LEARNING COMES TO LIFE

Our Year 1 and Year 2 students studying the science of zoology had the joy of encountering farm animals and native wildlife.

From riding ponies to holding a python, students' science investigations into living things was one to remember.

Year 1 students' exploration of living things took them to Animal Land Children's Farm in Diggers Rest to interact with farm animals and learn about how farmers look after their farm.

The excursion was another milestone for the Class of 2032 as they experienced their first excursion as Southern Cross Grammar students. "Travelling on a big bus was a great achievement because it was students' first excursion as they didn't get to go on one last year due to COVID-19," Shannen Spiteri, a Year 1 teacher, explained.

During their excursion students milked a cow, fed ducks, petted baby rabbits and chickens, rode a pony and fed sheep and goats.

"We liked riding the pony because it was fluffy and made us laugh," Valencia Cooper and Georgia Tsiokos said. "The bunnies were our favourite because they stayed on our laps."

To compliment Year 2 students' studies on living things and various aspects of Biological Science including habitats, plants and ecosystems, they took part in Reptile Encounters' Feathers, Fur and Scales incursion. During the incursion they had opportunities to hold, pat and learn about native Australian animals including a Woylie (Brush Tailed Bettong), Murray River Turtle and Saltwater Crocodile.

Year 2 students also learnt about the importance of conservation and the small things we can do daily to ensure our wildlife can thrive in their natural habitat. This has spurred students to take action to do their part to preserve our wildlife, at school and at home.

A highlight from the incursion was the collective looks and gasps of excitement from students as presenter, Tia, introduced them to Tiny: a three metre Olive Python. "I've always wanted to hold a snake after seeing one on the news," Jay Pannu said. "[Holding one] was the best experience ever."

While learning more about our native wildlife, students also learnt about the importance of conservation and the small things we can do daily such as using less water, to ensure our wildlife can thrive in their natural habitat. This has spurred students to take action to do their part to preserve our wildlife, at school and at home.

Baylasaan Abu-Hassan, who proudly got to hold Sabrina the Woylie, said, "Tia told us why it is important not to waste paper so I've been using less paper." When speaking of her class' collective efforts following the incursion, Lauren Hedditch said, "We have been recycling our paper effectively and sharing resources around our classroom so that animals like Connie the Barking Owl and Socks the Sugar Glider Possum don't lose their habitat.

"We are also aiming to reduce our litter so that Rex the Long Neck Turtle doesn’t end up with rubbish in his water habitat."

A hallmark of Southern Cross Grammar is our students' enthusiasm to learn. The support shown by our passionate staff who remain committed to prioritise finding ways to enrich their students' learning has been a wonderful way for younger students to not only expand their knowledge, but also make an impact in the world around them.