Junior School News 

Year 7 Camp

It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome our new group of Year 7 students to our College for 2024. It has been a whirlwind five weeks full of fun, new faces, new experiences and new achievements. We must congratulate all students on their time so far at the College and we look forward to getting to know you further. Let’s hear from some of our students about their camp experiences.....

"Wow, Camp was amazing! At the start of the day, we all gathered in the gym before loading on to the bus. The bus ride was noisy and crazy at some points, girls singing boys laughing. We eventually got there with a little stop along the way for a nice stretch. The birds were chirping loudly, and the sun was shining brightly in our eyes. We all gathered in the rec room for instructions and to meet and thank the CYC staff that would be looking after us.  My first activity was at the swimming pool, and it was so much fun. The water was a cool temperature, and the weather was lovely, perfect for swimming. After our first activities we got settled in our cabins. They were great! We had plenty of time to set up and unpack. By that time, it was dinner. It was delicious chicken tenders, chips, and veggies. To end the momentous day, we watched the movie, had some supper, and headed to bed. We woke up early to have some breakfast, and a little bit of free time before heading off to our 2nd activity. I had the pinnacle it was like harnessed rock climbing with three different levels of difficulty. It was a lot of fun and after a quick snack of some lamingtons we went to our third activity which for me was the flying fox, it was exhilarating but awesome at the same time! After our activities everyone got ready to head down to the beach. It was around a 10-minute walk but once we got there it was so fun. We started it off by doing the annual tug of war competition. 7H won well deservedly. Most people after the competition went into the water or played beach cricket or other sports. The beach day overall was so fun. After the beach everyone had showers, ate dinner, and got ready for the disco that everyone was attending later that night. The disco was a blast! By the end of the night everyone's voice was GONE! Everyone slumped off to bed for another good night's rest. On the third day my final activity was the giant swing, it was so much fun!  It was sad getting back onto the bus, but I think at the same time everyone was ready to go home and share our amazing camp stories with our families . Quinn M 7E"

"My favourite part of camp was the disco dancing and singing with my friends not only that but the new friends I had made, and never thought I would have.  Alicia Z 7E"

"This experience was amazing, and everyone made lots of new friends and teachers that we will know for the rest of our time at school.  Ted C 7E "

"When they say you never forget your Year 7 camp, they weren't lying. Yes, it was only three days, but it was three very fun days. With all the activities from the circatron to the trampolines, they give you loads of opportunities to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.  Willa G 7E"

Year 9 Learning for Life Experience- Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association 

Year 9 Learning for Life students took part in their first ‘Year 9 Experience’, visiting the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, home of the local Aboriginal community on the Mornington Peninsula.  As part of their Learning for Life work on ‘Our Choices’, students gained cultural awareness and understanding of the impacts of colonisation, Stolen Generation, First Nations’ cultural diversity and reconciliation. Students engaged in a range of activities including a welcoming ceremony and yarning/discussion in the Ngargee area, story-telling and dance. Students gained cultural knowledge about the use and meaning of indigenous plants, and they enjoyed sampling Koorie Bush tucker as they strolled along the Koorie Bush Tucker trail. Bullagai (Seaberry Saltbush) was a favourite of Ms Adams and her group! 

Our Year 9 students represented our College with pride. Whilst demonstrating our College Values of Respect and Community, our students immersed themselves in Indigenous culture through fully participating in the activities, listening to the presenters with interest and thoughtfully asking questions. Uncle John, a Bunurong elder presenting to our Year 9s, said “As an older member of society you hear a lot of bad things about the youth of today, but I have never met a nicer, more respectful, more receptive group of students. The questions you have asked have shown how engaged and respectful you are of our culture.” The Year 9 Mentors teachers are very proud of their Year 9 students and look forward to many more rewarding “Year 9 Experiences’ in the year ahead.