Murrurundi Writings
The project was very important because it helped make the communities of the Pages River more aware of their river, something we never really consider, with art and science among the schools.
My highlight of the Turning the Pages project was the fun festival day which concluded everything off. When I saw the amazing sculptures hanging and many visitors awing at them I felt like all our efforts and involvement actually took a step closer to caring for our river.
I was involved as a student from Murrurundi Public School. I gained knowledge during the science days, created the art workshops and had a brilliant time at the festival day of the Turning the Pages Project.
By Edie Bush, Murrurundi Public School.
On the first river science workshop day, students from years 3-6 from Murrurundi and Blandford Public schools used Google Earth to view the Pages River. We saw the where river flows, from the source right through Murrurundi and out to Blandford. It showed us what the river looked like from a bird’s eye view. We then transposed our view from above to eye level.
After that we went to paint, draw or pastel a view from an animal’s view that was looking at the Pages River. These animals could be anything from turtles to fish or bugs to birds. The images on Google Earth helped us form our pictures of the river.
Doing our artwork helped us become more aware of how important the river is to the animals that live in and around it.
Written by Samara Slater, Matthew McDonald and Edie Bush, Murrurundi Public School.
The Pages River School and Community Project.
What was the significance of the project?
The significance of the river project for me was how we learnt about how the river works, how it is now and how it use to be before we were born It is amazing how everything had changed and moved.
What was the major highlight of the project for you?
Seeing the bugs and animals up on display for all to see and that so many people joined together for the river. Now we can keep it for the next generation to swim in.
How were you involved in the project?
My involvement in the project was completing all the work and working with the artists and scientists throughout the 7 weeks. At the end the big coming together of the schools and helpers at the park was really special.
By Louisa Coffey.
A River Recount
On a Thursday at the end of September, in term three, Murrurundi and Blandford Public Schools went down to the Café Telegraph with accompanying staff Mrs Randell and Mrs Foley. When we arrived we were given name tags so the instructor, Ingrid, could identify us. When we were all settled on the tarp Ingrid told us to move into groups of at least four. We were all given specific jobs to do which would determine if our river was healthy.
Some of the tasks we completed were to test the sodium levels in various ways. When testing the ph level we found our river to be very healthy. We examined the sensitivity of the creatures living beneath the surface. We also sampled the clearness of the water by getting a little tube with a little swirl at the bottom. We poured some river water in a little bit at a time. If we got to the top and we couldn’t see the black swirl then our water is fairly dirty but we were able to see the black line so it was
After we had finished all the tests Ingrid gave us a net and a bucket so we could catch a few little critters. We compared the river creatures, bugs and insects to a chart which helped us label them. Later when we stopped we went back on the tarp and Ingrid said that we were all certified water watchers.
The entire day was fantastic. With the help of Ingrid, we learnt a great deal about the river and its creatures. I wish we could do it again.
Written by Emily Wilson, Matthew McDonald and Megan Mcloughlin ,Murrurundi Public School.
