We are caring for 6 Monarch Butterfly caterpillars at the moment.

They started very hungry and ate lots of milkweed. After 10 days, they attached themselves to something safe, and formed the J Stage.

Then, they created their chrysalis and we will now wait patiently for the chrysalis to change to a dark colour. This is supposed to take around 10-15 days. Once the chrysalis is very dark, we can be hopeful that a butterfly will emerge.

We need to keep the enclosure very still so the butterflies have the best chance of emerging.

Stay tuned for daily updates!

After a week of concern, worrying that our enclosure conditions were not optimal we are very excited to see one of our chrysalis has emerged into it's butterfly state.

The other 5 chrysalis have all turned darker over the weekend so we are hopeful we will get to see more emerging.

This was our fourth butterfly to emerge today, and as we cannot open the enclosure, it was tricky to find a clear vantage point to film from. However, it was amazing that our students got to witness this themselves.

This video is of our fourth butterfly just after it has emerged. You can see it is a bit soggy - the wings emerge wet from the chrysalis and this butterfly is trying to find a higher vantage point to let its wings uncurl, dry and expand. You can be comforted in knowing this butterfly climbed its way safely to the top of the enclosure where it is resting.

This is not footage of our caterpillars, but this is the exact same species we are caring for.

Hello everyone.

In the event that you are isolating and working at home, there are some updated matrix activities for you to work through.

Click on each specialists area below to take you to the 2022 pages.

Please take care of yourself and get plenty of rest, you can share back with us when you return.

Take care and we hope you are well.

The Specialists.

Don't forget, it's always great to check in with how you are feeling.

There are many ways you can check in, and then have a go at making yourself feel calmer, happier and joyful during these times.

Fresh air and physical activity are a great start.

Being mindful by doing something that makes you calm and happy. Drawing and colouring, baking, singing, listening to music, building and chatting with people are all great ways to stay calm and happy through mindfulness.

Check out some of the ideas in the downloadable PDF.

Go to our CELEBRATIONS page, and share your awesome work.

All you have to do is double click on Week 5, and you can upload a photo of your work! Don't forget to write your name so we know who it's from!