Senior School News 

Senior Formal

On Friday, March 15th, Year 11 and 12 students headed down to Mornington Racecourse, all dressed up and looking fabulous for our senior school formal. Each and every person in attendance had a great night. Everyone dancing and singing the night away on the dance floor, taking photos in the photo booth and spending the night with their class mates and friends, outside of a classroom setting. Being able to enjoy ourselves and not worry about school, whilst still being accompanied by our teachers was a very ensuring feeling. A night of fun, laughter and being carefree was what we needed in the stressful times of senior school, and we have our teachers to thank for helping us create more memories in our last years of high school. 

Emma & Clavea

Tree Surfing

On Thursday the 29th of February the Year 12 cohort travelled to Enchanted Adventure for an exhilarating day of tree-surfing, tube sliding and maze exploring. The day was a great way to focus on our College value of Community, deepening bonds and fostering friendships with the garden providing a gorgeous backdrop for this opportunity. Taking us away from the pressures of Year 12 and providing an opportunity to unwind was well appreciated by all students, where we can only provide one piece of advice- ‘do the tree surfing!’.

Head Start Program

Head Start is a Victorian Government school-based apprenticeships program that supports students in Years 10 to 12 to complete their Year 12 qualification, while also learning real-life skills employers need through an apprenticeship or traineeship. The program helps give students a valuable head start in their career.

We are delighted to acknowledge and celebrate the Patterson River Secondary College Head Start students who have recently been signed up as a school-based apprentice or trainee. We’re proud of your persistence, your curiosity, and your strong work ethic. We wish you all the best as you develop your capabilities and confidence and pursue your chosen career and education pathway.

Interested in a career head start? Head Start students spend more time doing paid, on-the-job training while completing their Year 12 qualification at school.

Learn more about the Head Start personalised school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program here.

World's Greatest Shave 

-Tor J

A big congratulations to Year 12 student, Tor Jenkins, who took part in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave. Tor has been growing his hair since he was in Grade 3, and was excited to shave it off to both donate his long locks to be made into wigs, and to raise much needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation to give Australians facing blood cancer life-changing practical and emotional support. Raising funds for this critical research is bringing us closer to the day when zero lives are lost to blood cancer. So far Tor is donating an amazing $250 to this worthy cause. What a wonderful contribution to the charity and thank you for including the College Community in this event, Tor. Well done!  

If you would like to donate please click here. 

Lake Mountain Hike Outdoor Education 

The hike to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort offered remarkable scenery and a challenging ascent. Trekking through the rugged terrain of the alps, this journey tested endurance and determination. Despite the physical demands of the trek, reaching the top of the mountain provided a sense of accomplishment and inner fulfillment for all of us. 

We were surrounded by towering trees which revealed the tragic impacts of the Black Saturday bushfires. Our group arrived at the campsite, eager for food and to settle in for the night. With practiced efficiency, we quickly set up our tents, securing them firmly to the ground. We prepared our sleeping arrangements ensuring a comfortable night's rest ahead. 

With the camp taking shape, we gathered near the car park on wooden benches. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as we worked together to prepare our hearty meals using our Trangia’s. Each team began preparing a meal which fuelled them for the days ahead. After dinner, we took a moment to reflect and journal in our logbook, capturing our thoughts of the day's adventures. The quiet rustle of pen against paper echoed in the stillness among the atmosphere as we allowed ourselves to be fully present in the moment. 

The sun began to dip below the horizon, we grouped together to capture a photo of the moment the sky lit up over the mountain. As the evening progressed, we returned to our tents, but the night hadn’t ended here. We all participated in camp games which filled us with laughter and friendly competition. On night 1 we played empire.  Against the backdrop of the serene surroundings, our group bonded effortlessly, sharing stories and experiences beneath the star studded sky. Each of us relating our experiences of the hike up to camp. The beauty of the landscape where we gathered enhanced the sense of peace. 

The next day was an early start for many of us, waking up at 7am. With simplicity in mind, we prepared an early breakfast. Energised and ready for the day, we checked the weather which showed it was about to be a hot day and headed out on our walk. After grouping for limited time, we were told to venture solo, each of us eager to immerse ourselves fully in the environment. As we walked, the beauty of the natural world surrounded us. Despite the initial challenge of walking alone, we soon discovered the profound benefits of solitude in nature. Freed from the distractions of conversation and our peers, we found ourselves taking in our surroundings. As the walk progressed, some of us struggled embracing the seclusion, although some appreciated the opportunity to connect deeply with the natural world around us. 

As we regrouped at the end of our walk, we shared our experiences. In the quiet moments spent alone in nature, we discovered a deeper understanding of the world around us. Later in the day we visited Steavenson Falls, another group photo was taken as we sat around and took in the sounds of water flowing. After a day filled with exploration, we returned to camp worn out, our bodies aching from the day's adventures. We began setting and preparing a much needed dinner. Gathering once more at our tents after dinner, we kicked off our second game night under the star covered sky. Again, we participated in empire and I’m going to a party I’m going to bring. As the day began to come to an end, we headed into our tents, excited for a much needed sleep. 

Our last day began with a 7:30am start. All excited to return to the comfort of home, we knew we would miss the experience as it changed our perspectives of what we are capable of. After breakfast, we packed up our camp ensuring we followed the no trace principals. As we began our hike back down to the car park where our buses waited for us, we ran into a problem. The track ahead was closed. With a positive mindset and a means for adventure, the teachers were adaptive and efficiently delt with the situation. With a team vote we decided on taking a different route to plan. We ended up returning to camp and had the buses pick us up from there instead.

After 2 long days immersed in natures beauty, we ventured into the town of Healesville where we had the opportunity to buy our lunch. Most of us buying from the local charcoal chicken or bakery, we took in the luxury of cold drinks. We began our last drive home. Arriving back at school at around 2pm where we unpacked the buses and returned camping equipment. Overall, the hike to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort was a gratifying adventure, combining physical exertion with the soul soothing relief of the natural environments. 

-Ashlyn B