As part of our exploration of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the Year 5 students recently visited Toolangi State Forest and the Black Saturday Lookout and Memorial in Kinglake. This excursion marked the culmination of our learning about the causes, impacts and recovery efforts following one of the most significant natural disasters in Victoria’s history.

At Toolangi, students explored the forest ecosystem and learned how the environment has regenerated since the fires. They observed new growth and discussed how both people and nature recover after such devastating events. At the Kinglake Memorial, students reflected quietly on the lives lost and the strength of the community that rebuilt in the years that followed.

The excursion was a powerful way to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, deepening students’ understanding of resilience, recovery and the importance of caring for our environment.

Romy and Gideon, Year 5 Teachers