Cocurricular

The beautiful lights of Camp Quaranup provide a wonderful backdrop as I write this week's Anchor article. Year Eight students have spent the last few days exploring the school values of Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Commitment on their camp. Students have completed the challenge of the Bald Head Walk and spent time with residents in the Annie Bryce McKeown and Gwen Hardie Aged Care Centres. I was delighted to hear student reflections such as “It was really nice talking to the older people today”, “I met a pilot and a cattle farmer today” and “… she was such a lovely person.” It was amazing to see Riley Jenkins communicate with a deaf resident by writing notes and questions and then listening intently to their responses, this prompted several other students to follow his lead. I look forward to the students sharing their experiences with the rest of the school in upcoming assemblies.

The camp hasn’t been all 'challenge' though, with the opportunity to try our hand at archery, raft building and rogaining on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. I know students are excited by the prospect of cleaning out dorms on Friday morning and then learning about the Indigenous cultural significance of the Quaranup site, canoeing on our wonderful Princess Royal Harbour, casting a line in for some squid or herring and having a go at some self-defence techniques.

I wish to acknowledge the wonderful staff here at GSG who make camps possible, in particular Mr Paul Donaldson, Dr Al Strangeways, Ms Peta Harrison and Mr Colin Gibson, all of whom have encouraged, nurtured and worked with our Year Eights this week.

Mr Ian Robson | Head of Cocurricular