BioEYES+ Monash University Incursion
On Friday 1st November a select group of Year 3 & 4 students participated in an incursion facilitated by Monash University as part of the Boronia Heights High Abilities Program.
Students had a fantastic time engaging with the hands-on science incursion where they conducted their own investigation into biomedical science using live zebrafish.
“It was really good, I like the fish and the babies. There were actual fish you could interact with and you get to see how they hatch.” – Jayden
“Pretty cool, it was about studying zebrafish and their similarities to humans.” – Carter
“I think it was very fun because we got to study animals.” – Lucy
“I really enjoyed working with animals, and I really enjoyed this!” – Edmund
Students learned about how Zebrafish are popular animal models in biomedical research and education due to their rapid development, genetic similarity to humans and their transparent embryonic development.
In the inquiry-based workshop, using live zebrafish, students practised using the scientific method by posing questions, creating hypotheses, making biological observations and drawing conclusions.
In their own experiment, students observed the physical and behavioural traits of zebrafish, saw how offspring inherit genes and used a microscope to observe the transparent embryos and larvae. Students observed first-hand the embryonic stem cells of the zebrafish, early organ development as well as the beating heart and circulation. Students also learned about how Monash University biomedical scientists use zebrafish in their cutting-edge research into various human diseases.
Thank you to Jenny and the Biomedicine team at Monash University for coming to Boronia Heights!
Emma Mason
High Ability Practice Leader
Youth Skills Shed, a new initiative in practical education for our younger generation, now operating!
At a brief ceremony on 23rd October 2024, Rotary Club of Boronia President, Monique Smith formally opened the new Rotary Club of Boronia Youth Skills Shed located at the Boronia Heights Primary School following an overview of the project by Club Community Services Director, Ray Siegersma.
As noted by President Monique, the occasion was “… not just to inaugurate a building, but to celebrate a vision that aims to empower our youth with practical skills that are invaluable in today’s world”. The Youth Skills Shed will serve as a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore a variety of hands-on skills, including woodworking, plumbing, electrical work, concreting, metal polishing, bricklaying, and cooking, to name just a few. These skills are essential, not only for personal development but also for fostering a sense of independence and self-reliance among our youth.
Ray explained that the participants have initially been selected from Grades 4-6, and the tasks and projects to be undertaken appropriate for that age group. Each group will be supervised by skilled trade instructors for the duration of their project and participation at the Shed. After each session the participants will take home whatever they have made or worked on. The program will run for a school term; with a new group of participants to be selected for the first term of next year.
Following the introductory addresses, each of the seven inaugural participants; Esmae, Owen, Serenity‑Jayde, Kayder, Olivia, Max and Dom were presented with a Bunnings work apron, Hi-Viz vest and helmet as they were introduced. Dom was then invited to “cut the ribbon” for entry to the Youth Skills Shed for the very first time. An hour and a half later, each participant had produced their own toolbox and pencil case!
Opening of the Youth Skills Shed, which was attended by sponsors and supporters, Rotarians and members of the public, was the culmination of twelve months of planning and preparation. Almost twelve months to the day, Ray Siegersma sat down with Assistant Principal, Kristy Foster of the Boronia Heights Primary School to develop his vision of the Youth Skills Shed, which has now been realised. Hard work and commitment of a dedicated group of Rotarians, led by Ray, has been instrumental in getting the project off the ground.
Boronia Height Primary School has been a key partner in development of the program. It has also provided use of the “Shed”, the facility in which the program activities will be conducted and has had a primary role in identifying participant students.
The Youth Skills Shed has been strongly supported by our principal sponsors, Bendigo Bank (Boronia branch), Bunnings Warehouse (Bayswater store) and Rotary District 9815 (provision of a Rotary sponsored grant) together with Harvey Norman, Fleet Plant Hire Solutions, Knox and District Woodworkers Club and Spincat Consulting. Without the generous financial and in-kind support of these organisations the project would not have come to fruition.
Each term the participants will experience a range of trade skills including:
- Woodworking – presented by Todd and John from the Knox Woodworkers Club
- Plumbing – Blake from Joniec Plumbing
- Electrical – Peter the electrician, retired with a wealth of experience
- Concreting – Sam and Caleb from Ja Cat Paving
- Metal Polishing – Brad from Lee’s Metal Polishing, a well-polished company that polished all different metals
- Bricklaying/masonry – Scott from Masonry Men Bricklayers
- Cooking – Marina from Burgertory, which creates and makes burgers to die for!
Each of our presenters are “the best tradies in the world”; they will instruct and present their trades to provide a broad-based and informative program for Junior Tradies! They will guide and mentor the participants through their journey, introducing what each Trade looks like. The sessions may inspire the participants to pursue a trade career; however, in addition to the education provided by the trade instructors they will also develop some of the life skills required in everyday life. Who knows; some “great Tradies in the making” may find their calling in the Youth Skills Shed, or they may just have a whole heap of fun!
Ray Siegersma
Rotary Club of Boronia
Alchester Village Intersection Update
The team at Bild Group, in partnership with The Department of Transport and Planning, have been hard at work upgrading the Mountain Highway, Colchester Road, and Albert Avenue intersection in Boronia to improve traffic flow and pedestrian/cyclist safety. The project will include new traffic signals, additional lanes, and safer crossings, with completion expected by mid-2025.
Mountain Highway Intersection Update: Important Drainage Work Underway!
Our team is still in action, improving the intersection at Mountain Highway, Colchester Road, and Albert Avenue. This time, we’re tackling a vital part of the project—drainage!
Why Drainage Matters:
Drainage is one of the most important parts of road construction. Here’s why: When rainwater has nowhere to go, it can pool on the roads, leading to problems like slippery surfaces, and run off into the surrounding properties and land. Excess water can also wear down the road materials, causing cracks and potholes, that’s why we’re working carefully to keep our roads safe, smooth, and long-lasting!
What’s Happening on Mountain Highway
- When? Over the coming weeks, you’ll notice us working both east and west of the temporary roundabout on Mountain Highway.
- What’s Involved? Our crews are digging deep into the ground to install giant pipes that will carry rainwater safely away from the road. We’re also working around existing pipes and cables, which takes a bit of extra time to make sure everything fits just right!
Keeping Our Roads Strong for Years to Come Good drainage helps protect roads from erosion, prevents slippery surfaces, and keeps our roads safe for everyone—especially during winter. Once this step is complete, we’re one step closer to a stronger, safer, and better-looking intersection!
Questions? Reach out to us anytime at 0400 400 091 or email Alchestercommunity@bild.group. You can also check the VicRoads website for more updates—just search for the Alchester Village Intersection Upgrade.
Thank you for your patience and support as we bring these essential upgrades to your community!