Junior School update

Year 7 Camp

Sun, sand, and plenty of laughter made for a terrific start to our Year 7 Camp in Mount Eliza. 

Spending time together away from the classroom allowed our new Box Hill High School students to settle in quickly and connect with students across the cohort. It was pleasing to see how intentionally they upheld all of our school values, especially when it came to including others - whether it was in team challenges, beach activities or during our talent show and trivia night. 

It was particularly encouraging to see so many students step outside their comfort zones on the giant swing and high ropes course, supporting one another with loud encouragement and celebrating individual achievements. 

Throughout the camp, there was a strong sense of participation and willingness to have a go, even when activities felt unfamiliar or challenging. Combined with excellent weather, the experience set a positive tone for the year ahead and helped establish the friendships and confidence that will continue to support a successful transition into high school. 

The Junior School team would like to thank all the Box Hill High School and YMCA Camp Manyung staff who made this camp possible, as well as our fantastic Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. 

Being a camp leader for the Year 7s was truly a highlight of the year. It was amazing to see the Year 7's resilience and be a part of their journey. Watching them grow and overcome the challenges they faced, as they went out of their comfort zones and participated in as many activities as they could, was inspiring. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow. As peer support we learnt so much from the kids. We did our best to make sure everyone was involved and included, as well as preparing events like the talent show and trivia night to engage the Year 7s, improving both our leadership, communication and teamwork.

• Year 10 Peer Support team

The things I liked during Year 7 camp, was the giant swing - not because we had to pull everyone else up, but because I got to go super high into the sky and see the wonderful view of the trees, people and the ocean. The tree top climb was my favourite because we got to do obstacle courses everywhere and zipline long distances from high above. It would’ve been kayaking but we didn’t get a chance to do it because the waves at the beach were “wave” too high. The food was amazing but I think most of all what I loved was meeting new people and hanging out with them – we sometimes we even forgot that we go to the same school! Year 7 camp has really made it easier for making school friends because of it. I always thought that high school would be just like in the movies but camp changed that for the better and I'm so happy and grateful for that.

• Miranda W (Year 7)

   

Year 7 camp was a huge thing for me, I was so nervous about a lot of things especially about who's in my cabin. But then I remembered Year 7 camp is all about getting to know more people and make new friends and connections. At the end I had nothing to worry about because my peers were awesome! We went to Camp Manyung and it was huge, there were a bunch of different activities to do. I had fun every day when I was at camp and it was a great experience. My favourite memory was at the talent show. Me and my friends performed in and came first, the talent show was so much fun. I definitely had a amazing experience and made awesome memories and I will remember and cherish forever. 

• Jaime Leung (Year 7)