The 2025 Rotary Inter Schools Activity Challenge (ISAC) has once again brought creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving to Hastings, with students from across the Mornington Peninsula competing in this year’s card tower challenge.
Organised by the Somerville Tyabb Rotary Club and hosted at BlueScope in Hastings, the annual event — now in its sixth year — tasks primary school teams with constructing the tallest possible tower using playing cards. The twist? Each structure must also be able to withstand simulated high-velocity winds.
Watch
Rotarian officials carefully measured each tower’s height before firing up an industrial fan to replicate storm-like gusts. While some towers held firm, others collapsed in spectacular fashion, drawing cheers and good-natured laughter from fellow competitors.
Organisers said ISAC is about more than just building — it’s about collaboration, planning, and resilience under pressure. Students often had to adjust their designs mid-build, learning to adapt quickly and work as a team.
“The activity is all about problem-solving and communication,” a Rotary Club member told STPL News. “It’s inspiring to see how students can think creatively, troubleshoot on the fly, and have fun while tackling a real challenge.”
2025 ISAC Results
While the event’s focus is on participation and learning, a few teams managed to secure top spots:
- 1st Place: Baxter Primary School – Giraffes
- 2nd Place: Bittern Primary School – Skyscrapers
- 3rd Place: Crib Point Primary School – CPPS Navy
Baxter also picked up Best Team Name for their wonderfully creative “Shrek Taco Babies,” an award presented by Beek Beek Ward Councillor, Cr Kate Roper.
The day wrapped up with smiles, high-fives, and the promise of another round of inventive engineering when ISAC returns in 2026.
