It's hard to believe how fast time has flown by at Breaksea. With Easter around the corner, it's the perfect time to reminisce about the whirlwind of activities and events that have kept us on our toes since the term began.

From the crack of dawn, our dedicated athletes have been hitting the water for rowing training, while others laced up their sneakers for basketball fixtures and finals as well as Country Week hockey, volleyball and netball trials.

As we all know, academics are equally important. It's been inspiring to see so many students engaging in academic support after school, showcasing the commitment our boarders have to their studies. With doors open and wings quiet during prep time, everyone has been able to thrive with minimal distractions. We recently had Amy and Chloe attend the Year Eleven Uni Tour in Perth, paving the way for their future endeavours.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Rec! With Carter leading the charge as the Rec Coordinator, our options have been endless. From a hit of golf at the driving range to Easter egg hunts, car cleaning to Taylor Swift dance parties, and even late-night sports under the stars, there's been something for everyone. We've also had the pleasure of celebrating birthdays, including those of Amy and Xanthe.

Our talented VET music students stole the show with their incredible music performance. Emmeline Cunningham, Brianna Cunningham, Holly Cole, Sophie Harris, Dannielle Frost, and Rif McNeil-Hanna - your musical prowess has no bounds! Brianna, Holly and Dannielle also had the privilege of playing up at Mojo’s in Freo which I hear went amazingly.

In the realm of arts, a huge congratulations is in order for Annabelle Lydeamore for clinching the Great Southern Youth Art award. A spectacular piece of art and a great achievement.

Week Eight saw our Year Ten students embarking on adventures of a lifetime. As we waved them off at the Leeuwin, excitement and uncertainty hung in the air. But as we know, these experiences are invaluable for our students, fostering resilience and camaraderie. And who better to speak on their experiences than Madi, Tilly, Katelin and McKayla.

Blackwood River

Day One. On Monday morning, we set off for the three hour and 46 minute drive to Warner Glen Campsite. We got put into our groups and played some memory games with everyone in the group and met our leaders for the week, Ed and Taya. My individual group rules were respect, responsibility and support. We set up our tents then went for a swim in the river, but first we had to grab lifejackets to be fitted. For our swim, we had to swim to the other side of the river then back, after we were given bandanas that were either green or blue. I was in green and we called ourselves the Green Gods. Once we got back to the campsite and got into warm dry clothes it was time to start cooking dinner. We got put into groups of four, one cooked, one cleaned, one got breakfast out, one did lunch prep. I was on cooking and we made chickpea curry. Until bedtime we had a little bit of free time some people played cards or talked or played games.  

Day Two. After breakfast we packed everything up and changed into bathers and prepared ourselves for the day. Then everyone walked down to the river, grabbed our lifejackets and were told how to use the rafts and kayaks. Our journey of 13 kilometres began, to Alexandra Bridge Campground. We spent roughly six hours on the water. An hour before arriving at campsite we stopped for afternoon tea and got to jump off the rafts into the water, everyone had so much fun, some people were doing backflips off the rafts, and everyone was laughing and having a good time. Later we started rafting again then finally made it to the campsite. We set up camp then started dinner while the rest of us sat down along the river looking out of the water and watching the sunset. Miss Smith wanted to teach some yoga, she had some people join her, I thought that it was really relaxing and calming. After dinning everyone split into groups and the green group went down past the equipment to a nice quiet spot.  

Day Three. As a group we prepared lunch and packed up camp, then set off for an 11 kilometre journey. The water was calm but then further down it started to get windier and harder to glide through the water with the paddles, people swapped from rafts to kayaks. Then arrived at around 3.30pm to Wilson Road campsite. We set up camp and then had some time to relax before dinner prep started. After dinner we split off into our groups and participated in a gameshow, by the end of the night most people were exhausted and went straight to bed. 

Day Four. This was the last day of rafting we had a journey of three kilometres. After an hour we stopped for morning tea at this little beach along the river. Some people asked if we could flip a raft since the pontoon was no longer there, once the raft had been flipped the boys were battling it out to see who was king of the raft. Later we set off again, a little while later we arrived at Molloy Hideaway Caravan Park, then pulled up into the boat ramp, later that afternoon we had some cake for Alex’s birthday. For dinner we had burgers then played some games altogether. 

 Day Five, it was the day that we had to leave, we packed up then battled it out to see which team was the best over the week and blue group won, it was time to leave we packed up the bus and left to head back to school.  

Madison Beeck | Year Ten

Leeuwin Experience 

The STS Leeuwin II provided us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the highs and lows of what it is like to be at sea. Our first day was filled with excitement and nerves as we embarked on our journey from the Albany port. We were introduced to our watch leaders and crew members and were briefed about the ship’s ins and outs. Day two and three was spent on the rough Southern Ocean. Most people spent their day and night on their spew line feeding the fish. Katelin and Tilly were some of the sole survivors that did not vomit. By day four we had anchored at Bunker Bay and were rewarded with a shore day. Everyone was very thankful for the two short hours we had rocking on dry land. From here on in, it was a smooth sailing journey across the Indian Ocean. We anchored off Rottnest Island on day six and from then on the finish line was in sight. Day seven was the ship takeover day. After much debate the night before about who would be the new captain, mate, bosun and watch leaders, we had a big day ahead of us. We sailed to three points between Rottnest and Fremantle, and then made it to the final anchor point for the night in Freo without the mission being aborted.  

Eight days at sea enabled us to learn so many valuable life skills, create new memories and strengthen and build new friendships. Everyone on board was provided with countless chances to step outside their comfort zone and do things like steer the helm, climb to the top of the main mast, lead their watches in putting up the sails and learn about the way the ship is run. We would like to thank the crew for being patient and supportive throughout the week, with a special mention to the amazing chef Janine who provided us with delicious meals and to Wes who gave us his wise wisdom and entertaining stories. A humungous thank you to Ms Valleri for being our cheerleader and encouraging and guiding us throughout the week, regularly reminding us of how proud she is which pushed us over the finish line. This has been an incredible opportunity and we are very grateful to have partaken in this voyage.  

Katelin Woithe, Matilda Norrish and McKayla Ettridge  | Year Ten

Birthdays

We have celebrated two brithdays this month. A very happy birthday to Xanthe O'Neill and Amy Medway.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of attending the Duty of Care Professional Development at MLC and the ICPA Conference. It was heartwarming to connect with parents and fellow heads of boarding who share a passion for supporting isolated children and parents living in the regional and remote areas of the state.

As we head into the holidays, it's time for some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation before we dive headfirst into Term Two. But knowing the spirit of Breaksea, the adventure is far from over. Here's to another term filled with excitement, growth, and endless possibilities.

Ms Liz Stewart | Head of Breaksea House

Dates to Remember

Week Nine, Term One