Out and About

Year 9 Kayaking 

On Wednesday 5 March, our Year 9 Outdoor Education class went kayaking at Sandringham beach. When we got there we were taught how to use the paddle correctly to manoeuvre the kayak. The instructor, Rohan, taught us how to read the wind direction and taught us key terms which we explored more throughout the experience. 

We then went off into the water, which was a warm 21°C, and started paddling to our first stop. Rohan led us to a groyne, which is a barrier to prevent offshore drift and sand piling up.  He taught us about lee, which is a place with little or no wind. 

We then left the groyne, and faced the wind, which was blowing at about 15 km/h. We paddled out to the yellow pole, and held position (stayed in the same place), and observed our surroundings. 

Then, we headed back to the groyne for ro practice safely rescuing ourselves. The water was very warm and the conditions were perfect for a great day kayaking.

Overall, kayaking was a great experience. We learnt a lot of technical terms and had fun as well. Thankyou Ms Kitching and Geri for planning and taking us! 

Isla Stocker and Lexie Wells 

Year 9 Tree Ropes Course 

On Tuesday 25 February two Year 9 Outdoor Ed classes went to Belgrave treetops adventure to take part in a fun excursion. When we arrived, we got our harnesses put on and were taught the rules of tree surfing. We learnt the names of equipment, how to use them and the different levels of courses. Belgrave treetops have a great way of making sure that you are doing courses at your level, they have different courses with different colour names that were each different levels. The staff explained to us the level of difficulty and what each course contained. The courses were fun and contained things like ziplines, leap of faith, ladders and obstacles. 

One of the best parts of being high in the trees was the views and environment. From up high you could hear all the birds and other creatures. There were even certain parts with rivers underneath where you could hear the water. We also got to see and feel so much of it on the ziplines and obstacles. Even on the ground, the trees and bushes were still beautiful. Overall this was an incredible experience and we all had so much fun 

exploring the trees and getting through obstacles.

Thank you Miss McConachy, Miss Wintle and Fiona for taking us on this excursion.

Madi Thomas and Celina Smith