CAMP KOOKABURRA:

Over the past three days, our Year 7 students have been enjoying a fantastic Orientation Camp at Camp Kookaburra, at Corop, and what an incredible experience it has been.

The camp program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, build new friendships, and develop important teamwork skills. A key focus was mixing friendship groups so that students worked with peers they may not have partnered with before. It has been wonderful to see new connections forming and confidence growing as the days progressed.

Students participated in a range of exciting and challenging activities. On the water, they took part in rafting and canoeing, including the added challenge of changing rafts

mid-activity — an exercise that required communication, co-operation and trust. On land and in the air, students pushed themselves through rock climbing, the giant swing and the ropes initiative course, each activity designed to foster resilience and teamwork.

From my visit to the camp on Thursday, it was clear how much the students have embraced the experience. I have been particularly impressed by their camaraderie, co-operation and willingness to have a go at every challenge presented to them. The highlight for many was the giant swing, where students were lifted approximately 20 feet into the air before being released. Remarkably, every single student took on the challenge without hesitation — a true testament to their courage and the supportive environment they have created for one another.

I was also approached by several camp staff members who expressed how impressed they have been with our students. They commented on their excellent behaviour, positive attitudes and the respect they have shown throughout the camp. It is always pleasing to hear such affirming feedback, and our Year 7 cohort should be very proud of the way they have represented our School.

Congratulations to all of our Year 7 students for the enthusiasm, resilience and team spirit they have demonstrated. We look forward to seeing these new friendships and skills continue to flourish back at school.

CANTEEN HELPERS:

Our School is always on the lookout for parent helpers in our School Canteen.

Volunteering in the Canteen is a wonderful way to support the school community in a friendly and supportive environment. It also provides a great opportunity to meet many of our students and experience firsthand their positive attitudes and good-natured interactions. Parents often tell us how much they enjoy seeing the students during the school day and being part of such a welcoming space.

If you are available and willing to lend a hand, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can assist regularly or just occasionally, your time and support are greatly appreciated.

To find out more or to offer your help, please contact the School General Office.

NO SCHOOL ACCIDENT or PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE:

At times, the School is required to call an ambulance if a student is injured or sick. The School will always err on the side of caution and call an ambulance. The School will try to contact the respective parents but sometimes the phone is not answered. Therefore, I would like to remind all parents and guardians that:

Parents/Guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs; and
Parents/Guardians can purchase insurance policies from Commercial Insurers.

Further to this, the Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.

ANNUAL PRIVACY REMINDER FOR OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY:

Our School collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard School functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.

Please take time to read our school’s collection notice, found on our website https://kerangths.vic.edu.au/resources/SchoolsPrivacyPolicy.pdf.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Digital Technologies safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information.

If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Digital Technologies, please contact the school. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in 10 (ten) community languages:

Please read the below information carefully:

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS: