Senior School News

From the Acting Co-ordinator of Music and Performing Arts

Congratulations to Ethan (G7) who achieved an Honours mark for his 7th Grade piano AMEB exam recently.

From the Outdoor Education Co-ordinator

Year 8 Camp

On Monday, 23rd October, Year 8 ventured out on their Sydney Harbour Explorer Camp. Over the course of the camp, the activities presented a mix of fun and challenge. 

The water activities were a highlight for the students. Many students had not sailed before and enjoyed the novelty of a new skill. The weather at Balmoral was warm and sunny, and the students enjoyed time swimming in the water and playing on the sand. At Chowder Bay, students participated in stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling. Many of them were lucky enough to spot a cuttlefish, a squid and even a couple of seals relaxing by the harbour. 

When moving from Chowder Bay to Cockatoo Island and Lane Cove, students faced a navigation challenge. As a group, they were required to plot their hiking route and determine their appropriate mode of public transportation to get them to their destination. They enjoyed jumping onto the ferry and travelling through Sydney Harbour. While at Cockatoo Island and Lane Cove, the students participated in an Indigenous session, learning about Indigenous culture and trying bush tucker. Students were also challenged by cooking their BBQ dinner and using a Trangia stove for the first time. At nighttime, a number of groups explored the old prison on Cockatoo Island. 

The final day required the students to navigate part of the Great North Walk to their final pick-up point in North Ryde. The conditions were challenging in the wind and rain, but the students arrived at the park in good spirits in time for lunch and some afternoon games.  

The Year 8 cohort arrived back to School on Thursday, 26th October. Although tired, they returned with big smiles and stories of all they had achieved over the week. 

I would like to thank all of the teachers who attended the camp and supported each and every student to challenge themselves and try new things. 

Year 7 Camp

On Tuesday October 24, Year 7 students embarked on a thrilling three-day, two-night adventure to Kiama and Gerringong. The camp was filled with exciting challenges, team-building activities, and, most importantly, heaps of fun. There were 10 groups in total based on our preferences. The groups were split into 2 sections. Groups 1 to 5 did what we are about to explain the opposite way. And groups 6 to 10 did it the way we are showing to you now.

 

We started our journey in Kiama, where we arrived around 10am and quickly refueled before diving into a day filled with activities. Our first adventure was a refreshing one-hour swim in the rock pools and the swimming pool, followed by exploring the famous Kiama blowhole, even though it was inactive on Tuesday. Groups 1 to 5 however did get to see it in full action on Thursday. Groups 6 to 10 then were treated to a surprise spectacle of magnificent whales leaping out of the water and showcasing their acrobatics, followed by a pod of dolphins being chased by an orca. It was an incredible start to the camp.

 

One of the camp's highlights was snorkeling, a new experience for most of us. The instructor helped us get into our wetsuits and showcased the marine wildlife hiding under the depths of the bay. We got to see sea urchins and even got to hold them! We could also see some gigantic sting rays hiding under the sand. After snorkeling and the day's activities, we headed to the campsite. At the campsite, we had a quick group discussion, set up our tents, and settled in. Camp food was surprisingly delicious as we cooked our barbecues under the lovely night sky of the NSW east coast. After a hearty dinner and a quick dessert at the nearby beach, it was time for a well-deserved rest. 

 

The next day began with breakfast and teamwork games. We then packed up our tents for a 9-kilometre coastal hike to Chiddick Lodge. Fortunately, buses took care of our duffel bags, lightening our load. The hike offered breathtaking coastal vistas, numerous whale sightings, and a delightful lunch. We also met other groups travelling in the opposite direction, providing a chance to catch up with friends. The hike concluded at Werri Beach in Gerringong.

 

After this exhilarating experience, we walked about 1 kilometre to our cabins, arriving at around 4.15pm. We were assigned cabins based on our preferences and had about 1.5 hours of downtime to recover from the hike before dinner and evening activities. Dinner was scrumptious, followed by a trivia night. After dessert, we turned in for a good night's sleep.

 

On the final day, we enjoyed a gourmet breakfast buffet and embarked on a scenic 7-kilometre bike ride as our first activity. Unfortunately, surfing was cancelled due to unfavourable surf conditions, but we filled our day with beach volleyball, touch rugby, and a competition to dig the deepest hole in the sand within an hour.

As the day drew to a close, we reluctantly boarded the bus at 2 to 2.30pm, bidding a fond farewell to this unforgettable camp experience. By 5.30pm, we had returned to School, concluding our remarkable adventure.

 

In retrospect, the Year 7 Kiama and Gerringong camp was a brilliant experience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teachers who made it possible, with special recognition for Mrs Carpenter, Mr McKee and the other teachers who helped for their exceptional organization and dedication, ensuring that this camp was the best it could be.

 

by Dominic and Darian (G7)