Middle Years – From Bath Bombs to Bush Adventures
Growth often happens when students step beyond their usual routines and embrace new experiences. Throughout the semester, Middle Years students have participated in a range of excursions, incursions and workshops that encouraged them to build confidence, strengthen connections and develop practical skills in new and meaningful ways. Whether working collaboratively, trying something unfamiliar, applying their learning in real-world contexts or discovering new interests, students have demonstrated a willingness to challenge themselves and grow. We share reflections from these experiences, highlighting not only what students did, but what they gained along the way.
Term 1
Connect Week
Last week the Middle School set sail on yet another successful Connect Week, with students diving into a rich program of workshops, excursions and conversations designed to strengthen connections, broaden horizons, and build community.
Students navigated a variety of activities including assemblies, Maths and English workshops, careers sessions, guest speakers, and the powerful Yarning Circle. A highlight of the week was the excursion to the Enterprize Tall Ship, where students stepped aboard a vessel that echoes Melbourne’s maritime history. The experience provided a memorable hands-on experience for students to learn about teamwork, navigation, and life at sea. A reminder that learning sometimes happens best when we explore new waters.
A special thank you goes to Jess and the Middle Years Leadership Team, whose planning and steady hand at the helm ensured the week was both meaningful and engaging for our students.
Term 2
Sovereign Hill Excursion
Recently, 81 students joined 28 staff members, parents and carers for an engaging curriculum-linked education program at Sovereign Hill exploring the impact of the Victorian Gold Rush on the local Aboriginal people and the environment while also enjoying a gold pouring demonstration, an underground Quartz Mine tour, gold panning and time to explore the historic township.
Staff say that one of the highlights of the day was witnessing how engaged the students were. It felt like there was a constant stream of hands in the air, with students eagerly answering questions, sharing their ideas, and asking thoughtful questions of their own. The Sovereign Hill educators were fantastic, and it was wonderful to see our students so curious, respectful, and genuinely interested in the topics being explored.
The day also provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with one another in person, build new friendships, and strengthen existing ones.
Bath Bombs in the Lab
This term, Year 7 and 8 Science students were invited to the VSV Science Laboratory for a hands-on learning experience, providing an opportunity to collaborate with peers, gain their Bunsen burner license, and experiment with creating bath bomb mixtures. For many students, it was their first visit to VSV in Thornbury, making the day an exciting and memorable experience.
Year 10 students Maddeline and Zephie played a key role in preparing students for their time in the laboratory, demonstrating excellent scientific knowledge, leadership, and mentoring skills. A special thank you to our Lab Technician, Tania, for her outstanding preparation and organisation, ensuring a seamless and engaging laboratory experience for all involved.
Hospitality at VSV
Early in Term 2, a group of Year 9 & 10 students put their hospitality skills on display for VSV staff. Karina Johns from Training with Karina come in to help our students understand what the Hospitality industry looks like, and they got to practice the skills of carrying three plates and clearing tables, preparing and serving non-alcoholic beverages and learnt some simple tips and tricks to apply for jobs. The whole day was centred around teamwork, and our students did an amazing job. Big thank you to Louise (Careers team) for organising the day. Also, thanks to teachers Tracey, James and Ally for their supervision of the day’s events.
Design Technology Food – And the winners are…
We are pleased to announce the winners of our competition marking the end of a semester’s learning of Design Food Technology, where students choose a recipe to cook that showcases their skills or their increased confidence.
Savoury Category: Peyton S – Bagels (from scratch!)
Sweet Category: Sara – Lemon Tart
Rubicon Camp
In Week 9, a group of VSV students in Years 9 and 10 had the opportunity to come together for an unforgettable camp experience at Rubicon Outdoor School in Thornton. Throughout the three-day camp, students embraced a range of rugged outdoor activities including canoeing, archery, rock climbing, the Leap of Faith, low ropes, hiking, and campfire activities. These experiences encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively, support one another, and demonstrate the VSV values.
While each experience looked different, they all offered opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and their capabilities. For some, progress was found in developing a new skill; for others, it was building confidence, forming friendships or stepping outside their comfort zone. These moments remind us that success is measured in many ways, and that every learner’s journey is unique. As students look ahead to Terms 3 and 4, we encourage them to reflect on the growth they have achieved so far and consider the next small steps that will help them continue moving forward with confidence and purpose.
