specifically the Boes Rd car park and the sensory garden. They have been examining the plant life, availability of food and water, as well as considering potential predators like foxes and cats and suitable nesting trees. Additionally, they have been conducting research on our urban bird population and presenting the information to their peers. They will be completing a survey next week to document the bird species on-site.

As a component of the program, the Mornington Council provided the school with over 200 seedlings of native plants that serve as a source of food, shelter, or nesting materials to support our urban birds. The students have planted these seedlings in the bed closest to the school and have been nurturing them to ensure they are well-established before the summer heat. Most of the plants have thrived, and we plan to collect seeds from them to propagate new seedlings for the sensory garden.

As a result of this program, the students have gained a deeper understanding of our local bird population and how we can contribute to their thriving.

Grade 2 had their first Grade 2 Stay Late. This was a night to prepare them for Grade 3 Camp.

It was a wonderful evening of joy & laughter.

Mr Salisbury.

On Friday 27 October the Grade 3 students visited the historic Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick.

While we were there, we learnt about the Sargood family, and what life was like in the late 1800's. The mansion was stunning and the children were fascinated to see the grandeur and learn about how things have changed! We also learnt about life as a servant, and did some chores.

The children enjoyed wandering around the beautiful gardens and playing old fashioned games on the manicured lawns. It was a fantastic day out.

Mrs. Jackson