From the Principal's Desk

Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you, Loving God, for having created us and given us to each other. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow, and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health, and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us. Amen.

The Benefits of Camp

Camps can offer an array of benefits for children that include physical activity and skill-building.

Learning to become a Leader

Many camp activities are designed to develop leadership skills, teaching children how to handle responsibility and model good behaviour for others. Children have opportunities to lead their peers through a variety of activities as well as to observe effective leadership skills. Regardless of age, leadership skills follow children for years to come.

Developing Social Skills

At school camps, children have the chance to make lasting friendships with peers they might not otherwise connect with. As they spend their days taking part in varying activities together, children can develop stronger social skills. This can lead to increased confidence and better relationships with their peers.

Less Screen Time and more Physical Activity for Children

Current health guidelines recommend no more than two hours of screen time each day. Instead of screen time, regular physical activity is recommended daily. The Australian Department of Health reports that children aged 5 through 17 who engage in physical activity on a regular basis experience a lower risk of disease and unhealthy weight gain, as well as improved social skills and self-esteem. Many camp activities involve physical activity, especially with games and activities like ropes courses and team sports.

Spending Time Outdoors

At camp, children engage in activities that help them understand the world around them. Activities, such as hiking, campfire cooking, orienteering and nature walks, can provide an array of emotional benefits, including increased self-esteem, improved self-confidence, and an enhanced ability to understand and assess risks.

Gaining Team-building Skills

Team building is another skill that can help your child do better in school as well as in the future. At camp, children work alongside peers towards common goals in a variety of ways. Activities including initiatives, flying-fox, ropes courses, games, and evening activities can help your child learn to trust those around them to achieve their goals.

Membership in a Strong Peer Community

Throughout camps, children become members of a community that consists of their peers and their camp leaders. They share similar experiences, which can boost their confidence and social skills. Being a member of a strong peer community can help your child learn to encourage others, which contributes to their ability to act as a team leader and enhance their overall social skills.

Gaining Resilience

Being on camp may help children learn to cope better with their emotions. The emotional skills learned may be transferred to their school life, such as facing challenges or making friends with different people. The confidence children can gain from camp may help them overcome adversity and learn to cope with uncomfortable situations more effectively.

Building Memories that can Last Forever

Looking back on childhood is a pleasant experience for many adults, and for those who feel nostalgic about their younger years, camp is often among the fondest of school memories. Encouraging your child to participate and enjoy the benefits of camp will provide the chance to make special memories that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.

This week I have spent time at the Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp with our Years 5s and our Year 6s. Despite the weather earlier in the week, our campers have had a wonderful time. The beautiful, bushland location, challenging, fun activities, accommodation and food have been wonderful. A fabulous experience for all campers!

Sincere and special thanks to all staff who left families and homes to ensure that this year's camps were a worthwhile, safe and positive experience for our students: Sarah Fields, Sam Timuska-Carr, Caroline Fashcah, Vedel Chhaykim, Bernadette Young, Alex West, Francine Jorgensen, Melissa Lynch, Laura Armour, Judith Burgess, Danielle Rowley, Sarah Edwards, Kristine Koutroumanis. Thanks also to the staff at school for their support.

Our Camp Policy was reviewed last year in consultation with the School Advisory Council, students, staff and responses to a survey which was sent to all families. We will no longer be travelling to Canberra.

In 2024 the camps will be linked to the Year 5 and 6 curriculum with a particular focus on both Civics and Citizenship and History. The Year 5 students will attend a 3-day / 2-night camp at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat and the Year 6 students will attend a 4-day / 3-night Urban Camp in Melbourne. Further details closer to the camps.

In 2025 the Year 5 and 6 camps will be at Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp or at The Portsea Camp (to be confirmed).

We are pleased to offer our students a wonderful variety of learning and educational experiences of which camp is one.

Jane Dunstone

PRINCIPAL