Exploring Marine Wonders – Year 9’s Penguin Island Adventure

We believe that hands-on learning experiences are vital. They spark curiosity and inspire action. The Year 9 Marine Science excursion to Penguin Island this week provided exactly that. It gave students a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park while learning about its fascinating wildlife and the environmental challenges they face. From spotting playful bottlenose dolphins to studying nesting seabirds, this trip combined education with awe-inspiring moments, shaping our students into stewards of the natural world.

Below is a thoughtful reflection from Year 9 student Rebecca about the incredible day:

“The Year 9 excursion to Penguin Island was one to remember. The spectacular boat tour around the Shoalwater Marine Park, combined with the huge amounts of sea birds nesting on Penguin Island, made this excursion like no other.

“We went to Penguin Island to explore the impact of human activities on marine life. We engaged in a range of activities like testing the sand for microplastics, recording the population count of the different sea birds, observing the behaviours of Shoalwater’s bottlenose dolphins, and so much more.

“We were so lucky to visit this amazing place filled with dolphins, skinks, sea lions and a wide variety of sea birds. Although the skinks on Penguin Island were a little too friendly and often wandered into your bag, it wouldn’t have been the same without them.

“Even though we didn’t get to see any fairy penguins, we all knew they were out there somewhere and were still surviving despite the impact of human interactions. We all loved the excursion and will definitely visit again in the future.”

A Lasting Impact

This excursion was more than just a day out from school, it was a call to action. Through activities like microplastic testing and bird population surveys, our students gained a deeper understanding of the fragile ecosystems around us. While they didn’t spot the elusive penguins, they returned with renewed determination to be ambassadors for these remarkable creatures.

We are proud of our young marine scientist’s enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference. For Rebecca and her peers, Penguin Island was a reminder that education and action go hand in hand in preserving our natural world.

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