HEALTH & PE LEARNING AREA

THE GROWTH OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Outdoor Education is thriving once again at St Joseph’s College, with exciting growth across Year 10 and Year 11. The reintroduction of Outdoor Education at the college in 2025 through three successful Year 10 Introduction to Outdoor Education classes has lead to further expansion in 2026. This year, the program has grown to include three Year 10 classes, as well as a Year 11 Outdoor Education class for the first time in four years. 

This growth reflects strong student interest and engagement. It also emphasises the value Outdoor Education brings in developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, and connection to the natural environment. A key factor in this renewed success has been the influence of passionate educator Mr Dion Collins, whose enthusiasm and commitment have helped ignite student interest and drive engagement across the program. 

Students have already begun preparing for their upcoming camps at Hattah, getting hands-on experience through canoeing sessions at Kings Billabong and learning how to cook on a Trangia stove during remote travel. These practical sessions are helping students build essential skills, water safety awareness, and confidence ahead of their camp experiences. 

It has been fantastic to see students embracing the challenges and opportunities Outdoor Education provides, and the continued growth of the program highlights its important role within the St Joseph’s College curriculum. 

Mr James Canavan

Health & PE Learning Area Facilitator

YEAR 9 LIFESAVING TRAINING

Safety First.

On Monday 23 February, the Year 9 cohort learned all about water safety and rescue while honing their swimming skills at Apex Riverbeach.

The fun, active day had a serious side, too. Inland water safety is just as important as water safety in coastal areas. Everyone benefits from learning now how to be safe around all bodies of water, especially our very own Murray River.

Thanks to Mildura Life Saving Club for showing our students how to be smarter and safer whenever – and wherever – they're around water.