Y12: Mornington 

Peninsula Camp

As the buses pulled into the peaceful surroundings of Cape Schanck, our Year 12 students began their three-day retreat with a renewed sense of purpose. 

The camp opened with the inspiring “Productivity with a Punch” workshop by Wunder Training. Students reflected on their academic routines and personal goals while learning powerful, practical strategies to maximise their time, focus their energy, and maintain balance.

These are key qualities not only for Year 12 success but for life beyond school. The session encouraged students to shift from simply working harder to working smarter, with intention and direction.

In the evening, students transitioned into pathways-based sessions. VM students took part in a thoughtful Social & Emotional Intelligence workshop, where they explored how to recognise emotions, respond with empathy, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. These are skills deeply tied to Islamic values of self-awareness, patience (sabr), and respectful communication. 

VCE and IB students attended a targeted Careers and Pathways session, designed to support students in mapping out their futures. The session offered guidance on navigating career choices, higher education, and the importance of tawakkul, which means taking action while trusting in Allah’s divine plan. The evening ended with a strong sense of unity, maturity, and motivation among students.

Day two began with a beautiful group hike to Fingal Beach Lookout, weaving through rugged trails and coastal bushland. More than a physical activity, the hike offered space for personal reflection and reconnection with the natural world. It reminded students of the balance Islam teaches us to strive for: between the intellectual and the physical, between striving and resting, and between reflection and action. Conversations flowed, friendships deepened, and the sense of togetherness grew stronger.

The learning continued after the hike with an afternoon of differentiated academic and vocational sessions. VM students engaged in the KEYBA Job Ready program, which offered practical insight into workplace expectations, interview preparation, and personal presentation. The session promoted confidence and clarity for students entering the workforce. VCE students participated in an intensive English workshop, where they focused on building analytical writing skills, unpacking key texts, and tackling high-order exam questions. 

Meanwhile, IB students worked through a structured Chemistry revision session, reviewing core content and applying their knowledge collaboratively in preparation for final assessments.

As the sun set, students gathered once more for evening exam strategy workshops, split by stream. They engaged with high-impact revision techniques, reviewed common pitfalls in previous exams, and reflected on ways to sharpen their responses, especially under timed conditions. The sessions not only boosted academic confidence but also reinforced the importance of ihsan, which means striving for excellence in all areas of life, both seen and unseen.