Year 8 News

Mill Valley Camp

Year 8 students from Kurnai College Churchill Campus went to Mill Valley for a Positive Start school camp at the beginning of June.  We had a short bus ride to Tynong North where we quickly settled into dormitories, ate some lunch, then launched into camp activities. We began a cycle of activities including a horse-riding lesson, team games and an Amazing Race.  After these fun activities, we were treated with some free time, before a delicious dinner. A night hike around the farm and neighbouring bushland entertained the students as they went searching for native wildlife. 

Over the following days, we cycled through activities including a crate stack, mountain biking - including a jumps/track section, archery, barn games, low ropes and a couple of different horse-riding lessons.  Two of the horse-riding lessons were done in an undercover arena and one was a trail ride through the bushland.  Students were taught how to guide their horse to change walk/trot, change direction and navigate a range of obstacles and challenges.  We were impressed with the level of engagement of students. Everyone enthusiastically participated in all activities provided and showed awesome team spirit and support to each other.

We were extremely lucky with the weather.  Most days were fine and sunny.  A rainy afternoon caused minimal impact to our activities.  The nights were cool but we were still able to run our night activities program.  We enjoyed a game of spotto, with teachers spotting students as they tried to capture rewards without detection.  We had a trivia night and a movie night, and we finished up with a dress-up social.  Over the duration of the week, we ran a pool competition.  Congratulations to Murray and Amarlie, who finished in 1st and second places.

We headed home after lunch on Friday after completing some whole group activities.  Overall, everyone had an enjoyable camp.  A big thank you to the Mill Valley Ranch staff who provided us with amazing activities and experiences and six meals per day with delicious food for every meal.  Also, thank you to the staff supporting our Year 8 program back at school and the staff supporting the school camp for the week!

Karen Anders

Camp Week School Activities

Week 7, term 2 was an absolute blast for our year 8 students as they embarked on an exciting journey at camp. While some students stayed back at school, they had an amazing time immersing themselves in a wide range of activities that kept them engaged and energized throughout the week.

From the realms of English and Humanities to the thrills of TR@K, Maths, Art, Food, and PE & Health, our students delved into a plethora of experiences. One standout moment was when they put their artistic prowess to the test by designing DVD covers for The Incredibles movie, a flick they enjoyed during the Camp Week. They also let their imaginations run wild as they brought their very own superhero characters to life, sketching them in a world brimming with creativity and wonder during their art class sessions.

In TR@K, the focus shifted towards captivating oral language activities, specifically exploring the realm of auditory memory through exciting distance learning exercises. The students who joined us at school during camp week unleashed their colouring skills with gusto, eagerly participating in the auditory memory drawing activities. The competition among them was fierce, each one striving to outdo the other. Their remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed, as the year 8 staff showered them with well-deserved rewards, acknowledging their dedication and talent.

Maths became an exhilarating adventure as our students took on mind-bending puzzle activities, delving into the depths of critical thinking. Despite the chilly weather, our determined students refused to let anything dampen their spirits during the exhilarating PE activities held in the gym. They also had the chance to showcase their culinary skills, whipping up delectable dishes throughout the camp week. From mouthwatering hamburgers to cheesy pizzas, their creations tantalized taste buds and brought a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The entire five-day extravaganza of Week 7 was packed to the brim with captivating activities that left our students buzzing with excitement. Not only did they have a blast, but they also acquired a wealth of knowledge and skills along the way, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Victorian Young Leaders Program

Art

Year 8 Skateboard Decks

 Students have been working on brainstorming, planning, sketching, and painting a design onto a skateboard deck with the purpose of either using the board to skate with or as decoration. Students have used their knowledge of design, their skills of layering colours, and using brushes and inky pens to etch their designs onto their boards. They have chosen to work individually, with a partner or in small groups of 3 to complete their boards and an advertisement poster for their board. Students have spent 6 weeks working on this project to complete these amazing designs! 

Karen Anders

Year 8 Team Leader