Brrrr ... the first glimpses of winter at Candlebark ....
There have been lots of kids away sick in the last couple of weeks, I've had one at home and we haven't even got fully into Winter yet. Brace yourselves I think its going to be a long, cold one!
Please feel free to contact me via email on janeduggan26@yahoo.com.au if you have anything to contribute to future newsletters.
Jane Cahill - Editor In Chief
Contents
- Term Dates 2019
- Student Corner
- Candlebark Winter Soiree
- Friday Clubs
- Grade 3/4 National Gallery of Victoria Excursion
- Story Box Library
- Mt Arapiles/Djurite Rock Climbing Camp
- Proud Peacocks Preening Perfect Plumage
- Come To School As a Rockstar Day
- Regional Cross-Country @ Bendigo
- Regional Cross-Country @ St Arnaud
- Community Notices
Term Dates 2019
- Term 2 - April 29 to June 28
- Term 3 - July 23 to September 19.
- Term 4 - October 8 to December 18
Student Corner
Our featured student author this newsletter is Will Sargeant - enjoy his fantastic story & illustration!
Tashi and the Poison Ants
Jack and Tashi were at school. Jack got bitten by a big, red nasty bull ant. Tashi came to see if he was ok. Tashi told him a story about the invasion of poison ants.
Well it was like this…one sunny day Boo Boo Chu and I were building a tower of rocks down by the river. A little purple ant crawled into the tower of rocks. Just then the mum’s called us in for dinner. It was pork dumplings. And then it was time for bed.
Next day Boo Boo Chu and I went to the river again. Boo Boo Chu thought it was a good idea to kick the tower down. One of those little purple ants was looking at us. Then Boo Boo Chu kicked the tower down. Tashi said “No!”
A big purple ant crawled out of the wreckage. It growled at us. Boo Boo Chu and I went to Wise-as-an-Owls house. We asked him what these purple ants were. He came to see them, so we went back and they were gone. We searched Granny White Eyes to come but just then the magic warning bell rang. We raced back to the village square. There was one big purple ant that growled at us. It growled at us again. It fell into the well. The water inside went purple. He growled. The Baron got bitten by a little purple ant. He went to Wise-as-an-Owls house. He couldn’t find a cure. So he had to rest in bed for a week.
Soon everyone’s gardens died because of the purple water.
Tashi and Lotus Blossum and Ah Chu went to Wise-as-an-Owls house. He said they were poisonous and they breed like magic rabbits. We asked him which type of spell we need to use to kill these deadly things.
Tashi found three purple berries, one brown flower and ten strings of magic hay. When he came out of the forest the whole village was screaming. The poison ants were everywhere! Tashi said “Calm down I have something to stop these things.” Now let’s find the nest. Tashi climbed up the tower of rocks and put the three purple berries the one brown flower and the 10 strings of magic hay near the top.
The poison ants smelt the sweet smells of the flower and the berries and came back to their nest 10 by 10. Soon all the ants were back. Each had one nibble and took one nibble down to their queen. It wasn’t long before they all died.
The seed bird flew over all the gardens and pooped new seeds into the gardens. The seeds grew and everybody had their gardens back.
The Baron got better but he was still not happy because he was weak and didn’t have enough plants.
Written By Will Seargent
Candlebark Winter Soiree
The wonderful Candlebark Winter Soirée is less than a month away!
WHERE: Kyneton Town Hall
WHEN: Thursday the 27th of June
TIME: 7pm
Every student in the school will be performing a musical item with their class, as well as performances by the Ska Band, Soul Band & the Chamber Ensemble (plus a few other surprise items).
We will have a dress-rehearsal during the day of the 27th June so, if it is relevant to you, please send your child along with their instrument & sheet music that morning.
On the night please make sure your child is at the venue by 6:40pm.
Students have been asked to listen to their song regularly. It’d be great if you, the parents, could help facilitate this. Here are the links to their songs;
Prep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xGWMFBfKi8
Grade 1/2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhwCHkBPl58 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW5SMrURVbM
Grade 3/4y: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMdbVHPmCW0
Grade 3/4x: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FqJz2jaB-Y
Down-the-hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1GwvPzzK1k
Grade 5/6x: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5LMG3WFBw
Grade 5/6y: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U58KYsh09w
Grade 5/6z: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFDcoX7s6rE
Year 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM
See you at the soirée.
- Taran Carter
Friday Clubs
Sunshine Painting using Indigenous patterns
Grade 3/4 National Gallery of Victoria Excursion
Grade three and four have been studying the extraordinary Sculptor Alexander Calder. We went to the National Gallery of Victoria and saw examples of his wonderful mechanical circus, his twisted wire jewellery, amazing stabiles (which are sculptures with moving parts) and his mobiles floating from the ceiling. These works are made from all sorts of materials, especially wire and sheet metal. Many of his abstract shapes refer to nature and our animal kingdom.
