Senior School News

During week 7, our senior students headed off to Alexandra Adventure Camp for their 4 day/3 night camp. With a variety of activities at their disposal to keep them entertained (and exhausted), the 5/6s took part in a whole host of mentally and physically challenging tasks to test their limits and extend them beyond their comfort zones. 

Archery

Archery is all about precision and aiming, looking for that target ahead of you and trying to get that arrow as close to the target as possible. There were many rules to follow due to the nature of the activity but all the students followed directions very well. It was very challenging, but the children really impressed me with their resilience. After a few misses, we had some amazing shots that not only hit the board, but landed on the target. We had two kids firing at once so we made it into a competition. 

Raft Building

Raft building was one of the more challenging activities that had children working in teams to create a raft out of barrels, rope and tubes. The amount of work that went into the rafts was amazing. The teams worked so well together, putting together their version of the perfect raft. Unfortunately for some groups, it was hard to get the completed rafts into the water without parts falling off. But there were some fantastic boats that completely floated when the kids sat on them in the water. Some did fall apart in the water though, so some of the kids did go for a swim. Luckily, it was very hot while we were there.

Canoeing

Raft building was not the only water activity we participated in. The students also took part in canoeing, which was in the same area, on the lake. They were in teams of 2 or 3 and we started the activity by becoming comfortable with how the canoe moves around in the water. Next, we played a game of Tag. One of the canoes went ‘it’ and had to chase the other teams around the lake. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of canoes hitting into each other. We even had some of the canoes capsize. By the end of the activity, we had a handful of kids swimming around in the lake.

Disk Golf

Disk Golf is a game that has been around for a while now. To play the game, you need to throw a frisbee at a tower and see if you can get it in. You want to get it into the tower in as few throws as possible; this is where the golf aspect comes into play. It can be very tricky throwing a frisbee because they seem to go all over the palace. But the most important thing is that the students had fun. 

Leap of Faith

The Leap of Faith was one of the most challenging activities in terms of taking yourself outside your comfort zone. The goal was to climb up a tower about 12 metres tall and jump off. The children were in a harness, attached to a line which one of the camp staff handled. Once you get up there, it looks so much higher than it actually is. I commend each and every student who took the opportunity to get up there and give it a go.

Low Ropes

Low Ropes Course

The Low Ropes were a variety of puzzle solving obstacles which increased in difficulty as we went. They are designed to test problem solving skills, team work, communication, peer support, balance, and coordination. Some of the obstacles required the children to walk along a thin beam to make it from one side to the other. Another challenge was a team based one which saw the participants using a wooden beam to cross a “floor of lava”.

Rock Climbing

With 3 walls at varying levels of difficulty, the 5/6s climbed straight and inclined rock walls to challenge their strength, both physically and mentally. Beginning with the straight wall, the students' goal was to climb to the top of the wall before gliding down like a spy on a skyscraper. If they wanted to test their abilities, they had the option to climb the inverted rock wall which forced students to climb backwards on an angle. Everyone’s efforts - and skills - were fantastic.

Giant Swing

Students dared greatly on the giant swing, one of the more mentally challenging of the activities on camp. Harnessed up and lifted by their classmates pulling a connected rope, students were raised to between 10 and 20 metres off the ground before being ‘let go’. A squeal-inducing undertaking, students swung back and forth shouting ‘oh… it’s not that bad!’ after some fear and much anticipation. 

Orienteering

This activity saw students using clues which would lead them to different areas around the camp. At these locations the students would find a letter. With 10 clues, and 10 letters, the next problem was to unjumble the letters and create a word. There were 10 possible solutions depending on which clues each team was given. 

Beach Volleyball/Gaga Ball

During their downtime, students had the opportunity to take part in games of beach volleyball and gaga ball. Both a hit with the students, the children used their hand-eye coordination skills, teamwork and competitiveness to create some thrilling games. 

Flying Fox (Zipline)

The students enjoyed the exciting view of the campsite. They were attached to a harness and using a pulley system, they were taken over the lake. Some students were even brave enough to go ‘let go’ or go upside down as they enjoyed the stunning views. 

Night time activities

Over the three nights, we had some time to spend as a whole group. After dinner, the children would change into their pyjamas and we came together for a range of activities. One the night, we had a trivia night and another was a talent quest.

Thank you to Mr AM, Miss Tallarico and Miss Celotto for joining us - we wouldn’t have had half as much fun without you and your help was immensely appreciated.

Thanks,

Mr Brophy, Miss Kudelka and Miss Perrin

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Parent - Teacher communication

5/6B

Tom Brophy: tbrophy@olgcdeepdene.catholic.edu.au

5/6K

Carrie Kudelka: ckudelka@olgcdeepdene.catholic.edu.au

5/6P

Chelsea Perrin: cperrin@olgcdeepdene.catholic.edu.au