8 / 20
8
the ruyton reporter
Sustainable Energy at Work
On Thursday 2 June the Year 5 girls departed for Camp Narmbool - a sheep farm. Our teachers thought
it would be a great idea to give us exposure to experts in sustainable energy, which would assist us in our
unit on ‘Energy’. As we meandered through the city and then the countryside, we could appreciate the
striking contrast of these different environments. There was great excitement on the bus as we turned the
corner and saw the sign saying Camp Narmbool. We were given an introductory tour of the camp
and received gaiters, protective gear covering our ankles to avoid the dangers from animals found in the
grassland, and insect bites.
We learnt about solar energy and wind power. We were intrigued by the interesting facts and information
we heard and we realised we would have to make a few modifications to our ‘Eco Island’ projects back
at School. At Narmbool there were dams so that the sheep could survive. During the first day of camp,
we were split into several groups to test the dam water to observe if it was clean enough for the animals,
but such that only tolerant insects were able to survive. The people at Narmbool were very familiar with
sustainability, so we were reminded several times that we had to put our food scraps into the correct bins.
Some of the best moments on camp were: climbing the beautiful escarpment, meeting the charming
barn owl, testing the dam water and playing aboriginal games with all of my friends. We especially
enjoyed spending quality time with many people from other classes. It was a great opportunity to
interact with them and get to know them better. Camp Narmbool was a very beneficial and enjoyable
learning experience.
Juliet Lipchin,
5CG
After the Narmbool Fire
Fire seen on the hills
The water was almost gone
People called for help
Tulsi McCallum
5JM
The Dam
Muddy and sticky
It turned from deep to shallow
Ruined by the fire
Daria Eimany
5JM
The Escarpment
Jagged, mossy, cold
An amazing misty view
High rocks in Narmbool
Jocelyn Chan
5JM
Owl
A bird of beauty
Flies majestically above.
The owl sees us all.
Georgia Walmsley
5HT
Once Alive
Burnt and charred,
You stand alone.
Once alive;
Now dead.
Grass surrounds you,
Blooming with life.
But you don’t grow.
Flames surrounded you,
You couldn’t escape.
Your roots stuck,
In the ground.
Like creeping tigers,
The fires stretched towards you.
Not holding back,
Not stopping.
Enlarging,
Thriving,
Spreading.
Expanding,
Flaming,
Undefeatable.
Now you stand alone;
Once alive;
Now dead.
Louisa Tymms
5HT
After the Fire