Learning & Teaching

Why School Camp Matters: Growing Confidence, Resilience and Relationships 

One of the most powerful benefits of school camp is how strongly it supports students’ Personal and Social Capability, a key component of the Victorian Curriculum that underpins success both in and beyond the classroom. 

While academic learning is important, research and experience tell us that students learn best when they feel confident, connected, and capable. Camp offers a unique opportunity for students to develop these essential life skills in ways that simply aren’t possible during the normal school day. 

At camp, students step outside the comfort of their familiar routines. They learn to: 

• Manage their personal belongings 
• Follow daily schedules 
• Care for themselves in a new environment 

• Try activities they may not have attempted before 

   

These experiences directly support self-awareness and self-management, helping students recognise their strengths, face challenges, and build confidence through success. Many students return from camp noticeably more independent, proud of what they have accomplished, and more willing to tackle new challenges at school. 

Living and learning together for several days provides rich opportunities to strengthen relationship skills. Students share cabins, meals, responsibilities and activities, which encourages them to: 

• Communicate clearly and respectfully 
• Listen to others’ ideas and perspectives 
• Compromise and cooperate as part of a team 

• Resolve small conflicts with guidance and support 

   

These social experiences help students form deeper peer connections, strengthen friendships, and develop empathy - skills that positively impact classroom collaboration long after camp ends. 

Camp naturally presents moments of challenge: being away from home, trying unfamiliar activities, or working through group-based tasks. With supportive staff and peers, students learn to: 

• Manage emotions such as nervousness or frustration 
• Persist when a task feels difficult 
• Bounce back from setbacks 

• Celebrate effort as well as success 

   

These experiences strongly align with the resilience and emotional regulation aspects of the Personal and Social Capability and help students develop a growth mindset. 

Camp also supports responsible decision-making. Students learn that their choices affect others - whether that’s being on time, following safety expectations, or supporting a teammate. Being part of a camp community helps students understand the importance of respect, fairness, and shared responsibility. 

Many students return from camp with a stronger sense of belonging to their school community, which is closely linked to improved wellbeing and engagement in learning. 

The skills developed through camp don’t stay at camp. Teachers consistently notice that students return: 

• More confident in group work 
• More resilient when faced with challenges 
• More willing to participate and take positive risks 

• Better equipped to manage friendships and emotions 

   

These outcomes directly support the Victorian Curriculum’s focus on educating the whole child, ensuring students are not only academically capable, but socially and emotionally equipped for future learning. 

Rosanna & Eloise 

Library News 

National Simultaneous Storytime 

We are excited to once again participate in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, 27th May. It's great to see the students so eager and curious about the upcoming book, thank you for sharing their enthusiasm whilst checking out the display in the hallway.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 26th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

BookClub

Issue 3 closes today, Friday 8th May. One order has already been distributed and another will arrive next week. In this issue a $5 discount voucher is available to spend on Issue 4 when you spend over $19.50. Thank you for your continued support, your reward points help us purchase new books for the children to enjoy.

Please remember that all payments must be made online through Loop. You can make payments by visiting scholastic.com.au/LOOP or by downloading the LOOP app.

Overdue library books

Please remind your child to return any overdue library books. We have quite a few that are overdue, and some students are eager to borrow these titles. Your cooperation helps ensure everyone has access to the books they are excited to read.

Camp Read A Lot 

Camp Read a Lot has arrived in the library this term! It’s been wonderful to see students exploring the new books on display while enjoying the cosy experience of toasting marshmallows by the fire.