Year 11 SLR Canyoning Trip

It is great when education gets taken out of the classroom and becomes ‘real’ in the truest sense of the word. Canyoning gives individuals and groups the opportunity to learn great life lessons. When students are faced with physical challenges, that not only test their physical abilities but also test them psychologically and emotionally. They learn so much about themselves and their capacities as human beings. Canyoning is a sport that challenges students in so many ways and develops so many qualities in just a few hours. Courage to overcome fears, resilience to continue when challenges keep presenting, self-belief following successful endeavor and elation at overcoming the seemingly impossible.

Last Friday two of our senior SLR classes travelled to Macquarie Pass, near Wollongong, to participate in a canyoning expedition conducted in a well organised, safety-oriented manner by a very professional ‘Outdoor Recreation’ company. With five guides and four staff the group of 25 students spent approximately five hours canyoning the Macquarie Rivulet Gorge in the Macquarie Pass. These eager students abseiled rock faces and waterfalls, slid down natural waterslides, jumped into deep pools, swam/floated short sections, all under the watchful eyes of our guides. The students were also immersed in the beauty of the rainforest and its many natural attractions. Lunch in the sunlight in the middle of the gorge was also a highlight.

The ‘Eagle Rock’ guides were very impressed with the positivity and energy displayed by all involved and congratulated our students on their manners and attitude. Personally, I would like to thank all of the students on this trip for making it so successful and a pleasure to be a part of. A huge thank you to Mr Conn, Mr McNamara and Mr Naseby for agreeing to the early start and late finish to the day. These trips provide our students with lifechanging opportunities that many young women and men would not experience if left to their own ‘devices’.

Well done one and all.

Pete Gaffney | Year 11 SLR  Teacher