AROUND THE COLLEGE & BEYOND

Year 10 Camp - A Test of these Boys' Mettle

Mr Neil Gregory

The Chillagoe Outback Experience was a journey of personal development, resilience building and growing up for ou Year 10s. Divided into two groups, the Explorers and the Prospectors, the students embarked on a variety of challenging and rewarding activities designed to test their limits and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Each group completed 35 kilometres of hiking through rugged and scenic terrain and camping at 9 Mile, Roadhouse and Fisherman’s Waterholes on the Walsh River. The hikes were challenging but provided a perfect opportunity for students to push their boundaries and develop perseverance.

Both groups participated in army command activities, which included team-building exercises and strategic challenges. These activities helped students develop their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The group challenges were very competitive, and after all points were awarded for activities, camp set-up and attitude/behaviour the winners were the Yarrie Seahawks (Prospectors) and "I’d rather be in a forest with a bear" (Explorers). 

Cooking evening meals in the bush was a highlight for many. The boys gathered ingredients, prepared meals and cooked over open fires, gaining valuable skills in self-sufficiency.

Students had plenty of time to relax, swim, fish and bond with their peers. Jack O’Kane’s forward somersault from the tree at 9 Mile waterhole was a highlight for the Prospectors as were the great fish caught by Peter Neal and Nassar Foster. Brendan Fichera and Ryan Knuckey were also very successful with several great catches for the Explorers.

Leadership and Saints Men Award recipients were: Zahir Khan, Evan Ung, Cadell Ryan, Jack Tubb, Oliver Rix, Peter Neal, Xavier Cooke, Harry Whittle, Thomas King, Liam Hartslief, Kyle Hiranuma, Lachlan Turner, Jonah Cava, Hunter Sutherland, Leon Torrisi, Mathew Taylor, Taj Ashby and Alex McDonald.

I thank the 15 staff and, in particular, the three volunteers (Anthony Cunneen, Charlie Hansen and Czek Kersevani) who made this camp possible. A big thank you also goes out to Steve and Jane Crossland for their continued support of the College by allowing us to use Chillagoe Station for our camp since the 1980s.

Italian Speaking Competition

The annual Italian Speaking Competition for 2024 at Cairns State High School is always a great opportunity to showcase our Italian talents. Marlon Sandoval came away with first place for Year 9 and overall winner for the Middle School section. Bravissimo work to both Marlon and Miles Foran who spoke brilliantly for the Italian Consul and judges from Brisbane. 

Year 9 Science Students Explore the Nervous System

Year 9 Biology students recently conducted an eye dissection, delving into the intricate anatomy of a cow's eye. The hands-on lab activity allowed students to explore various eye components, starting with the sclera, the outer white layer, and moving to the cornea, which was cloudy in their specimens. After carefully cutting away the outer layers and releasing the aqueous humour, students examined the iris and pupil, and observed how the cornea protects the eye and bends light for vision.

The dissection further revealed the eye’s internal structures, including the vitreous humour and the lens. Students explored the retina, which processes light and sends visual information to the brain via the optic nerve. This practical experience provided valuable insights into the nervous system which we have been studying as part of our Body Systems biology unit. 

Saints Students' Cooking Skills on Show at Innisfail 

Jordan Stievano and William Johnston competed in the Salt House Culinary Challenge last Tuesday. Students had to create tropical dishes under a strict time limit. We are now eagerly awaiting news on whether either student has been selected as a finalist.

Award winners will attend a presentation evening at the Pullman Cairns International in November to find out who won the competition.

Welcoming Students from Japan

For the third consecutive year we welcomed students from Tohrei Gakuen Fujisawa High School in Japan. The 24 boys will undertake ESL classes, lesson integration and visit tourist attractions in Cairns. The group will homestay with Cairns’ families. We hope to reciprocate the visit during our study tour program to Japan in 2025.