Vote for Our Year 5 Students in the National Indonesian Language Awards!
We are very proud to share that two of our Year 5 students, Avyan M and Rnvir A, have been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the National Australian Indonesian Language Awards (NAILA) for their speech titled “Pembicaraan Olahraga” (“A Talk About Sports”).
This is a wonderful recognition of their enthusiasm for learning Indonesian and their ability to communicate creatively in the language.
Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award and will close on Saturday 22 November. We would greatly appreciate your support by voting for Avyan and Ranvir’s entry.
Click here for their video – “Pembicaraan Olahraga” is the second video on the voting form.
Please note that votes are limited by IP address, so we ask that you vote from your personal device or home network outside of school hours.
Congratulations to Avyan and Rnvir on this outstanding achievement, and thank you to our community for supporting our young language learners!
Kayla Rideg – Indonesian Teacher
Maddingley
Year 7 Science at Staughton Vale
Year 7 students participated in an excursion to Staughton Vale as a part of the science curriculum, designed to enhance their understanding of ecosystems through fieldwork and observation.
The program focused on two key activities:
Observation Deck Walk
Students went on a guided walk to the observation deck from which they examined the surrounding landscape and discussed the ecological impact of introduced species. This session explored how human activity has altered native ecosystems, with particular emphasis on species displacement, competition, and habitat modification.
Scavenger Hunt Across the Property
In small groups, students participated in a scavenger hunt aimed at identifying both abiotic and biotic components of the local ecosystem and expanding their knowledge on how ecosystems interact.
Some activities completed included:
- Recording evidence of bird species in the local environment
- Identifying native and introduced trees and plants
- Constructing food chains and food webs based on native Australian ecosystems
Students enjoyed the day’s activities, which encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and exploration in a natural setting. Alongside the fun, the activities supported key learning in science, helping students build their understanding of ecosystems, feeding relationships, and the impact of introduced species on biodiversity.
Sarah Thomson – Head of Science (Maddingley)
Woodlea
Future Problem Solvers
Future Problem Solving Program Australia teaches students problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication. This year the following Year 5 Woodlea students entered into the Community Problem Solving category with their Bush Tucker Project: Vedant S, Addison C, Sophie M, Jai D, Joydeep H, Kara G, Jasmine S, Nicola P and Aarav N. The students focused on raising awareness about bush tucker and Aboriginal herbs in the school community. Their aim was to introduce people to Aboriginal cuisine and to raise an understanding of bush tucker, which is readily available to people in Australia, resulting in awareness and protection of products such as Bunya nut, dessert lime, finger lime, Ruby saltbush and lemon myrtle.
Their project was selected as finalists for the 2025 Future Problem Solving National Finals held on 17 – 19 October in Sydney. Together with their coach Ms Adams, Vedant, Addison, Sophie and Jai were able to present their project to fellow finalists and their families. We are extremely proud to announce that the students secured 3rd place, receiving a bronze medallion in their division and accepting a trophy on behalf of the team and school. Congratulations to Ms Adams and the Year 5 students on their remarkable achievements and their meaning contribution to raising awareness of Indigenous culture.
Melissa Dunat – Deputy Head of Middle School (Woodlea)
