From the Head of Junior School

This week our first group of students set off on camp. Outdoor education camps are a highlight in Term 4 for students in Year 3 to Year 6.  Outdoor education experiences in unfamiliar outdoor settings stimulate personal development and foster an understanding between people. Whilst often challenging, outdoor experiences seek to inspire confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, compassion, and care for the natural environment providing students with the opportunity to: 

• Obtain a feeling of self-worth, regardless of academic standing within the classroom; 
• Safely acquire skills in a range of challenging outdoor pursuits which can become the basis for a lifetime of enjoyment; 
• Develop skills to work effectively in teams 
• Appreciate the natural environment and allow them to explore it with confidence and respect; 

The Junior School offers a series of outdoor learning opportunities from Kindergarten to Year 6, with overnight camps commencing in Year 3. Within each program students are guided safely through a series of experiences, but ultimately face challenges by choice. Therefore, students inevitably must make numerous decisions themselves, within the framework of a group activity. Encouragement is given to allow all students to meet with success. 

For many students this will be their first school camp, a fun and enjoyable time for them to foster friendships and lifelong memories.  

Students will be attending the following camps in 2024: 

Year 3 – Lake Burrendong Sport & Recreation Centre Wednesday 30 – Friday 1 November 

Year 4 – Lake Burrendong Sport & Recreation Centre Tuesday 29 – Friday 1 November 

Year 5 – Camp Youthworks Koloona Tuesday 5 – Friday 8 November 

Year 6 – Chaldercot Monday 25 November – Friday 29 November