Wellbeing - Middle School

Reputation is Much Easier Kept Than Recovered

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the benefits of camp experiences for our students, and after spending a night out with the Year 5 students and staff, it only affirms the importance of these experiences. The most striking part was seeing the increased level of resilience, inclusivity and relationship-building amongst the cohort. They have left such a positive impression on each other, our staff and representation of our College.

This had me reflecting on the importance of our cohorts building a strong and positive reputation for themselves amongst the College and the wider community. Proverbs 22: 1 confirms the value of a good reputation, 

“a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” 

In essence, God's desire for faithfulness in us is seen in His many reminders to us to keep His commandments alive and well.

In my experience working across a range of schools, reputation is hard won, but easily lost. It is perhaps the most treasured aspect of a person’s character and reflects a person’s honour and integrity. We know that reputation can be fragile, and I encourage our students to always strive to live and operate in accordance with the values and mission of our school.  It is impossible for any of us to be a Christian on our own as the tradition is only really alive in union with one another. Jesus himself said: 

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them". 

It is this comradery that experiences like going on camp build, which remains with our students for the rest of their lives. Importantly, such strong and positive connections which foster safety and support, has strong benefits in their learning.

Nonetheless, it was very pleasing that the strong reputation building of our youngest cohort has started in such a positive manner, and I very much look forward to seeing this continue to be fostered across Years 6, 7 and 8 over the coming months within College life.

Alex Sinadinos

Director of Middle School

Reflection - Year 5 Camp Katoomba 

It’s impossible to say exactly what each of the 215 students gained from the Year 5 camp, but as a group it was certainly a great experience with lasting memories. 

After the anticipation and nerves of a 7:30 AM arrival at school, we were on our way and excited for what the camp would hold. On arrival the boys were fascinated at being high enough to be in the clouds as a deep fog set in around us. However, this also meant that visibility was down to 20m at times as groups headed off into the abyss and it created a not-so-scenic railway trip.

The group became more comfortable and settled into the range of activities. There were great cheers as boys scaled the rock climbing to sound the buzzer or tried their arm at archery. Others were supported and encouraged to overcome their fears and inhibitions. The noise in the dining room was deafening as old friends and new talked about the adventures of their day.

As dawn broke on Thursday came the realisation for some, “Are we going home today? It’s like we just got here!” Throughout the three days the cohort came together as a community, and I look forward to building on this with them as the year progresses. 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff who attended. Fears, tears, overexcitement, nerves, joy, teamwork, lack of sleep, too much food followed by jumping around, questions, questions, questions, success!!! Your patience, care, and support were unwavering and made the camp possible.

Over to a couple of boys for their thoughts:

When I first got to camp, I was very nervous because this was my first time ever staying overnight on a school trip. But it ended up being really fun we did lots of fun and exhilarating activities such as rock climbing and archery. But thankfully that was not the only good things that happened there for example we went bushwalking, and we also went to scenic world (fun fact did you know that scenic world was once a coalmine). We even got to pretend to be kangaroos and smell plants. I can go on and on about the amazing things that happened at camp but if I did we would be here all day.       

John-Paul E

 

In 5 Green camp was really exciting and humorous and got people a little out of their comfort zone. We did many activities at camp, such as Scenic world, bush cooking, bush walking and many more. We also did two nightactivities which were movie night where my class watched the movie Cool Runnings and the other activity was Welcome to Country when an aboriginal man came over and explained and showed us the aboriginal culture and the way they did things back then. Another thing I want to point out is the food. The chef was really nice, and he cooked delicious food for all 5 meals of the day. Now to be honest with you the first night at camp my cabin didn't understand the definition of sleep. (One person almost stayed up all night.) But the second night we had a good sleep ready for the last day at camp. So overall camp was a really fun and enjoyable way to kick off the year and I hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did. Luceat Lux Vestra. 

Jackson V

Stephen Cooper

Year 5 Coordinator