After viewing this wonderful exhibition, we walked through to other international exhibitions, such as Venetian glass and contemporary Chinese installations. We had lunch in the park. Students kicked the footy, climbed enormous trees, chased bubbles blown by Shaun and soaked up the Melbourne sun.
Story Box Library
Many of you may not be aware of the wonderful story telling resource made available through the Internet by Candlebark parent Nicole Brownlee. It's called Story Box Library. What they do is to take a wide selection of terrific picture books and have them read by fabulous readers, accompanied of course by the illustrations from the books. By my rough count they have about 250 books online: everything from Home in the Rain by Bob Graham, to Blue the Builder's Dog by Jen Storer, from Ayu and the Perfect Moon by David Cox to My Dog Bigsy by Alison Lester, from I'm A Hungry Dinosaur by Janeen Brian and Ann James to Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp, from Bella's Bad Hair Day by Steven Michael King to the Ghost of Miss Annabelle Spoon by Erin Blabey. Good to see people like Danny Katz, Paul Jennings, Morris Gleitzman, Andy Griffiths, Sally Rippin,, Margaret Wild, Leigh Hobbs, Tim Winton and Ursula Dubosarsky represented.
It really is an exceptional selection.
The readers include Emilie Zoey Baker, Heidi Arena, Steve Backshall, Clare Bowditch, Valanga Khoza, the Bull sisters, Nick Cave, Jane Clifton, Colin Garland, Missy Higgins, Andy Griffiths, Claire Hooper, Jo Hall, Khan James Parker, Peter Hitchener, Shane Jacobson, Jane Kennedy, Pia Miranda, Eddie Perfect, Brian Nankervis, Dave O'Neil, Boori Monty Pryor, Kate Ritchie, John Schumann (remember Redgum?!), Tim Rogers, Normie Rowe, Cal Wilson, Jan Wositzky, Ursula Yovich and many many more. If that list doesn't impress you, then I'm afraid nothing will!
The great news is that their latest publication, If I Was Prime Minister, is read by kids, most of whom come from Candlebark! And I must say they do a brilliant job.
If you're interested in finding out more, and maybe even subscribing, (and I should add that no one has asked me to promote the service – I just think it's a great idea to encourage reading, and it’s done extremely well), the obvious place to start is their website https://storyboxlibrary.com.au/
Written by John Marsden
Mt Arapiles/Djurite Rock Climbing Camp
Year 7 & La Trobe - 21st – 24th May, 2019
Day 1
Getting There
It was 8:30am when we got on the bus. We strapped ourselves in for the long, squishy ride to Mt Arapiles. We picked up Charlie at the train station on the way.
After two hours we came to these wheat silos that had beautiful art work on them. They were huge.
We had lunch in Horsham and mucked around in the park. Then we set off again, finally we saw Arapiles in the distance. We found a giant picture frame and stood inside while Sarah took a photo. After around another 20 minutes we got there, and I think all of us were thankful.
- Written By Jono
Summit Hike
The walk was pleasant. For me it wasn’t really a walk. I ran up the uneven rock shaped steps, panting hard. I got to the top and was finally able to catch my breath again. I took in the beautiful Trump-like sunset. I found a golf tee. And by this stage, my bladder was going to burst!
It was harder to walk down, but the chilly airflow in my face made up for it. We got to the bottom. I felt tired after a semi-rushed run/walk and a 6 hour bus ride. It was yummy.
-Written By Zu
Lena’s Poem
A long bus ride is nothing new
We look up to the sky so blue
We get to a park and have some food
Jump back in the bus with a tired mood
Eventually we see the rock afar
And before we know we jump out of the car
And see… Arapiles!
We put the tents up, it’s a struggle
We get into our sleeping bags and snuggle
Off to the rock we cross
And see a huge rock covered with moss
Dinners served with such delight
Everyone had an awesome night
- Written By Lena
Day 2
Mitre Rock
Our group (Penny, Cam, Lucas, Angus, and I) left the campsite in the morning. We were bracing ourselves, hoping that we were not going to be doing another hike like the long walk to the summit.
We climbed at a place called Mitre Rock. We were all surprised.
- Written By Mia
Bushrangers Bluff
On the first day, our group (Zu, Harry, Jack, Charlie, Draco, Eric, Reuben, and Anouk) went to Bushrangers Bluff.
First we learned how to tie knots and belay our friends. We got the first three climbers on the wall, Reuben, Anouk, and Eric.
After a bit more climbing, we down climbed into a cave for lunch! Then we had to abseil out of it. In the afternoon we did a grade 16 climb called Rubbery Underarms. It was probably one of the hardest climbs we did.
