Experiment Farm Cottage in Harris Park and Old Government House in Parramatta were the destinations for a recent Year 4 excursion.
The aim of this excursion was to explore the nature and consequence of European settlement in Australia. The children had the opportunity to explore and engage with primary and secondary artefacts to support their learning and understanding.
Learning was different in colonial Australia.
Gabbi shared about the differences in the early classrooms.
In Mrs Johnson’s classroom in Old Government House, we had to use slates and write with chalk. We had to learn everything by repeating the words the teacher announced in order to learn the spelling off by heart. We also learnt writing and mathematics. Children could not eat at all! They had to be there from Monday to Saturday because the entire colony attended Church on Sunday.
At Experiment Farm, Alessio was surprised how much effort went into food preparation.
'We were shown how hard it was to make food in the past. We learnt how they made different things like butter, toast and other foods. By the time the servants were finished making and serving breakfast for their master and mistress, it was time to start getting lunch ready.
Experiment Farm Cottage and Old Government House provide “living history” for children and adults. “I would recommend people visit these places so that they can learn more about the history of Australia”, said Isaac.
St Michael's Catholic Primary Baulkham Hills
www.stmichaelsbhills.catholic.edu.au
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30 Jun 2025
From Facebook
πββοΈβ¨ A Champion Effort! β¨πββοΈ Harrison did our school proud as he represented Parramatta at the Regional Athletics Carnival! With his former running guide and mate, Harry (who returned for the event this year despite now attending high school), by his side once again, the duo took to the track like pros πͺ Despite changes in his vision and a new classification this year, Harrisonβs determination never wavered. With the track mapped out in his mind and confidence in his stride, he sprinted his way to an incredible 2nd place finish π₯ Next stopβ¦ PSSA! β€οΈ We are so proud of Harrisonβhis resilience, grit and glowing smile inspire us all ππ #ParramattaPride #PSSAHereWeCome #ChampionSpirit #InclusionMatters #NeverGiveUp #ResilientRunner #SchoolPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills![563943395785443_1123382243174886-1]()
29 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π₯ A force to be reckoned with! π₯ This term, Year 5 has been studying the Science topic βForcesβ π§²π¬ Over the past few weeks, students have researched and investigated a variety of forces in preparation for a thrilling challenge π‘βοΈ The big question was: βHow can we make forces weaker or stronger to accurately land a ping pong ball into a container from a distance of 3 metres using a catapult?β ποΈπ Using only pop sticks, elastic bands and a spoon, students worked collaboratively to design and build their own catapults. Some serious designing, experimenting and adjusting took place before the final models were revealed π§ππ§ At the moment of truth, each group had 3 attempts to test their design. While no group managed a direct hit, a few came incredibly close β and everyone had a blast along the way! ππ― Lots of fun and lots of learning π«π #Year5Science #HandsOnLearning #ForcesInAction #STEMchallenge #LearningIsFun #FutureEngineers #CatapultChallenge #PrimaryScience #CreativeKids #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
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30 Jun 2025
From Facebook
πββοΈβ¨ A Champion Effort! β¨πββοΈ Harrison did our school proud as he represented Parramatta at the Regional Athletics Carnival! With his former running guide and mate, Harry (who returned for the event this year despite now attending high school), by his side once again, the duo took to the track like pros πͺ Despite changes in his vision and a new classification this year, Harrisonβs determination never wavered. With the track mapped out in his mind and confidence in his stride, he sprinted his way to an incredible 2nd place finish π₯ Next stopβ¦ PSSA! β€οΈ We are so proud of Harrisonβhis resilience, grit and glowing smile inspire us all ππ #ParramattaPride #PSSAHereWeCome #ChampionSpirit #InclusionMatters #NeverGiveUp #ResilientRunner #SchoolPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
