Orientation Days
Year 7:
The Endeavour Way
Our newest Year 7 students have made a wonderful start to their secondary school journey, beginning the year with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
The first day of school is always an important milestone, and it was fantastic to see students arriving ready to meet new classmates, connect with their teachers, and explore their new learning environment.
A key focus of the day was introducing students to The Endeavour Way — the shared values and expectations that guide how we learn, work together, and support one another as a school community. Through a range of activities, discussions, and team-building experiences, students began to understand what it means to demonstrate respect, responsibility, and kindness in their daily school life.
Students spent time getting to know their Core teachers and classmates, learning classroom routines, and developing confidence in navigating the campus. There were plenty of smiles as new friendships began to form and students discovered that while high school brings new challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities to grow.
We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 7 students approached their first day. Their positive attitude and willingness to embrace The Endeavour Way set a strong foundation for the year ahead. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to learn, connect, and thrive.
Gemma Colagiovanni
Head of Year 7
Year 8:
The Amazing Race
Orientation Day saw our Year 8s in a race against the clock, each other, and the heat!
Our Year 8 students competed as Villages in the Amazing Race; just around Mawson Lakes, not the world!
They encountered roadblocks, detours, and a route that saw them learning a little more about our school and local community.
Villages started by designing team uniforms and creating team cheers, then raced around Mobara Park, the Boatshed, the Mawson Lakes Library, Student Services, the University Hardcourts, and more to gain the most points and finish within the time allowed.
After a series of grueling challenges, HEYSEN came out as our winners!
However, everyone learned so much about themselves, others in their Village, and about how to work effectively in a team.
It was a great, yet exhausting day!
Layla Clarke
Head of Spence Village
Year 9:
Voyage Hike
To start the school year on Orientation Day, Year 9 students engaged in activities with themes of connection, courage and team building in their Voyage classes.
Students completed a 5km walk along coastal paths including on the jetty and through conservation park paths. Teachers facilitated conversations and connections between class members and team building challenges.
Students enjoyed a short splash and team building activities at the beach before returning to Endeavour to be involved in their first Voyage ceremony.
Students prepared a letter with their ‘Hopes for 2026’ which will be sealed and eventually opened at the end of the year.
Students also began preparations for the Welcome to Voyage Evening, Monday 23 February (Week 5).
Lauren Dutton
Head of MacKillop Village
Year 10:
Choice Makers Program
Our Year 10 students participated in their Orientation Day last week which was an important opportunity to set expectations and prepare for the year ahead. A key highlight of the day was a Cyber Smart presentation, which focused on helping students navigate the online world safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
The session encouraged students to reflect on their digital footprint, understand the impact of online behaviour, and develop strategies for managing social media, communication, and potential online challenges. These conversations are an important part of supporting student wellbeing and positive relationships, both online and offline.
The day also allowed students to reconnect, build a sense of belonging, and start the year with a shared understanding of our values and expectations. We look forward to working in partnership with families to support our Year 10 cohort throughout the year.
Veronica Falero
Head of Florey Village
Year 11:
Becoming Connection Builders
The Year 11 cohort launched the year by exploring what it means to be Connection Builders within the Endeavour College community. This focus encourages students to reflect on how they form meaningful relationships and how these connections help create a supportive and thriving environment for all.
A key part of this year’s program involves students taking on intentional leadership roles within their Villages. They will be working closely with Middle Years Care Groups and supporting the new Year 7 students through Village Time and the Christian Living Peer Mentoring Program. These opportunities allow students to actively practice the skills and values of connection building.
Orientation Day was spent in Villages, where students learned how to plan and facilitate effective icebreaker and team‑building activities for younger year levels. With guidance from mentor teachers, students experienced these activities from both a participant and leader perspective, helping them understand the importance of inclusivity, clear communication, and thoughtful preparation.
They then developed lesson plans to be shared with Heads of Village for use in upcoming Village Pastoral Time sessions.
Throughout the day, students were reminded that strong relationships sit at the heart of a healthy community.
Being a Connection Builder means showing care, listening well, and encouraging others, actions that reflect the values that underpin life at Endeavour College.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the staff for their leadership throughout the day and for the way they modelled what it means to build genuine connections within our community. Their commitment to guiding and supporting our students sets the foundation for the culture we hope to grow this year.
Lauren Gray
Head of Litchfield Village
Year 12:
YLead Steps into their Learning Journey
At the beginning of the school year, our Year 12 students participated in an inspiring orientation program delivered by yLead, an organisation renowned for empowering young people to recognise their leadership potential and the positive influence they can have on school culture. The day invited our senior students to reflect on the legacy they wish to create and encouraged them to see their final year not just as a milestone, but as an opportunity to uplift the entire College community.
Throughout the experience, students were reminded that leadership at our school is not about position or title, but rather it is about action, contribution, and the daily choices that shape the community around them. They were challenged to consider the meaningful ways each of them can contribute to the life of the College and how, by working as a team, they can achieve far more than they could alone.
A core focus of the program was helping students identify and celebrate their personal strengths, as well as recognise and appreciate the talents of their peers. By doing so, they build the confidence needed to strive for excellence and to support one another throughout the year. This shared commitment reinforces one of the program’s central messages: better together.
Michael Vickery
Head of Senior School