Year 11 Outdoor Education

Year 11 Outdoor Education Expedition

The two Year 11 General classes headed off for their first expedition of the year in Week 4. With a changed format the groups undertook orienteering at Settlers Common in Armadale and then their orienteering assessment in Nannup.

From here the groups split up and Mr Websdale’s class headed to Greens Island while Mr Walczak’s group headed to the Boarding House campsite on the Bibbulmun Track. Once camp was set up the groups did some night activities before an early night.

The second morning was absolutely joyful, overnight cloud had developed meaning the temperature did not drop anywhere as low as anticipated. Both classes broke camp and started heading in towards each other along the Bibbulmun Track in near perfect hiking weather. Mr Websdale’s class stopped at every opportunity to flick a fishing line in search of the elusive rainbow trout. Whilst no trout were landed Mr Truss claims he had several follow his lure and Will G landed a nice redfin. Mr Walczak’s class made tremendous time as they completed the 16km hike.

One of the purposes of the expedition is to give back to the Outdoor Recreation sector and do some charitable work. This is tied in with the Service Learning program whereby we do maintenance of the Bibbulmun Track, with Mazenod taking stewardship of a 5km section leading up to the Boarding House campsite. The boys shifted fallen trees, cut back growth that was obstructing the trail, tidied the campsite itself and provided general maintenance. They enjoyed the challenge and certainly improved the trail for future hikers.

The groups enjoyed their second night of camping on the trail. With an early wake up on day 3, they packed up efficiently, cooked some hearty breakfasts then finished off the track maintenance before making our way back to Mazenod.

I would like to thank Mr Walczak, Mr Truss, Ms Eaton and Old Boy Leo Lambert for giving up their time to accompany the students on the expedition.

Ross Websdale