BMG 2021 Grammarian Issue 3

7 Woodlea students had a wide range of experiences over the year, participating in Science, Art, Design Technology, Mathematics, English and cooking activities. Some of these experiences included: • investigating the rock cycle, plant adaptations and solar power. • exploring the Staughton Vale environment on foot, visiting the orchard, bird and animal watching, and reflecting on our place in the world. • creating an animal shelter. • producing art that reflects the landscape. • writing poetry, narratives and procedural texts. • cooking damper and preserves. Looking ahead to 2022, exciting things are planned for Staughton Vale. All Year 5 to 8 students from Maddingley will be able to participate in a day experience, giving them better insight into what Staughton Vale is all about. A $5000 grant from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Junior Landcare Biodiversity Grant Program will see Middle Year students restore threatened ecosystems over the next six months. Students will revegetate cleared farmland at the back of the property, better connecting it to the natural surrounds of the Brisbane Ranges National Park and expanding habitat for local threatened species such as the Growling Grass Frog, Barking Owl, a range of birds and the Brush-tail Phascogale. Ongoing monitoring will foster an appreciation of biodiversity and the important role it plays in supporting resilient and healthy ecosystems. Mrs Serena Richards and Ms Kimone Stacey-Missen