From the Head of Senior School

Next week, our Senior School students will participate in their respective year-level camps, which will provide valuable outdoor education experiences. In a world where technology dominates, these camps offer students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, immerse themselves in nature and develop essential life skills. These camps go beyond traditional classroom learning, providing students with unique experiences and challenges.

Camp Howqua, located in a pristine pocket of Victoria's Alpine region, offers our Year 7 students a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Students will learn valuable teamwork, resilience and leadership skills through outdoor activities like kayaking and high ropes courses. Camp Howqua also aims to instil an appreciation of the importance of wilderness preservation within our students.

Our Year 8 students will also be heading to the Alpine region, where they will have the opportunity to hike to destinations around Falls Creek and Pretty Valley from their base in Mt Beauty. These immersive journeys will test their physical and mental capabilities, teaching them important life lessons such as perseverance, goal setting and risk management. As they explore the wilderness and challenge themselves, students will develop a stronger appreciation of nature and their own abilities.

Our Year 9 students will be exploring Melbourne, where they will have the chance to visit museums, historical landmarks and cultural institutions. This urban experience will enhance their knowledge of Melbourne's CBD and public transport, expand their life skills and broaden their perspectives. Melbourne's diverse art, history and cuisine offer a rich educational backdrop for our students, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies.

All students in Years 10 and 11 are able to choose from a range of experiences aimed at honing their leadership abilities and fostering a sense of community involvement. Students can nominate themselves as a leader for the Year 7 or Year 8 camps, or opt to complete activities such as work experience, community service, school-based programs, or Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificates in areas such as food handling, coffee making, first aid, responsible service of alcohol, hospitality and driver education.

Outdoor and Environmental Studies students will participate in mandatory week-long camps, which are an essential component of the subject's curriculum. Students completing Units 1/2 will be exploring the Grampians, while those completing Units 3/4 will be hiking along the Great Ocean Road. For more details about our camps, please see the Camps page on Astra.

I hope that all our students have an enjoyable camps week, making the most of the opportunities to engage in new experiences, learn about themselves, forge stronger peer connections and make lifelong memories. I wish all our families an enjoyable and restful Easter break, and will look forward to seeing you and our students in Term 2.

Ms Dawn Davis

Head of Senior School