Cadets

Term 1 is always a very busy time of the School year, as the Students settle into their new Year levels, Subjects and for Year 8’s the Cadet Program. The Senior Cadets have started their program with such enthusiasm, this is great to see. They have taken the new Recruits under their wings, teaching them many new skills.

Bivouac

Last week the Cadets enjoyed the experience of the Annual Recruit Bivouac. Thirty Senior cadets headed out to Glendinning 24 hours prior to the Recruits arriving to ensure the Camp area was ready. The Seniors quickly got into setting up their Platoon Harbours and Headquarters ready for the onslaught of 106 recruits. They practiced their Lesson with their Peers and enjoyed presenting and participating in the lessons that they would deliver to their Cadets. This was a fantastic opportunity for all our Seniors to connect with each other before their time became busy with Recruits.

On Thursday the Recruits (Yr 8) Cadets arrived, many looking a little out of their comfort zone. However they were willing to give it a go. After lunch and the Safety brief, the Cadets set up their hootchies and prepared their areas for sleeping. With their can-do attitude, the Cadets participated in their first lessons, including basic NAVEX (navigation); basic RATEL (radio communication); Field Engineering; First aid and Cam and Con (camouflage and concealment). On Friday the Cadets were woken for some morning exercise before a Continental breakfast, Parade and then straight into further activities. In the middle of the day we broke camp in record time and were eager to return to School for lunch. After unpacking the stores the Cadets enjoyed some much needed rest before heading home.

I would like to thank all the Leaders for their exceptional work in ensuring  that Cadets had a fantastic experience on their first Biv. Thanks to the Staff who took the time out of their busy schedules to stay for three days, as well as those who came out overnight. 

To all the Year 8 Cadets, you all were fantastic.  I hope that you will continue to have this positive attitude to Cadets throughout the remainder of 2023.

I look forward to Term 2 when we will start the Term with ANZAC Day March.  This will be followed closely by the Annual Cadet Camp. More details to follow.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONIES

As ANZAC Day falls on the Tuesday just prior to our return to School, I would like to thank the Cadets who have volunteered for the ANZAC Ceremonies in Hamilton and Coleraine. This year we are combining with 315ACU Hamilton where will march as one group of Australian Army Cadets. Senior cadets have started their practice with 315 and we will continue this until the end of Term.

More information will be emailed out over the Holidays to both Volunteer Cadets and their Parents with regard to meeting places etc.

ANNUAL CADET CAMP

The Annual Cadet Camp is held in Week 2 of Term 2. On the first Friday of Week 1 we will be taking the Advance party (approx. 10 volunteer Cadets) to  head out to the Campsite to start setting up prior to the arrival of the whole unit the following Monday.

We have had many questions about Bivouac and now realise that the information posted on SIMON with Permission forms may have been missed, as well as students not passing on the information emailed to them.

The Cadets have been briefed today on many aspects of Camp and what is expected of our Cadets. The weather is looking to be mild with cold mornings, so I do suggest that you ensure your child has warm clothing for overnight and the early mornings. We would appreciate it if you would contact us should you have any concerns about your child attending camp.  We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Things to organise over the Holidays and week of Camp.

• Confirm with your child whether you will be coming to the Cadet Mass on the Wednesday night and bringing dinner/tea to share with them. We will need confirmation from your child on Monday at camp for Catering purposes
• Your child’s clothing is placed in plastic bags within their gear bag so that it stays dry
• Any medication (enough for the week) is in a Ziplock bag with original Pharmacy label and clearly labelled with their name.
• For the first day, Cadets are to supply their own food and drinks, dinner/tea will be supplied. 
  • No food with any traces of nuts or nut products are allowed.
• TWO full bottles of water in their webbing before departure from School

Wednesday night Mass

The Annual Cadet Bush Liturgy is held on Wednesday night at 6.30pm. Parents and immediate Family members of cadets only are cordially invited to attend the Liturgy and afterwards, to share dinner with your child. Dinner is after Mass so please consider what you are bringing out and how it will be kept warm.

Parents are welcome to visit the campsite after Mass.  Please bring a torch for use on the walk to and from camp. Please note that we request that Parents and family members leave the campsite by 9.00pm.

The Liturgy is held near to the entry of the Camp. Car parking signs will be clearly visible near the site of the Liturgy, which is near the entrance.   We would ask that you follow the signs and please follow any directions given to you by the Car park Attendants during the evening.  NO vehicles are to be driven up to the camp area. 

 DIRECTIONS TO CADET CAMP. (McCutcheon’s Road, Victoria Point)

 Head East (towards Dunkeld!) on Ballarat road.

1. Turn left at ROBSONS Rd. (Third road on the left after RMIT)
2. Turn Right at crossroads onto Strathkellar Rd-heading towards Dunkeld
3. Turn Left onto the Victoria Point Road
4. Travel about 18km, over the Cavendish-Dunkeld Rd crossroads
5. Directly after the bridge, turn Left on McCutcheon’s Road
6. Travel along McCutcheon’s Road about 1.1 kms 
   1. The Entrance to the camp is on the right. The Monivae banner will be on the fence next to the gate. Please close the gate after you.
7. Whilst driving your vehicle within the camp site, turn on your headlights on and stay on the tracks.

The camp is about 35 km from Monivae. Travelling time – about 30/35 minutes

A reminder the following items are banned on Cadet Camp

• Mobile phones/ Radios/iPods/iPads/Computers
• Cigarettes/vapes/alcohol
• No pocket or bush knives are allowed on camp (Platoon commanders and SGT’s excepted)
• No spray deodorants – roll on only.
• No make-up or jewellery – Earrings and watch are accept as per the School jewellery policy 

 More information will be sent out with the Permission Forms on PAM as well as a hard copy with your child.

Please do not hesitate to contact the OC of the unit MAJ Phil O’Keefe, should you have any queries. pokeefe@monivae.vic.edu.au or phone 0428 343 241

CAPT Sarah Byron

2IC, MCACU