Advance Program
Lovely Lorne Farewell
Zalalem Y: On the 2nd of December, the Year 9 Advance Class of 2015 attended their qualifying camp of the year for the Dukes of Edinburgh’s award. The location of this qualifying camp was the Angahook-Lorne Great Otway State Park at Lorne. Our objective was to hike from one waterfall to another: Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Lower Kalimna Falls, Cumberland Ralls and to camp at Allenvale and Cumberland River. … I thought this camp was excellent and the experience – just fascinating.
Darren Tran: What I really liked about this camp was that it challenged me, and got me out of my comfort zone. I really liked how close the advance family had gotten and how we all looked after each other and no one was left behind or excluded. And I also really love how many memorable moments I made that I will never forget.
Duyen Truong: That night, at the Cumberland River camp site was unforgettable. You don’t see stars like that in the city.
Jimmy Nguyen: This was an extremely fun day for me because some people in our class got to swim at the beach! It was really cold and exciting, also salty but it was worth it. The water was really blue compared to other beaches and we all had fun. … This was my favourite camp because I loved sitting at the beach - watching the ocean and sky.
Jimmy Vo: Our last hike for the year was a truly memorable one and was the one I most enjoyed … I really will miss Advance and the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of the Earth.
Michelle Pham: I enjoyed going to the waterfalls because it was my first time seeing waterfalls in person. I was afraid to cross the river due to the fact I’m afraid of falling… but it was not horrible at all and was extremely fun! … My favourite part about camp and every other advance camp is that we all become closer like a great big family that has fun. This advance class was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me and I will cherish it forever!
Vinh Nguyen: The hike to the Cumberland River Reserve Camp was another tiring hike. Going through the narrow path to the Cumberland River was the most itchy feeling ever - when I accidentally touched a vicious plant called stinging nettles. Cumberland River was fun when we get to leap on rocks where I dropped my phone in the water. Luckily it survived!
Gabriel Chan: We visited a lot of waterfalls that looked absolutely stunning! The view was magnificent and the soothing sound of crashing water was comforting. I skipped a few rocks at … Lower Kalimna Falls I think, and so did Mr Micallef. That was really fun!
Taneesha T: My highlight of the Advance camp was probably the amount of time we spent together. Whether it was putting our tents up, swimming at the beach or simply playing cricket, we were always laughing as a class. … In conclusion, the hike was amazing! We saw beautiful views with great company and it will be a lifelong memory.
Ms Mortimer: To Mr Micallef – your support, advice, driving skills and friendship have been invaluable on the Advance excursions and thank you to Lachlan Borle for attending the Lorne at short notice.
To the 2015 Year 9 Advance class: thank you for your enthusiasm, collaboration, sense of humour and zest for life – it’s been a great year.
Gorgeous Werribee Gorge
On Tuesday 24th November, our Year 9 Advance class enjoyed an energetic hike at Werribee Gorge (and yes, it is gorgeous!). Displaying 500 million years of geological history, Werribee Gorge retains a wild, rugged natural beauty. This was a practice run for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award adventurous journey at Lorne. The students enjoyed the outlook at Eastern ridge and the Werribee River stroll. Special thanks to Mark Micallef and Darryn Cutting for their support and encouragement on the excursion. It was a really lovely romp!
Ms Mortimer
Advance Coordinator
