Students share their rainforest research

Students researched the Sinharaja Forest

Year 5 students from Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys shared their rainforest research as part of their project-based learning.

Working in teams, students were challenged to showcase an endangered rainforest and present a speech to educate and inform visitors about the current issues threatening their chosen rainforest.

Visitors voted for the team - and rainforest - most deserving of a $10,000 conservation grant. The fictitious scenario gave students a chance to consider real-life problems and present solutions around the preservation and conservation of the world’s rainforests.

Students were given the freedom to work on the rainforest of their choice and worked in teams to research the animal and plant life, natural resources and human impact and environmental concerns. They developed predictions and solutions for the future of the rainforest and then devised creative presentations to persuade visitors that their chosen rainforest was most worthy of financial assistance.

As well as providing Year 5 students with an authentic presentation experience, the event allowed visiting students from Year 4 to extend their knowledge and practise skills in analysing and reviewing information and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Principal Allan Jones said students have been learning cooperatively, doing some independent research and sharing their learning with others.

‘Students learn from teaching others, it’s clear the students are very passionate about what they’re researching and it’s deep learning,’ said Allan. ‘This is just one example of how our students are learning for today’s world and they recognise that it’s their job to make a positive difference in the world,’ he said.

Teacher Amanda Casis says that the project-based learning unit integrates learning in a range of areas including literacy, environmental studies, science and technology.

‘By presenting to an audience, their learning becomes authentic and purposeful which leads to a higher level of engagement – something we strive for in all our learning,’ said Amanda.

Year 5 students Fran Sidoruk and Ben Seck studied the Ecuador rainforest.

‘It was fun to learn about the different animals in the rainforest and how big it is in comparison to Australia,’ said Ben. ‘The rainforest in Ecuador is bigger than the entire state of Victoria, which is much bigger than I first thought,’ he said.

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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14 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Winter Vinnies 2026 Stayout On Wednesday afternoon our Yr 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to take part in the Vinnies Stayout. The afternoon began with Yr 6 students sharing information about homelessness and poverty and we were blessed to have the local conference members from Vinnies join us to share how they support our community. We joined together in a liturgy before students got to work collating snack packs - a hands-on reminder that small acts of kindness can make a real difference. As night fell, students experienced the dark and cold of the playground, a small glimpse into what it feels like to have no warm place to sleep. The evening ended with a simple dinner of noodles and sandwiches just like many people in our community experience night after night. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and generosity our students showed throughout the afternoon/evening. Thank you to our Vinnies guests, students, teachers and all families who supported this experience. If you are able to make a financial contribution to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal please use this link. https://tinyurl.com/mr34y2ny

14 Jun 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday we held a Pyjama mufti day to collect food donations to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Our students enjoyed wearing their cosiest PJs and the generosity shown by families was amazing!!! 😍 Thank you to every family who donated as this will make a real difference to people in our community who are doing it tough this winter. 💕