This spring has been especially heartwarming at our school, thanks to the arrival of some very special animal guests. From a resilient little lamb to a family of ducklings, these new additions have brought smiles to everyone’s faces and have provided unique learning experiences for students and staff alike.

Meet Creek: Our Resilient Little Lamb

One of the most touching stories this season has been the arrival of a baby lamb named Creek. Found abandoned in a creek at staff member Liza Dittmar's farm and sadly left by her mother, Liza had been bottle-feeding and caring for the lamb at home and in her office at school for the first week since Creek was born.

Students across the school were thrilled to meet Creek, even Poppy, the ISC therapy dog was intrigued by what this little animal in a nappy was doing at school! The ISC students even had a special visit where they learned how to care for a baby lamb. Liza demonstrated the feeding process, and the students were able to cuddle and bottle-feed Creek themselves. It was a heartwarming experience that left everyone with a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to care for animals.
Creek is now living his best life back on the farm with the other sheep.

A Duck Family in the Staff Courtyard

Last month, a mother duck chose the staff courtyard, next to the staffroom, as the perfect spot to lay her 12 eggs. The staff quickly became attached, watching her diligently through the windows as she kept her eggs warm. The property team even set up a paddling pool, and staff members brought in duck food and water each day to ensure Mama Duck was well cared for.

Over the long weekend, all 12 eggs hatched! The staff has been captivated by the sight of Mama Duck teaching her ducklings to forage for worms in the garden and swim in the paddling pool, then kicking the ducklings out so she can bathe in peace! 

It’s been a highlight enjoyed by all through the office windows.

Over the weekend Liza Dittmar will be relocating the mother duck and her ducklings to her farm, where they will have a spacious creek and plenty of farmland to explore. While we’ll miss seeing them around, we’re glad they’ll be moving to a safe and nurturing environment.

This spring has truly brought our school community closer to nature, reminding us of the joys of new life and the responsibilities we share in caring for our animal friends. We look forward to seeing what other surprises the season has in store!