Events and Excursions

Plenty Kids Photo Days

Tuesday, 26 May - 3yo Joey

Wednesday, 27 May - 4yo Possum & Wallaby

Year 4 Camp

Year 4 students have thoroughly enjoyed their time at camp. They stepped outside their comfort zones to take on a range of “challenge by choice” activities, including the giant swing, flying fox, and crate climb.

We wrapped up our second night with a relaxing movie and some popcorn, which was a wonderful way to wind down after an action-packed day. We have also been very fortunate to experience such beautiful weather throughout the camp.

Mission Training Camp

Mark Twain once said that “Courage is not the lack of fear.  It is acting in spite of it.”  There is a group of Year 10 students who have shown immense courage in putting their hand up to go on one of the two mission awareness tours to either Vanuatu or Thailand next month.  While the students have a range of uncertainties about what awaits them at these two locations, they are showing admirable courage in not being overcome by these uncertainties, but by being optimistic about what the wonderful opportunities these trips will afford them and by trusting in the bountiful provision of the Lord. 

The team of staff supporting and travelling with these students have been helping them prepare for these two trips through various after-school training workshops and through the running of a mission training camp at the Upper Plenty Conference Centre.  This camp provides the students and staff with the opportunity to get away from their regular cares and routines, and to focus on preparing for their respective overseas trips.  They have heard from a variety of presenters that have included external speakers, missionaries, senior students who have previously been on mission and staff from the college – all of whom have an abiding love for the Lord and a desire to share their experiences with these students and to build their courage as the date of their departure approaches.  So please keep these students in your prayers, praying for the Lord to continue His good work in the hearts of these amazing young people. 

Mooting Masterclass

Student Reflections

Eighteen students headed to La Trobe University on Wednesday, 22 April. Several of those who took part in this year’s mooting workshop shared their thoughts on what they learned, what they enjoyed, and how they would prepare for future competitions. Their reflections paint a picture of a day that was equal parts challenging, eye‑opening and energising.

What Students Found Most Valuable

Across the board, students highlighted how useful it was to see real examples of moots in action. Demonstration moots helped many understand structure, etiquette and the flow of legal argument. Several students also found the lecture component valuable, especially in learning how to craft a well‑structured script and respond to judicial questioning.

Others were drawn to the intellectual challenge of analysing the case, describing it as complex, engaging and enjoyable to navigate. A number of students appreciated the insight into the legal profession more broadly, gaining a clearer sense of how advocacy works in practice.

For some, the day’s highlights were social as well as academic, bonding with students from other schools added an unexpected but welcome layer to the experience.

The biggest challenge? Sitting still for long stretches and staying focused—an honest reminder that mooting requires both mental stamina and patience.

Advice for Students Beginning Their Mooting Journey

Students offered thoughtful recommendations for anyone preparing to moot for the first time:

• Start with the case: Read it thoroughly, identify key facts, and understand the legal elements involved.
• Explore both sides: Brainstorm arguments for both appellant and respondent to deepen your understanding.
• Learn the structure: Familiarise yourself with court etiquette, formal language and the standard format of submissions.
• Watch moots or court cases: Seeing advocacy in action—whether live, recorded or even in films—helps build intuition.
• Rehearse out loud: Practise speaking, answering potential questions and presenting confidently.
• Think strategically: Anticipate what the opposing side might argue and how you would respond.

Overall, students emphasised preparation, clarity and practice as the foundations of effective mooting.

Interest in Joining a Mooting Team

Enthusiasm for joining a mooting team this year was high. Six of the seven students said they would like to participate, with responses ranging from a simple “yes” to an emphatic “OH YESSSSSSSSS.” One student chose not to join but wished the team well.

Most students also said they would happily return to the masterclass next year, describing the event as enjoyable, informative and a great learning experience.

A Final Note

One student summed up the spirit of the day beautifully: “Thank you so much for this day, I really loved it.”

Their collective reflections show just how impactful a single day of mooting can be—building confidence, sharpening analytical skills and sparking genuine excitement for legal advocacy.