It has been an emotional start to Chicken Club this year as we say goodbye to our treasured Marshmallow – our Silkie x Pekin, and our beloved, super-fluffy black Pekin Liquorice.
Marshmallow was a favourite colourful addition to the Chicken Club, loved by our students, and everyone who met her in her bright technicolour feathery coat could not help but smile. Sadly, Marshmallow passed away after a short illness.
Liquorice brought comfort and joy to many Vasse Primary School students.
She popped into classrooms each morning, offering feathery reassurance to help little ones say goodbye to their mums and dads. She also provided quiet support from her cosy spot beneath students’ chairs and played a special role in many Chicken Club demonstrations. Liquorice passed away suddenly at home. Though she may be gone, the love and kindness she inspired in our students will continue to live on in the heart of our school community. Rest easy, sweet, and shiny Liquorice. You were one very special Pekin.
Honey and Vegemite make up our current flock of two who provide much fun and love, to the students at Vasse Primary School. Chicken Club gives our students a sense of responsibility and the importance of compassion and care. Chickens are super cute, funny, and affectionate and make great schoolyard pals.
The Benefits of Chicken Club:
- Emotional Well-being: Spending time with Honey and Vegemite helps reduce anxiety and stress, providing a calming effect for students.
- Social Skills & Communication: Students develop key skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and teamwork when interacting with and caring for the chickens.
- Inclusivity & Confidence: Chicken Club encourages inclusivity by providing a shared interest for students of all backgrounds and abilities. It’s a space where children can build confidence, forge new friendships, and improve communication, even for those who find verbal communication challenging.
- Responsibility & Leadership: By feeding, cleaning, and ensuring the chickens’ well-being, students learn responsibility. Older students also take on leadership roles, mentoring younger peers in chicken care, fostering a sense of accomplishment and accountability.
- Motor Skills & Physical Activity: Caring for the chickens also helps develop fine and gross motor skills, and spending time outdoors with the chickens encourages physical activity and connection with nature.
Chicken Club is a wonderful space where students from Kindy to Year 6 can come together, learn, and grow, all while enjoying the company of our super cute and affectionate chickens. 
Kylie Van Ranzow
