Year 8 Pastoral Guardian

Since last we spoke a lot has happened. We managed to survive the lockdown, and the girls enjoyed the extra days to catch up on work they may have missed and have come back refreshed and ready for this term. It has been an easing back into work, with two short weeks and our three-day camp, but it is now time to settle back into the routine of school life. It was great to meet some of you at the interviews on Tuesday night and establish that home-school bond. If you were unable to make the interviews, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any concerns. Research shows that a child’s achievement at school is greatly enhanced when there is a strong home-school connection.

The most exciting event for us this term was, of course, camp. The theme for the Year 8 camp was Steps: to Step up and take on the challenge, Step back and allow others to take the lead, and to Step sideways out of the challenge and acknowledge the limit of their comfort zone. In creating self-awareness, it allows the student to develop a better sense of place and forms a foundation from which to Step.

Here are some comments from the students regarding camp:

The hike was challenging when we were walking up the steep part of the mountain but rewarding when it was finished, and we could eat lunch. The food was better than last year, even though a few of the meals were the same; my favourite was the burgers we had for lunch of Friday before we boarded the bus. I enjoyed the activities; I think mission possible and low ropes were my favourite as they had challenging aspects to them, but they were still entertaining.

Sophia

The hike on the way back from the campsite was enjoyable, especially the downhill. The whole group worked together to overcome obstacles that were blocking our path and steadied each other when the ground was slippery and uneven. The views from the top of the mountain were worth the painful hike; it felt like you were on top of the world.

Acacia

Camp was overall great; I had a really enjoyable time. The activities were fun and inclusive, and the people were really nice. I made some closer friendships with the people within my camp group. All of the people in my group were encouraging and supportive. I can't wait to go again next year.

Lily

I really enjoyed camp as it was an experience to get to know new people, try new things, and challenge ourselves during most of the activities. The hike was the main and challenging aspect of camp, but it was rewarding at the end to see a wonderful view of the nature below us. We all worked together and communicated well so everyone knew what was coming up ahead, like a tree, step, or if there were slippery spots. During activities such as low ropes and mission impossible, the whole camp group was encouraging and supportive of one another throughout the whole activity. Overall, camp was an amazing experience that I will never forget, full of laughter, fun, and challenges.

Mia

Here are some photos of the activities in which the students participated.