Preshil Weekly – Term 3 Week 6

Personal Projects – A Journey that Challenges and Rewards
The Year 10 students started their PP journey in November 2023 and after many hours of introductory work that included discussions about the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATLs), Service Learning, goal setting, planning and success criteria, the students presented their projects to the community this week. It was so inspiring to see the passion and talents of our students captured in their projects.

Junior Choir Perform at the Royal Children’s Hospital
This week, our Junior Choir had the wonderful opportunity to perform at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) during their Auxiliary luncheon. This special event honoured the ladies who have collectively raised $94 million for the hospital. Mila, one of our own children and a member of the fundraising group, contributed by organising activities such as nail painting and ‘guess the lollies in the jar’ to raise funds. She also has a run planned for October. Our performance was a surprise for the fundraising group, and we were treated exceptionally well. The children were warmly received, adding a special touch to a remarkable event. It was a memorable experience that highlighted the spirit of community and support for a great cause.

Year 10 Design
Year 10 Design students have been immersing themselves in the world of product packaging and branding this week. They’ve been creating logos, selecting colour schemes, and mastering layout principles to design unique packaging that reflects a brand’s identity. Students have been busy sketching and prototyping their packaging designs with paper and card. In the coming weeks, they’ll take their creativity to the next level, bringing their designs to life using a 3D printer and laser cutter.

Peppercorns Downball Tournament
On Tuesday, some of our Peppercorns travelled to Heathmont to join 450 children from across the state (including Lake Bolac) to participate in a Downball tournament. We entered the Grade 5 and 6 Enthusiasm group, and enthusiastic we certainly were! Our children played with skill, fairness, and dedication, shaking hands with their opponents and soaking in the lively atmosphere. We kept our energy up with plenty of jelly snakes, and all agreed that we’d love to be involved again next year.

After School Sports
Students are making the most of Preshil’s After-School Sports program on Wednesdays and Thursdays (Years 5-12), embracing the chance to learn new skills and explore different sports. The program offers a fun and supportive environment where they can stay active, build fitness, and enjoy friendly competition. It’s a great way for students to unwind after class while developing teamwork and discovering new athletic passions.

Kinder Update
The Kindergarten children have been busy building a city for their newly hatched ‘Clay Baby’ Dinosaurs. As the first brave Dinosaur ventured into the city, the children eagerly explored what the Dinosaurs might need to learn about the world around them.

Year 7 Changemaker
This term, Year 7 students have begun their Changemaker classes, splitting into two groups. One is developing a school kitchen garden, while the other is writing a book about a selected grandparent’s life. The latter group has explored how the lives of older individuals evolve over time, starting with poetry and the film The Way My Way, which follows an elderly man on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Students have created interview questions for their chosen grandparents, conducting interviews in person or via email with those interstate or overseas. Both students and grandparents have found this experience highly rewarding.

Song Writing Elective
In the Song Writing Elective, Preshil students have the freedom to design their own musical journey, focusing on areas that interest them most. Some are honing their recording skills to capture rehearsed songs, while others are working on composition, improving their musical abilities, or forming groups to support each other’s creative projects.

Arlington Magic Show
Our Arlington children enjoyed a fabulous magic show from Duck Cameron—Arlington alumnus and magician extraordinaire. Like many returning alumni, he remarked that the Kevin Borland Hall “seems smaller” but his performance was anything but small, filled with jaw-dropping moments of illusion.

Special Guest Teacher
Preshil welcomed Otto Esperson, a recent graduate and alumnus, as a guest teacher for our DP Maths Analysis and Approaches class. Otto, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computing and Software Systems with a concurrent diploma in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Melbourne, brought his expertise and a fresh perspective to enrich the learning experience.

Chinese Watercolour Elective
This week in our Chinese watercolour elective, students painted Molly’s favourite: pigeons. They mastered the use of different brushes and traditional Chinese ink, blending creativity with technique. This experience enriched their artistic skills and deepened their appreciation for this intricate art form.

Blackhall Breakfast Bar
This week, we officially launched our Preshil Breakfast Bar. Supervised by a staff member from 8:20am to 8:40am every morning, students can grab some cereal, a piece of fruit, or toast before heading to class. We hope this initiative supports students on rushed mornings or when they leave earlier than usual and aren’t quite hungry yet. It’s been wonderful to see students from all year levels sitting together for breakfast before class. We hope this student-led initiative continues to flourish and helps our community feel ready to learn each morning.