The Alpine School

Hello from Alpine School!

My name is Zach Meikle, and I’m in year 9. I am currently participating in a program called the ‘School for Student Leadership’ at the Gnurad-Gundidj Campus, which is located around 10km north of Terang in south-west Victoria. Gnurad-Gundidj is 2 Gunditjmara words, essentially translating to ‘Belonging to the place’. This has special meaning for the area surrounding this school, as Mount Noorat, an extinct volcano, is just a 5-minute drive away. This volcano is very significant to the local Kirrae Wuurong people, as it was a meeting place for many different aboriginal nations where they traded goods and held celebrations.

While here at the SSL, we have not been doing Maths or English or Science. Instead, we have been participating in many different classes which develop our perceptions and opinions of situations and the world around us, as well as developing ourselves to become better at leading, following, understanding and reflecting. Every night, we have 20 minutes of time dedicated to reflecting on the day that has just been, which helps to solidify the learning in our brain.

There are also many outdoor activities that we partake in, which help us work with our groups and put the skills we learn in class into practice. These include bridge building, raft building, canoeing, mountain biking and community service. We also have 2 expos, where we hike for 2-3 days and camp during the night. For our first expo, we hiked along part of the Great Ocean Walk between Gibson’s Steps and Wreck Beach.

Last week, we completed our second expo at Budj Bim National Park. We hiked around the park, traversing the Lava Canal, Lake Surprise and exploring some different volcanic caves. Unfortunately, we had to change our plans due to unforeseen circumstances, but having a single base camp meant that we didn’t have to carry heavy hiking packs, which everybody was thankful for. This is an experience that not many kids have, and everybody would get something out of it. Some parts can be difficult, but if you are not challenged, you will not learn much of value. I highly recommend applying if and when you get the chance, as it is once in a lifetime. Plus, you get 9 weeks off school!

I would like to thank Doncaster Secondary College for supplying me with this opportunity, and for putting in half of each students’ payment. It is an experience I will treasure forever, as well as something I have learnt a lot from.

Zach M. 9E

The time here at Gnurad-Gundidj has been great so far. Right from the beginning everyone seemed to be able to get along and bond. In the Girls Wing, we all became close fast - you don't have to worry about being left out. Time has flown by. There have been a few minor challenges but we have been able to resolve these stumbling blocks with the knowledge we have been taught here. The first Expo was tiring and tough. We had to walk around 20 km in 2 days. There was a lot of adrenaline rushing while we were at Wreck Beach. The tides were changing from low tide to high tide meaning we may have all been soaked. On Visiting Weekend, there was a lot of excitement to see our parents (and also have some treats). The second Expo will be interesting because each group has a different Expo and depending on specific situations the route could change, but will definitely be fun. It doesn't matter who you are, the Alpine School, is actually such great fun and learning here is extremely engaging. 

Alicia F. 9E