It has been great to see E.W. Cole profiled in the program. Our Year 1 students spent last semester uncovering the fascinating story of E.W. Cole! (Former resident of the Mansion and creator of Melbourne’s famous Cole’s Book Arcade.) Their Inquiry Unit took them on excursions to the city, a Zoom interview with Cole's great-grandson Tony Rudd, and creating hands-on projects to bring his story to life and to leave their own legacy.
The Year 1 girls felt a sense of responsibility to educate the community about Mr E.W. Cole’s life - not only his link to the school, but also his remarkable contributions to Melbourne’s history. Working in groups, the girls took on different projects, all with the shared aim of revitalizing the vestibule in Blinkbonnie House. Each group carefully considered the purpose and meaning behind their creations. Their ideas included designing a life-size figure of Mr Cole to greet visitors at the entrance, crafting a rainbow arch adorned with vibrant flowers as an homage to the rainbow garden that once featured in front of Earlsbrae Hall, assembling personally selected photos in bespoke frames, constructing a mechanical hen that lays eggs with hidden messages, designing intricate wallpaper for a miniature department store, creating a hanging monkey and painting delicate watercolour birds as a tribute to the animals that featured in Mr Cole’s Book Arcade.
Click on the image below to hear from the girls themselves as they give you their very own tour of the 'Blinkbonnie House Book Arcade'.
