Junior Secondary 

Year 9 City Camp

At the end of last Term our Year 9 students went into Melbourne’s CBD for their City Camp. This camp is an important immersive learning experience that connects with our Humanities unit of ‘community’. Students form small groups with one teacher and together they negotiate what they will do for the week, where they will go and even what they will eat for meals. Here are reflections from a few of our Year 9s.

City camp was a lot of things; educational, community-engaging, confidence-encouraging, and, most of all, enjoyable. It was a lot more of a diverse experience than I had expected; there were parts that illuminated huge issues such as homelessness, parts that prompted us to work together to navigate our way around, and parts that required us to think on our feet. For instance, The Big Issue talk - hearing about the causes and effects of homelessness and having someone speak from experience was inspiring. It was nice to see people around the city that were in tough situations selling the magazine; it was just a bit sad that we couldn’t buy from every one of them. But it made us feel motivated to do something, and to appreciate what we have, so I think it was worth it. To me, the city is a pretty unpredictable place, and there were some uncomfortable elements of being around so many people but sticking with my group and talking openly about the experiences helped ease most anxieties. The camp was a well-balanced mix of group activities and doing our own thing, too; my favourite thing we did was probably going into shops and trying on ugly dresses to take photos (and the catwalk Ms Solomons did wearing mismatched clothes that we had chosen for her). All up, the week was absolutely exhausting, but definitely a great experience, and one that future students should look forward to.

Sophie

One of my favourite parts of camp was going to the beach on the first day. We played volleyball, splashed in the water, buried a few people in the sand, and chilled on the beach. I also really enjoyed just walking around Melbourne with my group, and building stronger relationships with people I otherwise wouldn't talk to.

Olivia

The first time I heard about city camp I was exited that we would get to go into the city for a whole week with just a teacher and some people in a group.

While we were in the city we did so many things, like going to the Docklands, and the museum. We even visited the magistrates court!

City camp was so much fun and I would highly recommend coming - even if you don't like camp that much - because so many good memories are made, and you can make good friends too!

Ollie

This camp requires enormous effort, energy and expertise and it could not run so successfully without these dedicated staff; Doug Allison, Sarah Backo, Mairead Capon, Anne-Maree Forbes, Chris Noy, Sabrina Solomons, Yvonne Verhagen, Tim Wright – thank you!

Tim Eddy

Year 9 Level Leader/Secondary Teacher

Year 8 Golden Valley Adventure Camp

Year 8 Golden Valley Adventure Camp was a time for building stronger connections with others. Our focus for the camp was “Love God, Love Yourself, Love Others”. This idea is taken from Matthew 22:37-39 and is a particular focus in Year 8. The students have been encouraged to notice others demonstrating behaviour that shows love and had the opportunity to speak with others and commend them for demonstrating these types of love.

Sue de Pyle 

Year 8 Coordinator and Teacher

Student Highlights:

My highlights of camp are VERY long so hopefully I don’t rave on too much! 

So, I had some random things happen on camp like, jousting in the sky, riding a flying broom stick, watching a brown snake slither by me, and seeing my crazy friend eat rocks (don’t worry, she is fine). But what made camp so special was spending quality time with my amazing and crazy friends, especially when we put up sheets around our beds to create smaller rooms.

Olivia  

My favourite part from the Golden Valley camp was the beach volleyball, really because we built better friendships and got to know a lot of people. In all the activities everyone showed lots of teamwork and building each other up, lots of encouragement, laughter and bravery. I also really enjoyed the leap of faith where you had to jump off a high post. Although I was terrified, I really achieved something. Overall, I really enjoyed the Golden Valley camp and I think it was a lot of fun coming together.

Summer 

My highlights of Year 8 camp were the zipline where we got to go upside down. I also liked the vertical climbing challenge where you had to race to the top, blindfolded, and squeeze a rubber chicken at the top. I won three races, and I tied one. My last highlight was the milk crate stacking challenge where we had to climb up crates and see how high we could get. My two friends decided to ride a broomstick in the sky. Overall, it was a great camp.

