Deputy Principal

 

Year 7 and 10

There are TWO key events I would like to highlight 

Year 7 Meet the Teachers 

Parents were divided into their son’s classroom group. This provided an opportunity for parents to meet each other and discuss the current issues relating to their son’s Year 7 experience at Epping Boys.

The evening also outlined the school’s values – Respect, Responsibility and Engagement – which are the bedrock of life at Epping Boys. Our expectations regarding punctuality, uniform, books, diary, pencil case, school bags, mobile phones were discussed.

Epping Boys offers a broad education: music, sport, charity, public speaking, Duke of Ed. Please encourage your son to ENGAGE. At Epping Boys the boys receive a great education when they participate in all facets of school life.

2026 Year 7 Camp - Week 3, Wednesday to Friday (Great Aussie Bush Camp)

 ... this bit was written by two Year 7 journalists:

 

Intro

This year, in Term One, Week 3, a select few Year 10 Mentors as well as the entire Year 7 cohort of Epping Boys High School visited the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber, NSW. Students enjoyed the camp experience, participating in several exhilarating activities, and spending time with their mates. 

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Year 7 Camp was for all the students to get to know each other, as well as to get to know the teachers, who constantly work to improve our school. Spending time and getting to know your peers is crucial through your journey of growth, as you will be learning and striving with them over the next six years. 

 

Another purpose for the camp was to help students get used to going out of their comfort zone. In many of the activities students had to face their deepest fears, which actually turned out to be fine after all.

 

Activities

There were countless different activities at The Great Aussie Bush Camp, including Archery, Treetops, Mud Run, Survivor, Bushcraft, Power fan, Giant Swing and Canoeing. Additionally, there were a few activities which were conducted during the evening/night, which were equally as enjoyable as the day activities.

 

The Mud Run was a very amusing activity. The purpose was to push students out of their comfort zones and whip down a slide into the cold, mucky water. Sounds disgusting, right? Well, it wasn’t that bad at all. In the mud run, there were multiple obstacles which we had to bypass. This included having to swing on a rope, falling into the muddy water, crossing an unstable tightrope while the instructors and other students rocked it from side to side to increase the challenge of the activity, and finally, we also had to ‘army crawl’ through wood mulch. 

 

Alongside many other students, our personal favourite activities were the Power Fan and the Giant Swing. Here is what one of the students said: 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 20 metres. 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. Another of the most memorable moments of camp was when we took a devastating descent from 18 metres into the air on the Giant Swing, along with two other friends. The adrenaline when the descent began was the best moment of the swing. After this, discussing the event with your friends was something which most people did, talking about the adrenaline rush as well as how painful the tight harnesses were for some people.

 

Food and Bunks

 

Over the three days, we got to have fried rice, spaghetti bolognese, bread, sandwiches, burgers and hotdogs. Between activities, we also had snow cones, and on the second night the entire group of Year 7 students got to eat ice cream and it was certain that every person loved it. The bunk houses were entertaining, and there was nothing more exciting than sharing one tiny room with ten of your good friends. Although most cabins didn't get much sleep, the experience was nothing but fun. Students got to hang out with each other during Shower hour, playing card games, and playing handball out the front of the cabin.

 

SRC and House Captains

On the second night, students were able to vote for their new Year Seven House Captains as well as their SRC Class representatives. The competition for the House Captain voting was intense, especially since there were twelve different candidates and only two were to be selected. The candidates delivered clear messages on their values and beliefs, leaving many to praise one another’s speeches. 

 

Conclusion

The overall experience was great - 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).

   

 

Written By Jie C and Taj G - 7E    

Year 10

The boys have entered Senior School. Schooling becomes more formal regarding Assessment. The boys have participated in information sessions with the Head Teacher of Senior School – Ms Meek. Consequences for non-compliance are more severe and organisation is critical. The boys will really need to lift their game when it comes to organisation and would appreciate parental support.

Assessment season is upon us. Students receive Assent Notifications at least TWO weeks prior to assessment tasks. This document outlines the structure of the task and the content knowledge required. The best way to prepare for tasks is to practise on past exams and submits DRAFTS for teacher marking and feedback.

Again, I emphasise the importance of staying healthy and fit. Exercise and team sport should be part of the weekly routine. We all need to find that balance between study, health, work, friends and family. Please – get off the mobile phone and social media! Remember, 2026 is the Year of the Book.

 

 

 

Richard Edwards

Deputy Principal Year 7 and 10