-Written By Anouk & Reuben
Day 3
Mitre Rock
On the third day, we went to a place called Mitre Rock. The La Trobe students decided it was time to teach us about the gear they used to lead traditional style climbs.
Nuts, Hexes, and Cams. Nuts are a small rectangular prisms. Hexes are similar but with six sides. They both slot into cracks in the wall. Then there is the Cam. A Cam is a small metal thing, with a stem and trigger. When you pull back on the trigger it gets smaller so you can put it in a crack in the rock, when you let go it opens into the crack.
After learning about the gear and top-rope climbing a bit, Charlie, Reuben, and Draco went on a multi-pitch climb. The others went abseiling. The multi-pitch climb was up the side of Mitre Rock. We had to step across a void and continue climbing to the summit. We arrived at dusk and got to see the sun set.
- Written By Draco & Charlie
Mitre Rock Abseil
Sitting on a ledge, about to jump off. Little did I know it was an overhang! “Who’s up next?” asked Celia. Oh god, it’s me.
I went to the edge and peered over. I leant back, fear creeping over my body.
Halfway down I realised… it was amazing! How silly I was to think it was horrid.
- Written By Jack
Talent Show
After a delicious dinner, Oscar Finn organised a talent show. No one was expecting it to be good, but it turned out to be quite funny.
The first act was an interview with Ava, and special guest Kim. K (Penny). Next was Angus with his boys rap. Then Reuben and Oscar with a song. James and Zu were next with a Dr. Phil and Donald Trump show.
With all of those out of the way we had Sarah with a magic card trick, Luke with ‘Snaps’, and in first place Jack with his multiple acts starring his electric guitar and portable amplifier… and a card trick!
- Written By Ava & Penny
Day 4
The Salt Lake
On the last day we had the choice of going to the salt lake, or more rock climbing. Some of us chose the salt lake. The salt lake was surrounded by salt bushes and covered in muddy salt.
We began drawing on the salty, muddy flats and created many pictures of things we liked doing.
- Written By Cam & Harry
The Last Climb
It was the last day of our camp. We had the choice of going to the salt lake or to do more climbing. Most of us chose to climb.
It was a short walk to The Plaque Wall. We had seen this place on our way to the summit on the first day.
The La Trobe people set up four ropes. They were all very hard. A few of us got up one of them. Then it started to rain, so we wrapped it all up pretty quick.
- Written By Eric
Proud Peacocks Preening Perfect Plumage
Behold the beautiful drawings from the Grade 1s and 2s.
Come to school as a Rockstar Day
Come to school as a Rock Star was a challenge taken up by Grade five/six; Cosimo Romeo, aka Angus Young, Zayn Ulfan, looking like Tim Minchim, and Rook Westhaven dressed as Pink.
Regional Cross-Country @ Bendigo
Well well well,
What a great performance from every single kid who ran at Bendigo in the regional cross-country event on May 8! Great heart was shown by all Candlebark runners of whom we can be incredibly proud. While this was a day of racing, the Candlebark focus is on personal bests and It was inspiring to watch the kids rise to new levels on the day.
It was a rough start to a cool late Autumn day with the Candlebarkians joining the Cobaw team bus to Bendigo for the first time... The bus was unfortunately late and the 9/10 yrs boys unluckily missed the first race.
That meant that our Chae, Arlo, Remy and Albert had to run in a lower grade 9/10yrs race. They duly finished 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th. Confusion reigned as Chae and Arlo who were our fastest two runners at Bendigo were added to the team and later lost their spot to the boys who were faster at the qualifying event at Hanging Rock. Both boys took a tough call well and all four will be a huge chance next year.
In the girls’ 9/10yrs, Esther and Erin both ran really strongly and looked smooth and impressive as they qualified comfortably in 3rd and 4th places respectively.
In the boys’ 11yrs Seb produced a great fighting effort to qualify 12th and seems to be improving with every run. Will Astuto was just behind Seb and narrowly missed out. His sprinting talents mean he’ll be looking forward to the athletics next term.
The girls’ 11yrs race allowed Tabitha to hit the stage and her mum was correct in suggesting she was keen to race as she ran beautifully, qualifying for the regionals in 3rd place.
The boys’ 12 years gave Henry ‘Bourkey’ Bourke the opportunity to strut his stuff and qualify 1st. Bryn and Walter also ran beautifully and qualified comfortably in 4th and 9th places respectively.
Lily streeted the field in the 12yrs’ girls to qualify first and was simply too good. A favourite moment of the day was watching Clementine, Om and Kate push each other to the finish, passing runners down the final straight to all qualify, in 10th 11th and 12th positions.
