In Term 1, Year 12 Philosophy students engaged in individual research projects examining a wide range of topics such as the nature of truth, the purpose and effects of guilt, why satisfaction appears to be a temporary state, and whether humans are inherently selfish. Some students needed to do a lot of brainstorming to nail down a topic while others already had a burning question they wanted to find answers to.
Over the term, we developed our skills in researching, critical thinking, essay writing and referencing; we learnt how to identify logical fallacies in arguments and how to make judgements based on available evidence. The research phase was at times tedious and at other times really fun, prompting in-depth discussions that spilled over to include the whole class. Pulling our findings together into critical essays was much more challenging but very satisfying, and everyone felt a strong sense of achievement when we submitted our final essays for assessment.
We couldn’t sit back and relax once the essays were done – we then needed to figure out how to translate our findings into more accessible and engaging forms. The artistic modes that were chosen ranged from painting to poetry, digital collage to film animation. This phase of the project was definitely the most enjoyable and everyone was proud of the artistic pieces they created.
In our last lesson, we presented our findings and artistic pieces, explaining how we came to our conclusions and how our artistic pieces represented our findings. It was fascinating hearing about everyone’s research projects, asking questions and talking about the artworks, which were all so different. Researching topics that we were personally interested in was an engaging way to develop valuable skills and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world.  

Our groups are settling into steady rhythms as we enjoy the autumn time. The children are building firm relationships with each other and with our educators. We have been exploring, creating, working together and enjoying our amazing environment. It is such a big step for young children say goodbye to mums and dads and be placed in our care for the day. We feel so privileged to have your trust and support.
A representative of the Department of Education undertook an inspection of Little Shearwater Preschool in February. We are pleased to be able to report that we have been rated as meeting all of the National Quality Framework standards.  The officer wrote in summary -
Your service is commended on its achievements in providing quality outcomes for children. In particular, the provision of a thoughtful and well organised environment and educator's respectful and ethical practice towards the children, demonstrate your service's commitment to quality.
Craig d'Arcy
Preschool Coordinator

The Year 10s have been busy on the School Farm this term, working on fundraising projects for their Vanuatu camp this year. The students were originally hoping to grow cut flowers ready for Mothers Day. However, the weather and rapidly approaching deadline have intervened. Instead, they will have advanced flower and vegetable seedlings available for sale that can be planted out in the mild autumn weather.
Growing produce for a Mother’s Day lunch has been another major endeavour. The idea to run an event with food and entertainment came from the students. We have been discussing what can be grown at this time of year and have based a 'locavore' menu around availability.
The students are also keen to provide some value-added products from our biodynamic garden and other abundant crops that are yielding at this time. These will be available at the Mother’s Day event.
Students commenced the term with planting seedlings. Some of these have been planted out for quick growing greens for the luncheon. Others have been 'potted on' into larger pots or regular punnets that can be sold.
These projects form part of the Certificate I in Agri-Food Operations these students commenced in Year 9, as will the agricultural activities they undertake in Vanuatu.
The Mother’s Day Lunch will take place on Sunday May 13 at Shearwater (location to be advised), from 11am to 3pm. Tickets will be available from the School Office and cost $30 for adults and $12 for students. The lunch will feature produce grown by the students on the School's biodynamic farm, live music, door prize, trivia and silent auction. Funds raised will be used for building projects undertaken by the class during their Year 10 camp to Pele Island Vanuatu.