Camps, excursions and activities. 

Snow Camp

During Week 2 of Term 3, eighteen excited Year 10 students embarked on the highly anticipated Snow Camp at Bogong Outdoor School. With recent snowfall creating perfect conditions and snow levels reaching 80cm, the stage was set for an unforgettable experience. This year, the camp was especially unique as we welcomed not only Year 10 students but also a few Year 11 students who missed out last year due to a landslide event, as well as some Year 12 VOM students to round out the numbers.

The students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in both cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. While both activities were met with enthusiasm, downhill skiing quickly became the favourite. The third day offered students the chance to choose their preferred activity, and many opted for another thrilling day on the chair lifts. They practiced their snow ploughs, snow plough turns, and some even progressed towards parallel turns.

For many, this camp was their first time seeing snow and experiencing the joy of skiing. The excitement amongst the students was evident, they even made some new friends as we attended this camp with 13 Hopetoun Year 10 students making the camp a fantastic adventure for everyone involved.

A big thank you to Bogong Outdoor School and their fantastic staff for providing such a memorable experience. Special thanks to Mr. Cashin and Mrs. Griffiths for their support and participation in making this camp a success.

We hope this has given the students a taste for the Alpine environment, one which they may choose to pursue in the future!

The Music Festival was a great hit!!

Once again, many of our music students delighted an appreciative audience, when the 64th Annual Music Festival was held at the Donald Memorial Hall on Monday 29th July. 

After a term of solid practice, our Choir  took to the stage. It was made up of fourteen vocalists and six  instrumentalists. The choir performed three songs - “Stick Season”,  “You Belong With Me” and “Someone To You” which were all catchy songs and the choir did a great job. All songs were sung with a lot of enthusiasm and feeling and was enhanced by the backing instruments. The students are all to be congratulated on their excellent performance.

The next performance was by the Donald High School Music Groups. The audience was treated to the fine guitar work of Elijah Mansibang who played an instrumental piece – “Pirates of the Caribbean.”  Luca Rice, Baxter Donnellon and Maya Funcke  then performed “I Remember Everything,” with Maya finishing with “Rolling In The Deep”.  Both songs were performed to a very high standard. Unfortunately, Sophie Sarre was ill and could not sing “You Should Be Sad.” Musicians who played instruments in the groups were Luca Rice, Baxter Donnellon, Maya Funcke, Milla Adams, Halle Rice, Victory Davis, Evie Donnellon, Alyssa Hepworth, Shanae Rotherham, Shane Mansibang, Kaillie Krause and Geoff Rigby.

Thank you to all our great music students who took part in the night and who were diligent in attending the practises. Thank you to all staff, students and parents who helped out. The VOM students did an excellent job in setting up the Hall and a special thank you to Corey, Michelle, Evie and Baxter Donnellon who helped me set up the Music Room after the event.

Geoff Rigby

Music Co-ordinator

Be Wise – Violence is Never OK!

On Tuesday, Year 8, 9, and 10 students had the opportunity to learn from the Pat Cronin Foundation. Presenter Aiden shared the impactful story of 19-year-old Pat Cronin, who tragically lost his life to a coward punch. Through Pat's story, the Foundation educated students about managing anger, understanding the consequences of violence, and developing strategies to prevent it. Aiden related to the students by telling parts of his own stories of when he was at school and how peer students would “egg” him on, to get into physical fights.

Ultimately, they learned that violence is never okay and that it impacts more than just the people who are directly involved.

We would like to thank Aiden and the Pat Cronin Foundation for their thought provoking visit and encourage you to discuss Pat's story with your loved ones. 

Year 9 Personal Development Day

National Science Week