After a term of questioning, researching, clarifying, publishing and presenting, our First Contacts Integrated Unit has come to an end.
During the unit we explored the following questions:
-
Why did the great journeys of exploration occur?
-
What was life like for the Indigenous Australian people before the arrival of the Europeans?
-
Why did the Europeans settle in Australia?
-
What was the nature and consequence of contact between the Indigenous Australian people and early traders, explorers and settlers?
We even researched our own family history to learn our own immigration stories. Watch our video to see the origins of our families and the year they arrived in Australia.
4T’s 2017 Immigration story
What is your family’s immigration story and what was their reason?
“Goodmorning M’am.”
“I’ve got the scurvey!”
“Watch out for them giant rabbits!”
The 4T students were nowhere to be seen on Monday, in their place were dirty, untrustworthy First Fleet convicts! During the day, the convicts participated in many different activities.
4T First Fleet Convicts
They learnt calligraphy, studied old objects, were in a race against the clock to build a structure for the colony and mapped out the actual size of one of the First Fleet convict ships, the Friendship on Cluny. Some convicts were even sentenced on the spot by Magistrate Mitchell.
Convict Day activities
In the afternoon, the convicts were relieved from the duties for a short time to share their expertly written convict diaries and other learnings throughout the term with the free settlers (parents).
Meet the Convict Open Afternoon
Check out the individual student blogs for their own recounts of Convict Day.
What is the most interesting thing you learnt about convicts?
What an action-packed couple of days Year 4 camp has been. Not only did we learn about the natural environment and Indigenous culture, we have also done a heap of team building and exciting activities. Yes, we even developed our understandings about what it really means to set the table and clean up. Gee we had fun!
The 4km Silvan dam walk to the Mt Evelyn Recreation Camp was a bit of a hike, but was well worth it when we were welcomed by Shawn and Geoff from Indigicate. He invited us to participate in a traditional aboriginal smoking ceremony. Engulfed by the smoke, we had to make the loudest sound we could (anything will do, there were some interesting versions) to alert our ancestors that we were there at the camp site, but also to protect us during our stay. Jake said that the ancestors would be looking for how brave our heart was.
During our stay, we spent the next two days participating in so many fun and educational activities which included:
- Hut building
- Damper making
- Giant swing. Here is a video of Mr Lowe leaping into the unknown and facing his fears. All the teachers had a shot, even Mr Ingles and Mrs Russell!
- Kaos scavenger hunt
- Low ropes course
- Wildlife encounter
- Indigicate aboriginal culture experience
- Night walk
- Movie night
Just before our 4KM hike from Silvan Dam to Mt Evenly Recreation Camp
To see more photos of our fabulous time at Camp, log on to the 4T Integrated Folder on ClassE.
We all showed terrific courage and curiosity that throughout the different challenges, both physical and mental. We also tried to remain positive by encouraging others to do and be their best. It was an amazing experience.
Check out the individual student blogs of 4T to read more about our camp experiences.
Tell me about your favourite part of camp?
Tell me about the times you were curious or you showed courage on camp?
