Senior School News

In the Tree Tops

On Thursday Feb 11, 2021 my fellow year 11 and 12 VCAL classmates, teachers Mr Mathews, Mrs Anderson and Miss Hofman and I went on a tree surfing adventure excursion located at Glen Harrow park in Belgrave Vic. There are a variety of flying foxes, tight ropes, and tunnels for all age groups and abilities and is situated on the traditional Wurundjeri land alongside Puffing Billy Station. We arrived around 10:30 am and left around 2 pm.

I had never done anything like this before so I was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect. We started off with a 15 minute safety briefing with an instructor and then had a try on a mini flying fox. The skills were a little bit difficult to start but then got easier and I felt more confident. 

That is until it was my turn to tackle one of the courses. One of the instructors told me the green course is the easiest so I thought I’d try that first. I was really nervous but Riley, Calvin and Mrs Anderson were fantastic calling out and giving me encouragement and the belief I could do it. I went on the flying fox, completed a challenge and loved it! I felt more confident after this so then I chose the long blue course next which was more challenging and higher up. I had to climb a ladder to get to the challenge and flying fox. I completed this successfully and once again I loved it and felt proud I accomplished this myself. It felt exhilarating flying through the tree tops and the scenery all around was beautiful.

After lunch, some of us chatted amongst friends and others completed more challenges, all of which created stronger bonds between us. I would like to thank Mrs Anderson, Miss Hofman and Mr Mathews for organising such a fantastic day and for their encouragement. I overcame my fears and challenged myself and ended up with much greater self confidence. I had never done anything like this before, but I loved it so much I would definitely go again and try more challenges and flying foxes. I think it also created a closer bond to each other so it was a very beneficial and enjoyable experience both on a personal level and as a group. I would highly recommend the tree adventure to both individuals and groups to conquer their fears, improve their confidence, create team bonding and all while having great fun!

David - Intermediate VCAL 

Year 12 Formal

Friday the 26th of February was a date long awaited for by many year 12 students whose whispers were heard loudly as they echoed through the school. Many hours spent by individuals into planning were finally being recognised as the day began to pan out. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and expectation as they prepared - turns out there are a lot of aspects to consider besides hair and makeup to get ready for an event like this. By evening limousines and other luxury vehicles rolled up outside of houses, making all neighbours envious and parents turned into professional photographers. 

Formal was finally here and it was a night that many students will remember well into adulthood. It was a night full of dancing and compliments, a night of happiness shared amongst the cohort. The photo booth was definitely a hit with a line that never seemed to get much shorter and the costumes that highlighted everyone’s sense of humour. The DJ played tunes that were loved and there was singing heard when the chorus started to sound. Formal was a wonderful bonding experience and an opportunity to shift focus from the constant studying to enjoying a night out with friends. By the end of the evening, people had danced so much that they had sore feet and blisters but the complaining could not outweigh the satisfaction that people felt. It was certainly a long night that left a lasting impression and many photographs. 

On behalf of the whole year level, I would also like to thank the teachers who dedicated their time to organising and supervising the night, in particular the year 12 coordinators and Miss Farrington-Williams for organising the specifics of the Formal and ensuring that the night runs smoothly. A special thanks to the formal committee who dedicated their time to helping decide some crucial aspects of the evening including the awards and menu. Thank you to the entire year 12 level for making the night a positive experience.

Nikki - Year 12 student

Year 11 Camp Report

On Monday 22nd of February, 10 teachers and 111 Year 11 students loaded onto three big coaches to make our way down to Phillip Island. We stopped at A Maze'N Things Theme Park for a game of Mini Golf and to find our way out of the Maze. We enjoyed our lunch in the sunshine before walking to Phillip Island Adventure Resort Camp. 

On arrival, we were briefed by camp staff and had a chance to unpack and settle into our cabins. We had two activities on our first day, followed by some free time before dinner. The activities over the three days were: Dual Flying Fox, Team Rescue Challenge, Canoeing, Raft making, Giant swing, Archery and Beachcombing. On the first night we had delicious spaghetti bolognaise there was plenty to go around!

On Monday evening we headed to the Penguin Parade. As the sun set, we watched the Penguins make their way to their burrows in the sandhills and scrub. There were thousands of fairy penguins putting on a show for us. At times they fell over, but always managed to show resilience and pull themselves back up. This experience gave us one of our mottos for the rest of the camp and the message we hope to instil in our Year 11 students as they navigate their way through the Senior School: ‘If you get knocked down, get up again’. It was a big first day and many students were starting to get tired so it was time for bed. Lights out was at 10.30pm. 

On Tuesday, students woke excited about a busy day ahead. We had four activities planned for the day as well as a late afternoon swimming in the pool and tropical deck surroundings. The weather was perfect, so we were able to enjoy a bit of warmth from the sun after a jam packed day full of fun. After dinner, we were ready to relax and listen to our guest speaker, Beau Vernon. Beau’s journey from being an  aspiring AFL player, to a paraplegic. Beau was an incredible man and role model and left us with these takeaway messages: ‘Make the most of different situations, no matter how crap they are, find ways to deal with challenges and change by turning them into a positive.’ Beau also reminded us that we all have ups and downs in life; and we can either make a choice to take a positive step forward; or to wonder ‘Why me?

Staff and students alike, we all loved listening to Beau and hope that his messages help us adopt a growth mindset to face our combined challenges over the next two years in Senior School.

Our final morning had arrived quickly. We had to pack up our cabins and get ready for our last two activities. Although it was overcast, it was a clear morning and a positive finish to the camp. We said goodbye to our home for the past three days, and headed back to Melbourne. What a positive three days for our Year 11’s final school camp! The purpose of this camp was to equip our students with knowledge and skills to deal with the multitude of challenges that arise when moving into the senior years of secondary education and we have no doubt that a new level of resilience was achieved. Our year 11 students challenged themselves physically and mentally whilst strengthening relationships with both their peers and their teachers. 

It was an incredibly positive three days for all involved.