Middle Years

Mittagundi Experience

 Earlier this week, Emily Hausler and I returned from Mittagundi with the Year 9 boys. Over the nine days, we all spent four in the snow at Fitzgerald’s hut, learning to cross-country ski and experiencing a snowstorm. While on the Mittagundi farm, the boys chopped wood, made charcoal, forged metal, made spoons, cleaned and cooked. It was a simple life that our boys embraced.

My group were greeted with 10cm of fresh snow when they woke on their final day at Fitzgerald’s hut. Seeing the look on each student's face, when they exited their tent into fresh snow falling, was a joy. For most of the boys, this was their first time on/in the snow so experiencing a snowstorm, while cold, was a memorable experience for them and hopefully something they will fondly remember. 

One of the boys, at the end of the trip, after they arrived back at school, announced that it was a challenge, but they felt they would enjoy the Mittagundi experience more in the days to come when they look back on the nine days. Now, they just wanted a warm shower and a flushing toilet! 

Our Year 9 boys were impressive at Mittagundi. They worked well together, showed initiative, were extremely reliable, trustworthy and worked hard – all while keeping a hilarious sense of humour. 

While writing this article, the Year 9 girls are in the middle of their Mittagundi experience. They arrived Sunday evening and quickly settled into the routines of Mittagundi life. I hope that they will have as much of a positive experience as the boys did. I do encourage the Year 9s to continue with their positive attitude back at school and beyond. Both Mrs Hausler and I are very proud of the Year 9s and all that they have achieved.