Term 4, Week 4 2025

Curriculum Update – Year 7 

This week, our Year 7 students ventured out to Wivenhoe Dam for their field studies, connecting classroom learning with the real world. Starting at Cormorant Bay, students became environmental scientists for the day - testing water samples for dissolved oxygen, phosphates, pH, temperature, invertebrates, and turbidity.

The experience continued with a guided tour of the spillway and dam wall, where students learned about the vital role Wivenhoe Dam plays in flood mitigation and water supply across South-East Queensland.

These hands-on investigations directly support our Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, where students are exploring the driving question: “How can we design a system that ensures access to clean and sustainable water?”

Over the coming weeks, students will apply what they have learned by designing and testing their own water filtration prototypes. This practical inquiry encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking-skills that are at the heart of our Foundation Phase learning.

Wellbeing Spotlight – It’s Heating Up! 

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s important for students to take care of their whole wellbeing not just mental and emotional health, but physical health too.

This time of year is the perfect reminder to start each school day with a full water bottle and to keep hydrated throughout the day. 

Staying hydrated helps you feel your best — it reduces headaches, regulates body temperature, and even supports long-term joint health.  If you find yourself feeling dehydrated, consider packing an extra bottle or adding electrolytes to help you stay balanced during these warmer days.
Alongside drinking water, protecting your skin is another key part of looking after yourself. 

Queensland has some of the highest UV exposure in the world and sun damage isn’t always something we can see or feel right away. Remember the simple steps we all learned when we were younger: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide to protect your skin from long-term damage.

As the temperature rises, it can also be easy to lose focus or feel sluggish in the classroom. Staying hydrated, wearing cool and comfortable clothing, and taking care of your body can actually boost your concentration, energy levels, and learning stamina, helping you to make the most of your school days as we head into the warmer months.

Celebrating Students – Premier’s Reading Challenge

A big shoutout to the following students who participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge: 

- Elaina Smith (7)
- Lucy Walker (7)
- Audrey Walker (7)
- Stella Kluck (7)
- Ruby Peterson (7)
- Scarlett Milne (7)
- Sophia Roobottom (7)
- Isaac Youngs (7)
- Abby Julyan (7)
- Olive Morrissey (7)
- Kate Cross (8)