MacKillop Retreat

The VCAL cohort kicked off the Year 11 retreats at Lady Northcote on the first day of Term 2. The students’ apprehension about being away from phone reception was balanced by the excitement about catching up with friends and the opportunities to challenge themselves on a number of activities on offer at the camp. Ayden from 11E thought “the archery was more challenging than I thought, but after some practice I got better.”

The camp was perfectly designed for the VCAL students to showcase their applied learning skills such as communication, teamwork and practical know how. The raft building activity required students to build a raft that would carry them to the other side of the dam and back using only six logs, four barrels and some rope. This activity in particular saw students making a plan, assigning roles and working together to come up with a finished product. James Spiteri used his fishing experience to make sure the knots had no chance of coming undone. VCAL teacher Joe Shaw noted “I have been on a number of camps that offer this activity. I’ve seen arguments and students refusing to contribute. Before this time I had never seen a complete raft. Needless to say this time it was different. Everyone worked together to create a very solid raft which had no trouble taking them around the lake!”

The VCAL Coordinators and teachers were all impressed with the students’ behaviour and positive attitudes. The students enjoyed the opportunity for reflection on personal, friendship and schooling matters. Tenique from 11E enjoyed everything about the retreat: “I wish we could have stayed longer, the Leap of Faith was so much fun”.