Maggie

My favourite moment from camp was when Jade filled a sherbet tube up with sand and told Isla to eat it because she didn’t want to finish it and Isla ate the sand.

Jade & Isla

My highlight from camp was going to sleep. I really enjoyed the food and the trivia night. Plus, two camp leaders I enjoyed meeting were Curtis and Christian.

Cameron

Camp was excellent. It was an incredible time to get to know people and just have fun. I enjoyed just about everything, especially the food. 

Abigail 

I loved the Trivia night. We got to have fun with friends and learn at the same time. Also, staying up late.

Ella 

Year 7 Adventure Camp

The Year 7 students and staff embarked on an action-packed camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort, a camping experience filled with adventure and fun. From challenging activities, to sleeping in tents, to bonding around the campfire. The camp was specifically designed for students to grow in confidence, persistence, and adaptability by providing students with many opportunities to recognise their strengths, develop resilience, build community and connection and to encourage their peers along the way. The student reflections below describe some of the experiences that we had together…

Caz Nyhouse

Secondary Teacher/Year 7 Coordinator

Student reflections:

The campfire warms my numb fingers as Mr Wynne says his captivating devotion. Year 7 camp, Term 1, 2024. This fast-paced experience helped us to push our limits, challenge ourselves to try new things, and helped us to make new friends. In my opinion, we all learned something. We learned to be grateful, cautious, and cooperative. One of my favourite activities was The Giant Swing. I was scared at first, but when Elijah said “3, 2, 1, SWING!” I knew I was ready. As my peers cheered me on, I took a deep breath for comfort, closed my eyes, and pulled the green cord. I felt myself swing backwards as the group clapped for my bravery. Although I was terrified, it was an unforgettable experience. On day 3, we played Lazer Strike. We suited up with our guns, and got to it. Even though the opposing team had an advantage, we still all had a great time. Personally, I am grateful for all the work and time the teachers have put into this camp. All the hard work to make it possible was such an admirable act. Thank you teachers!

Alfie

The two night, three day Phillip Island camp was an exhilarating experience. Being in tents for the first time and the fact they were giant was really breathtaking. I conquered lots of stuff such as the giant swing and archery. Encouraging my friends and being encouraged by my friends felt really pleasant. Walking along the beach, feeling the gritty sand beneath my feet. The shimmer of the beautiful ocean water. The feeling I was feeling when surfing was outstanding.

On one of the nights Mr Wynne said something really deep, the silence was loud and lots of people felt the presence of God when Mr Wynne was saying the devotions. It was very powerful. The greatest thing about camp was free time. Everyone just out of their tents hanging out on the hammocks or playing nine square or four square.

Mia 

I felt like I overcame my slight fear of heights on the giant swing as it was GIANT. When doing the giant swing we had to work as a team leaving no man or woman behind. When a person was going up we were pulling them up or encouraging them. This camp is definitely a camp to remember. I am so grateful for a school like this that thinks about every little detail. They make sure we are having fun but keeping safe at the same time.

The smell of smoke and sweat flooded the atmosphere as we arrived at our campsite; a safe haven from the dangers of the night. This two night camp was a life-changing experience and will not be forgotten in a rush. From swinging from colossal heights to meeting cuddly koalas, every experience was a moment to remember. Putting aside these amazing memories, the best moment was hands down singing around the campfire with Mrs Vanderjagt and my new friends. Phillip Island camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity that helped me make friends and it even helped me get to know myself. Thank you isn't a strong enough word to express how grateful I am. I wouldn't trade this camp for anything - not by a long shot.

Asher 

The fun times around the fire, the exciting activities, my first school camp was truly amazing. When on the flying fox, I was literally speeding down while hanging from the air. And the swing, the thrill of flying down when pulling the rope, the best feeling ever. Camp is really fun, with the outdoor games and the challenges I faced when pushing myself to the top of the swing, and the team effort we did when pulling each other up. This camp was the best camp I’ve so far had.

