Wellbeing

2026 Year 7 Camp- Student Reflections 

George T

Recently I went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber for our Year 7 camp. It was truly an unforgettable experience. My favourite activity was the Giant Swing. When my friends and I started to get pulled continuously higher, every pull felt more and more exciting. Eventually we reached the highest point and with a tug we came falling at high speeds. It was fun and enjoyable. Other than the Giant Swing there were many other factors that were good about camp including the cabins and bunkhouses, food and helpful instructors. One thing I learned from the camp was to actively engage in the activities enthusiastically even if I felt uncertain. Overall Year 7 Camp was a wonderful and memorable camp that I truly enjoyed.

Jie C

This year, students in Year 7 and a few Mentors in Year 10 at Epping Boys High School had the opportunity to join an exhilarating experience at the Great Aussie Bush Camp. There were a variety of different activities which included the Power Fan, The Giant Swing, Canoeing, Bushcraft, Lost Island, Survivor, Treetops and Archery. Alongside many other students, my personal favourite activities were the Power Fan and the Giant Swing. The Power Fan was probably the only activity which pushed me out of my comfort zone, when it occurred to me that I would be jumping from somewhere in between 15-20 metres high. At first it seemed scary, and I thought to myself, “There’s no way I’m doing that.” But the great thing was that the other students in my group were there for me and they helped encourage me to come down. The overall experience was decent - the activities were enjoyable; the food was fine and getting to spend time with my friends was the best part above all. The most important thing I learnt to remember is that Epping Boys is a supportive school, where each and every one of our students encourages each other to do their best and do what’s right (as well as do things even if they’re scary).

Mason R

On Wednesday, 11 February, all Year 7 students went to camp at the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber for three days and two nights. I am one of the Year 7 students and I’m writing this to share my experience at camp. The Great Aussie Bush Camp, in my opinion, is an amazing camp to attend with lots of fun, iconic activities. We had the giant swing, the power fan, and who wouldn’t forget the mud run?

My personal favourite activity at the camp was the high ropes course. It’s an obstacle course, but on the trees. The obstacles included tightropes, rope climbing, a wobbly bridge and of course, the flying fox. Of course, the activities were designed to push us out of our comfort zones. The activity that pushed me the most was the power fan. The power fan is a pole that we must climb to the very top. When we reach the top, there is a platform, and the only way down? Jump. When I did this activity, when I reached the top, I realised just how scary the jump looks. My heart was pounding heavily, and adrenaline raced through my body. It was time to freefall. With the harness on, the jump is very safe and quite pleasant. We fall fast for a short period of time, and then the rope connected to our harness catches us, and we glide softly to the ground.

 Over my past overnight excursions, I have never had a camp anything quite like this one. The activities here were probably the most extreme, and I learnt that to overcome my fear of something, I must be brave and give it a go. Otherwise, we would lose huge, once in a lifetime opportunity in our lives. This camp was an amazing start to my first year in Epping Boys High School, and I can’t wait for more opportunities to take in such a wonderful school.

NSW School Vaccination Program 

NSW Health will offer vaccinations to all Year 10 students on Friday 20 March 2026

Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY

To have your child vaccinated at school, you need to give your permission (consent) either online or by filling out and returning the paper consent form.

To do

1. Read the school vaccination program information. Translations are available. Please refer to the NSW Health webpage https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
2. Sign the consent form – you can do this online or on a paper consent form.
3. Return the paper consent form back to school as soon as you can.
4. Talk to your child about getting vaccinated. Information for students
5. To give consent online visit https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage or scan the QR code below
6. If your child already has their Year 7 vaccination consent in the online system you need to tick ““Provide another consent” to access the consent form for the Year 10 vaccine. Link for detailed instructions below.

You will need:

• Medicare card details for you and your child
• Name of secondary school your child will attend in Year 7 or Year 10
• Your Service NSW login details (this is the same account you might use to renew your driver’s licence)
• If you don’t have a Service NSW account, you can create one by visiting https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-an-account

More information

For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please watch the How to Provide Consent Video or refer to the NSW Health webpage https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx

If your child is absent from school and misses the clinic we can vaccinate them at school later in the year.

Year 7 students will be offered free vaccines for diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) at school later in the year.

On vaccination day

Children should eat a good breakfast and wear short-sleeved shirts like their sports uniform. After getting the vaccine children can play sport, shower, and do after-school activities as normal.

If you have difficulty completing the online vaccination consent form, please contact our School Vaccination Team. 

Email nslhdphuschoolvaccinationprogram@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9485 6971 for assistance.

Schooltv Wellbeing Barometer Survey 2026

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an important annual check-in that helps our school better understand the wellbeing of our students. Each year, the survey provides valuable insights into young people’s experiences, highlighting areas of concern, recognising strengths and resilience and reinforcing the importance of early, preventative support.

This year, the survey has been reviewed and refreshed to further refine the information shared by parents and adult carers, helping provide a clearer and more meaningful overview of wellbeing across our school community. These updates support more accurate insights while maintaining the same commitment to privacy and confidentiality.

Your participation is strongly encouraged. We ask that you take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children, based on your observations from the past 12 months. All responses remain anonymous and are reported only in aggregate.

By capturing a broad picture of students’ emotional, social and mental wellbeing, the survey helps us respond more effectively to the evolving needs of our school community. The insights gathered assist in identifying emerging trends, areas of strength, and opportunities for early intervention, ensuring support can be targeted where it is needed most.

If any of the content raises concerns for you or your child, please contact the school or seek professional medical advice.

Here is the link to this Special Report http://eppingboy-h-schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-survey-2026-au

Schooltv Special Report: Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them. 

Here is the link to your Special Report https://eppingboy-h-schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

Cameron Gordon

Head Teacher Wellbeing Year 7 ,9, 11

Ellen Hoy

Head Teacher Wellbeing Year 8, 10, 12