Camps & Excursions

Unit 3/4 Outdoor Ed 0 Queenscliff Camp

In week six, the outdoor environmental studies class went on a camp to Ballarat and Queenscliff. We visited Sovereign Hill to learn about colonizers’ interactions with the environment pre-federation and how the gold rush affected the growth of Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. While in Queenscliff, we met with Guy Le Page from Queenscliff Climate Action Now (QCAN), who spoke to us about what the community is doing to become more sustainable on Wadawurrung country. We also participated in adventure activities such as snorkelling and surfing, both of which increased our appreciation of the environment.

While snorkelling, we went out on a boat with two instructors, Josh and Kendra. They gave us the freedom to explore the boat and participate in different activities, such as riding the ropes, sitting out on the net, chilling on the top of the boat, and jumping off. Eventually, we reached the area where the seals were. We suited up in our snorkelling gear and jumped into the water. Many seals were lounging on the rocks, and a few joined us in the water. The seals got super close to us and were extremely cute. We had loads of fun snorkelling with the seals and seeing other creatures in the water, like the weedy sea dragons and other fish.

By the third day, everyone was tired and grumpy, but not too tired to go surfing. We had a great time catching waves and trying different tricks on the surfboards. Overall, the camp was heaps of fun and a great experience that we were lucky to have.

- Bella & Kira

Year 8 Camp 

Intro to Outdoors - Glenelg River Camp

Outdoor Ed camp was a wonderful experience. From seeing the wildlife to having fun with friends, everyone found something to enjoy. On the first day, everyone was excited. Packing the barrels was a struggle, trying to fit everything in and putting important things on top. We got the canoes on the water, and we were on our way. The three-day camp had started. We made some stops at rope swings/jetties to jump in and refresh, and 8 km later we arrived at our first camp, Pritchards, all of us complaining that our arms hurt. Pritchards was a nice camp with flushing toilets and a rope swing. Some people had a go on the rope swing and jumped into the water, while others went and set up our tents. Most went to bed early that night, but none of us got a wink of sleep because the possums and koalas were out that night, and those who didn’t secure their belongings found out the hard way why you should.

The morning came quickly. We packed up and left to do more canoeing to the next camp. We started canoeing earlier than the previous day, so we decided to go further because we had the time. 12 km later, we arrived at our Day 2 camp, Forest South, which did not have a rope swing but had a jetty instead that we could jump off. Everyone set up camp, and by then the boats had left. We raced down to the water, backflipping or jumping into the water. Time flew by as we jumped. We had a great idea to jump in and swim to the other side of the river, where there was a rock wall. We all got out after a while, wanting to dry off to make dinner. After dinner, most of us played hide and seek in the dark. It was hard to find some people because they were hidden in the scrub. After many rounds of hide and seek, Mr. Hopkins told us to go to bed. At night, the possums were out again, and Mr. Hopkins had one in his tent. Kangaroos were also massive there.

We woke up to a foggy morning – a very surreal experience. It was fresh but not too cold. We packed up, excited knowing we were doing the final parts of canoeing before we got to go home. The third day was only 5 or 6 km, meaning we got to Sapling Creek early. Everyone was grateful to see the bus and school car waiting there. We emptied the barrels, cleaned the canoes, and some had a swim. We left Sapling Creek to head back to school, most of us sleeping all the way. When we arrived at school, all of us helped put the tents out to dry, then packed them away, along with all the school supplies. All of us were glad to see our parents and get home, but we missed the peace and quiet of the river.

The camp was a great three days spent on the river in perfect weather with a tailwind to help us cruise through to the finish. It was wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy the experience that most of us will never do again.

-Charlotte

Year 12 Biology BioLab 

On Friday 28th March Unit 34 Biology students has the amazing opportunity to spend time in Geelong at BioLAB. BioLAB is a Victorian government run STEM centre that provides sport science programs for 7-10 students as well as VCE students fully funded. The students this year were lucky enough to dig deeper into the molecular biology and technology behind the production of Growth Hormone in a laboratory or commercial setting. They were exposed to laboratory techniques such as pipetting, plating bacteria and running gel-electrophoresis gels. Within the day they created their own vector carrying a gene for growth hormone, transformed this into a bacteria cell and are now growing this bacteria here at school. This hands on learning experience is just one of the many awesome Science opportunities that students have access to.