BMG 2020 Grammarian Issue 2

14 ONSITE LEARNING TERM 2 While the majority of students were learning from home during Term 2, a small percentage attended onsite due to their parents’ work commitments in essential services. These students were offered an opportunity to visit the Staughton Vale farm. Activities such as boat-building on the dam, yabbying, gardening, decorative painting and, of course, freedom and fresh air, were a welcome break from screen time. Each age group experienced a much needed respite from the digital world and a chance to socialise and interact with their peers (while social distancing). Individual and team-based fitness was undertaken in the sport sessions, along with a competitive game of kickball; much to the delight of those who had been missing their local community sport. Students made yabby lines and then had the opportunity to relax by the dam until there was a nibble. We found that the dam has a large population of yabbies that all call Staughton Vale home. The vegetable patch had a much needed makeover as students assisted in harvesting the final summer crops and began preparing garden beds for winter planting. These outings to the Staughton Vale farm proved to be beneficial for the students’ physical and mental wellbeing during a difficult time. Mr Bryce Durham Staughton Vale Coordinator