Middle School

Year Ten Leadership Camp

Recently, we held our Year Ten Leadership Camp. Mia, Macey, Jackson, Sandy, Jacinta, Georgia, Sasha, Bek, Jade and Paris were selected to accompany Lisa and Mrs Mitchell to Melbourne for two days of learning, inspiration and fun. The first day included some much-loved free time in the city, two meetings with former students and dinner in China Town.

Students met with former student, Kylie Martin. Kylie is a leader in a company responsible for designing, implementing and managing complex technology and security solutions for a range of high profile clients. Students met with Kylie in a board room in a high rise building on William Street. Kylie’s key message was about taking opportunities and the fact that each opportunity prepares us for where we will eventually be.

Kylie encouraged students not to dwell on failures, but to consider them in the bigger scheme of life and how they can ultimately be an opportunity. She also encouraged students to find purpose in everything they do.

After settling in to their city hostel, students met with another former student, Luke Dennehy. Luke is a successful entertainment journalist.

Luke spoke about determination and working hard to make your goals become a reality. He also spoke positively about growing up in Healesville and attending HHS, with a focus on the supportive teachers he had and the lifelong friendships he developed.

The following day, students navigated their way to Port Melbourne, via over-crowded peak hour trams and Melbourne traffic. Students attended the Melbourne Youth Leadership Conference at Port Melbourne Football Club. This conference was organised by a 17 year-old student. Throughout the conference, students were privileged to listen to exceptional speakers,

all with strong and inspiring messages. They also had the opportunity to engage with students from other schools, order uber eats for lunch (Sasha!) and consider their own goals for the future.

Key messages from the speakers were:

1. Embrace every opportunity given to you- you never know where it will lead.

2. If you have a platform to give someone a voice, use it.

3. Know your purpose, your passions and your values and keep these in mind when making decisions about your future and how you lead others.

4. Things won’t always be easy, but if you are passionate about what you do, the sacrifice (and sometimes the disappointment) is worth it.

5. Every day we have a choice in regards to what our attitude is going to be.

Laura Mitchell.

Year 10 Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Students went to Wilsons Promontory to experience the coastal and marine environments. They gained an understanding of how people have used the area in the past compared to how we use it now. Through swimming in the surf and doing a 20km walk the students are challenged physically. It’s an amazing place and possibly one of the best classrooms in the world.