News from Year 9

With the end of the year fast approaching, there surely is a lot to celebrate.

During the first week of this term, I had the pleasure to spend four days away with your Year 9 daughters at Adventure Alternatives Education Centre, Woodford.

I not only valued this time as it allowed me to be outdoors, but gave me the opportunity to spend time with Year 9s away from school. During this time, I enjoyed observing the girls working collaboratively, facing challenges positively and enthusiastically and, most importantly, having fun. Girls participated in a range of activities including vertical play pen, high ropes, group initiatives, orienteering, sustainability project and a eight-kilometre hike.

Their resilience was, at times, really tested during these challenging activities; however, I believe they exemplified the true nature of our theme for the year – ‘self in relation to others’.

A huge thank you must go to all the staff that attended both Woodford and Kenilworth camp sites for the four days and gave up their time to spend this valuable time with your daughters – Annette Butterworth, Alison Ward, Courtney Daniec, Dan Martin, Georgia Appelhof, Liz Marlay, Rasika Flux, Krystal Gagen-Spriggs, Ben White, Josh White, Celeste Cook, Sacha Carney, and Deb Evans. Also, thank you to Jennifer Southern for all the work she did behind the scenes in the lead-up to camp.

Finally, thank you and congratulations must go to all the Year 9 girls who attended camp for their positive spirit and eagerness to challenge themselves by trying things outside their comfort zone.

Many girls have commented that they are extremely proud of what they personally achieved on camp, how they made new friends or strengthened current friendships, and appreciated the luxuries usually taken for granted - such as a bed, warm food, and opportunities their parents provide.

Hannah Schaper

This year camp was a challenging experience that I know challenged me, and my camp group. As soon as we arrived and met our camp instructors, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. The activities challenged each and every one of us, with the hike being the most challenging of all! I was very close to giving up on the side of the mountain, but with a little help from my camp group, instructors, and teachers, I made it to the campsite, with very sore feet. Then came the rain, although most of us didn't mind getting wet. It rained for quite a while, and most of the activities we did with mud on our clothes, but smiles on our faces. The hardest part was when the rain became too much for us on our second last day. That night, sitting around a makeshift fire (aka Will's camping stove), you could see the exhaustion on everyone's face. But, despite all that, I believe we made the most of that night, and spent a good hour talking about home, our families, and how much we needed a shower. That's when I knew the whole purpose of the camp: to reconnect with people, push the limits of our comfort zone, improve our decision making, and integrate beans into our daily diet. While the challenges were non-stop and harder then ever, I believe everyone came home a stronger person, who really needed a shower and some dry clothes.

Over the last week, I had the pleasure to review Year 9 student applications for the Raising the Bar Leadership Program, as well as attend interviews for these positions. Each student showed a genuine commitment to developing her leadership skills and shared her personal vision for leadership. The successful applicants will be part of a team of students who will lead Clare School in 2019 in a variety of positions. I look forward to seeing their multi-modal speeches held in the next few weeks. Congratulations to all girls who have taken the opportunity to apply for this program and show their dedication to being part of the Mount Alvernian community. It is a time to celebrate your continued hard work and determination to reach for your goals.

On Tuesday evening, we attended the College Awards night. This is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of students throughout the year, in all aspects of college life – academic, cultural, sporting and Home Room. Congratulations to all Year 9 students who received an award.

You would have recently received an email outlining the last day of the term celebrations on Friday 30 November. All Year 9 students will attend Chermside Aquatic Centre. This is a compulsory school day, where girls will celebrate the end of the year together in a casual setting. Please refer to the email for relevant information and link to give consent for your daughter to attend.

Teena Christofis

Conversation starters:

What was a highlight from camp? What was one thing that you found challenging at camp? Are you proud that you accomplished this?

Are you up-to-date for all your subjects and following your study plan?

Did you apply to be part of the Raise the Bar Leadership Program?

Quick Dates

Week 5, Term 4