Edward

Surfing, swinging, flying, Year 7 camp was certainly an unforgettable experience!

The cold wind against my wet suit felt fresh, the salt water splashing in my face was narley. From singing around the campfire, giggling in our tents, to flying down a 270 meter flying fox, Camp was awesome. The giant swing looked almost as tall as the Eiffel tower, well to me at least, so I only went half way. I really enjoyed the koala Spotlight tour. They were so cute. Overall it was an awesome experience. I learnt to pack warmer clothes and I learnt that life is short so have fun. I overcame my slight fear of heights and had a fantastic time with all of my friends. Phillip Island adventure camp was very eventful.

Courtney

Two nights, one awesome experience. From swinging on hammocks to surfing as many waves as you can, camp was something unforgettable. A few of my many highlights were laughing with my friends, surfing and swinging on the hammocks. Even though at some points I was terrified, I didn't let that stop me. I overcame my fear of the giant swing, made stronger connections with people and learned the meaning of teamwork. Phillip Island camp was an amazing experience that made the start of my year unforgettable.

Izzy 

Phillip Island Adventure Resort was an incredible experience that we will never forget. We challenged ourselves with many amazing activities and opportunities. We had the best time—the smells of smoke and sea air. The tastes of cheesy pizza and sweet lollies were so yummy. Some of my favourite parts of the camp were the Giant Swing, Twin Flying Fox, and hanging out with all my friends. I really enjoyed doing Laser Strike and the Koala Spotlight Tour. Neve, Mrs Stein, and I laughed because Mrs Vanderjagt spoke so passionately about the bush stone curlew. We had a great time and I definitely recommend going if you can.

Leah

Camp was a blast! We had multiple campfires, we sang songs, there was a giant swing and my personal favourite - the hammocks! I really pushed myself going all the way to the top of the giant swing and the feeling as you went down was like your guts went up into your chest, it was the craziest thing. The flying fox was my second favourite thing that we did. It was very high and super long and you hit the end and spring back bouncing. We had a rope that we dropped at the end but I dropped the rope mid-way through accidentally and it went trailing behind me as I flew down. All together it was awesome!

Dan 

Here I am at Smith's Beach holding on to a big surfboard feeling like my fingers are about to fall off. It was so cold but my wetsuit kept my body at a liveable temperature! Meanwhile I've got no clue whether I'm going to get thrown around like a little teddy under the massive waves or be surfing like a pro. In the end, I did a bit of both. I was dragged under the water like a little teddy for a while but after many attempts I finally started to become good at it. I was surfing like a pro at the end. I felt like the king of the sea as I glided through the air effortlessly, smashing those waves.

When we arrived at camp there were massive bell tents that we were going to sleep in. They could hold up to 12 people but it wasn't that bad having that many people in your tent though.

On camp, there were some really fun activities like the massive 18 meter tall giant swing and the 212 meter long zip line that was really fun, and there was an outdoor laser tag that was amazing.

Camp at Phillip Island was so fun and I think we have all left with many happy memories. This camp was the best!

Rory

The two-night camp was amazing. From giant swings, to surfing, it had lots of fun things to do such as a twin flying fox and nine square. The dinners each night were great and so were the breakfast and lunch with things like pizza and burgers for dinner and cereal and toast for breakfast. The tent groups were great with everyone having who they wanted. We might not have got the amount of sleep we should have, but we still did do all the activities and had energy.

The first thing we did when we arrived was surfing. It was super fun and most people managed to stand up. The rest of the activities all happened on the second day. We split into four different groups. Each group got to have a chance at the adventurous activities. That one night, Mr. Wynne shared a very special devotion and touched everyone's heart and gave people greater connections to God. The day after, it was time to leave. We all packed our stuff and left to school on the bus. We made lots of memories and I can't wait for next year's camp.

Sam 

The camp was beyond expectations. The forest around I will never forget, sitting around the campfire was fun. And all the rotations were memorable. Those two nights and three days at Phillip Island, will never be forgotten. It will go down in history…

Jake