Year 9 RAID Excursions

RAID City Adventures Continue! 

Shrine of Remembrance & Royal Botanic Gardens Challenge

On Wednesday 13th May, our Year 9 RAID students headed into Melbourne for another exciting city-based learning experience. Students participated in a self-guided educational tour of the Shrine of Remembrance before taking part in a Botanic Gardens orienteering challenge through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

With glorious sunshine and temperatures reaching 21 degrees, it was the perfect day to explore the city, work collaboratively and build independence skills. Students navigated checkpoints, completed challenges and demonstrated many of the RAID values throughout the day. It was fantastic to see so many students showing initiative, teamwork and resilience while travelling through Melbourne.

The majority of students did an excellent job arriving at meeting points on time and managing themselves responsibly throughout the excursion. However, we still have a small number of students who are finding organisation and time management challenging during city-based RAID activities.

We ask that parents and guardians please take a few moments before each RAID day to read through the RAID information and timetable with their child so they are aware in advance of travel arrangements, meeting locations and key times throughout the day. This support at home makes a huge difference in helping students develop the independence and responsibility needed for these experiences.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Visit

On Wednesday 27th May, students travelled to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where they explored the incredible biodiversity of Australia's marine environments. Students investigated a wide range of aquatic species and learned about the important role that healthy marine ecosystems play in supporting biodiversity.

Throughout the visit, students also examined some of the major threats facing our oceans, including plastic pollution, habitat destruction, climate change and the impacts of human activity on marine life. The excursion provided valuable links to their classroom learning while encouraging students to think critically about environmental sustainability and conservation.

Exploring Melbourne

The final two RAID days of Term 2 saw our Year 9 students head into Melbourne to experience two very different but equally engaging learning opportunities – the MCG Sports Museum and the Melbourne Laneways Walking Tour.

At the MCG Sports Museum, students explored Australia's rich sporting history through a range of interactive exhibits and displays. Highlights included testing their skills in the Game On interactive zone, learning about legendary Australian athletes, and gaining an appreciation for the role sport plays in shaping Australian culture and identity. For many students, the chance to step inside one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues was a memorable experience.

Meanwhile, students participating in the Melbourne Laneways Walking Tour discovered a different side of our city. As they navigated the famous laneways, students learned about Melbourne's history, architecture, street art and cultural diversity while completing a digital worksheet that encouraged them to observe and investigate their surroundings. Hosier Lane's ever-changing street art proved particularly popular, along with exploring some of Melbourne's hidden arcades and historic passages.

Both activities provided valuable opportunities for students to develop their independence, confidence and public transport skills while experiencing the unique educational opportunities that Melbourne has to offer.

Looking ahead, we are excited to kick off Term 3 RAID with one of our most popular activities – ice skating! We are sure students will enjoy the opportunity to challenge themselves on the ice while having fun with their peers.

A reminder to parents and carers that Term 3 RAID fees are now due. Prompt payment assists us in securing bookings and ensuring the continued success of the program.

Thank you to all staff, students and families for your ongoing support of our series of RAID adventures!

RAID Payments Reminder

A reminder that RAID payments have been broken down into convenient termly instalments on Compass. These payments can be made at any time throughout the term.

Please note that CSEF funding can be used towards RAID due to the excursion component of the program. To pay using CSEF, simply nominate this option during the Compass checkout process.

We appreciate the ongoing support of families in helping us provide these valuable learning experiences for our students.

Marnie Sparrow RAID Coordinator