News

Last Wednesday over 120 excited Year 6 and 7 students from all three Catholc
schools in our region took part in the Regional Catholic Co-Lab Day at Tenison Woods College. Students from St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Mary MacKillop Memorial School and Tenison Woods College were all placed in combined groups to experience a range of hands on, collaborative experiences at the College.

In the Science labs, Miss Forrest and Mr de Nys ran an experiment where
students used Bunsen Burners to heat up magnesium and notice the change
in weight when heated. One group had an extended lesson and they did a ‘pop
test’ by mixing chemicals with heat. This was a big highlight for many of the
students.

Mr Creedy in Music had a group of students visit him and form their own
bands to rock out on the jam hubs. The students loved playing on instruments
that they had not played before, as well as practicing their singing. It was
wonderful to see students creating music with their peers and having a lot of
fun. Mr Creedy also noticed a few future drummers that he is excited to see in
the middle school in the years to come.

Mr Lean and Mr Edwards involved the students in a range of team and
individual based fitness and sport activities. The shuttle run at the start of the
lesson had the blood pumping before students moved upstairs to the EFM
Gym to explore the equipment located in the gym. Mr Edwards had the students on the court playing handball. In the last two lessons, this group had Tom Daly and Richard Hill take them from some basketball training. This was a highlight for some of the Millicent and Penola students.

The Tech lesson engaged the students with the Laser Cutter and how it is used to make different designs. Mr Colliver had prepared a star shape piece of acrylic for each student and they turned these into key chains through sanding and drilling. Once students had completed their key chains, Mr Gilham had those students launching rockets with the air pressure machine.

In the Home Ec room, Miss Whan and Miss Zaccardo had the students cook four different items of food that ended up being lunch for the students and staff. The students made Pizza Scrolls, Muffins, Sausage Rolls and Fried Rice. It was a very busy space in the kitchen, however Miss Whan and Miss Zaccardo’s cooking expertise supported students to ensure each item was prepared in the 40 minute lesson. There was enough food for students to go back for seconds which was a great way to celebrate lunch as a whole group.

The day finished with a Liturgy in the Chapel to celebrate the unique experience of day and the new friendships formed.

A big thanks to all staff who helped with the experience, especially staff that planned and taught the lessons. Also a big congratulations to the students from Tenison Woods College who made the visiting students feel welcomed into our community, it was wonderful to observe.

Nick Patzel | Teacher, Years 6/7 Wellbeing coordinator