At the end of the day from the 16 runners who had qualified for Bendigo, 11 qualified to run in the Regional championships at St Arnaud. This was an amazing effort from the team who together smashed the old Candlebark record!
Ian, Cam & Sarah
Regional Cross-Country @ St Arnaud
It was another tremendous performance from our runners at the Regional Cross Country championships in St Arnaud. Lily King and Henry Bourke became the first Candlebark runners to win a race at this level. Both were close to near exhaustion as they fought off fast finishing opponents to win by 10 metres.
Here are the full results:
- Lily - 1st
- Kate - 14th
- Om - 40th
- Clementine - did not finish due to cramping
- Henry - 1st
- Bryn - 17th
- Walter - 22nd
- Tabitha - 29th
- Seb - 26th
- Esther - 23rd
- Erin - 26th
There were between sixty and eighty runners per race.
The Candlebark kids ran with gusto, spirit, and they finished hard! And don't they look proud in their lovely new hoodies - five of which were generously purchased by Jo Bourke and Elyse Dixen.
Thanks to Fiona, Simone, Monique, Jo, and Elyse for their help on the day and well done to all runners on a fantastic achievement.
Written By Cameron Kerr
And now for the parent point of view of Cross Country
Hi Cam,
Congratulations on a brilliant day out! Team Candlebark threw everything they had at their races and all noticeably lifted once they heard you calling 📢 their names for the finish.
This was my fourth trip to St Arnaud and it was so awesome to see the numbers now so big that the school needed to take a bus to Regionals! 🚌 Go Candlebark! 💪 And with all those new hoodies running around school, I’m tipping you’ll need to take a bigger bus next year.
Cheers,
Jo Bourke
Given Henry's results it looks like Jo has many Cross Country events in her future.
Community Notices
Hallowed Ground - Women Doctors in War
Helen Hopkins (Alice Miller parent) co-wrote a play about female military doctors and it is coming to Kyneton on 20th June as part of our regional tour of Victoria.
Dog sitter required
Steve Pollett and his partner Sarah are looking for someone to take care of their dog Lacey from 01/07/19 - 20/07/19.
Lacey is a 3yr old German Shepherd who loves to make new friends of both the canine and human variety. She prefers to be near her human companions whenever possible and thrives on attention and affection. She is quite energetic and needs to be walked every day. She is really playful and can fetch sometimes, depending on her mood. She is very talkative and may bark out of sheer excitement when greeting you.
If this sounds like an opportunity you might be interested in, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Email Steve if you can help out chtiven@gmail.com
The City Bush Dance
Winter is here and so too is the City Bush Dance! There are still tickets available and we'd love to see you on FRIDAY 28th JUNE. This event celebrates and raises funds for the sister Outdoor Education Centres, Wollangarra and Mittagundi, in true pioneer style. The event is child friendly and wacky woollen jumper friendly. It is the perfect opportunity to introduce family and friends to Mittagundi and Wollangarra. The Briagalong Bush Band will be playing and a dance caller to get us all heel and toeing to our hearts desire and a licensed bar with drinks and delicious snacks available for purchase. Please invite and share this event with all your friends and family, its going to be a night full of Bush dance Fun! We are really excited to see you all there!
xx Mittagundi and Wollangarra
PS - we're still looking for volunteers for the night if you are able to help. We are currently looking for volunteers interested in the following roles: Photography, Musically talented young people, Set up helpers, Bar staff (RSA required), Volunteers to help in the kitchen
Please email billie.violet.c@gmail.com with your phone number and how you'd like to be involved in this wonderful community event :)
Mittagundi’s Annual Melbourne Dinner
Wednesday 9th October
Join us at Mittagundi’s Annual Melbourne Dinner on Wednesday 9th October. A chance to meet with new and old friends as well as hear from our Directors about their first year at Mittagundi. Held at the West Brighton Club, Brighton. Bookings are essential. RSVP by 2nd September. $90 includes 3 course sit down dinner, beverages and some great company.
Cost of the Workshop is $125 concession, and $165 full payment (payment plans are available).
Bravehearts
Candlebark parent Emilie Chiller has decided to become a national runner for the Bravehearts777 event. That means she will be running 7 marathons, in 7 days, in 7 states to raise money and awareness for the Australian child protection organisation Bravehearts. Braveheart aims to help make Australia the safest country to raise a child. Currently, according to Braveheart, 1 in 5 kids before the age of 18 are sexually harmed in some way. Emiie says: 'As a mother of 3 this absolutely breaks my heart and I want to do whatever I can to help Bravehearts educate, empower and protect our kids. I am holding a fundraising event in the next weekend … A Silent Disco. This disco is a family friendly event and I am encouraging parents to get the kids involved as it will be an afternoon of moving, laughs and lots of fun!'
