Stories from Cottage 

Embracing the first week of summer! 

December 02, 2025

The warm weather this week was greatly welcomed as Take a Break participants from Tongala Primary School in rural Victoria hit the beach for a full day of sunshine, exploration and connection with the coastal environment.

From the moment the children stepped onto the sand, the excitement was impossible to miss.

One of the standout highlights for the group was dye dodgeball. The children dashed across the grass, weaving and dodging bursts of colour as they worked together in teams, cheering each other on.

Boogie-boarding also proved to be a popular adventure as the group took to the water to ride the rolling waves. For some participants, it was their first time attempting to catch waves on a board. The sense of achievement was clear each time someone caught a wave and glided towards the shore. “Boogie-boarding was so fun. It was amazing because we live in a small area, so we never get to come down to the beach and ocean,” reflected a participant.

Between games and water activities, the group embarked on long, leisurely walks along the shoreline, exploring the unique coastal habitats that make this environment so special. Along the way, they spotted an array of interesting creatures – from tiny crabs to cuttlefish bones, squid eggs washed ashore and seabirds diving for fish – and learned about the important role each plays in maintaining a healthy coastline.

The beach excursion offered not just physical activity and fun, but also meaningful opportunities for learning and connection with nature. “Some of our kids had never been to the beach, so they will remember this first-time experience forever,” shared a visiting teacher. By the end of the week, these Take a Break participants returned home having created memories that will be cherished for a long time to come!

Boogie-boarding was so fun. It was amazing because we live in a small area, so we never get to come down to the beach and ocean.

Take a Break participant

Some of our kids had never been to the beach, so they will remember this first-time experience forever.

Take a Break visiting teacher

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