AROUND THE COLLEGE & BEYOND

Year 9 Camp at Sugarbag Station

I am delighted to share a glimpse into the recent Year 9 camp at Sugarbag Station, where our students engaged in activities that highlighted their teamwork, adaptability and connection with the outdoors. As the Year Level Coordinator, I'm pleased to recount the meaningful moments that unfolded during this enriching experience.

Overnight camping: our students embraced the natural setting as they embarked on an overnight camping adventure at Sugarbag Station. Gathered around the campfire under the starry sky, they shared stories and forged lasting memories in the heart of nature.

Rogaining: a test of navigation and collaboration. During the rogaining challenge our boys worked together to locate checkpoints across varying terrains. This activity not only encouraged critical thinking but also reinforced the importance of effective teamwork.

Mountain biking: navigating biking trails amidst the scenic landscape allowed everyone to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking. The enthusiastic pedaling and smiles revealed the joy of conquering challenges and exploring the great outdoors.

Paddle boarding: this activity provided a serene experience on the water, requiring balance and focus. Our campers embraced the calm waters, showcasing their adaptability and determination.

Visiting cattle sales yards: exploring the cattle sales yards provided insight into the agricultural aspects of Sugarbag Station. This unique opportunity taught our students about an important local industry.

The dedicated instructors and staff at Sugarbag Station ensured that safety remained a top priority throughout each activity, enabling everyone to immerse themselves fully and gain valuable experiences.

As we reflect on the camp, I extend gratitude to parents and guardians for entrusting their children's learning and growth to us. The bonds formed and lessons learned during this camp will undoubtedly stay with our students as they continue their education.

Take a moment to explore the photo gallery capturing some of the highlights from the camp. Each image tells a story of perseverance, camaraderie and the joy of exploring new challenges.

I express appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this camp - the students, staff, parents and the Sugarbag Station team. Together, we've provided an enriching experience that will inspire our students as they embrace new opportunities and learn from every adventure.

Navy Engineering Challenge Day

As part of Science Week, HMAS Cairns in conjunction with the Defence Work Experience Program and ADF Careers hosted the first School Engineering Challenge. St Augustine’s entered a team of 10 Year 12 students who competed against three other teams from two different local schools.

Throughout the day the boys completed four STEM-based challenges, mostly using only household items:

1. Constructing a radio receiver from scratch.
2. Building a boat that had to undergo a distance and weight bearing test.
3. Programming a robot.
4. Repairing a leaking naval pipe.

The Saints team smashed the opposition in the radio receiver and boat challenges, however, they were not the outright winners.

All students who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day and heard from and spoke to many Defence personnel. We're looking forward to participating in next year's Challenge Day.

Design & Technologies Creations

This term the Year 9s have been designing and making cutting boards in Design Technologies and the Year 7s have been designing and creating marble maze games.