Surf Coast Campus Term 4 Week 8

What an incredible time we had on our Year 3 Camp this week! We made our way down the Great Ocean Road, arriving in Warrnambool, for three days of adventure! After learning about some of the history and geography of the Shipwreck Coast, our camp was a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand what we had been learning about. The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Thunder Cave were amazing reminders of God’s handiwork!

At Tower Hill we went on a nature walk through an Indigenous lens, learning about Tower Hill’s unique geology, flora and fauna, Aboriginal culture, traditional Aboriginal lifestyles, native food and medicine. A bush walk involving tasting the plants along the way was certainly a unique experience!

We stepped back in time when we visited Flagstaff Hill, learning more about what life was like during early settlement. Making our own scones was definitely a highlight! The children were also fascinated to learn more about the Loch Ard and see some of the retrieved artefacts, including the famous porcelain peacock. We returned to Flagstaff Hill in the evening for a guided lantern walk and sound and light show, teaching us more about Warrnambool’s history.

There was mini golf, beach exploration, lots of playgrounds, games and meals together. This was a truly memorable experience that we have been looking forward to all year! Thank you very much to Nathan Pratt, Fiona Wright and our Year 3 students who made our time away so special.

We have finally been able to step out of school and enjoy an amazing experience at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The students had been waiting so long for their chance to step back into our integrated unit of habitats and life cycles and it was great to see everyone have such an amazing time. From meerkats frolicking about to giant crocodiles lazing in the water, the kids were able to see so many unique and cool animals. There were so many hands-on experiences with many getting to feed kangaroos, wallabies and even emus! It was an amazing day out and the kids loved every minute of it.

The topic for the Year 2 Japanese program this term is Japanese food and drink. Students concluded the unit of work with tasting sushi and dessert in the Japanese restaurant setting in class. They ordered sushi and ocha (green tea) ice cream from the menus that they created, applying the phrases they learnt. Students also learnt Japanese table manners. They said “itadakimasu” before meal and “Gochisousamadeshita” after meal. It was a great way to celebrate the Year 2 students’ achievements in Japanese this year.

As Christmas approaches our Prep children have been learning about the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. The children discussed the difference between the true meaning of Christmas and the worldview and why the birth of Jesus is such a significant moment in time. Our Prep children learnt the Christmas story while listening to stories, watching movies and through discussion. They created a diorama of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus and retold the story using their creation. The faithfulness of our little children is such a blessing.

On Tuesday the 23rd of November, the Preps went on the most wonderful excursion to the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
As soon as we arrived at the Park, the Preps visited the cuddly koalas who were sleepily munching on eucalyptus leaves. They then got up close and personal with the beautiful Sumatran Tigers who put on a show for us by bathing and splashing around in their pool.
The Preps participated in information talks where they learned about meerkats and penguins and asked the rangers some wonderful follow up questions to deepen their understanding.
There were many fabulous highlights of the day, such as seeing Crunch the enormous crocodile, watching the wedge tailed eagles soar, the reptile enclosure and feeding the emus and lamas. The most loved experience of all was spending time, feeding, patting, and cuddling the friendly kangaroos.
The Preps then climbed aboard the bus, and we were off, back to school for more fun to be had! Upon arrival back at school, the Preps took part in the Surf Coast tradition of setting up the Christmas Tree. We all devoured a pizza dinner and watched a Christmas film whilst gobbling down an ice cream for dessert.
All the Preppies had the most wonderful day, filled with fun, excitement, exploration, and happiness!

Early in February 2022 we will be sending out the offers for our 2023 Prep class. If you have a child or know of a child that is eligible to attend school and would like to attend our Surf Coast Campus, please inform Kellie so they can be added to our enrolment list.
Siblings of children already enrolled are not automatically enrolled, each child needs to be enrolled individually. Do not hesitate to contact Kellie if you have any questions or to organise enrolment.

What’s Happening at Surf Coast? is an up to date list of planned activities at Surf Coast Campus that you can use for planning purposes. Please be aware that these dates are set early in the term and occasionally items may need to be cancelled or dates/times altered. This itinerary is altered each week to reflect any changes – please check this list of events EVERY WEEK carefully when you read the weekly VINE newsletter.

DECEMBER
Thursday December 2nd – Surf Coast Carnival Day
Friday December 3rd – Assembly and Christmas Service 1.15pm
Friday December 3rd – Last Day of 2021 School Year 2.30pm dismissal

Dear Parents
On Wednesday 1st December from 9.00am – 11.00am we would like to complete our campus reader stocktake. This is an easy process where many hands make light work. We would love to have some parents help us with this end of year job. If you are able to help, even for part of the allotted time, please phone Kellie in reception on 5244 8799 to let her know. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who would like to help.
Thank you in anticipation.

In this busy time of the year, there will be moments when you feel as though you are driving along a rough road surrounded by high hedges…blocking your view and making you feel that there is no exit or end in sight.

Don’t despair.

Just slow down…breathe…and be confident in knowing that you are improving your driving skills.

Remember…no road lasts forever 😉😊