Camps & Excursions

Year 8 Kryal Castle visit

On the 8th of October, all of year 8 went on an excursion to Kryal Castle. After a long bus trip and a quick stop at the theatre, we headed off to our first activities, archery and apothecary. In apothecary, we learned about different medieval remedies and ground up some herbs to create a medieval version of a band-aid. The next activity was crime and punishment. In medieval times, the punishment would always match the crime, for example if you poisoned the king’s food, then a rat would be trapped in a cage over your stomach and it would be forced to eat its way out, it was on different parts of the body depending on what the crime involved. After a lunch break we tested out the armour, which could weigh up to 60 kilograms! The progression of armour over the years was very interesting, the first armour was just made of thick fabric, and it gradually got better, as we invented chainmail, and then plate armour. We headed outside and did some sword fighting with REAL swords! First, their were two teams, and each team had to eliminate/kill everyone on the other side. We also did a free for all and their were a lot of broken alliances that caused many arguments-which morphed quickly into some epic 1v1s. We finished the day learning about siege warfare, and got to use a battering ram to break open a door! It was a great day filled with lots of information and fun.

-Freddie

On October the 3rd all the year 8 went to kryal castle for a day trip to learn all about the medieval times. First it was a long gruelling bus ride to Ballarat then when we got to the castle we were met by or host Amilia and Martin. After that we broke into 2 groups, 1 group went with amelia and the 2 with martin, I was in Martins’ group for the start and we went to apothecary, and we made a band aid from different types of herbs. Then the 2 group went to archery with amelia and shot 5 out of 6 bulls eyes, after that was a bit of free time to look around the castle, but I went to the lollie shop and spent all my money then I did the maze and it was a little bit more difficult then I anticipated but I still finished it. Then we had the torcher chamber to see what would happen if you did something bad, we went downstairs there was a hidden corner and I hid in there to scare people and I did scare Dean. Then we learnt about the armour and the evolution of it, all together the armour could way up to 60kg. Then went to the arena and did some sword fighting, Harry and I were having a 1v1 then all the girls ambushed us but we still bet them. After that we learnt about siege warfare and all us boys got to pull a battering ram and broke down a wall to get to the girls they were very scared from the loud bang of the battering ram. Then we said goodbye, and we left to get back to Hamilton.

 Overall I rate the experience 8 out of 10  

-Brennan 

Year 7 Surfing and Beach Games day in Port Fairy

A perfect Port Fairy day saw Year 7 students further develop the surfing skills they were introduced to on Year 7 camp.

Once basic instruction was given students hit the water, the waves were perfect for those happy to catch them into the shore and also for those trying to stand up. It was great to see so many students stand up.

Beach games involved a number of activities including frisbee, beach cricket, American Football. It was the sandcastle competition that held the most interest – winners of the competition were Jye (captain), Will, Kylum, Cooper and Tyson.

VET PAX trip to Melbourne

PAX is a celebration of gaming and gaming culture. The hall behind us is packed with exhibitors ranging from AAA publishers and developers behind the latest blockbuster games and new innovative indie start up teams trying to break into the gaming industry. But PAX it is not just digital games and content. A large part the hall is dedicated to classic board games and RPGs. Cosplay is a huge part of pax, and as you can see in this picture  some of the students were happy to dress up and join in on the event.

Year 8 Stand up Paddle Bording and Beach games in Port Fairy

The weather was kind to us at Port Fairy, warm, very light breeze and beautiful sunny day. Students were divided into 2 groups – Stand Up Paddle Board and Beach Games.

While SUP was a new activity to most students, they jumped up and were paddling like experts. All students mastered the individual SUP boards, learning to change direction, turn around and paddle in a straight line. The group SUP boards provided the most laughs as students worked together to master the basic skills of manoeuvring the larger boards – all without falling off.

Beach games was a relaxed time for students to play cricket and American Football. As the day warmed up splashing the shallows and digging holes and burying each other were popular.

Advanced Outdoor Ed - Cape Bridgewater Camp

The weather gods greeted us with great conditions for our 3 day camp along the Great Southwest Walk. We knew bushwalking around Cape Bridgewater would be a lot easier with the sun and calm conditions predicted and this turned out to be true.

We set off from Bridgewater Lakes continually walking along the coast looking out at the ocean. This was something all students enjoyed but felt that they didn’t appreciate enough when we had returned. Camps like this are a great way to step outside your normal conditions and embrace things you may never get to do again. 

The bushwalking around Cape Bridgewater helped all student build resilience and a reliance on themselves by carrying their own gear and working with others. However Woody may have carried a bit more than he needed to for a fair stretch! Walking up over the tallest cliff in Victoria gave students a challenge they seemed to overcome with support of each other. 

Visits down to the ocean and scrambling around rockpools opened their eyes to what is out there when given the opportunity. Students really took this with open arms and enjoyed the beach visits, although some might have extended this a bit too far at times! 

Surfing was an awesome experience that all students made the most of. After two hours of catching waves they didn’t want to get out, even though they’d already hiked for 2 days. It was great to see all our students making the most of the challenges and experiences they were given. A wonderful 3 days!

Primary School Music Tour

On Wednesday 10 December, our talented music students took part in the Primary School Music Tour, visiting Hamilton North Primary School, North Hamilton Kindergarten and George Street Primary School to share an exciting array of musical performances.

The program showcased a variety of ensembles and styles. Our Year 7 Strings performed Ode to Joy, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Jingle Bells. A combined ensemble of Year 7 Strings, Drums and Guitars played Never Tear Us Apart, while the Year 7 Drums and Guitars also performed Zombie. The Year 7 Drums, alongside Alex and Mr Hunter, brought high energy with Highway to Hell.

Orange Band performed Gone Away, Satellite Band entertained audiences with Jingle Bell Rock, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells, and Soupboyardee impressed with Snap Out of It and Shut Up and Dance.

It was a highly successful day, and our students thoroughly enjoyed showcasing their hard work and musical skills to younger students in the community.