29 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π₯ A force to be reckoned with! π₯ This term, Year 5 has been studying the Science topic βForcesβ π§²π¬ Over the past few weeks, students have researched and investigated a variety of forces in preparation for a thrilling challenge π‘βοΈ The big question was: βHow can we make forces weaker or stronger to accurately land a ping pong ball into a container from a distance of 3 metres using a catapult?β ποΈπ Using only pop sticks, elastic bands and a spoon, students worked collaboratively to design and build their own catapults. Some serious designing, experimenting and adjusting took place before the final models were revealed π§ππ§ At the moment of truth, each group had 3 attempts to test their design. While no group managed a direct hit, a few came incredibly close β and everyone had a blast along the way! ππ― Lots of fun and lots of learning π«π #Year5Science #HandsOnLearning #ForcesInAction #STEMchallenge #LearningIsFun #FutureEngineers #CatapultChallenge #PrimaryScience #CreativeKids #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
27 Jun 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our students who received Gold and Silver awards in week 8 & 9 ππΌπ₯³
26 Jun 2025
From Facebook
β½οΈ Stage 2 Soccer Stars! β½οΈ Our talented Stage 2 boys and girls hit the field today for the Soccer Gala Day β and what a day it was! π₯ With teamwork, determination and school spirit on full display, our students gave it their all and had so much fun along the way! ππ A big thank you to our amazing staff and supporters for cheering us on from the sidelines ππ #SoccerGalaDay #Stage2 #TeamSpirit #ShiningBright #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
25 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass π Tomorrow at 12pm, our school community will gather to celebrate the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This special Mass will be dedicated to Ryan in Year 3, as he bravely continues his cancer treatment. We unite in prayer, love and hope β asking Jesus to surround Ryan and his family with strength and healing. πβ¨ #SacredHeartOfJesus #PrayerfulSupport #FaithHopeLove #CommunityInPrayer #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
24 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π Sunshine & Sweet Goodbyes π 1 Blue had a beautiful afternoon soaking up the sunshine as part of their whole class reward! πΏβοΈ A special farewell to our wonderful prac teacher, Miss Farrugia β thank you for all your care, kindness and creativity during your time with us! ππ #GratefulHearts #PrimarySchoolMoments #TeacherFarewell #ClassRewards
23 Jun 2025
From Facebook
ππΏ Science in Action! ππ§ͺ 6 Red have been hard at work investigating the causes and effects of climate change, deforestation and water pollution. Through hands-on scientific investigations, they explored how these issues impact our Earthβs environment β developing their knowledge and growing their passion for protecting our planet! π‘π±π§ #ScienceLearning #PlanetProtectors #STEM #PrimarySchoolScience #FutureChangemakers #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
22 Jun 2025
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20 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π¦π Year 3βs Wild Adventure! ππΏ What a roarsome day Year 3 had at Taronga Zoo! π―π¦ From spotting giraffes and meerkats to learning about animal habitats and conservation, the students were all smiles as they explored the wonders of the animal kingdom. ππ§π A day filled with fun, learning, and a few furry (and scaly!) friends! πΎπ #TarongaZoo #Year3Excursion #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #WildAboutAnimals #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
19 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π± Watching Beans Bloom in Year 2! π± Our curious Year 2 learners have been exploring how living things grow and change over time. As part of their science unit, theyβve been closely observing their very own bean plants πΏβnoting every sprout, leaf and change along the way! What an exciting way to learn about life cycles! π«β¨ #Year2 #GrowingAndChanging #CuriousLearners #PrimaryScience #HandsOnLearning #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills
18 Jun 2025
From Facebook
π± Gardening Club in Action! πΏ Mrs Abraham and our Gardening Club have been busy planting new seeds, watering, mulching, and harvesting fresh parsley! πͺ΄π§ With green thumbs and joyful hearts, theyβre putting their Faith into action and caring for Godβs creation πΌπ #StewardsOfTheEarth #FaithInAction #GardeningClub #GreenThumbs #PrimarySchoolLife #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills