Sport & Outdoor Education

SCSA Tennis

Prior to the SCSA Tennis Division 2 Tournament, held on Thursday 9th March, students attended  trials and training sessions to prepare them with the challenge of entering a higher SCSA division. The weather was hot which made conditions tough, however everyone played through the day by remaining hydrated and energised.

At the end of the day our MSJ teams tried really hard and played their best, with our junior team placing 3rd, intermediate team placing 4th and our senior team placing 6th.

The intermediates lost the tough semi final round (11-12) against Kilbreda who went on to win the final.

Overall the day was a huge success and couldn’t have been possible without the support of of Ms Sofarnos, Mr Tresize and Ms Mouratidis.

By Sarah Peart (9 Joseph) and Laura Peart (8 Joseph)

The Silver Duke Practice Camp

From 14th to 16th of March, 8 students from Year 10 and 12 staff  set off to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Practice Camp to The Great Otway National Park .

On the morning of Day 1, we made our way down to Apollo Bay in the school minibus, then into the start of our walk at Blanket Bay. Using our maps, we set off on the first part of the days hike to Parker River inlet where we rested and paddled our feet for an hour. This delightful, sheltered and hidden cove empties into the sea and is a beautiful spot that feels gloriously wild and remote. We reluctantly put on our packs and made our way up the 300 steps and onto our first campsite at the Otway lighthouse. It was definitely a challenge to stay motivated in the heat but going through it as a group brought us together to form very supportive and positive team. 

Rising early on Day 2 to beat the heat, we made our way along the clifftops of Station Bay and enjoyed the incredible views across Bass Strait. Dropping down onto the beach, we passed a colony of endangered Hooded Plovers before arriving at Aire River for our second camp. As we rested on the pier beside the river, we looked up and saw a koala asleep only a meter or so above us. Over the remaining part of the trip, we also managed to see an echidna, a kangaroo and the occasional snake.

Day 3, and our last day was challenging for most people as we were tired but when each of us felt like giving up our team motivated us to keep going. We were also distracted by Ms. Tagell’s riddles which made the kilometers slip away quickly. When we reached the bus that would take us back to school, we were all hugely relieved but also so proud of ourselves and each other for such an achievement. 

The camp was rewarding in so many ways. While working together we became a close team of positive, determined and supportive friends. The experience challenged and pushed us to discover qualities in ourselves which will always be valuable. It was an opportunity we loved being a part of and we look forward to our Qualifying Camp later in the year. 

By the Silver Duke Students

Year 10 Outdoor Education - Rock Climbing Experience

On the 23rd of February, my Outdoor Education class went on our first trip to Cliffhanger Climbing gym in Altona. We went on this excursion to prepare for our upcoming camp, so that we could learn climbing techniques, skills and help support each other to work as a team. Before the trip, there were a few people who were very nervous and anxious, especially when we entered the centre, people became frightened as they saw how high the walls were. We started off by learning how to belay and support our partners and later went onto climbing techniques. Belaying was challenging as we had to remember to pull and lock the rope and ensure that we followed the steps correctly to prevent any injuries, although we all got it in the end. 

Once we got on the wall a lot of people were afraid, but we worked together and encouraged each other to try and minimise the nerves.Throughout the session we all cheered each other on and worked at the best of our abilities and cooperated well with each other so we could all have a good time.

Although most of us were nervous we all challenged ourselves and climbed the higher walls and by the end of it we improved with our confidence and skills. Overall it was a great class experience, and we are looking forward to further trips, so we can improve our rock climbing skills even more.

By Manuela Marano Year 10 - Senior Kincumber 3